United States Destinations

Mesa, Arizona has much to offer visitors year-round

As the third largest city in the Grand Canyon State and one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation, Mesa has much to offer visitors year-round.

With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Mesa is a popular destination for visitors worldwide. Over 410,000 residents now populate the city that once was home to ancient Indian tribes and early American settlers.

Located just minutes east of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Mesa has more than 60 hotels that vary in size and amenities from firstclass, fullservice resorts to cosy inns and RV parks.
Visitors to Mesa can enjoy great outdoor activities such as hiking, boating and golf. The Superstition Mountains, located 32 kilometres east of the city and home of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, have numerous hiking trails and places to explore. Four lakes are also situated in the Superstitions and each has excellent fishing and boating.

A journey through the Superstitions leads visitors back to the days when gold prospectors, Indians and cowboys roamed the territory. In the 1880s, Jacob Waltz “the Lost Dutchman”, discovered an old Spanish gold mine in the Superstitions and gained vast riches. Unfortunately, Waltz took the secret location of the mine to his grave and treasure seekers have spent the last century trying to rediscover the mine.

A visit to any one of Mesa’s 25 challenging golf courses is another way to experience the great yearround weather. The “build-your-own” Mesa Golf Package allows golfers to make tee times up to 120 days in advance.

A popular day trip from Mesa includes a visit to the authentic Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat, a town populated by only six citizens. Both destinations are some of the most entertaining Old West attractions on the Apache Trail. A cruise on the Dolly steamboat on nearby Canyon Lake is a pleasant and relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening.

For nightlife, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre West features some of Broadway’s best classics and musicals. Rockin’ R Ranch, and Barleen’s Arizona Opry Dinner Show serve up great western entertainment along with a hearty meal. The performers at each venue have their own special brand of music and humour that is a mustsee attraction while in Mesa.

Great special events in Mesa include the annual Native American Pow Wow, the Mesa Storyteller Festival, and the Renaissance Festival in nearby Apache Junction. Every March, Mesa plays host to the Chicago Cubs for Major League baseball spring training games at Hohokam Park Stadium. A special spring training hotel package is available through the Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau. Packages include guaranteed reserved seats to a Cubs game and hotel accommodations at one convenient price.

Mesa also has much to offer those who love to shop. Three malls are now open and each features major department stores and specialty shops. Factory Stores of America is a great place to find quality merchandise direct from the manufacturer at below retail prices. And make sure to visit one of the many quaint antique stores situated in our historic downtown.

To learn about the history of the area, visit one of Mesa’s five museums including the Mesa Southwest Museum, the Arizona Museum for Youth, Confederate Air Force Museum, and Mesa Historical Museum.

With great year-round weather and a multitude of activities and attractions, Mesa is the city to experience the desert southwest.