Mesa, AZ is quickly becoming a popular place for people to relocate, as well as for young families who are just starting out. Not only that, but it can make an enjoyable vacation destination, as well, offering several unique museums, activities for all ages, and scenic parks and recreation areas galore.
As the third-largest city in Arizona, Mesa offers art and theater, outdoor activities like desert hikes, sporting events, and plenty of learning opportunities and family-friendly activities. In this guide, we’ll cover 20 of the best things to do in Mesa, AZ.
The Arizona Museum of Natural History
The Arizona Museum of Natural History offers a lot of great permanent and temporary attractions. Visitors can enjoy all kinds of displays that explore the habitat, culture, and history of the Southwest. It started as a museum in the city hall in 1977 and over the years, it is now more than 74,000 square feet in size with 10,000 historic photographs.
Visit the Sonoran Desert and Usery Mountain National Park
Usery Mountain National Park and the Sonoran Desert are two great outdoor explorations if you’re in the Mesa area. Here, you’ll find plenty of hiking and biking trails, beautiful desert scenery, and other attractions to enjoy. Plus, there are all kinds of activities for people of all ages.
Mesa Arts Center
If you’re into arts, the Mesa Arts Center has what you want. Here, you’ll find a collection of art installations and pieces from all over the world, as well as some of the best visual arts shows in the city. There are four performance venues here, along with five art galleries and 14 different classroom studios for the visual and performing arts.
Mesa Community College Rose Garden
Although a community college might not seem like a tourist attraction, the Rose Garden at Mesa Community College attracts people from around the country and around the globe. This garden was created in 1997 and has more than 9,000 roses to enjoy.
Hohokam Stadium
Located in the heart of Mesa on North Center Street, this baseball park has been around since 1997 and was named after the Hohokam people, a Native American tribe that lived in the area. The stadium seats over 12,000 visitors and you can even catch training season games if you're in town on a game night.
Mesa Historical Museum
The Mesa Historical Museum is contained in a former school and was converted as a museum that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum offers a permanent collection of historical objects, including a replica of an adobe school. There are multiple exhibits featuring native culture and even the celebration of Boeing’s 30 years.
Temple Visitors’ Center
Those who follow the LDS and others who are interested in learning more about the faith can find plenty of information and insight at the LDS temple that has become famous for its architecture, gardens, and even its holiday lights displays. There are Mormon missionaries posted at the visitors’ center that help answer questions about the faith for those unfamiliar, too.
Commemorative Air Force Museum
The Commemorative Air Force Museum is a great visit that features plenty of World War II-era planes and Air Force history, along with plenty of exhibitions and displays to look at. There is more than 30,000 square feet of space for exhibits and facilities, and you’ll find tours, events, and even venue rentals for special events.
Mesa Market Place Swap Meet
If you want to barter and mingle with the locals, the Mesa Market Place Swap Meet is the place to be. Here, you’ll find all kinds of local vendors who can provide an array of local produce, wares, and other services and goods. There are more than 1,600 vendors and live entertainment is often found here, too.
Desert Belle Cruises
Desert Belle Cruises takes you on a beautiful tour of Lake Saguaro, offering you the chance to sit back and relax while you get to know Mesa from the water. You’ll get a 90-minute tour that includes outdoor seating and even a lower level that has a snack bar. Wildlife, canyons, and more are seen on this cruise, which is great for couples, families, and all types.
The i.d.e.a. Museum
If you’re traveling with children, the i.d.e.a. Museum is a great stop on your list. This children’s museum encourages creativity and imagination and it started in 1978. Since then, it has grown to offer three indoor areas and an outside atrium, including plenty of interactive displays and exhibits.
T.C. Eggington’s
While you might not think brunch is a tourist attraction, there are several people who make destinations all about the food. Even if you’re just looking for a bite on your travels to fuel your sightseeing, this restaurant has what you want. There are pastries, muffins, and freshly baked cinnamon rolls that are fried in a unique custard batter.
Saguaro Lake Ranch Stables
for those who enjoy the desert or who want to enjoy it on horseback, this is the place to go. The Stables offer horseback rides on trails through the Sonoran Desert and the Goldfield Mountains. You can choose from 30-minute rides all the way up to two hours and each is led by a guide that’s experienced and knowledgeable to educate you on the area.
Agusta Ranch Golf Club
This 18-hole golf course is famous for its challenging layout and its excellent play conditions. Anyone can play here, and it’s about three hours to play the full course. There are PGA instructors and lessons are available for all. There are even leagues and tournaments hosted here, along with Night Golf, using glow balls for an added fun twist.
Pick Peaches at Schnepf Farms
Take a break and head to the peach orchards of Schnepf Farms, where you can pick peaches by the bushel or by the bag, and enjoy a unique experience in a place you might not expect. You can even visit and enjoy some local snacks, shop at the market, and more.
Visit the Superstition Mountains and Museum
The Superstition Mountains are great for hikes and day trips, and you can even visit the Superstition Mountain Museum to get a glimpse of the local culture and history of the mountains. You can even visit the Elvis Presley Chapel for a photo opp (or to pop the question) while you’re in town.
Tour the Rio Salado Parkway with a Bike Rental
The Rio Salado Parkway is a great tour and renting a bike is a good way to kick back and relax and see things from a different perspective. This parkway tour can provide you with a firsthand experience of the local culture and history of the area while enjoying the beautiful weather.
Visit Organ Stop Pizza
Here, you’ll find the world’s largest Mighty Wurlitzer organ, an instrument that is part machine, and all about creating the most beautiful sounds possible with just a single organ keyboard and player. It's one of the few remaining Wurlitzer organs in use today and the pizza is pretty good, too.
Visit Golfland and Sunsplash Water Park
Here, you can enjoy all kinds of family-friendly water activities, including tons of slides and rides and the seven-story Revolution that’s just waiting to scare the splash out of your day. There’s also mini-golf and other non-water rides and attractions, making it a great place for the whole family and groups of all ages.
Visit the Mesa Grande Cultural Park
Here, you’ll find ancient Hohokam ruins and plenty of history regarding the local and native culture throughout history. The Mesa Grande Cultural Park is home to a section of land that was purchased to preserve them as educational and recreational facilities.
These are just a handful of the great things you can do in Mesa, AZ when you visit. What will you try first?