Overview
Mesa, population 518,000 (2019), is in Maricopa County. It is Arizona's third-largest city, and is part of the Greater Phoenix urban complex.
8 sights · 15 things to do · 14 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Mesa
Mesa Historical Museum
This rapidly growing museum, split between two buildings, features displays of the different phases of Mesa's history. The downtown location holds "Play Ball: the Cactus League Experience," an excellent exhibit on the hi…
Mesa Arts Center
This uniquely designed building in downtown Mesa features theatres, art galleries, and contemporary public art spaces. It is the largest arts center in Arizona.
Mesa Arizona Temple
This unique, historic building opened in 1927. Its 20-acre lot features beautiful gardens and sitting spaces. It is the largest temple built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints outside of Utah. The public …
i.d.e.a. Museum
Nationally renowned fine arts museum for children aged 1-12.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
This rapidly expanding museum features an interesting array of cultural and natural history artifacts from the American Southwest.
Mesa Grande Cultural Park
The site preserves a group of Hohokam structures dated from 1100-1400 CE. Ruins include a great mound, building remains, and several ball courts.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 106°F; winter lows dip to about 45°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Phoenix)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix — 11 mi away (major hub). Directions
- AZA Mesa Gateway Airport, Mesa — 12 mi away. Directions
The Valley Metro Light Rail runs through Mesa along Main St, connecting to Tempe and Downtown Phoenix. It begins/ends at the Gilbert Rd/Main St Station in Mesa. There's a transit center next to the Gilbert Rd/Main St Station served by the 40 & 45 buses. The 136 bus passes by along Gilbert Rd and does not go into the transit center. From Sky Harbor Airport, take the PHX Sky Train (people-mover) to the light rail station. (44th St/Washington Station).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $20 per person at listed restaurants.
Options are grouped as Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Mesa Historical Museum, Park of the Canals, Cactus League Spring Training
- Lunch Rosa's Mexican Grill
- Afternoon Arizona Museum of Natural History, 2nd Friday Night Out
- Dinner Steve's Krazy Sub
- Evening Chupacabra Taproom
Day 2
- Morning Commemorative Air Force Museum, Tonto National Forest, Mesa District, Fighter Combat International
- Lunch Waldo's BBQ
- Afternoon Mesa Community College Arboretum, Jesus the Christ
- Dinner Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill
- Evening RT O'Sullivan's Bar and Grill
Day 3
- Morning Desert Belle Paddleboat Cruises, Saguaro Lake Ranch Trail Rides
- Lunch Vito's Italian Pizza & Ristorante
- Afternoon Salt River Tubing and Recreation, Chicago Cubs Spring Training
- Dinner Ned's Krazy Sub
- Evening Oro Brewing Co
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Mesa was founded in January 1878 by Latter-day Saint or LDS (often nicknamed Mormon) pioneers and its population is still roughly one-tenth Mormon. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates one of its oldest temples in Mesa (the Mesa Arizona Temple, opened in 1927), and the city is a hub for Latter-day Saints residing in the Phoenix Metro area. Mesa is one of the United States' fastest-growing cities and ranks as the 38th-largest. The city has a larger population than better-known United States cities such as Cincinnati, Cleveland, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Saint Louis and Saint Paul.
Although it has a large population, Mesa is a "bedroom community." Neighborhoods across the city are diverse — some areas have experienced urban blight, while others contain elaborate custom homes.
Place Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitors Center
Stop by the Mesa Visitors Center and pick up a Mesa Visitors Guide, which can also be viewed online. The Visitors Center has many publications about Mesa and other destinations around Arizona, including the metro Phoenix area. You'll also find knowledgeable staff and local coupons.
Get in
By car
- If you happen to be coming from an "easterly" direction (a.k.a. New Mexico), that means you'll probably be taking US-60 (the Superstition Freeway) right through the 17 exits that comprise Mesa, as part of the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
- SR-87 connects Tonto National Forest (in the NE) through the Salt River-Pima-Marico Indian Community, Mesa and Chandler, towards I-10 in Sweet Water Village. It goes north-south through Mesa as Country Club Dr.
- State Route (SR) 101 goes north-south between Scottsdale and Chandler. It divides Tempe from Mesa.
- SR-202 loops around the northern and eastern edge of Mesa, from it junction with SR-101 in the NW corner of Mesa to its junction with US Hwy 60 east of Mesa. Going west of SR-101 the 202 goes alongside the Salt River, along the northern edge of Tempe towards Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
- There are various east-west roads (Rio Salado, Apache Blvd/Main St, Broadway Rd, Southern Ave) connecting Tempe to Mesa which are not designated as a state or US Highway except Apache Blvd/Main St which was US Highway 60 before the Superstition Freeway (present US 60) was built.
