Mesa

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.

Understand

Mesa was founded in January 1878 by Mormon (Latter-day Saint or LDS) 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), 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.

Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitors Center, 120 N Center St (north of Main St), 33.418023°, -111.831937°, +1 480 827-4700, info@visitmesa.com. M-F 8AM-5PM. 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.

By plane

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (IATA: 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.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IATA: AZA), 33.307778°, -111.655556°, +1 480-500-7305. This airport offers flights to more than 35 destinations in the United States, by Allegiant Air and a couple of cities in Canada by WestJet. This is a small airport that is being redeveloped into a major regional airport.
Falcon Field (_IATA: MSC; _), due east of Phoenix off the Red Mountain Freeway in Maricopa County, just northeast of Mesa, AZ, who owns and operates the airport, 33.4608°, -111.728°. Falcon Field is home to the CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, the world's largest flight school, and Boeing operates an AH-64 Apache helicopter factory adjacent to the airport.

By rail

The Valley Metro Light Rail runs through downtown Mesa (4 new downtown light rail stations opened in Mesa in August 2015) , connecting to Tempe and Downtown Phoenix. From Sky Harbor Airport, take the free shuttle to the light rail station.

By bus

Greyhound, 1423 N Country Club Dr #7, 33.388603°, -111.839386°, +1 480 834-3360. Daily 7AM-6PM (ticketing).

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

Mesa Historical Museum, 2345 N Horne, 33.458495°, -111.813077°, +1 480-835-2286. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. 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. $5 (adults), $4 (seniors), $3 (children 3-12)
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main St, 33.414396°, -111.830532°, +1 480 644-6500. 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 Mormon Temple, 101 S LeSueur, 33.412807°, -111.819676°. This unique building, just east of downtown is the third largest Mormon temple outside of Salt Lake City. A must see at night.
i.d.e.a. Museum, 35 N Robson St, 33.416774°, -111.836005°, +1 480 644-2468, azMus4youth@mesaaz.gov. Nationally renowned fine arts museum for children aged 1-12. 2017-10-15
Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N MacDonald St, 33.416711°, -111.83373°, +1 480 644-2230. Tu-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 11AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM. This rapidly expanding museum features an interesting array of cultural and natural history artifacts from the American Southwest. $10 (adults), $9 (seniors), $8 (students 13+), $6 (children 3-12)
Commemorative Air Force Museum, 2017 N Greenfield Rd, 33.452605°, -111.734928°, +1 480 924-1940, wingleader@azcaf.org. Jun-Sep: W-Su 9AM-3PM, Oct-May: daily 10AM-4PM. 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. $12 (adults 13+), $10 (seniors 62+) $3 (children 5-12) 2020-02-15
Mesa Grande Cultural Park, W 10th St, 33.434163°, -111.845328°, +1 480 644-3428. Th-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM. The site preserves a group of Hohokam structures dated from 1100-1400 CE. Ruins include a great mound, building remains, and several ball courts. $5 (adults), $2 (children 3-12)
Mesa Community College Arboretum, 1833 West Southern Ave. 6AM - 10PM. 140-acre 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. Free 2018-05-02

Do

Jake's Unlimited, 33.3805°, -111.7916°.
Golfland Sunsplash, 33.3883°, -111.8369°.
Cactus League Spring Training, 1235 N Center St. A treat for baseball fans happens every spring with the Cactus League Spring Training games happening all over Phoenix and Tucson.
Fighter Combat International, 5865 S Sossaman Rd. Fly an actual dogfight mission in the cockpit of a jet. Starting at $750.
2nd Friday Night Out, Downtown Mesa- Between Center and Country Club on Main. Monthly event on 2nd Friday of every month from 6 to 10PM with live music, over 60 art and craft booths, food for sale and other types of events and entertainment. Free admission Free admission 2016-03-08

