From family-friendly fun to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Mesa. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next visit today! Here are nine things to do in Mesa, AZ.
Mesa Arts Center
The Mesa Arts Center is a world-class performing arts venue that offers something for everyone. Catch a live show, take a dance class, or view art from local and international artists. There’s also a café and gift shop on site, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The Mesa Arts Center is one of the premier arts venues in the state of Arizona. It is located in downtown Mesa, and it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The center is highly regarded for its commitment to the arts, and it has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. If you are looking for a place to enjoy some great art, the Mesa Arts Center is definitely worth a visit.
Mesa Grand Canyon
The Mesa Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it’s right in your backyard! If you want a chance to get outside and enjoy one of the most iconic views in America, consider making a trip from Mesa to Grand Canyon National Park. Only about an hour away by car – not too lengthy a drive for such an amazing payoff – you can bike around or hike through this geologic wonder as long as your heart desires.
You can also take a scenic drive through the canyon, go hiking or camping, or whitewater rafting down the Colorado River. No matter how you choose to experience it, the Mesa Grand Canyon is sure to take your breath away. If history is your thing, don’t forget to check out The Grand Canyon Visitor Center!
Desert Botanical Garden
Located in Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden is a must-see for any nature lover. With over 50,000 plants on display, it’s one of the largest botanical gardens in the United States. Take a stroll through the cactus gardens, learn about desert plants in the living collection, and watch for wildlife like lizards and birds.
The garden also hosts rotating exhibits like “Butterflies and Blooms” and “Electric Desert,” which use light installations to liven up the scene. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about their surroundings; you can even take a yoga class if you’re feeling especially zen. The gardens are open every day except Christmas, with different hours depending on the season, and their prices range from free for children to $30 for adults.
Things to Do In Mesa, AZ for History Buffs
One of the best things to do in Mesa, AZ is visiting the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Here, you can get up close and personal with dinosaurs that once roamed the area around what is now Mesa.
The museum’s permanent exhibits include Homo sapiens (a large collection of fossilized human remains), a glimpse at life on Earth during the Triassic period, and a look at what it might have been like to live in ancient Egyptian times. There are also artifacts from Native American tribes that dwelled in the Southwest, including items from both the Hohokam and Salado peoples.
When you visit, remember to take advantage of the special events put on by the Arizona Museum of Natural History staff. For example, there are activity stations for children to explore throughout various exhibits, like interactive dig sites!
Mesa Historical Museum
Mesa Historical Museum offers a peek into the past of this fascinating city, with rotating exhibits and permanent collections focusing on the history of Mesa and the surrounding area. The museum is open seven days a week from 10:00am-4:00pm, with free admission for all ages. Located in an historic school building that has also served as a studio for artists, radio station and cultural center, this unique structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the few remaining two-story adobe buildings in Arizona today. Peruse through their beautiful displays at your leisure or sign up for a guided tour that will take you to see items not on display elsewhere within the museum—either way, it’s certain to be an enlightening experience!
Superstition Mountains
If you’re into the outdoors, Superstition Mountains is a must-see. Nestled in the Mojave Desert, the Superstition Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular things to do in Mesa, AZ. With towering peaks, dramatic canyons, and sweeping desert vistas, the mountains offer hikers an opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and bobcats.
Hohokam Stadium
Hohokam Stadium is a baseball park that is home to the Oakland Athletics. It has a beautiful view of the Superstition Mountains, and many fans come to experience the atmosphere at this stadium. This stadium holds 10,500 people, making it one of the smallest stadiums in baseball. The Hohokam Stadium also has both indoor and outdoor seating for fans to take advantage of if they want some fresh air or need shelter from the sun during the summer season.
Salt River Tubing
One of the best things to do in Mesa, AZ is to float down the river on a tube. A summertime tradition for many, Salt River Tubing is a great way to kick back and take in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. For $16 you can rent a tube (which comes with a life vest and tube lock), relax to a scenic river float, and get picked up at the end of your trip. The float takes about two hours, and there are several stops along the way where you can swim, sunbathe, or simply relax in the cool water. So if you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to beat the heat, be sure to check out Salt River Tubing.
Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States, and it’s a great place to learn about wildlife from all over the world. With over 125 acres of land, the zoo is home to more than 3000 animals, including lions, tigers, and elephants. There’s also a children’s zoo, petting zoo, and aquarium on site. The zoo also offers a number of special events throughout the year, such as Halloween Nights and the Zoo Lights holiday celebration. Consider adding it to your list if you’re looking for things to do in Mesa, AZ, with kids!
So, are you satisfied with our picks for the best things to do in Mesa, AZ? Let us know if we missed anything!
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