Mesa, Arizona bus tours

Mesa, Arizona, offers several bus tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s attractions, natural wonders, and nearby destinations. Here are some popular Mesa bus tours you might consider:

  1. Mesa City Highlights Tour: Discover the highlights of Mesa on a guided bus tour that showcases the city’s landmarks, historic sites, and cultural attractions. Visit attractions such as the Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Grande Ruins, and the Arizona Museum of Natural History, while learning about Mesa’s history and culture from knowledgeable guides.
  2. Sonoran Desert Tour: Explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert on a guided bus tour that takes you through Mesa’s scenic desert landscapes. Learn about the unique plants and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, and enjoy stops at scenic viewpoints and desert trails along the way.
  3. Apache Trail Tour: Embark on a scenic bus tour along the historic Apache Trail, a winding mountain road that offers breathtaking views of the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest. Highlights of the tour may include stops at the Goldfield Ghost Town, Canyon Lake, and the iconic Superstition Mountain Museum.
  4. Tonto National Monument Tour: Journey to the Tonto National Monument on a guided bus tour that explores ancient Native American cliff dwellings and archaeological sites. Learn about the history and culture of the ancient Salado people who inhabited the area over 700 years ago, and marvel at the well-preserved ruins nestled in the rugged Tonto Basin.
  5. Winery Tour: Discover Mesa’s burgeoning wine scene on a guided bus tour of local wineries and vineyards. Sample award-winning wines, enjoy guided tastings, and learn about the winemaking process from knowledgeable vintners. Some tours may also include visits to nearby vineyards in the Verde Valley or Willcox wine regions.
  6. Cultural Heritage Tour: Immerse yourself in Mesa’s rich cultural heritage on a guided bus tour that highlights the city’s diverse communities, traditions, and historic neighborhoods. Explore Mesa’s vibrant downtown arts district, visit cultural landmarks and heritage sites, and sample authentic cuisine from around the world.

These are just a few examples of the many bus tours available in Mesa, Arizona, offering a variety of experiences for visitors to explore the city and its surrounding attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culinary delights, there’s a bus tour in Mesa to suit every interest and preference.

Mesa, Arizona, has a fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. Here are some key points in Mesa’s history:

  1. Native American Settlement: The Mesa area has been inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years, including the Hohokam, Salado, and Pima tribes. These ancient peoples built irrigation canals and settlements, leaving behind archaeological sites and artifacts that provide insights into their culture and way of life.
  2. Spanish Exploration: In the 16th century, Spanish explorers began to explore the region, including the area that would become Mesa. They encountered Native American villages and established missions in the area, seeking to convert the indigenous peoples to Christianity.
  3. American Settlement: In the late 19th century, American settlers began to arrive in the Mesa area, drawn by the fertile land and opportunities for agriculture. The establishment of the Fort McDowell reservation nearby also brought increased interaction between Native Americans and settlers.
  4. Mormon Settlement: In the 1870s, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church) established a settlement in the Mesa area. They built homes, farms, and businesses, and played a significant role in shaping the community’s development. The Mesa Arizona Temple, completed in 1927, stands as a symbol of the Mormon presence in the area.
  5. Incorporation and Growth: Mesa was officially incorporated as a city in 1883, with a population of around 300 residents. Over the years, Mesa experienced steady growth, fueled by agriculture, industry, and tourism. The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century further facilitated the city’s expansion.
  6. Aerospace Industry: In the mid-20th century, Mesa became home to a thriving aerospace industry, with companies like Boeing and Falcon Field Airport playing key roles in aviation manufacturing and development. This industry brought economic growth and prosperity to the city.
  7. Modern Era: Today, Mesa is a diverse and dynamic city with a population of over half a million residents. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and strong sense of community. Mesa continues to grow and evolve, while also preserving its rich historical heritage for future generations to enjoy.

From its ancient Native American roots to its role as a modern, bustling city, Mesa’s history is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and spirit of its residents over the centuries.