Outdoor Activities

Desert Belle Paddleboat Cruises, 14011 N Bush Hwy. 90-minute cruises aboard the desert belle paddleboat on Saguaro Lake which is known for towering canyon walls, wildlife, and desert/mountain vistas.
Park of the Canals, 1710 N Horne, 33.445739°, -111.814504°, +1 480 644-4271. Sunrise to 10PM. This 31-acre park includes evidence of ancient Hohokam Indian canals dating back to 700B.C. and a beautiful desert botanical garden featuring a wide variety of cacti. Free
Rose Garden at Mesa Community College, 1833 W Southern Ave, 33.392683°, -111.873003°, +1 480 461-7022, rosegarden@mesacc.edu. Daily 24 hrs. Largest rose garden in the Desert Southwest includes 4,600 bushes and more than 450 varieties. Open year-round with peak bloom in April. Free
Saguaro Lake Ranch Trail Rides, 13020 Bush Hwy. Offering guides trail rides surrounding Saguaro lake. Desert scenery and mountain vistas. Sunset rides offered.
Salt River Tubing and Recreation, 9200 N Bush Hwy. Float down the Salt River East of Mesa on a inflatable inner tube. Enjoy the desert views and wildlife along the way. This activity is known as a very popular party spot.
Tonto National Forest, Mesa District, 5140 E Ingram St. Stop into this Park Ranger office and pick up a map before heading out on the hiking trails. The Tonto National Forest is the fifth largest in the United States. Desert to Mountain terrain.

Annual Events

Arizona Fall League, 1235 N Center St. The Arizona Fall league is known to feature the up and coming baseball stars of tomorrow. Mesa Hohokam park is home to the Mesa Solar Sox whose players include those from teams such as the SF Giants, Cubs, and Reds. 2017-10-15
Chicago Cubs Spring Training, 1235 N Center St. Spend an afternoon watching the MLB Chicago Cubs take on any number of teams during spring training at Hohokam Park. Spring training runs from late February to late March annually.
Jesus the Christ (Mormon Passion Play/Musical). Billed as "Mesa Arizona's Easter Pageant," this free "community Easter celebration" is apparently, according to its promoters, the "Largest Annual Outdoor Easter Pageant in the World." You might want to get your seats or spots on the lawn well in advance of its April showtimes.
Mesa Music Festival, Main Street (downtown Mesa) (Light rail station at Main Street in downtown Mesa). 3-day music festival and block party with over 100 bands, art vendors, bike shows and other events in downtown Mesa with free admission. Free admission 2015-08-25
Downtown Mesa Brewfest, Downtown Mesa at South Macdonald and Main Street (near downtown Mesa light rail station). Free festival in downtown Mesa near Mesa light rail station with live music, games, contests and vendors offering beer and food for purchase. Early March. Free admission to festival, beer (21+) and food available for purchase 2016-02-13

Buy

Bass Pro Shops, 1133 N Dobson Rd. 170,125 sq feet of outdoor equipment.
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, 1056 S Country Club Dr, 33.39581°, -111.84164°, +1 480-835-0505. Daily 9AM-10PM. This Tucson-based used bookstore chain also carries used CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. There is an electric vehicle charging station and free Wi-Fi, and pets are welcome in the store. 2017-03-01
Dana Park, 1700 S. Val Vista Dr. Upscale, boutique style shopping with sparkling fountains and merchants offering jewelry, home accessories, fashion clothing, gourmet foods, and unique dining.
Mesa Riverview, 1061 N. Dobson Rd. A brand new 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.
Superstition Springs Mall.
Asylum Records, 2990 N Alma School Rd #5, Chandler, +1 480 964-6301. Open Tuesday through Sunday starting at noon-Closed Monday. Record store in downtown Mesa selling new and used records, CDs, DVDs and music memorabilia.

