Mesa Arizona Travel Guide
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Mesa, Arizona is a large East Valley city within the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area and a convenient base for exploring the Sonoran Desert. Visitors can combine downtown museums and performing arts with golf, Major League Baseball spring training, desert hiking, Salt River recreation and day trips to Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake and the Superstition Mountains.
With a 2025 U.S. Census population estimate of 513,656 and about 138.7 square miles of land, Mesa is Arizona's third-largest city. Its location east of Phoenix places visitors close to both urban attractions and some of central Arizona's most popular outdoor recreation areas.
- Mesa Quick Facts
- Top Things To Do
- Outdoor Recreation
- Downtown Mesa
- Spring Training
- Golf
- Lakes & Water Recreation
- Day Trips From Mesa
- Best Time To Visit
- Visitor Tips
- FAQ
Mesa Arizona Quick Facts
- Location: East Valley of the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area
- County: Maricopa County
- 2025 population estimate: 513,656
- Size: Approximately 138.7 square miles
- Arizona ranking: Third-largest city by population
- Spring training teams: Chicago Cubs and Athletics
- Major cultural attraction: Mesa Arts Center
- Nearby outdoor area: Usery Mountain Regional Park
- Nearby waterways: Salt River, Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake
- City parkland: More than 2,000 acres
Top Things To Do In Mesa Arizona
- Mesa Arts Center: See live performances, contemporary art exhibitions and public events at Arizona's largest arts center.
- Arizona Museum of Natural History: Explore dinosaurs, archaeology, Arizona history and interactive exhibits in downtown Mesa.
- Usery Mountain Regional Park: Hike, bike and enjoy Sonoran Desert scenery on more than 29 miles of trails.
- Salt River: Enjoy tubing, kayaking and paddling through desert scenery east of Mesa.
- Spring Training: Watch the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park and the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium.
- Downtown Mesa: Explore public art, restaurants, breweries, shops, museums and entertainment venues.
- Desert Lakes: Boat, paddle, fish and sightsee at nearby Saguaro and Canyon lakes.
- Apache Trail: Take a scenic drive into the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest.
- Golf: Choose from numerous East Valley golf courses surrounded by desert and mountain scenery.
- Mesa Parks: Visit recreation areas including Riverview Park, Pioneer Park and other family-oriented city parks.
Outdoor Recreation In Mesa
Mesa sits at the edge of the Sonoran Desert and provides convenient access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, paddling and wildlife viewing. Usery Mountain Regional Park on the northeast side of Mesa covers approximately 3,648 acres and offers more than 29 miles of trails ranging from short accessible walks to longer desert hikes.
The Lower Salt River and nearby Tonto National Forest add kayaking, tubing, fishing and scenic-water opportunities. During warmer months, begin strenuous desert activities early, carry plenty of water and pay close attention to heat and weather conditions.
Downtown Mesa Arts, Museums & Entertainment
Downtown Mesa combines museums, performing arts, public art, restaurants, breweries and locally owned businesses in a walkable district along Main Street. The centerpiece is Mesa Arts Center, a seven-acre campus with four theaters, Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum and working art studios.
Nearby attractions include the Arizona Museum of Natural History, idea Museum, public sculptures and murals. Valley Metro light rail also serves downtown Mesa, providing connections with Tempe and Phoenix without requiring visitors to drive for every outing.
Major League Baseball Spring Training In Mesa
Mesa is one of the major destinations for Cactus League spring training and hosts two Major League Baseball organizations. The Chicago Cubs play at Sloan Park, while the Athletics play at Hohokam Stadium. Practices and exhibition games typically bring baseball fans to Mesa during February and March.
Sloan Park is near Mesa Riverview and Loop 101, while Hohokam Stadium is north of downtown Mesa. Game schedules, tickets and practice access change each season, so check current spring-training information before planning a visit.
Golf In Mesa Arizona
Mesa and the surrounding East Valley offer numerous golf courses ranging from resort-style layouts to public daily-fee courses. Desert terrain, mountain views and mild winter weather make golf especially popular from fall through spring.
Lakes & Water Recreation Near Mesa
Mesa is unusually close to several desert waterways. Saguaro Lake offers boating, fishing, paddling, beaches and sightseeing cruises, while Canyon Lake is known for steep canyon scenery, boating and scenic cruises. The Lower Salt River is popular for tubing, kayaking and wildlife viewing.
Apache Lake lies farther east along State Route 88 and provides another option for boating, fishing and camping. Road conditions on the Apache Trail can change following storms, so check current highway conditions before making the drive.
