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City in Arizona, United States
Photo: midiman from Tempe, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mesa, population 518,000 (2019), is in Maricopa County. It is Arizona's third-largest city, and is part of the Greater Phoenix urban complex.
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This rapidly growing museum, split between two buildings, features displays of the different phases of Mesa's history. The downtown location holds "Play Ball: the Cactus League Experience," an excellent exhibit on the history of spring training baseball in Arizona.
This uniquely designed building in downtown Mesa features theatres, art galleries, and contemporary public art spaces. It is the largest arts center in Arizona.
This unique, historic building opened in 1927. Its 20-acre lot features beautiful gardens and sitting spaces. It is the largest temple built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints outside of Utah. The public is welcome to walk through the gardens. A must see at night when the exterior is illuminated.
Nationally renowned fine arts museum for children aged 1-12.
This rapidly expanding museum features an interesting array of cultural and natural history artifacts from the American Southwest.
Dedicated to the preservation in flying condition of the great war planes that dominated the skies of World War II. The Commemorative Air Force Museum at Falcon Field is home to the authentically restored World War II B-17 bomber, "Sentimental Journey." Out of the 12,731 B-17s built during WWII, there are about 13 left flyable and approximately eight flying in the United States. In addition to "Sentimental Journey" the CAF Museum also maintains a B-25 Mitchell bomber, SNJ, C-45, and a Grumman Guardian.
The site preserves a group of Hohokam structures dated from 1100-1400 CE. Ruins include a great mound, building remains, and several ball courts.
arboretum at Mesa Community College which is accredited by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program with 100 species of trees and more than 80 species of cacti and succulents. Admission is free and the arboretum is open to the general public. It is on the campus at Southern and Dobson with hours of operation from 6AM to 10PM.
A treat for baseball fans happens every spring with the Cactus League Spring Training games happening all over Phoenix and Tucson.
Fly an actual dogfight mission in the cockpit of a jet. Starting at $750.
Monthly event on 2nd Friday of every month from 6 to 10PM with live music, over 60 art and craft booths, food for sale and other types of events and entertainment.
90-minute cruises aboard the desert belle paddleboat on Saguaro Lake which is known for towering canyon walls, wildlife, and desert/mountain vistas.
This park includes evidence of ancient Hohokam Indian canals dating back to 700B.C. and a beautiful desert botanical garden featuring a wide variety of cacti.
Largest rose garden in the Desert Southwest includes 4,600 bushes and more than 450 varieties. Open year-round with peak bloom in April.
Offering guides trail rides surrounding Saguaro lake. Desert scenery and mountain vistas. Sunset rides offered.
Float down the Salt River East of Mesa on an inflatable inner tube. Enjoy the desert views and wildlife along the way. This activity is known as a very popular party spot..
Stop into this Park Ranger office and pick up a map before heading out on the hiking trails. The Tonto National Forest is the fifth largest in the United States. Desert to Mountain terrain.
The Arizona Fall league is known to feature the up and coming baseball stars of tomorrow. Mesa Hohokam park is home to the Mesa Solar Sox whose players include those from teams such as the SF Giants, Cubs, and Reds.
Spend an afternoon watching the MLB Chicago Cubs take on any number of teams during spring training at Hohokam Park. Spring training runs from late February to late March annually.
Mormon Passion Play/Musical
This free community Easter celebration started in 1938 and is, according to its promoters, the "Largest Annual Outdoor Easter Pageant in the World." It portrays Jesus' life, teachings, crucifixion and resurrection through music, dance and drama with more than 400 cast members. It is held annually during the two weeks before Easter on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple. Come early to secure one of 10,000 chairs provided. No tickets necessary.
3-day music festival and block party with over 100 bands, art vendors, bike shows and other events in downtown Mesa with free admission.
Camelback area local Cajun cuisine restaurant featuring po boys and, in season, crawfish boils on Wednesday nights.
Homemade tortillas, huge burritos, addicting taco salads with spicy avocado ranch dressing. Ahh the sweet pork.
Mattas Mexican Grill
The Mexican restaurant on the east side of town since 1953, hosted by the Matta family. Nice atmosphere with strolling mariachis in the evening.
Eight other locations in the Phoenix Valley. Forget the tartar sauce -- "Pete's special sauce" is to die for. Family owned and operated since 1947. Only cash is accepted.
Can't beat the lunch special. Try the Poorboy.
The original Rosa's. Everything on the menu is excellent, a family favorite. Best shrimp tacos anywhere.
BBQ place, with a great atmosphere.
Organ Stop Pizza is an informal restaurant with a twist: It is home to the world's largest Wurlitzer pipe organ. Each night guests are treated to music from "The Mighty Wurlitzer", played by one of the staff organists who have all received "Organist of the Year" awards by the American Theatre Organ Society. Good pizza, salad, drinks, and a variety of other choices are available at great prices.
Latin American comfort food restaurant located in a midcentury building in downtown Mesa with the largest selection of empanadas in Arizona priced at less than $3 each and Lunch specials for $6.95 or $7.50 M-Sa 11AM-3PM.
Italian restaurant, includes a bar, and offers catering and banquet services.
Many authentic Asian restaurants focusing on specific regional cuisines. This area also includes two large Asian grocers, H-Mart and Mekong Supermarket. Asian Cafe Express - Cantonese, Shaanxi Garden - Xi'an and Shaanxi noodles, Mekong Restaurant - Dim Sum, Com Tam Thuan Kieu - Vietnamese, Original Cuisine - Sichuanese, Stone Tofu House - Korean, Jin BBQ - Korean BBQ, Sizzling House - Ramen, Thai Spices - Thai
Italian inspired food with a full bar and nice wine list.
This is a great place to watch the game but get there early because it fills up.
Grab a sandwich there and head over to Oro for some great beer.
Downtown Mesa's longest running taproom. Most of the seating is outdoors under shade sails with heat lamps in the winter. Small taproom serving many local beers and ciders. Lively crowd late into the night every weekend.
30 minutes from Phoenix, it feature a championship golf course, meeting facilities, onsite dining as well as many other amenities.
This is an informal hotel, with courteous staff. The rooms are clean and also have a few desks. The usual cost is $84, and they have free wifi and parking, an outdoor pool, laundry services, and air conditioners. It is also handicap-accessible.
A golf resort near Phoenix, offering family lodging and accommodations with panoramic views & featuring an 18-hole, par 70 championship golf course.
Water and electric hookups at all sites, with toilets and hot showers available; maximum RV length . Reservations can be made online ($8 reservation fee).
, of outdoor equipment.
This Tucson-based used bookstore chain also carries used CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. There is an electric vehicle charging station and free Wi-Fi, and pets are welcome in the store.
Upscale, boutique style shopping with sparkling fountains and merchants offering jewelry, home accessories, fashion clothing, gourmet foods, and unique dining.
An outdoor shopping center. Stores include Bass Pro Shops, Cinemark Theatre, Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond, Petco, Walmart, Marshalls, Office Max, Sports Authority, and Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Record store in downtown Mesa selling new and used records, CDs, DVDs and music memorabilia.
By plane
By train
The Valley Metro Light Rail runs through Mesa along Main St, connecting to Tempe and Downtown Phoenix. It begins/ends at the Gilbert Rd/Main St Station in Mesa.
By bus
Mesa is laid out on a straightforward north-south, east-west grid pattern as regards its major streets.
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Phoenix · International · PHX
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