While Mesa, Arizona, is not typically associated with wineries due to its desert climate, there are several nearby regions where visitors can find excellent wineries and tasting rooms. Here are some wine regions near Mesa where you can explore top-notch wineries:

  1. Sonoita-Elgin Wine Region: Located about 2.5 to 3 hours southeast of Mesa, the Sonoita-Elgin Wine Region is Arizona’s oldest and most established wine region. Here, visitors can explore a variety of wineries producing award-winning wines, including varietals like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier. The rolling hills and scenic vineyards make for a picturesque wine-tasting experience.
  2. Willcox Wine Country: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours east of Mesa lies the Willcox Wine Country, another prominent wine region in Arizona. Willcox is known for its high-altitude vineyards and diverse terroir, which produce a wide range of grape varietals. Visitors can sample wines at tasting rooms in downtown Willcox and explore nearby vineyards and wineries.
  3. Verde Valley Wine Region: About 2 to 2.5 hours north of Mesa, the Verde Valley Wine Region offers a unique wine-tasting experience amidst the stunning red rock landscapes of northern Arizona. Wineries in this region produce a variety of wines, including Rhône-style blends, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo. Visitors can enjoy tastings at tasting rooms in towns like Cottonwood, Jerome, and Clarkdale.
  4. Sedona Wine Trail: Situated approximately 2 to 2.5 hours north of Mesa, the Sedona Wine Trail showcases the beauty of Sedona’s red rock scenery while offering opportunities to sample locally produced wines. Wineries along the trail specialize in varietals like Sangiovese, Merlot, and Chardonnay, and many offer tastings with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  5. Southern Arizona Wine Region: In addition to Sonoita-Elgin and Willcox, there are several other emerging wine-producing areas in southern Arizona that are worth exploring. These regions, including the Cochise County Wine Country and the Chiricahua Foothills Wine Trail, offer a variety of wineries and tasting rooms where visitors can discover Arizona’s growing wine scene.

While Mesa itself may not have wineries within its city limits, its proximity to these nearby wine regions makes it an ideal starting point for wine enthusiasts looking to explore the diverse and flourishing wine culture of Arizona.

Mesa, Arizona, is home to a vibrant arts scene, with several hot spots where visitors can explore galleries, studios, and public art installations. Here are some art hot spots in Mesa:

  1. Mesa Arts Center: The Mesa Arts Center is the heart of Mesa’s arts community, featuring four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 studio spaces. Visitors can enjoy a variety of visual and performing arts exhibitions, workshops, and performances throughout the year. The Mesa Arts Center also hosts the Mesa Arts Festival, a yearly celebration of local and national artists.
  2. Downtown Mesa Art Walk: Held on the first and third Fridays of each month, the Downtown Mesa Art Walk is a self-guided tour of art galleries, studios, and cultural attractions in downtown Mesa. Visitors can explore eclectic galleries, meet local artists, and enjoy live music and entertainment along Main Street.
  3. Mesa Urban Garden (MUG): The Mesa Urban Garden, or MUG, is a community space in downtown Mesa that features rotating public art installations, sculptures, and murals. Visitors can stroll through the garden and enjoy the outdoor artwork while learning about sustainable gardening practices and urban agriculture.
  4. i.d.e.a. Museum: The i.d.e.a. Museum (formerly known as the Arizona Museum for Youth) is a family-friendly museum in Mesa that offers interactive exhibits and art experiences for children and families. The museum features hands-on art activities, immersive installations, and rotating exhibitions by local and national artists.
  5. Mesa Historical Museum: The Mesa Historical Museum showcases the history and culture of Mesa and the surrounding region through exhibitions, artifacts, and educational programs. Visitors can explore exhibits on Mesa’s pioneer heritage, Native American history, and local industry, as well as rotating displays of contemporary art.
  6. Mesa Community College Art Gallery: The Mesa Community College Art Gallery features exhibitions of contemporary art by local, national, and international artists. Visitors can view a variety of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed-media pieces, in the gallery space located on the college campus.

These are just a few of the art hot spots in Mesa where visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant arts scene. Whether you’re interested in visual art, performing arts, or community-based art projects, Mesa offers a diverse range of experiences for art enthusiasts of all ages and interests.