Location: Mesa
Top Things to do in Mesa
The 10 Best Things to Do in Mesa, United States
Mesa is a thriving metropolis in the southwest, with lifestyle and leisure pursuits in high demand by visitors. Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, Mesa is a playground for outdoor recreation, with convenient access to three lakes, two rivers and endless hiking trails. The city’s downtown is a vibrant epicenter with boutiques, antique shops, museums, studios and cafes – all anchored by Mesa Arts Center. Mesa is home to a stunning collection of golf courses, superb dining and upscale shopping.
Restaurants in Mesa
1. Commemorative Air Force Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum is one of Phoenix’s top-rated attractions. You can learn how airplanes were used throughout the history of combat and feel the radial engines on our Warbirds rumble as they come to life. Our museum is home to authentic war artifacts and hundreds of exhibits that chronicle the stories of people who rose to meet extraordinary challenges. Climb aboard one of the rarest B-17 Bombers in the world, “Sentimental Journey,” or better yet, book a once-in-a-lifetime ride on any of our seven flying WWII airplanes. Our friendly, knowledgeable docents will bring to life the tales of combat heroes like the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Air Service Pilots who overcame tremendous obstacles to serve our country. Watch aircraft mechanics at work and then stop by our PX Museum Gift Store for unique gifts and war memorabilia. As an educational non-profit 501(c)3, we are a great place for children to learn about the history that has shaped the United States.
Reviewed By RandyV545 - Ft. Qu'Appelle, Canada
My brother-in-law just loved this museum. He had to practically be dragged out and agreed only because he will be back in Mesa again for further visits.
The display planes are all kept in immaculate shape by a great volunteer staff, who are extremely knowledgeable.
Because he was wearing his "Dam Busters" T-Shirt, my brother proved very popular with the staff who were aware of the war significance of the "Dam Buster" project.
2. Hale Centre Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 240 reviews
Arizona’s Premier Family Theatre in Gilbert since 2003! 350-seat theater-in-the-round putting on family-friendly shows throughout the year.
Reviewed By sossaman1 - Gilbert, Arizona
If you like to see quality theatrical events, then The Hale Theater in downtown Gilbert is the place to go. Located in the heart of the vibrant old town district of Gilbert, The Hale Theater puts on fantastic plays that are fun for the whole family. They offer comedy, drama, musicals and more year round. With a total seating capacity of about 300, it provides a very quaint and intimate atmosphere. I highly recommend that you see a show while visiting.
3. Arizona State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
With an undergraduate student body of nearly 34,000, ASU is the state's largest institution of higher learning.
Reviewed By California_Wine - Central Coast California
Let me see....Arizona "STATE" University gets its money from Arizona taxpayers, but everywhere I look Tempe is full of foreign students who most likely are paying double or triple tuition. Nothing against foreign students I think they're great, but I thought this was a state funded university? I think I even saw ASU run a wasteful local TV ad during the Superbowl in 2017 and I'm pretty sure enrollment has always been up and that ad was to just wave their flag around at taxpayer expense. Has anyone noticed the expansion of this school? It is not only growing outward, it is going upward too. Where is all this money coming from? Hmmm. Very interesting.
4. Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By Neal L
If you have time, be sure to take in this very extensive Christmas light display. The visitors center is open for viewing of a short video and display of several different country's crèche. Everyone was very welcoming!
5. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By tomorrowsantiques - Duluth
Easy to get to. Lots of parking, 2 restrooms, several picnic Ramada’s. What I liked the best werethewide cement paths. Easy for handicapped individuals. We enjoyed the turtles we viewed from the nice bridge. All areas were very well marked. I recommend bringing binoculars.
6. Mill Avenue District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
This is a shopping, dining, nightlife area. It's similar to 5th Ave and Old Town in Scottsdale, which are listed on tripadvisor. Mill Ave is also listed on yelp.com.
Reviewed By beeedell - Phoenix, Arizona
Several times a year, Mill St is closed and it and several adjoining streets are closed as they host the Tempe Arts Fair, a lively collection of hundreds of booths with wares that run to the extremes. There are musicians and the ever-present food vendors to round out the experience. Worth the trip!
7. Usery Mountain Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 489 reviews
Reviewed By ladyomaha - Omaha, Nebraska
We like the Cat and Power mountain hikes. Both are fairly easy hikes with lots of cactus. Trails are usually not very crowded but you May share the trail with horseback riders or bikes. Good family hikes. Free parking. Some restrooms depending on where you park.
8. Mesa Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 448 reviews
The Mesa Arts Center mission is to inspire people through engaging arts experiences that are diverse, accessible, and relevant. Owned and operated by the City of Mesa, Arizona’s largest arts center is recognized as an international award-winning venue. The unique and architecturally stunning facility is home to four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios and an artist cooperative gallery.
Reviewed By lkph48 - Mesa, Arizona
The Mesa Arts Center is a complex of creativity with classes, concerts, festivals, galleries and shopping. I am bias because I am a volunteer at the 4-theater complex that provides the Valley with a wide variety of entertainment for all ages. What a wonderful complex located right in the middle of downtown Mesa.
Anyone is able to attend the Out To Lunch entertainment on Thursday afternoons...complete with food vendors.
Come visit. It will surprise you at how rapidly you will return again..and again.
9. Desert Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Located in Papago Park, these gardens offer visitors an opportunity to learn about desert flora.
Reviewed By Aundrea H - Fitchburg, Massachusetts
We decided to spend our last day in Phoenix here 3/18. We were a bit apprehensive with the price at first. I am so glad we spent the money to walk through this place. First off being only March a lot was not in bloom but it still didn't disappoint. The butterfly exhibit was lovely! The many different kind of cacti and the walk through different areas was amazing. Loved the wild Prairie dogs and rabbits everywhere. It was just such a serene peaceful place. I will definitely be back on my next visit!!
10. Silver Star Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By johnnybanjo - Thermopolis, Wyoming
Tried it out and the buffet dinner was excellent and the musical show was top notch with many old rock and roll favorites, and some funny stand up comedy by the MC /Guitarist Mark Lucas
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