Mesa, Arizona is an attractive spot that drives in travellers from all corners of the globe. The dry air and less humid temperature here make travelling more comfortable. This bustling city was once home to the prehistoric Hohokam people who practised a peculiar culture. The centuries-old ceremonial mound found at The Mesa Grande Central Park protects and safeguards the artefacts of the Hohokam people. Mesa’s vacation rentals and extended stay hotels are a few distances from its best attractions. Relive your dreams and nightmares at the Arizona Museum of Natural History which displays dinosaur skeletons and other archaeological findings. Baseball fanatics can also find peace at the Hohokam Stadium. There’s something for each one of you at Mesa, but finding the right spot can be fussy which you don’t want to do. Worry not because we can help you skim through the best things to do in Mesa, Arizona.
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1. Experience a zombie apocalypse
It’s time to put your survival skills to the test at the Zombie Scavengers Game at Mesa, Arizona. Form your team and scavenge for food, supplies and shelter using your smartphone. You can also answer trivia questions to find interesting weapons to ward off the rivals. You need to hurry and find the supplies before the rival team does, to remain as a player in the game. Remember that you will be outnumbered by the zombies with all the odds against you. However, with the right teamwork and strategy, you should be able to hopefully make it out alive!
2. Take the Arizona foodie trail and visit Jalapeño Buck's for a treat
Take your tongue for a roller coaster ride of uncharted flavours at the Arizona Foodie Trail. First stop, Jalapeño Buck’s to savour some delicious barbeque with salsa. To make it more interesting, you will have an array of barbeque sauces to choose from along with multiple salsas for tasting. After this, you will visit the Queen Creek Olive Oil Mill, which is Arizona’s only oil mill. Let yourself be intrigued by the way olive oil is made and the processes that surround its preparation. Finally, you will be served lunch at Joe’s Farm Grill in Agrotopia, which is a community focussed on urban farming. You will be dropped off at your hotel safely after the trip.
Book Tours : Private Tour: Arizona Foodie Trail
3. Discover wildlife at Usery Mountain Regional Park and its Nature Centre
Surrounded by tropical wildlife and cascades of plains and ranges, Usery Mountain Regional Park, just east of Mesa city proper, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This vast park offers trails and hiking ranges, each with varying degrees of difficulty. It’s also where you can traverse the rugged terrains of the Sonoran Desert on a horse or on your bike.
A fulfilling visit to the park wouldn’t be complete without checking out its Nature Centre. Here, you can learn about the flora and fauna native to Arizona within its sustainably built amphitheatres and classrooms.
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Address: 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, Arizona 85207
Website: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily from 1 May to 31 October), 6am - 8pm (daily from 1 November to 30 April)
Price: 7 USD (vehicle entry fee), 2 USD (hiking/biking/equestrian fee)
4. Be entertained while dining at Organ Stop Pizza
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
While Mesa has a fair share of novelty dining experiences, this place takes the concept to a higher level. Organ Stop Pizza is home to the world’s largest Wurlitzer pipe organ. Inaugurated in 1975 with an organ from a theatre in Denver, it has since become an iconic spot in Mesa.
Diners get to hear melodies from the organ’s pipes. If the pleasant listening experience isn’t enough to impress you, the restaurant’s lineup of pizzas, salads, and other classic dishes certainly will. Whether you ask the organ players for a specific song or don’t mind tuning into timeless pieces, this place is a strong contender for the best, most unique thing to do in Mesa.
Organ Stop Pizza
Address: 1149 East Southern Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85204
Website: Organ Stop Pizza
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 8:30pm; Fri: 4pm - 9pm; Sat: 3:30pm - 9pm; Sun: 3:30pm - 8:30pm
5. Enjoy a game at Hohokam Stadium
If you fancy a game of baseball, then you can grab a seat at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Arizona. The 10,500-seat stadium got its name from the Hohokam people who lived in the Mesa region during the year 1AD to 1450 AD. The stadium is recognised by a number of names such as the Hohokam Park and the Dwight W. Patterson Field. The place is used as a training ground by teams like Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics. The turfed grass should imbibe the vibe of a typical baseball game that you always desired to watch. You can find places for food and parking at this venue.
