Posted By Visit Mesa Team
November 07, 2023
Top 16 Things to Do in Mesa
Mesa is the ultimate desert playground for incredible, sought-after adventure.
Plan for an inspired Arizona getaway on the region’s canyon-carved waterways and endless trails. As the third largest city in Arizona, this modern-day desert urban retreat offers fun for everyone from foodies to adventure seekers!
1. Fresh Foodie Trail
Experience charm and manicured landscapes as you head on a quest for the freshest local flavors one can find. Tour a working olive mill, pick some veggies or get a taste of farm life – both modern and heritage. Foodie experiences and a linked route of farm attractions make this a tour for the taste buds.
2. Mesa Arts Center
Arizona's largest arts center is a stunning facility in the heart of Downtown Mesa that offers live entertainment, performances, world-class visual art exhibitions and arts education classes.
3. Water, Water Everywhere
Arizona may be known for its desert landscapes but there is no shortage of waterways to explore when visiting Mesa. Here, three lakes and two rivers allow for desert boating, fishing, rafting, paddle boarding, kayaking, water skiing, wake boarding and jet skiing – and tubing, Arizona’s floating picnic.
4. Downtown Mesa Art Walk
On Downtown Mesa’s many side streets, visitors can explore a modern twist of Mesa’s history with nearly a dozen unique murals painted by up-and-coming local artists of all disciplines. Be sure to look for nearly 40 public art sculptures along Main Street, all part of the city’s permanent art collection.
5. The Apache Trail
Follow the footsteps of Native Americans and hopeful prospectors from the 1880s along miles of spectacular Superstition Wilderness. Tour the popular Goldfield Ghost Town and soak up history at Superstition Mountain Museum. Other stops on the trail include an authentic old west stagecoach stop and the famous Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. The scenic byway captures the true essence of Arizona.
6. Usery Mountain Regional Park Nature Center
Rangers guide visitors into the discovery of Arizona’s unique Sonoran Desert flora and fauna. Desert critters and crawlers are also on display. Stop in to get your guide to the 30 miles of trails in nature’s wonderland.
7. Award-Winning Golf
Mesa shines as one of the state’s premier golf destinations and is home to more than 40 golf courses featuring breathtaking views of sweeping vistas set against beautiful mountains and blue skies.
8. Shopping & Spas
Relax and unwind with a refined collection of day spas and fun shopping experiences throughout the city. With boutiques in Downtown Mesa and upscale shops at Dana Park Village Square, there’s something for everyone.
9. Organ Stop Pizza
This Mesa staple is home to the world’s largest theater organ and serves up great food and entertainment. The Wurlitzer Organ, built in 1927, towers above the large group dining room providing restaurant goers with an over-the-top dining experience. Kids will love requesting their favorite songs at this musical restaurant. Don’t forget their hand-packed ice cream for dessert!
10. Beers & Brews Tour
Sip your way through Mesa by checking out the variety of breweries and coffee shops the city has to offer! Visit Mesa's Beers & Brews Tour features 15 and counting breweries, taprooms and cafes for visitors and locals alike. Sign up for our Beers & Brews Passport to start winning prizes and coupons!
11. Arizona Museum of Natural History
Uncover the secrets of Mesa's natural history at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Marvel at the towering T-Rex, Columbian mammoth, and other larger-than-life specimens, learn about the traditions of Native American peoples, and enjoy hands-on discovery at the Exploration Station.
12. Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum
Take a tour through aviation history at the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum. Explore the permanent exhibits and climb aboard different bombers and cargo planes. Finish your visit with an exciting ride in a rare combat warbird!
13. Sloan Park
Catch on of the many Cactus League games and the Chicago Cubs spring training at Sloan Park. The fun continues after spring training season is over with many different events and festivals throughout the year and two exciting playgrounds and a splash pad for kids to enjoy at Riverview Park.
14. i.d.e.a. Museum
The i.d.e.a. Museum features abundant hands on, multi-sensory exhibits, classes, and workshops designed to encourage kids up to age 12 to have fun while learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math, and embracing creative thinking.
15. Salt River Wild Horses
Spend time exploring the waters of Tonto National Forest and the Salt River for a chance to spot some of Mesa's wild horses. Watch as the horses wade through water, graze along the riverbank, and run across the riverbed.
16. Cycling
With 40 miles of bike lanes and plenty of mountain biking trails at Usery Mountain Regional Park and San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Mesa is a bike enthusiasts paradise. Hit the trails and take in the awe-inspiring desert landscapes.
