Nestled in the East Valley region of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Mesa is the third largest city in Arizona and one of the largest suburban cities in the American Southwest. With a population of over 500,000 residents, Mesa has plenty to offer visitors and locals alike. From outdoor adventures and historical sites to arts and culture, sports, and family fun, Mesa has something for everyone. This local’s guide covers the top attractions and things to do in Mesa AZ to help you make the most of your visit.

Outdoor Activities

With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Mesa’s mild winters make it ideal for enjoying the great outdoors.

Hiking

Lace up your hiking boots and explore some of Mesa’s rugged landscapes. The Usery Mountain Regional Park, located northeast of Mesa, offers nearly 40 miles of diverse trails that wind through the Usery Mountains. Popular trails like Wind Cave Trail and Pass Mountain Trail reward hikers with amazing valley views. Don’t miss the unique Wind Caves that provide shelter from the Arizona sun.

Dobson Summit Trail in neighboring Apache Junction connects to Mesa via Highway 60 and takes you up 1,700 feet for panoramic views. For an easier hike, try the Goldfield Ghost Town Trail which explores the remains of a mining town from the 1890s.

Biking

Many of Mesa’s hiking trails allow mountain biking as well. Hawes Loop Trail is a popular intermediate mountain biking trail that crosses through native desert landscapes. For road cycling, check out Neely Ranch Road or bike along Bush Highway towards the Tonto National Forest. Road cyclists will enjoy the wide shoulders and scenic views along this route.

Water Recreation

With temperatures climbing over 100°F in the summer, Mesa residents love cooling off in the water. Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake on the Salt River provide ample opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and motorized water sports. Rentals and tours are available from companies like Desert Paddle Sports and Arizona Outback Adventures.

Slip and slide your way through the Sonoran Desert on a tubing trip down the Salt River with companies like Salt River Tubing and Tubing Apache. Floating down the gentle river is a fun way to relax and enjoy the desert scenery.

Historical Sites

As one of the oldest communities in Arizona, Mesa has several historical attractions that offer a window into the past.

Mesa Grande Ruins

This well-preserved Hohokam village dates back over 700 years and provides insight into the Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. Guided tours provided by the Mesa Grande Cultural Park allow you to walk among the actual ruins of the ancient settlement and view artifacts in their small museum.

Lehi Mormon Pioneer Plaque

Located at Lehi Park, this plaque commemorates the Mormon pioneers who founded Mesa in 1877. It was one of the first settlements established by Mormons after they fled religious persecution in Utah. Self-guided tours provide a glimpse into Mesa’s foundations.

Sirrine House

Constructed in 1895, this elegant Victorian home belonged to one of Mesa’s founders, George Sirrine. It’s one of the best remaining examples of residential architecture from Mesa’s early days. Tours offered by the Mesa Historical Museum let you see what life was like for Mesa’s pioneers over a century ago.

Arts and Culture

Mesa enjoys a thriving arts scene ranging from public art displays to diverse cultural events.

i.d.e.a. Museum

This contemporary art museum located in Downtown Mesa showcases rotating exhibits by innovative local, regional, and international artists. Past exhibits have included glass art, multimedia installations, and Navajo textiles. With rotating shows every few months, there’s always something new to discover.

Mesa Arts Center

Performing arts shine at this state-of-the-art center in downtown Mesa. Catch national Broadway tours, acclaimed musicians, dance performances, and more at one of their multiple theaters and concert halls. The Arts Center also offers art classes and hosts free community events.

Festivals

Mesa hosts fun cultural festivals throughout the year like the Arizona Matsuri festival celebrating Japanese heritage and the Dia de los Muertos festival honoring the Latin American Day of the Dead traditions. The Mesa Arts Festival each spring spotlights over 200 artists and live entertainment on Main Street.

Family Fun

From theme parks to hands-on museums, Mesa has no shortage of family-friendly things to do.

Golfland Sunsplash

This amusement park offers fun for all ages with water slides, go-karts, miniature golf, arcade games, rock climbing, and more. Ride Mesa’s largest slide, the Python Plunge, or let the kids enjoy shallow pools and splash pads designed just for them. With affordable rates, it’s easy to enjoy a full day of thrills at Golfland Sunsplash.

i.d.e.a. Museum

In addition to remarkable art exhibitions, the i.d.e.a. Museum also hosts lots of kid-centered activities. Create art in the ARTivity room, enjoy story time in the literature garden, or explore the physics of science in the Pop Cycle exhibit. Educational programs cater to toddlers through teens.

