Mesa

Travel Guide

Mesa
Mesa
Mesa
Mesa
Mesa

At this desert city in Arizona, explore arid mountains and lush forest areas and discover plenty of cultural and artistic activities downtown.

With lakes, a national forest and the majestic Sonoran Desert on its doorstep, the city of Mesa is a gateway to outdoor fun and adventure. Located at the base of the Superstition Mountains in central Arizona, Mesa gives you plenty of ways to experience nature. Explore its cultural and historic attractions, including museums, concert venues and an ancient ceremonial site.

Make the most of Mesa’s beautiful scenery with a variety of active pursuits. Take one of the nature or dirt bike trails through the Lost Dutchman State Park. Look for the park’s animals, such as bobcats, jackrabbits and mule deer. Spot additional wildlife at the Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch. Nearly 200 bird species have been seen at this wetland sanctuary. 

In the Tonto National Forest, explore one of its lakes by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, water ski or powerboat. Head up to the Superstition Mountains to cruise across Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat. Salt River is a great place for tubing and floating picnics during the summer. At Saguaro Lake, climb aboard the Desert Belle for a more scenic view of the water.

Mesa has long served as a culinary gateway to Greater Phoenix with the neighboring farms and agritourism attractions providing a continuous bounty of seasonal goods to enjoy. Take a road trip filled with delights and culinary education. A dozen popular food-driven experiences line the Fresh Foodie Trail that winds visitors through Mesa and beyond into the neighboring regional towns of Gilbert and Queen Creek.

Discover the city’s indoor attractions with a walk around downtown. Visit the Mesa Arts Center for concerts, theater and art exhibits. Kids will enjoy hours of science, technology and art-based fun at the Idea Museum. See colossal dinosaur skeletons at the Arizona Museum of Natural History.

If you are a golf enthusiast, swing your clubs at one of Mesa’s golf courses. More than 40 courses are located within a 30-minute drive of the downtown area. For those who like to get active in the water, choose from a dozen public pools and water parks.

Mesa is located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Phoenix. The city is within easy reach of the Goldfield Ghost Town and is a good base from which to explore the historic Apache Trail.

Where to stay in Mesa

Default Image

East Mesa

While you're in East Mesa, take in top sights like Salt River Tubing and jump on the metro at Superstition Springs Transit Center to see more of the city.

East Mesa
Default Image

Superstition Springs

While you're in Superstition Springs, take in top sights like Superstition Springs Center and jump on the metro at Superstition Springs Transit Center to see more of the city.

Superstition Springs
Default Image

Dobson Ranch

While visiting Dobson Ranch, you might make a stop by sights like Dobson Ranch Golf Course and Dobson Ranch La Casita Tennis Center.

Dobson Ranch
Quite possibly the best park in the country this place has a zip line  this huge thing that we're climbing, grills. They have lots of field space and even this really complicated thing where you need strength because you don't want to fall in the water. It's an awesome place after the cubs game.

Mesa Grande

The abundant dining options and lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Mesa Grande. A stop by Mesa Riverview or Sloan Park might round out your trip.

Mesa Grande
Default Image

Eastmark

Eastmark might not have many top sights, but Arizona Athletic Grounds and Cactus Yards are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Eastmark
Default Image

Las Sendas

While Las Sendas might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Las Sendas Golf Club and Salt River Tubing.

Las Sendas
Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa
Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa
3 out of 5
1422 W Bass Pro Drive, Mesa, AZ
The price is P4,468 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P4,468
P5,106 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mesa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,533 reviews)
"Great Staff!"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa
SureStay Plus by Best Western Mesa Superstition Springs
SureStay Plus by Best Western Mesa Superstition Springs
2.5 out of 5
6347 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ
The price is P3,733 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
P3,733
P4,266 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mesa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,477 reviews)
"Location was very convenient"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

SureStay Plus by Best Western Mesa Superstition Springs
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Mesa Near Phoenix
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Mesa Near Phoenix
3 out of 5
333 W Juanita Ave, Mesa, AZ
The price is P4,230 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
P4,230
P4,834 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mesa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,712 reviews)
Stay
"Just a few nights, really thought the place was well kept"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Mesa Near Phoenix
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
AZ- 11518 EastRosell
AZ- 11518 EastRosell
2.5 out of 5
11518 E Roselle Ave, Mesa, AZ
Stay at this vacation home in Mesa. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Augusta Ranch Golf Club and Arizona ...
AZ- 11518 EastRosell
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do