What Do Locals Like To Do Most in Mesa, AZ?

Mesa, Arizona, is a city located in Maricopa County and is the third-largest city in the state. It offers a wide range of activities for its residents and visitors. Mesa has a rich cultural heritage and is home to a variety of attractions, including museums, parks, and shopping centers.

Mesa has several family-friendly activities, making it a great destination for families with children. The Arizona Museum of Natural History, the i.d.e.a Museum, and the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum are all popular attractions for families. The Golfland Sunsplash is another popular destination, featuring water slides, miniature golf, and an arcade.

Mesa is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its warm climate and diverse landscape. The city has over 2,280 acres of parks and open space, which provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Some of the most popular parks in Mesa include Usery Mountain Regional Park, Red Mountain Park, and Riverview Park. These parks offer hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and other amenities.

Mesa is also known for its golf courses, which attract golfers from all over the world. The city has over 40 golf courses, with some of the most popular ones being the Dobson Ranch Golf Course, the Superstition Springs Golf Club, and the Las Sendas Golf Club. These courses offer challenging layouts, stunning views, and top-notch amenities such as pro shops, driving ranges, and restaurants.

Mesa is home to several sports teams, including the Chicago Cubs, who have their spring training facility in the city. The Cubs play their home games at Sloan Park, which is a state-of-the-art stadium that can seat up to 15,000 fans. Mesa is also home to the Arizona Rattlers, a professional indoor football team, and the Phoenix Rising FC, a professional soccer team. 8. Horseback Riding

Mesa has several horseback riding trails and stables, making it a popular activity among locals. The Salt River Wild Horses are a popular attraction, and there are several companies that offer guided horseback riding tours of the area. Some of the most popular stables in Mesa include the Koli Equestrian Center, the Western Trail Horseback Riding, and the Saguaro Lake Ranch Stables.

Mesa is located near several lakes and rivers, making it a popular destination for water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Some of the most popular lakes in the area include Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, and Apache Lake. The Salt River is another popular destination for water activities, with several companies offering kayak and tubing rentals.

Mesa is rich in cultural heritage and has many museums, galleries, and historic sites. One of the most popular attractions is the Mesa Arts Center, which is a performing and visual arts complex that hosts concerts, theater productions, and art exhibitions. The Arizona Museum of Natural History is another popular attraction, featuring exhibits on dinosaurs, Arizona’s history, and Native American culture. Other cultural attractions include the Mesa Historical Museum, the i.d.e.a Museum, and the Mesa Amphitheatre.

Mesa has a wide range of shopping options, from high-end malls to quirky boutiques. One of the most popular shopping destinations is the Mesa Riverview, an outdoor shopping center that features over 70 retailers and restaurants. The Superstition Springs Center is another popular mall, with over 150 stores, a movie theater, and a food court. For a more unique shopping experience, locals enjoy visiting the Mesa Market Place Swap Meet, which features over 1,600 vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to vintage clothing.

Mesa has a thriving food scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering various cuisines. Some of the most popular restaurants include the Blue Adobe Santa Fe Grille, which serves New Mexican cuisine, and the NCounter, which offers American breakfast and lunch options. For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, the Steak 44, which serves prime steaks and seafood, and the Brio Tuscan Grille, which offers Italian cuisine, are both popular choices.

Mesa hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, which are popular with locals and visitors alike. Some of the most popular events include the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which takes place from February to March and features jousting, live performances, and artisan crafts. The Mesa Arts Festival, which takes place in December, is another popular event and features over 200 artists selling their work, live music, and food vendors.

Mesa has a thriving nightlife scene, with several bars, clubs, and music venues. Some of the most popular bars include the Thirsty Lion Gastropub, the Mesa Spirits and Ale House, and the O.H.S.O. Brewery. For live music, locals enjoy visiting the Club Red, the Nile Theater, and the Mesa Amphitheatre, which hosts concerts and shows throughout the year.

Mesa has several farmers markets throughout the year, offering fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and food vendors. The Downtown Mesa Farmers Market takes place every Saturday and features local vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and food. The Mesa Community Farmers Market is another popular destination, featuring vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal bread, and other locally made products.