2026 travel note: Canyon Lake is scheduled to temporarily close beginning September 16, 2026 for approximately 16 weeks for maintenance and safety inspections. Visitors traveling during that period should consider Saguaro Lake and Lower Salt River recreation instead.
Day Trips From Mesa
The Superstition Mountains rise east of Mesa and provide hiking, scenic drives and access to Tonto National Forest. The area's enduring Lost Dutchman Mine legend is part of Arizona folklore, while archaeological sites throughout the region reflect thousands of years of Indigenous history.
Visitors should leave archaeological artifacts, pottery fragments and other cultural resources exactly where they are found. Removing or disturbing archaeological materials on protected public lands is prohibited and destroys valuable historical context.
Other popular day trips from Mesa include the Apache Trail, Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, historic mining communities and attractions throughout the Greater Phoenix area.
Where To Stay In Mesa
Mesa offers hotels and extended-stay accommodations throughout the city, including properties near downtown, Sloan Park, Mesa Riverview, Falcon Field and the Superstition Springs area. Additional resort choices are available throughout nearby Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler and the broader Phoenix metropolitan area.
Choose lodging based on the activities you plan to emphasize. West Mesa is convenient to Tempe, Phoenix and Sloan Park, while east and northeast Mesa provide quicker access to Usery Mountain, the Salt River, Saguaro Lake and the Superstition Mountains.
Best Time To Visit Mesa Arizona
- Winter: Mild daytime temperatures make winter excellent for golf, hiking, sightseeing and outdoor dining.
- Spring: Pleasant weather, desert wildflowers and Major League Baseball spring training make February and March especially popular.
- Summer: Expect very hot daytime temperatures. Focus outdoor recreation on early morning or evening and use lakes, rivers, museums and indoor attractions during the hottest hours.
- Fall: Cooling temperatures make fall increasingly comfortable for golf, hiking, festivals and outdoor recreation.
Mesa Arizona Visitor Tips
- Plan strenuous desert hikes for early morning, particularly during warm months.
- Carry more drinking water than you expect to need for outdoor activities.
- Allow extra travel time when heading to Salt River and lake recreation areas on busy weekends.
- Check current State Route 88 conditions before driving the Apache Trail.
- Reserve popular spring-training games and accommodations well in advance for February and March visits.
- Use Valley Metro light rail for selected trips between downtown Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix.
- Check current lake, river and recreation-area conditions before traveling because weather and water levels can affect access.
- Use the Mesa area map to plan trips between downtown, East Mesa and surrounding communities.
More Mesa Arizona Information
- Mesa Arizona Map
- Casinos Near Mesa
- Lake Cruises Near Mesa & Phoenix
- Things To Do In Greater Phoenix
- Phoenix Arizona Visitor Guide
- Saguaro Lake
- Canyon Lake
- Superstition Mountains
Other Local Information
Mesa Arizona
Mesa Arizona FAQ
Where Is Mesa Arizona?
Mesa is located in Maricopa County in the East Valley portion of the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area, east of Tempe and Phoenix.
What Is Mesa Arizona Known For?
Mesa is known for Sonoran Desert recreation, Major League Baseball spring training, golf, Mesa Arts Center, museums, nearby lakes, Salt River recreation and access to the Superstition Mountains.
How Large Is Mesa Arizona?
Mesa covers approximately 138.7 square miles and had a U.S. Census population estimate of 513,656 as of July 1, 2025.
What Baseball Teams Have Spring Training In Mesa?
The Chicago Cubs play spring-training games at Sloan Park, while the Athletics play at Hohokam Stadium.
What Are The Best Outdoor Activities Near Mesa?
Popular activities include hiking and mountain biking at Usery Mountain Regional Park, tubing and kayaking on the Salt River, boating and fishing at nearby lakes and exploring the Superstition Mountains.
What Lakes Are Near Mesa Arizona?
Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake are among the most popular lakes near Mesa. Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake are farther east in the Tonto National Forest region.
Is Downtown Mesa Worth Visiting?
Yes. Downtown Mesa includes Mesa Arts Center, museums, public art, restaurants, breweries, shops and entertainment venues, with Valley Metro light rail providing regional connections.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Mesa?
Fall through spring generally provides the most comfortable weather for outdoor recreation. February and March are especially popular because of Major League Baseball spring training.
Is Mesa Close To The Superstition Mountains?
Yes. The Superstition Mountains are immediately east of the Mesa metropolitan area and are easily reached for hiking, sightseeing and Apache Trail day trips.
How Far Is Mesa From Phoenix?
Mesa is part of the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area directly east of Phoenix. Driving time varies considerably depending on the starting point, destination and traffic.
Metro Phoenix