Arizona Museum of Natural History

Get up close and personal with dinosaurs and other fascinating creatures at this expansive museum near Mesa’s Red Mountain. Hands-on exhibits let kids excavate dinosaur bones, investigate geologic formations, and come face-to-face with interactive animatronic dinosaurs. Families could easily spend a whole day immersed in science and natural history.

Sports

From spring training to college athletics, Mesa provides plenty of ways to enjoy sports.

Spring Training

As the spring home for both the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland Athletics, seeing a Cactus League baseball game is a must during your Mesa visit. The stadiums are smaller and more intimate than major league parks, giving fans a chance to see the players up close. The mood is lively yet laidback during these practice games in March.

Golf

With nearly two dozen public and private courses, Mesa is a golfer’s paradise. Practice your swing at family-friendly Sidewinder or try your hand at the two challenging 18-hole courses at Longbow. Red Mountain Ranch offers impressive mountain views and fun water features. Tournaments and lessons are also available.

Hiking

Okay, hiking may not be a traditional sport, but with Mesa’s incredible trails it certainly qualifies as a fun athletic activity. The Usery Mountain trails offer over 40 miles of hiking for all levels. Summit Dobson Peak for panoramic views or wander through the unique Wind Caves.

Where to Eat and Drink

After all that adventure, you’ll no doubt work up an appetite. Fuel up at one of Mesa’s tasty restaurants and cafes.

Worth Takeaway

This hip eatery crafts drool-worthy sandwiches, salads, and bowls packed with flavorful international spices and sauces. Bursting with Southwestern flair, their dishes like the brisket banh mi and Baja fish tacos redefine fast food. It’s counter service with an Instagram-worthy twist.

Republica Empanada

Who can resist the allure of hot, crispy empanadas? At Republica you’ll find over 30 empanadas to tempt your taste buds, from savory chicken or steak to sweet Nutella or guava cheese empanadas. This casual eatery lets you build your own empanada meal with healthy sides like coconut rice or avocado salad.

Soda Pops 1950’s Diner

Step back in time at this retro diner straight out of the 1950s. Old-school decor, vintage toys, and a jukebox playing classic hits create major throwback vibes. Satisfying comfort food like patty melts, milkshakes, and chicken pot pie complete the nostalgic experience. Don’t miss their signature sodas like chocolate cream or peach cobbler floats.

Oso Brewing Co.

This family-owned nano brewery crafts an impressive selection of beers in a variety of styles. IPAs like MoMo Hazy are juicy crowd-pleasers. Enjoy a flight to sample several varieties or take home a growler. Their indoor beer garden vibe encourages hanging out and engaging in the Mesa scene.

Places to Stay

With dynamic neighborhoods and resort-style hotels, Mesa has many excellent lodging options suited to different interests and budgets.

Downtown Historic Neighborhoods

Get a sense of Mesa’s roots and stay in one of the historic homes, B&Bs, or small boutique hotels downtown. The College Avenue and Leisure World districts retain much of Mesa’s original architecture and charm from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Sheraton Mesa Hotel

Located next to the Cubs spring training stadium, this upscale hotel offers resort-style amenities like pools, a spa, and on-site dining. Spacious rooms, free airport shuttle, and helpful service give travelers a relaxing home base. It’s ideal for business travelers too with ample meeting spaces.

Mesa Spirit RV Resort

Take advantage of Mesa’s fabulous winter weather by camping at Mesa Spirit. It provides a peaceful desert setting under the Superstition Mountains, yet is only minutes from Mesa attractions. Amenities include a pool, hot tub, fitness classes, laundry, and clubhouse activities.

Itinerary Ideas

With so much to do, use these helpful 1, 2, and 3-day itineraries to plan your time in Mesa.

One Day in Mesa

For a whirlwind intro to Mesa’s highlights, follow this jam-packed one day itinerary:

• Morning: Hike the Dobson Summit Trail to take in panoramic valley views and experience the unique landscape of the Sonoran Desert up-close.
• Early Afternoon: Grab a hearty lunch at Worth Takeaway downtown to fuel up for more exploring.
• Afternoon: Dig into Mesa’s history at the Mesa Grande Ruins and the Sirrine House. Check out artifacts from the ancient Hohokam tribe at Mesa Grande, then tour the elegantly preserved Victorian home of Mesa founder George Sirrine.
• Late Afternoon: Cool off at Golfland Sunsplash. Ride the water slides, play a round of mini golf, and try your hand at go-karts or arcade games.
• Evening: End the day with a baseball game at Sloan Park for spring training or snag tickets to a show at the Mesa Arts Center.

