Mesa ArizonaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mesa, Arizona.
1. Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum
MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY
The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum is one of Arizona's top-rated attractions featuring an impressive collection of military aircraft. Its exhibit floor showcases one of the best military aircraft collections spanning 100 years of aviation history. Visitors can explore the evolution of military flight through carefully preserved and restored aircraft that highlight significant developments in aerospace technology.
2. Organ Stop Pizza
MUSICAL DINING EXPERIENCE
Organ Stop Pizza offers a unique dining experience where visitors can enjoy delicious pizza while listening to live music played on a magnificent Wurlitzer organ. The venue features one of the world's largest Wurlitzer theater organs, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for families and music enthusiasts alike. Talented organists perform a variety of musical selections ranging from classical pieces to contemporary hits, making each visit a memorable entertainment experience.
3. Arizona Museum Of Natural History
PREHISTORIC DESERT DISCOVERIES
The Arizona Museum Of Natural History, located in the heart of downtown Mesa, serves as Arizona's premiere natural history museum where visitors can embark on a journey of discovery. A highlight of the museum is Dinosaur Mountain, featuring realistic dinosaur displays and periodic flash floods cascading down the mountainside. The museum's extensive exhibits cover everything from prehistoric cultures to the natural wonders of the Southwest, making it an educational destination for visitors of all ages.
4. Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet
UNIQUE SHOPPING ADVENTURE
The Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet offers over a mile of recreational shopping with hundreds of merchants stocking 1,600 market spaces filled with items not found in typical malls. This shopping destination has evolved from a traditional swap meet into a comprehensive marketplace offering a diverse range of merchandise. Visitors can browse through countless stalls featuring everything from antiques and collectibles to handmade crafts and unique souvenirs.
5. Sloan Park
CHICAGO CUBS SPRING TRAINING
Sloan Park is an intimate ballpark with excellent infield seating that provides baseball fans with a personal view of America's favorite pastime. The venue echoes the iconic ambiance of Wrigley Field while serving as the spring training home for the Chicago Cubs. Visitors can observe both established MLB stars and upcoming prospects during the annual spring training season, creating an exciting atmosphere for baseball enthusiasts.
6. Wind Cave Trail
SCENIC DESERT HIKING
Wind Cave Trail offers hikers a rewarding adventure through the beautiful desert landscape of Mesa. The trail leads to a unique wind-carved cave formation nestled within the Usery Mountain Regional Park. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Valley of the Sun upon reaching the cave, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.
7. Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center
CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
The Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center is located adjacent to the Mesa Arizona Temple, featuring a modern open design that is both beautiful and inviting. The center offers interactive displays and exhibits that are free and family-friendly, providing insight into the religious and cultural significance of the temple. Visitors can explore the center's educational resources and discover the historical importance of this landmark in the Mesa community.
8. Mesa Arts Center
CULTURAL ARTS HUB
Mesa Arts Center serves as the cultural heart of downtown Mesa, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences and performances. The center houses multiple theaters, art galleries, and studio spaces where visitors can enjoy Broadway musicals, concerts, and visual arts exhibitions. With its striking contemporary architecture and vibrant programming, the Mesa Arts Center stands as Arizona's largest arts center and a premier destination for cultural enrichment.
9. Golfland Sunsplash
FAMILY WATER ADVENTURE
Golfland Sunsplash offers an exciting combination of water attractions and family entertainment in the heart of Mesa. The park features thrilling water slides, wave pools, and splash areas perfect for cooling off during Arizona's warm months. Beyond water activities, visitors can enjoy miniature golf, arcade games, and other amusements that make this venue a complete family entertainment destination.
10. Riverview Park
MODERN RECREATIONAL PARADISE
Riverview Park in Mesa offers a modern recreational space with innovative playground equipment and beautiful landscaping for families to enjoy. The park features a 50-foot climbing tower, splash pad, and fishing lake that provide diverse activities for visitors of all ages. Its strategic location near Sloan Park makes it a perfect complement to the sports facilities in the area, creating a comprehensive recreational destination.
11. The Idea Museum
INTERACTIVE CHILDREN'S CREATIVITY
The Idea Museum in Mesa is a hands-on creative space designed to inspire children's imagination and artistic expression. Through interactive exhibits and art-making activities, young visitors can explore various creative concepts and develop their artistic skills. The museum regularly updates its themed exhibitions to provide fresh experiences that combine education with creative play, making it a favorite destination for families with children.
12. Salt River Tubing
DESERT RIVER ADVENTURE
Salt River Tubing offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat with a leisurely float down the scenic Salt River near Mesa. Visitors can rent tubes and enjoy a relaxing journey through the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape, often spotting wild horses and other wildlife along the shores. The experience combines outdoor recreation with natural beauty, providing a memorable desert adventure that showcases Arizona's diverse ecosystems.
13. Superstition Farm
WORKING DAIRY EXPERIENCE
Superstition Farm offers visitors a genuine agricultural experience at a working dairy farm in Mesa. Guests can participate in farm tours, learn about modern dairy production, and interact with various farm animals in a family-friendly environment. The farm also features a creamery where visitors can sample freshly made ice cream and other dairy products, providing both education and delicious treats.
14. Mesa Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Mesa Historical Museum preserves and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Mesa through engaging exhibits and historical collections. The museum showcases the development of the region from its early settlements to its growth into the vibrant city it is today. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of Mesa's diverse communities and their contributions to the area's history.
15. Mesa Grande Cultural Park
ANCIENT HOHOKAM RUINS
Mesa Grande Cultural Park protects an ancient Hohokam temple mound that dates back to 1100 CE, offering visitors a glimpse into the sophisticated pre-Columbian civilization that once thrived in the region. The ceremonial mound is one of the largest and most well-preserved platform mounds in the Phoenix area, standing as a testament to the engineering skills of the Hohokam people. Guided tours provide insights into the archaeological significance of the site and the cultural practices of its original inhabitants, creating an educational experience that connects visitors to Arizona's ancient past.