10 Free Things to Do in Mesa Right Now!

Who said you had to spend money to have a good time?

Mesa has many attractions that don't require a pretty penny. Here are our top 10 favorite things to do in Mesa for free!

1. Stop & Smell the Roses

Visitors can take a free self-guided tour of the Rose Garden at Mesa Community College. This rose garden is the Desert Southwest’s largest and hosts nearly 9000 rose bushes!

2. Take A Historic Scenic Drive

Visitors will want to set time aside to take a drive on the Apache Trail, as you won’t want to miss out on the stunning canyons, desert flora and lake views that are visible throughout the drive.

Tip: Embark on this road trip near sunset to watch the desert glow.

3. Get Artsy

The Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum at Mesa Arts Center holds five galleries that are always changing to showcase the art of emerging and internationally recognized contemporary artists. Admission is always free, and the exhibits are visually stunning!

4. Play!

Before you check out Mesa Riverview to dine and shop, you can tire out the little ones by taking them to Mesa Riverview Park to play. Here there is a 50-foot-tall climbing tower, 60-foot-long caterpillar mesh rope climbing structure, and two playgrounds to keep the kids busy! Parents can sit in the shaded picnic areas or hang out by the Urban Fishing Lake!

5. BYOB to the Salt River

Bring your own board!

If you already own a paddleboard, kayak, or tube, then head on out to the Salt River! It’s a convenient day trip for Mesa visitors and a great way to spend a refreshing spring day. You’ll have to dish out some money if you don’t have your own equipment, or if you would like to fish, as a fishing permit is required. To rent a tube to float down the river, check out Salt River Tubing. If you'd rather kayak down the river, head over to Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and get setup for a perfect cruise down the river.

6. Sculpture Scavenger Hunt

If you haven’t been downtown yet (or even if you have) the best way to get around is by following the sculptures! After you find all of them, let us know you’re favorite. Personally, we love the Humpty Dumpty, he’s just a classic. Oh! And when you’re done spotting all the different features of art, you can admire all of the murals that adorn the walls of downtown businesses.

7. Take a Night Hike

Trade the blazing sun for moonlight magic on a guided night hike at Usery Mountain or Lost Dutchman State Park. These ranger-led adventures let you experience the desert like never before—think cooler temps, glowing critters, and starry skies overhead. It’s the perfect way to explore the wild side of Mesa after dark (and without the sunburn).

8. Watch the Planes Land

Falcon Field offers a free front-row seat to aviation wonder. Watch planes and vintage warbirds soar without spending a dime, their engines echoing stories in the Arizona sky. Wander the nearby trails, soak in desert views, and enjoy all the thrill of flight at zero cost.

9. Shop Local at Markets

Mesa is home to various free markets happening monthly. Here are some of our favorites:

Shop local at the Sunset Market every third Thursday evening in Downtown Mesa.

Enjoy the laid back vibes of Mercado Mesa on the last Saturday of every month at Republica Empanada.

Get the freshest ingredients at the weekly Farm to Mesa Market on Sunday mornings at the Rosetta Room.

Sample tons of Asian Cuisine at the monthly Mesa Night Market in Mesa's Asian District.

10. Explore the Asian District

Take a stroll through the Mesa Asian District and dive into a mix of culture, color, and flavor. Window shop unique markets and shops, check out eye-catching murals around every corner, and soak up the sights, sounds, and stories of this vibrant community. It’s the perfect way to explore something new—no passport required.

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