By plane
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is to the west of Mesa and is the major air hub for all of Arizona and the southwestern United States. Flights arrive and depart to domestic and international destinations. If you're prone to airsickness, try to get flights into this airport that arrive either before noon or after sundown, particularly during late spring and early summer. The high elevation, hot sun, and spring winds combine to produce thermals that can make afternoon arrivals an extremely bumpy proposition.
Go Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
This airport offers flights to multiple destinations in the United States, by Allegiant Air and seasonally to/from Minneapolis/St Paul with Sun Country. This is a small airport that is being redeveloped into a major regional airport.
By train
The Valley Metro Light Rail runs through Mesa along Main St, connecting to Tempe and Downtown Phoenix. It begins/ends at the Gilbert Rd/Main St Station in Mesa. There's a transit center next to the Gilbert Rd/Main St Station served by the 40 & 45 buses. The 136 bus passes by along Gilbert Rd and does not go into the transit center. From Sky Harbor Airport, take the PHX Sky Train (people-mover) to the light rail station. (44th St/Washington Station).
By bus
- Valley Metro buses pass through Mesa on multiple routes, connecting Mesa into the neighboring cities of Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert.
Get around
Mesa is laid out on a straightforward north-south, east-west grid pattern as regards its major streets. Center Street and Main Street are perpendicular to each other and, as suits their names, intersect in the city center in a manner that provides an excellent reference point and makes city navigation relatively easy.
See
See Mesa Historical Museum
This rapidly growing museum, split between two buildings, features displays of the different phases of Mesa's history. The downtown location holds "Play Ball: the Cactus League Experience," an excellent exhibit on the history of spring training baseball in Arizona.
See Mesa Arizona Temple
This unique, historic building opened in 1927. Its 20-acre lot features beautiful gardens and sitting spaces. It is the largest temple built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints outside of Utah. The public is welcome to walk through the gardens. A must see at night when the exterior is illuminated.
- Mesa Temple Visitors' Center, 455 E. Main St. The center includes a children’s play area, with interactive activities; a hang out room for teens; a community section, with displays explaining the city's diverse history and spiritual heritage built by Native Americans, Hispanic migrants and Mormon pioneers. There is also a coloring wall, an interactive justserve.org screen to locate local community service opportunities, a 3D-scale model of the temple, and a display where visitors learn more about God and Jesus Christ. In addition, there is a family research area with computer workstations and helpers where guests can work at their own pace researching, adding to their family history and connecting their family tree. Free admission. Open daily 10AM-9PM.
See Commemorative Air Force Museum
Dedicated to the preservation in flying condition of the great war planes that dominated the skies of World War II. The Commemorative Air Force Museum at Falcon Field is home to the authentically restored World War II B-17 bomber, "Sentimental Journey." Out of the 12,731 B-17s built during WWII, there are about 13 left flyable and approximately eight flying in the United States. In addition to "Sentimental Journey" the CAF Museum also maintains a B-25 Mitchell bomber, SNJ, C-45, and a Grumman Guardian.
See Mesa Community College Arboretum
140 acres arboretum at Mesa Community College which is accredited by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program with 100 species of trees and more than 80 species of cacti and succulents. Admission is free and the arboretum is open to the general public. It is on the campus at Southern and Dobson with hours of operation from 6AM to 10PM.
Do
Outdoor activities
Annual events
Do Jesus the Christ (Mormon Passion Play/Musical)
This free community Easter celebration started in 1938 and is, according to its promoters, the "Largest Annual Outdoor Easter Pageant in the World." It portrays Jesus' life, teachings, crucifixion and resurrection through music, dance and drama with more than 400 cast members. It is held annually during the two weeks before Easter on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple. Come early to secure one of 10,000 chairs provided. No tickets necessary.
- Mesa Temple Christmas Lights, 101 S. LeSueur. Hundreds of thousands of lights and Biblical displays adorn the north lawn and gardens of the Mesa Arizona Temple. This free event, which started in 1979, starts each year on the day after Thanksgiving and runs through New Year's Eve. The lights are on every night from 5 to 10PM. During the season, an International Nativity Display featuring more than 150 nativity scenes from around the world (many handcrafted) is held at the Visitors' Center at the northeast corner of the temple lot. Both events are free and free parking is available nearby.
Buy
Shop Mesa Riverview
An outdoor shopping center. Stores include Bass Pro Shops, Cinemark Theatre, Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond, Petco, Walmart, Marshalls, Office Max, Sports Authority, and Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Eat
Eat Baby Kay's Cajun Kitchen
Camelback area local Cajun cuisine restaurant featuring po boys and, in season, crawfish boils on Wednesday nights.
Eat Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill
Homemade tortillas, huge burritos, addicting taco salads with spicy avocado ranch dressing. Ahh the sweet pork.