Two Days in Mesa

With two days, a more relaxed exploration of Mesa is possible:

Day 1

• Morning: Rent bikes for the Bush Highway cycle up to Saguaro Lake for incredible desert scenery and riparian landscapes along the Lower Salt River.
• Afternoon: Recover from the ride over craft beer and empanadas at Oso Brewing Co. and Republica Empanada in downtown Mesa.
• Evening: Cheer for the home team at an Oakland A’s spring training game at Hohokam Stadium. Arrive early to explore the practice facilities and try to spot the players up-close.

Day 2

• Morning: Tackle the moderate Wind Cave Trail in Usery Mountain Regional Park in the morning before temperatures climb too high. Tour the natural Wind Caves and take in sweeping vistas from the ridgeline.
• Afternoon: Grab a burger and milkshake at the retro-themed Soda Pops diner.
• Evening: Marvel at the multimedia exhibits at the contemporary i.d.e.a. Museum downtown. Stroll through the sculpture garden at sunset.

Three Days in Mesa

With three full days, you’ll have time to see all of Mesa’s highlights:

Day 1

• Morning: Float down the Lower Salt River with Salt River Tubing. The relaxed pace lets you admire the striking Sonoran Desert as you drift along.
• Afternoon: Tour the expansive Arizona Museum of Natural History to come face-to-face with animatronic dinosaurs and explore hands-on geology exhibits.
• Evening: Chow down on creative cuisine with Southwestern flair for dinner at Worth Takeaway.

Day 2

• Morning: Tee off at the scenic Longbow Golf Club. The 36 challenging holes offer elevation changes and striking desert scenery.
• Afternoon: Check out contemporary art and multimedia installations at the i.d.e.a. Museum downtown.
• Evening: Take in a show or concert at the Mesa Arts Center. Options range from Broadway musicals to classical concerts by the Mesa Symphony Orchestra.

Day 3

• Morning: Hike the Pass Mountain Trail in Usery Mountain Park for panoramic views at the summit.
• Afternoon: Sample craft beers and tasty pub eats at Oso Brewing Co’s laidback beer garden.
• Evening: Celebrate Mesa’s cultural diversity at a festival like the Arizona Matsuri or Dia de los Muertos.

Conclusion

Looking for things to do in Mesa AZ? Basking in ample sunshine and Southwestern culture, Mesa provides the quintessential Arizona escape with a laidback charm. Outdoor lovers will relish hiking the Usery Mountain trails and paddling on Saguaro Lake. Families can stay entertained for days at attractions like the Arizona Museum of Natural History and Golfland Sunsplash. Foodies will delight in the city’s tasty eateries and breweries. With historic sites, galleries, and performing arts, Mesa offers plenty to pique many interests. Use this local guide to maximize your time exploring Mesa’s abundant attractions and activities. From sunshine-filled days to vibrant nights, Mesa delivers an unforgettable Arizona adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Mesa?

Fall through spring are the ideal times to visit when daytime temperatures are mild. From March to May, temperatures are comfortable in the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit which is perfect for outdoor activities. Mesa gets hot in the summer with temperatures exceeding 100°F from June to September. Winter brings cooler 60°F days.

How many days do you need in Mesa?

At least 3 days are recommended to have enough time to see top attractions like Usery Mountain Park, i.d.e.a. Museum, Mesa Arts Center, spring training games, and Golfland Sunsplash. With 5+ days you could take a day trip to the Superstition Mountains, Apache Trail, or Phoenix.

What is there to do in Mesa at night?

Popular nightlife options include seeing a spring training game under the lights, attending a performance at Mesa Arts Center, going to a local festival, exploring Downtown Mesa restaurants and bars, bowling at Mesa Bowl, or enjoying a movie at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.

Is Mesa a good place to vacation?

Yes! With endless sunshine, outdoor recreation, museums, attractions, dining and shopping, Mesa makes for an excellent vacation spot. It’s very affordable compared to other Arizona destinations like Scottsdale or Sedona. The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport makes it easy to reach.

Is Mesa, AZ safe?

Yes, Mesa is generally a very safe city, especially in the most visited areas like downtown, Mesa Riverview, and northwest Mesa. As with any city, basic precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night, concealing valuables, and sticking to populated areas will maximize your safety. Violent crime rates are below the national average.