Top Attractions for First-Timers

Arizona Museum of Natural History

Discover Arizona’s fascinating geological history at this museum located on the campus of Mesa Community College. Wander through exhibits of dinosaur fossils, minerals, and petrified wood. Gaze up at the towering cast of “Dakota,” a 65-foot-long sauropod dinosaur. With family-friendly programs and rotating exhibits, you’ll always find something new to explore.

Mesa Arts Center

Experience performances, exhibits, and arts education at this stunning architectural gem. Designed by renowned architect Will Bruder, the arts center features four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios spread across its campus. Catch a Broadway show at the 1,600-seat Ikeda Theater or an indie band at the 500-seat Piper Theater. With over 1,200 arts events each year, Mesa Arts Center always has something going on.

Saguaro Lake

Escape the desert heat at this water recreation area formed by the Stewart Mountain Dam on the Salt River. Rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards or powerboats and hit the water for an adventurous day. Go fishing for bass, trout and catfish in the lake’s stocked waters. Take a cruise on the Desert Belle, a Mississippi-style paddle wheeler offering scenic wildlife tours and dinner cruises.

Lost Dutchman State Park

This state park located at the base of the Superstition Mountains provides the perfect nature getaway just minutes from the city. Hike through fields of wildflowers and into dramatic desert canyons. Look for native wildlife like coyotes, javelina, roadrunners, and over 200 species of birds. Learn about the legend of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine that still lures prospectors today.

Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona

Step back in time at this aviation museum dedicated to educating visitors about World War II. Get up close to historic planes like the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, B-25 Mitchell bomber, and P-51 Mustang fighter. Ride in a WWII-era plane during a short scenic tour over the city, or pay extra for an aerobatic flight. Don’t miss the museum’s signature event – a massive annual air show.

Arizona Falls

Find a peaceful oasis at this desert gem located inside Usery Mountain Recreation Area. Follow a short trail through mellow desert terrain to reach a small waterfall flowing down a granite cliff into oak-shaded ponds. Relax on large boulders near the falls and take in beautiful views of the surrounding mountains dotted with saguaros, palo verde trees and prickly pear cacti.

Where to Stay in Mesa

Mesa offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Look for hotels clustered near downtown and the Fiesta District if you want walkable access to attractions. North Mesa has more affordable chain hotels along the light rail. Consider these top lodging picks for your stay:

Downtown Historic Properties

Historic hotels like Mesa Arts Center Inn, Dobson House Inn, and Caravan Inn offer charming ambiance paired with central locations. Wake up and stroll to downtown museums, shops and restaurants.

Resort Hotels

Full-service resorts like Sheraton Mesa, Hilton Phoenix/Mesa and Phoenix Marriott Mesa provide luxury amenities like pools, spas, golf and event spaces.

Budget-Friendly Chains

Mesa has all the convenient, affordable chain hotels you’d expect. Look for trusted names like Holiday Inn, Best Western, La Quinta, and Motel 6 along North Mesa’s hotel row near the US 60.

Vacation Rentals

Book a private home, condo or apartment through sites like Airbnb, VRBO and TripAdvisor. Vacation rentals provide homey amenities like kitchens and common areas for groups at similar nightly rates as hotel rooms.

RV Parks and Campgrounds

Immerse yourself in Mesa’s scenic natural areas by camping out under the stars. Sites like Meteor Crater RV Park, Viewpoint RV and Golf Resort, and Usery Mountain Regional Park offer RV hookups, tent sites and amenities.

Breakfast and Brunch

Start your morning right at popular breakfast joints like O.H.S.O. Eatery + nanoBrewery, Matt’s Big Breakfast, Schnitzel Shack, and Mimi’s Cafe, famous for its French toast.

Mexican Food

With its Southwestern locale and influence, Mesa excels at top-notch Mexican cuisine. Try family-owned spots like Carolina’s, Dos Gringos Mesa, and Tacos Calidad. Order classic dishes, street tacos or Mex-American fusion.

How to Get Around Mesa

Public Transportation

Valley Metro operates bus routes throughout Mesa and the Phoenix area. Purchase single ride tickets or day passes on board buses or at light rail stations. The bus system connects to Metro light rail, which links Mesa to downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and the airport. The closest light rail stations to Mesa are Sycamore, Main Street, and Vista. Buses and light rail run daily, but frequency is reduced on weekends and holidays.

Taxis and Rideshares

Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft offer convenient on-demand transportation within Mesa and to nearby destinations like Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Fares vary based on distance traveled and demand. Rideshare apps allow you to get an estimated fare before booking. Taxis can be booked by phone or hailed on the street when the top light is on. Compare options to find the best ride for your needs and budget.

Charter Buses

For group travel, charter buses provide a comfortable and efficient transportation solution. Charter bus companies like Party Bus Mesa offer personalized service to handle the transportation logistics for your large group. Have the entire party picked up and dropped off together at destinations around Mesa or the greater Phoenix area. Onboard amenities like WiFi, TVs, power outlets and restrooms make for smooth travels. Contact us at (602) 338-9257 for help planning your group’s Mesa charter bus rental.

Ready to Get Started?

With an amazing mix of natural scenery, culture, entertainment and activities, Mesa has so much in store during your visit. This guide covered some top things to do and the best ways to get around for first-time travelers. For more Mesa travel tips or to book group transportation, contact Party Bus Mesa. We’ll help you experience the very best of this Southwestern city.