Eat

Baby Kay's Cajun Kitchen, 2051 S Dobson Rd, +1 480 800-4811. M-Sa lunch and dinner. Camelback area local Cajun cuisine restaurant featuring po boys and, in season, crawfish boils on Wednesday nights.
Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill, 1744 S Val Vista Dr, +1 480 633-8226. Homemade tortillas, huge burritos, addicting taco salads with spicy avocado ranch dressing. Ahh the sweet pork.
Matta's (Mattas Mexican Grill), Grill: 1105 N Higley Rd (Brown & Higley), +1 480 655-8646. The Mexican restaurant on the east side of town since 1953, hosted by the Matta family. The original location on Main street closed in 2008, but in 2002 the family opened a fast/casual-style location called Mattas Mexican Grill. Nice atmosphere with strolling mariachis in the evening.
Pete's Fish and Chips, 22 S. Mesa Dr, +1 480 964-7242. 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.
Ned's or Steve's Krazy Sub, Best subs in Mesa. Can't beat the lunch special. Try the Poorboy.
- Ned's: 1927 N Gilbert Rd, +1 480 464-0033.,1356 S. Gilbert Rd. Suite B-1, +1 480 898-8894.
- Steves: 1211 N Country Club Dr Mesa, +1 480 835-0330,
- *or 6853 E Main Street (Power and Main next to Greenbacks), +1 480 924-SUBS.
Rosa's Mexican Grill, 328 E University Dr, +1 480 964-5451. The original Rosa's. Everything on the menu is excellent, a family favorite. Best shrimp tacos anywhere.
Waldo's BBQ, 4500 E. Main St, +1 480 807-6475. Located in the eastern portion of town, Waldo's serves up everything you could ask from a BBQ place, all with a great atmosphere.
Organ Stop Pizza, 1149 East Southern Ave (SW corner of Southern and Stapley, off US 60), +1 480 813-5700. About 5-9PM, more depeding on season.. 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. under $10 per person
Republica Empanada, 204 E. 1st Ave, +1 480 969-1343. M-Th 11AM-4PM, F Sa 11AM-8PM. 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.
Vito's Italian Pizza & Ristorante, 1947 N Lindsay Rd, 33.451087°, -111.770345°, +1 480-832-3311. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F SA 11AM-10PM. Italian restaurant, includes a bar, and offers catering and banquet services. $ 2017-03-29

Drink

RT O'Sullivan's Bar and Grill, 6646 E Superstition Springs Blvd, +1 480-396-9933. This is a great place to watch the game but get there early because it fills up.
Oro Brewing Co, 210 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201. Right along the growing "strip" in downtown Mesa, right next to Worth Takewaway. Grab a sandwich there and head over to Oro for some great beer. 2021-05-10

Sleep

Arizona Golf Resort, 425 South Power Rd, +1 480 832-3202. 30 minutes from Phoenix, it feature a championship golf course, meeting facilities, onsite dining as well as many other amenities.
Courtyard Phoenix Mesa, 1221 South Westwood Ave, +1 480 461-3000.
Four Points by Sheraton at Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport, 6850 E Williams Field Rd, +14805792100. This is located near the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport. It is an informal hotel, with courteous staff and marvelous food. 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. 2020-08-14
DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa, 1011 West Holmes Ave, +1 480-833-5555.
Quality Inn & Suites, 1410 S. Country Club Dr, +1 480 964-2897.
Sleep Inn, 6347 E. Southern Ave, +1 480 807-7760.
Westgate Painted Mountain Country Club, 6302 E. McKellips Rd. A golf resort near Phoenix, offering family lodging and accommodations with panoramic views & featuring an 18-hole, par 70 championship golf course.

Camping

Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, 33.477559°, -111.619368°, +1 480 984-0032, userypark@mail.maricopa.gov. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Water and electric hookups at all sites, with toilets and hot showers available; maximum RV length 50'. Reservations can be made online ($8 reservation fee). $25/night

Connect

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

The Arizona Republic, 200 E Van Buren St, +1 602 444-8000. The city’s main newspaper that is read throughout the city and state.
The New Times, 1201 E Jefferson, +1 602 271-0040. A great source of independent news and information about events, music, food, etc. The closest thing Phoenix has to New York's Village Voice (and they are under common ownership).
East Valley Tribune ((formerly the Mesa Tribune)), 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Ste. 219 Tempe, AZ 85282, +1 480 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
La Voz, 200 E Van Buren St, +1 602 444-8000. A popular Spanish language newspaper published by The Arizona Republic.
Asian American Times, 668 N 44th St, Ste 343. Excellent Chinese-American newspaper with articles printed in English and Chinese.

Go next

Within 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.
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.

Mesa - city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States