Location: Mesa
Top Things to do in Mesa
What to do and see in Mesa, Arizona (AZ): The Best Museums
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. Hall of Fame Collectables
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We are Arizona's number one Autographed Sports Memorabilia and Custom Framing company.. We have built our reputation with over 24 years of offering the best Sports Collectibles and Jersey framing available anywhere.
2. Mesa Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 528 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 spencerstopa - Mesa, United States
We have been there three times, twice in the main concert hall and once in a smaller hall ideally suited for chamber music or for a small group of musicians. The last time we were there we saw the group "Kansas." The center is architecturally beautiful, the acoustics are great, the seats are comfortable, and the prices are reasonable, considering the quality of the performers - eg .Itzak Perlman will be here in February, 2020 and we will go to see him. Even though Mesa lives in the shadow of Phoenix, our performing arts center is every bit as good as theirs.
3. Arizona Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the premier natural history museum in Arizona. It is dedicated to inspire wonder, respect, and understanding for the natural and cultural history of the Southwest. Explore Arizona and the Southwest from the creation of the earth 4.5 Billion years ago to the present. See the origins of life on earth, meteorites and minerals. In Dinosaur Hall, discover some of the biggest dinosaurs that ever lived, and on Dinosaur Mountain see how some appeared and sounded in a natural context. In a Walk through Time, explore ancient Arizona's Paleozoic Seas, Triassic Petrified Forest, monsters of the Cretaceous Seas, and the first animals to fly. "Rulers of the Prehistoric Skies", our newest exhibit, presents the amazing diversity of Pterosaurs, the flying reptiles of the Mesozoic. Neither dinosaurs nor birds, Pterosaurs ruled the skies from about 225 to 65 million years ago.
Reviewed By mostlywheels - Paris, France
We did not have very high expectations when we saw how inexpensive the entry fee was... but WOW! This place has so many dinosaurs. It was very easy to navigate with a whee chair and even spaces we thought would not be accessible were made large enough to accommodate a standard chair. Plenty of hands on activities to keep everyone busy, including panning for gold! The exhibit on mining was very well done and gave people a real sense of how dark and scary it was. I highly recommend this if you have kids. Or if you are an adult who loves dinosaurs, old west history, minerals and rocks, and to have fun. We were so excited to arrive when an archaeologist was present with a series of skulls and was answering questions about the evolution of humans.
4. Commemorative Air Force Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 556 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 929erick - Papillion, United States
I happened across this great air museum while I was in Mesa. What a treat. I was greeted inside the hanger by a very friendly and well informed volunteer. He was willing to take his time to explain the origin and purpose of the museum and that was very helpful. The cool thing about this museum is that there are several WWII planes that are still in working condition. I was about to talk to a pilot that had flown the morning of my visit. The maintenance hanger is open to the public and it was special to see so many dedicated volunteers working to preserve these great planes. Well worth the visit.
5. i.d.e.a. Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 75 reviews
An interactive art museum for children that supports early learning, nurtures creative thinking and engages families to spend quality time together. Currently, visitors must make an online reservation for timed ticket entry at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday - Saturday and 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Please read our admission policy online, as we've made some changes for our reopening. Current activities include: -Developing a stop-motion film in Lights Camera Action -Acting out stories in ArtVille's Performing Arts Center -Imaginative play in ArtVille's Cafe, Library and Farm -Creating beautiful artworks throughout the museum -Exploring new fun activities in the Whiteman Family Exhibition Gallery, currently showing Art of the Story, focused on storytelling. There are three main exhibit areas (ArtVille - a socks-only space aimed at little ones, HUB Gallery and Whiteman Family Gallery) and an outdoor atrium to explore during your visit.
Reviewed By jgill334048 - Mesa, United States
This museum is great for all ages. They have an area for preschool and under to play and activities on the other side for older kids. They have different themes so it’s not always the same activity. Kids get to collect stamps and learn about things and create things that go along with what they learned.
6. Mesa Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
The museum's permanent exhibit showcases the history of Mesa, Arizona and Mesa Public Schools. We have rotating temporary exhibits that we change out twice a year that showcase different aspects of Mesa history and culture.