Hohokam Stadium
Address: 1235 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA
Website: Hohokam Stadium
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 3pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm
6. Pick fruits at the Orange Patch
There is nothing more refreshing than a bag of fresh citrus fruits picked directly from the farm. Take your kids and have them experience the fresh air and citrusy vibe that the place gives out. You will have a chance to try some of the best citrus fruit grown in the farm and pluck other fruits like tangerines, grapefruits and oranges. Apart from that, you can also check out the local produce and interact with the farmers at the venue. The orange patch has a history since its instalment in the 1960s and the sunkissed fruits will leave you with a fresh scent and make you come back for more.
Orange Patch
Address: 2717 E Lehi Rd, Mesa, AZ 85213, USA
Website: Orange Patch
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
7. Enjoy a game in the largest stadium - Sloan Park
Sloan Park opened in 2014 and it is now the training ground for the Chicago Cubs. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000 seats. It is also the home of other Arizona teams. If you’re lucky, you might find yourself in a spot to grab an autograph or two from the players. The place has lots of parking space and the seats in the stadium are comfortable. The stadium is a preferred training ground for the cubs and it is seen as one of the largest stadiums in the United States. You can spread a blanket and watch the game or up your budget to find a seat.
Sloan Park
Address: 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA
Website: Sloan Park
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 34 USD
8. Stop and smell the roses at Mesa Community College Rose Garden
Running out of ideas on what to do in Mesa? Enjoy the nation’s national flower at the Mesa Community College Rose Garden. The Rose Garden is a continued effort from the Mesa Community College’s community partnership. The children that study here use the garden for botanical studies and study areas.
If you need a break from work or just want to unwrap amidst the beautiful garden, this could be the right pick for you. The peaceful ambience and the 9000 rose bushes present here will help you get by any mood swings.
Mesa Community College Rose Garden
Address: w, 1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202, United States
Website: Mesa Community College Rose Garden
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
9. Catch some art shows and exhibitions at Mesa Arts Center
The Mesa Art’s Center is a USD 96 million facility that opened to the public in the year 2005. The place is a hub of inspiration and art and it has a prime motive to engage and inspire people through art and culture. The venue houses four theatres, five art galleries, and 14 art studios that host a number of art events, art education classes, and world-class visual art exhibitions. This venue is an international award wining faciltiy located in the heart of downtown Mesa. The place is a haven for any art enthusiast.
Mesa Arts Center
Address: 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA
Website: Mesa Arts Center
10. Catch a live concert at Mesa Amphitheatre
If you want to catch a glimpse of some live music, head to the Mesa Amphitheatre. The 4950-seater venue has seen some famous and not so famous concerts. According to locals, the place is a popular destination among music lovers. The seating platforms are placed strategically to make the whole experience enjoyable, even if you are seated at the back. Don’t worry about the ambience because the place can get very lively once the music starts to kick in. You can check the website to see what shows are on during your stay.
Mesa Amphitheatre
Address: 263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA
Website: Mesa Amphitheatre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
11. Get a little retail therapy at Superstition Springs Centre
There’s no place else we’d rather be.
Posted by Superstition Springs Center on Thursday, 6 September 2018
If you want to shell out some hard cash, you can visit the Superstition Springs Centre at Mesa, Arizona. The mall features department stores selling the latest brands of consumer goods. This mall is a great place to walk around and shop, for anyone who is a first time visitor to Mesa. Another feature about this mall is that it has an open amphitheatre that stages free concerts that imbibe a lively ambience. There is also a miniature golf course at this venue.