Eat Matta's (Mattas Mexican Grill)
The Mexican restaurant on the east side of town since 1953, hosted by the Matta family. Nice atmosphere with strolling mariachis in the evening.
Eat Pete's Fish and Chips
Eight other locations in the Phoenix Valley. Forget the tartar sauce -- "Pete's special sauce" is to die for. Family owned and operated since 1947. Only cash is accepted.
Eat Ned's Krazy Sub
Can't beat the lunch special. Try the Poorboy.
Eat Rosa's Mexican Grill
The original Rosa's. Everything on the menu is excellent, a family favorite. Best shrimp tacos anywhere.
Eat Waldo's BBQ
BBQ place, with a great atmosphere.
Eat Organ Stop Pizza
Organ Stop Pizza is an informal restaurant with a twist: It is home to the world's largest Wurlitzer pipe organ. Each night guests are treated to music from "The Mighty Wurlitzer", played by one of the staff organists who have all received "Organist of the Year" awards by the American Theatre Organ Society. Good pizza, salad, drinks, and a variety of other choices are available at great prices.
Eat Republica Empanada
Latin American comfort food restaurant located in a midcentury building in downtown Mesa with the largest selection of empanadas in Arizona priced at less than $3 each and Lunch specials for $6.95 or $7.50 M-Sa 11AM-3PM.
Eat Vito's Italian Pizza & Ristorante
Italian restaurant, includes a bar, and offers catering and banquet services.
Eat Mesa Asian District
Many authentic Asian restaurants focusing on specific regional cuisines. This area also includes two large Asian grocers, H-Mart and Mekong Supermarket. Asian Cafe Express - Cantonese, Shaanxi Garden - Xi'an and Shaanxi noodles, Mekong Restaurant - Dim Sum, Com Tam Thuan Kieu - Vietnamese, Original Cuisine - Sichuanese, Stone Tofu House - Korean, Jin BBQ - Korean BBQ, Sizzling House - Ramen, Thai Spices - Thai
Eat Board & Batten
Italian inspired food with a full bar and nice wine list.
Drink
Drink RT O'Sullivan's Bar and Grill
This is a great place to watch the game but get there early because it fills up.
Drink Oro Brewing Co
Grab a sandwich there and head over to Oro for some great beer.
Drink Chupacabra Taproom
Downtown Mesa's longest running taproom. Most of the seating is outdoors under shade sails with heat lamps in the winter. Small taproom serving many local beers and ciders. Lively crowd late into the night every weekend.
Sleep
Stay Courtyard Phoenix Mesa
Stay Four Points by Sheraton at Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport
This is an informal hotel, with courteous staff. The rooms are clean and also have a few desks. The usual cost is $84, and they have free wifi and parking, an outdoor pool, laundry services, and air conditioners. It is also handicap-accessible.
Camping
Stay safe
Mesa has a fairly high crime rate compared to some other American cities, but most of it is property crime of more concern to residents than to visitors.
Newspapers
Place East Valley Tribune ((formerly the Mesa Tribune))
Freely distributed "voice of the East Valley". Their yearly Best of East Valley readers contests are very helpful for finding great food, drinks, entertainment and shopping; their editors fill the East Valley Guide with their own recommendations, which also includes a calendar of local events.
Go next
- In the Greater Phoenix area:
- "Old Town" Scottsdale in the northeast Phoenix metropolitan area is the single most tourist friendly area in the valley.
- Downtown Tempe has a lively night life, being a college town. Accessible by light rail.
- Head to Phoenix – catch a show or a ballgame, or see the Phoenix Zoo or the Desert Botanical Garden.
- There are many museums and other cultural venues in Phoenix. Accessible by light rail.
- Head east to Apache Junction and enjoy a trip to Lost Duchman State Park, the launching point for hikes into the Superstition Mountains.
- North of the Metro Phoenix area — on Interstate 17 North:
- Visit the Grand Canyon – a four hours drive to the South Rim, north near Flagstaff.
- Elsewhere north: Prescott, Sedona and Route 66.
- South — on Interstate 10 East:
- See South Central Arizona, with an hour-and-a-half drive to Tucson.
- Elsewhere south: Picacho Peak State Park, Saguaro National Park, Santa Catalina Mountains.
- West — on Interstate 10 West (via Loop 202 West):
- Head towards the Palm Springs area in the California Desert, or continue onwards to Southern California for Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood.
Nearby
Tempe
City / town · 64 listings · 5 mi away
Gilbert
City / town · 33 listings · 5 mi away
Chandler
City / town · 16 listings · 8 mi away
Scottsdale
City / town · 63 listings · 8 mi away
Guadalupe
City / town · 9 mi away
Fountain Hills
City / town · 2 listings · 14 mi away
Phoenix
City / town · 190 listings · 16 mi away
Apache Junction
City / town · 13 listings · 16 mi away
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