Introduction
The city of Mesa is the third-largest municipality in Arizona. It’s located just east of Phoenix and is bordered by Tempe and Scottsdale on three sides. Many people are surprised to learn that Mesa has a rich history dating back to 1877 when it was founded by Mormon pioneers who settled in an area known as “The Valley of the Sun.” There are over 60 historical buildings still standing today!
Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center is located in downtown Mesa, and it’s one of the best things to do in Mesa. The center offers a theater, gallery space, and sculpture garden that are open to the public. It also hosts the annual Mesa Arts Festival each year featuring art from local artists across Arizona. If you get tired of looking at art on your trip to Mesa you can head over to their museum where they have an art collection that includes more than 1,500 works!
Arizona Museum of Natural History
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the largest in the state, with more than 40 permanent exhibits and a variety of special events. The museum is also home to the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton: a Tyrannosaurus bataar nicknamed “Stan”.
The museum has many exhibits that are perfect for kids, including its interactive Bug Zone where you can learn about bugs from around the world, and its Dinosaur Halls where you can see fossils and skeletons of some of our planet’s most famous extinct creatures.
There are also several other attractions nearby that are worth checking out while visiting Phoenix, including Arizona Science Center (also known as “the rocket”), which features interactive experiences like 3D movies or space travel simulators. Or take an afternoon at Downtown Mesa Farmers Market—the oldest farmer’s market in Arizona!
Apollonia Greek Bistro
Apollonia Greek Bistro is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves authentic Greek cuisine and wine. The menu features traditional dishes such as souvlaki and moussaka, as well as more modern takes on classic recipes like their twist on the gyro: instead of lamb, Apollonia uses beef or chicken seasoned with lemon, oregano, garlic, and coriander. They also have an extensive selection of wines from Greece’s top wineries.
Apollonia Greek Bistro puts on live music performances every Thursday through Saturday night from 9 pm to 11:30 pm (except for Fridays). Their musical guests include local bands that perform songs by artists like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Eagles. There are also interludes between sets where one or two members of the band will teach you how to dance your favorite tango or ballroom dance steps at no extra charge!
Barnone AZ
Located in Mesa, Barnone AZ is a unique restaurant that features a farm-to-table menu. Their menu changes with the seasons to incorporate the freshest ingredients available, and their friendly staff will help you customize your lunch or dinner experience.
The atmosphere at Barnone AZ is warm and inviting with brick walls, wooden tables, and soft lighting throughout. They have ample space for both large groups and couples alike. The service here is also excellent; they’re helpful without being intrusive or pushy, making it easy to enjoy your meal in peace while they take care of everything else around you!
Mod Pizza
Mod Pizza is a fast-casual restaurant chain that serves pizza and salads. The restaurant has locations throughout the U.S., including Arizona, California, Colorado, Washington, and Nevada.
Mod Pizza’s unique ordering system allows customers to build their pizzas by selecting from a variety of crusts and sauces, then adding toppings at no additional cost. Customers can even create their signature pie with whatever toppings they choose! The restaurant has been named one of the fastest-growing chains in the country since it was founded in 2008 by Scott Svenson (owner of Seattle-based International Franchise Associates) and his partner, Ally Svenson (former Microsoft project manager).
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a movie theater with “an extensive craft beer selection.” They also serve food (but you probably knew that).
The seats at this establishment are comfortable and there’s no talking during the movies. They take their no-talking policy very seriously: patrons who talk after being asked to stop will be kicked out of the theater without a refund if they don’t comply.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is also known for its creative popcorn flavors like butterbeer, caramel corn, and rosemary parmesan (to name just a few).
Transcend Fitness and Wellness
Transcend Fitness and Wellness, located in Mesa, Arizona, is a fitness center offering yoga classes and personal training. Transcend also has a spa where you can enjoy massages and body treatments such as facials or waxing services.
Transcend offers a variety of fitness classes including yoga, pilates, and Zumba. They offer martial arts lessons as well! If you’re on the lookout for an alternative to traditional exercise programs this may be your next stop when visiting Mesa AZ!
Playa Barrio’s Modern Mexican Kitchen and Cocktails
Playa Barrio’s Modern Mexican Kitchen and Cocktails is one of the best spots in town to enjoy both margaritas and delicious food. The restaurant has a great ambiance, with a rustic interior that feels like someone’s home. There are also outdoor seating areas if you’d prefer to catch some rays.
You’ll find plenty of options on the menu, from traditional Mexican dishes like tacos al pastor or enchiladas Verdes to unique creations such as a grilled corn salad or sirloin steak served with fajita vegetables and poblano sauce. You can also order your favorites from Playa’s sister restaurant, Playa Gourmet Mexican Grill—and pair them with either one of its amazing margaritas (there are over 30 flavors!) or one of their many local beers on tap (they have about 90 options!).
If you’re coming off a long flight, this location just steps away from Sky Harbor International Airport so it makes for an easy stop after landing in Phoenix; if you’re staying downtown then it might be just what you need before venturing out into your city adventure!
Chicago Cubs spring training games at Sloan Park
The Chicago Cubs play their spring training games at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. Spring training is a great time to visit Mesa and the surrounding area for baseball fans because the weather is warm and there are many things to do in Mesa besides attending baseball games. You can get tickets to see the Cubs play against another team or you can even attend an exhibition game where they only play against other members of their team! You can also purchase Cubs hats, jerseys, and t-shirts before or after any game at Sloan Park.
Los Hermanos Restaurant & Bar Featuring Wood Stone Hearth Cooking
Los Hermanos Restaurant & Bar Featuring Wood Stone Hearth Cooking is a Mexican restaurant in Mesa, Arizona. It has a wood stone hearth cooking style and serves specialty dishes like fish tacos, chimichanga, and carne asada burritos. The bar is open until 2 am on weekdays and 3 am on weekends, making it an ideal place for groups or families in the area after a night out on the town. The restaurant also serves breakfast from 7 am to 11:30 am Monday through Friday; lunch hours are 11:30 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday; dinner begins at 6 pm Monday through Thursday and 5:30 pm Friday and Saturday; brunch hours are 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays.
There are many fun things to do in Mesa.
- Arizona State University
- Mesa Arts Center
- Mesa History Museum
- Mesa Contemporary Arts
- Heritage Sights of America Museum and Heritage Village
Conclusion
Mesa, Arizona is a great place to visit for all ages. There are many things to do and you will be sure to enjoy yourself. If you’re looking for some family fun or need an escape from your daily life then this city is perfect for you!