Superstition Springs Centre
Address: 6555 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85206, USA
Website: Superstition Springs Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
12. Enjoy the serenity at Mesa Arizona Temple
The Mesa Arizona Temple is the seventh operating temple belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. The 50 ft (15 m) tall structure is a sacred place for many believers. The Mesa Arizona temple is famous for its holiday lights and it attracts a large number of travellers. The temple has a visitors centre that focusses on the development of the church through videos, exhibitions and artworks. The church is a good spot to enjoy some serenity and do missionary work. The temple is currently under renovation
Mesa Arizona Temple
Address: 101 S Lesueur, Mesa, AZ 85204, USA
Website: Mesa Arizona Temple
13. Try out Salt River Tubing and marvel at the spectacular views
You might mistake Mesa to be a desert region void of any green rivers. But you will be surprised by the Salt and the Verde River it hosts. Summers can be hot and Salt River Tubing can be a great recreation activity with your family and friends. You can rent an inflatable tube and float down the river whilst enjoying the spectacular views of the area. If you are lucky, you could take advantage of the annual tubing events hosted in the area.
Salt River Tubing
Address: 9200 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215, USA
Website: Salt River Tubing
Opening hours: 9am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 17 USD
14. Have fun with kids at Golfland Sunsplash
Situated in the heart of the city, Golfland Sunsplash is a must-visit if you’re seeking fun and thrilling things to do in Mesa for families. Whether it’s a birthday party you want to host for your kids or just want to take them toting to a fun water ride, you’ll never be disappointed with this all-ages attraction.
The place features over 30 fun rides which include the award-winning miniature golf and thrilling waterslides. Aquatic attractions like Thunder Bay, the Sidewinder, and the Cauldron are not for the faint-hearted. The place also provides a free parking facility for travellers.
Golfland Sunsplash
Address: 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210, USA
Website: Mesa Golfland Sunsplash
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 9pm
Price: 30 USD
15. Play a game of laser tag at Stratum Laser Tag
Experience some real laser tag at the Stratum Laser Tag Arena. The 13,000-square-foot (1207-square-meter) arena was created by the designers of Universal Studios Earthquake Dam Ride, Caesars Palace Forum Shops, moving statues in Las Vegas and other recognised creators. The place can accommodate 60 players who can stroll through 15 different levels and walk over ramps and bridges built to make the experience more real and cinematic. The Arena features state of the art equipment that will get your heart throbbing with excitement.
Stratum Laser Tag
Address: 1455 S Stapley Dr #11, Mesa, AZ 85204, USA
Website: Stratum Laser Tag
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 2pm - 9pm; Fri: 2pm - 12am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 5pm
Price: 20 USD
16. Visit the Arizona Museum for Youth
The Museum for youth, also known as the i.d.e.a Museum, is a fun place for kids and focusses them to explore the art world. Even though the museum is primarily for kids, there are plenty of opportunities for the whole family to interact with their kids and have fun. Apart from engaging kids in art, the place also focusses on supporting early learning, creative thinking and engaging activities for kids. The Arizona Museum for Youth, or the i.d.e.a museum, is a fun place to let your kids explore their creative side.
Arizona Museum for Youth or the i.d.e.a Museum
Address: 150 W Pepper Pl, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA
Website: Arizona Museum for Youth or the i.d.e.a Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4pm; Sun: 12am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 12 USD
17. Skate with friends at Reed Skate Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Reed Skate Park is a place with a large basin lined with quarter pipes, ledges and rails. The skate park may not be an ideal place to take your kids. However, if you don’t mind your kids having a little cut or bruise, then this place is definitely worth checking out. If you’re a pro-skater yourself, you might as well help your kids hone their skating skills at this park. You could also get your friends and have a little contest or get a camera to film exciting shots. There are plenty of tricks that you can try out here. Make sure you visit the park when it’s not very crowded.
Reed Skate Park
Address: 1631 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204, USA
Website: Reed Skate Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
18. Visit the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Our museum holds much more than airplanes! Do you collect any aviation memorabilia? #MuseumMonday Kevin Hong
Posted by CAF Airbase Arizona on Monday, March 15, 2021
You might want to brush up on your history before you visit the Commemorative Air Force Airbase in Arizona. You will find a number of aviation commemorative artefacts here, which were donated by the ones who served in the Second World War. If you wish to see a real WWII plane in action, you’re in for a delight. You can also purchase souvenirs and take home a memory as a gratitude for the brave countrymen who served this country.
Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona
Address: 2017 N Greenfield Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215, USA
Website: Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9am - 3pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 15 USD
19. Play a round of golf at Dobson Ranch Golf Course
The Dobson Ranch Golf Course boasts lush greenery with mature trees providing the perfect pitch for golfing with your peers. The 18-hole championship golf course offers a practice facility and PGA golf instruction, which makes this place lovable among golfers. The 6,712 yards of fairway lined with trees offers an excellent layout for amateur golfers. The place hosts Free Junior Clinics annually during summer and it has an array of professional golfing equipment.
Dobson Ranch Golf Course
Address: 2155 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202, USA
Website: Dobson Ranch Golf Course
Opening hours: 6am - 8:30pm (daily)
20. Go back in time at the Mesa Historical Museum
Posted by Mesa Historical Museum on Monday, 3 June 2019
Experience history and learn about the history of Arizona in detail at the Mesa Historical Museum. The museum exhibits artefacts and crafts from the earliest Hohokam settlers to the late Pima-Maricopa. The Museum began its operation in the 1987 and it presents a potted history of the Arizona region. You can experience hands-on activities and demonstrations with your kids.
Mesa Historical Museum
Address: 2345 N Horne, Mesa, AZ 85203, USA
Website: Mesa Historical Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon )
Price: 5 USD
21. Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon ride in the Sonoran Desert
Enjoy the picturesque beauty of the Sonoran Desert from the sky, by taking a hot-air balloon ride in the Sonoran Desert. Observe the city from above and feel amazed by the beauty with a change of perspective. Visit the Sonoran Desert in Mesa, Arizona and enjoy the 3000 ft high ride towards the sky.
Rainbow Ryders, Inc. Hot Air Balloon Company
Address: 715 E Covey Ln #100, Phoenix, AZ 85024, USA
Website: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. Hot Air Balloon Company
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 300 USD
22. Attend a themed block party in downtown Mesa
Free food, fun, 'n festivities!
Posted by 2nd Friday Night Out - Mesa on Friday, 14 December 2018
Experience the local culture and history in a themed block party on the second Friday of each month in downtown Mesa. You will find artists featuring their creative work, food stalls and shops that stay late at night. You can get your kids here and have them experience the fun and culture of the Mesa. The themed block party is a fun place to have a wholesome experience with your family.
2nd Friday Night Out
Address: 28 S MacDonald, Mesa, AZ 85210, USA
Opening hours: Fri: 6pm - 10pm
23. Enhance your knowledge at Arizona Museum of Natural History
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is a place where you’ll find yourself amazed amidst the rich heritage and culture left behind by the people who previously thrived in this region. Learn about the cultures of the Ancient Americas and also explore the archaeological excavations at this venue. The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the only natural history museum in the Phoenix region. The place also hosts a series of events and summer camps like the Dino Discoveries Summer Camp and the Beer n Bones Summer Camp.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Address: 53 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA
Website: Arizona Museum of Natural History
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 11am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 12 USD
24. Experience aerobatic and combat flights at Fighter Combat International
You don’t have to be an aviation enthusiast to fly a fighter plane or experience an advanced air combat mission. At the Fighter Combat International, you get to be an air show pilot and fly thrilling aerobatic manoeuvres. Test the G’s and let yourself experience the thrill of flying a fighter combat aeroplane at the fighter Combat International in Mesa, Arizona. You can experience it yourself or gift it to a friend or family member and have them experience a whole new level of fun and excitement.
Fighter Combat International
Address: 5865 S Sossaman Rd #102, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
Website: Fighter Combat International
Price: 1195 USD
25. Learn about the culture of Hohokam civilization at Mesa Grande Ruins
If you wish to see some of the few standing structures or remains of artefacts from the Hohokam period, you should pay a visit to the Mesa Grande Ruins at the Mesa Grande Cultural Park. The Mesa Grande Cultural Park parades an array of artefacts and Hohokam structures from the classical period. You will be amazed by the engineering feat that the Hohokam people achieved a long time ago. This is reflected in the extensive water canals that you’ll get to see at the Mesa Grande Ruins.
Mesa Grande Cultural Park
Address: 1000 N Date, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA
Website: Mesa Grande Cultural Park
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 2pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 5 USD
26. Enjoy karaoke with friends at Roosters Country Bar
Posted by Roosters Country on Monday, 20 May 2019
Chug on some cold beer and sing to karaoke with your friends and family at the Roosters Country Bar in Mesa, Arizona. This place sells a lively and fun ambience that is sure to turn your night into an enjoyable one. Move your hips to some great outlaw country music or sing to your favourite song. You can also play some pool and meet interesting people at the Roosters Country Bar.
Roosters Country
Address: 3731 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85205, USA
Website: Roosters Country
Opening hours: 8am - 2am (daily)
Price: 30 USD
27. Take a stroll through the Park of the Canals
The Park of the Canals in Mesa, Arizona, preserves the ancient Indian and early Mormon Canals dating back to 700 B.C. The park began its construction in the year 1989 with a joint venture between the city of Mesa and the Brighton family. The park showcases various kinds of cacti and trees that are authentic to various regions in Arizona. You can take a stroll through the park to learn about the canals and gaze at various cacti present here.
Park of the Canals
Address: 1710 N Horne, Mesa, AZ 85203, USA
Website: Park of the Canals
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
28. Hit the dance floor at the Denim & Diamonds Nightclub
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you have a pair of good boots, put them to use at the Denim & Diamonds Nightclub in Mesa, Arizona. Shake your hips to the beats and enjoy the live music that this place offers. Don’t shy away from meeting new people. It’s your night to shine so take your chance and have fun. The place also offers free dance lessons and hands out exciting offers.
Denim & Diamonds
Address: Dummy address
Website: Denim & Diamonds nightclubn
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 6pm - 2am; Wed: 6pm - 2am (closed on Sun - Tue & Thu)
Price: 6 USD
29. Go hiking with friends along the Wind Cave Trail
Challenge yourself by going hiking with your friends on the adventurous Wind Cave Trail. As you explore, enjoy the Arizona Desert and all of its beauty. Hiking can be a healthy activity to do with your friends or your kids. If you want to get a good workout whilst enjoying the nature around, the Wind Cave Trail is a good pick.
Wind Cave Trail
Address: Wind Cave Dr, Mesa, AZ 85207, USA
Website: Wind Cave Trail
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 6am - 10pm (closed on Thu & Fri)
Price: 7 USD
30. Grab your popcorn and watch a movie at Cinemark Mesa 16
There’s nothing more relaxing than watching a movie with your loved one on a recliner seat with a popcorn bucket in your hand. If you want to take a day off from the hefty schedule at work and just relax, head to the Cinemark Mesa 16 Theatre. Go online and pick the seating that you want and enjoy your favourite movie without a hassle. The theatre features multiple screens, theatre seats and self-servicing kiosks to get your tickets.
Cinemark Mesa 16
Address: 1051 N Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85201, USA
Website: Cinemark Mesa 16
Price: 8 USD
31. Take part in a public street art walking tour around the city
If you thought only art museums have the best art pieces, then think again. To get your daily dose of art, you don’t have to go to a museum. In Mesa, you can roam in streets and find interesting art pieces. You will find around 40 pieces scattered all around the city to amuse commuters. There are sculptures that look sublime in their own way and there are others that look ordinary. You can download a map and start touring interesting art pieces around the city.
Mesa Public Art
Address: Mesa, Arizona
Website: Mesa Public Art Program
Make memories in Mesa
The City of Mesa is a perfect amalgamation of the modern and the medieval. Here, you can learn about the Hohokam culture and the ways of medieval man whilst also enjoying the contemporary lifestyle. Never miss out on a memorable experience that you can create with these top things to do in Mesa, Arizona.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Mesa, Arizona
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