Things to Do in Mesa AZ
During the past 100 years, Mesa has grown into a thriving metropolis providing a great lifestyle for its residents and a premier destination sought after by visitors. Today, Mesa is the third-largest city in the state of Arizona offering a variety of lifestyle and leisure pursuits that are in high demand by visitors. Embraced by the Sonoran Desert—a playground for sought-after outdoor recreation—you will find the largest arts and cultural complex in the Southwest, upscale shopping at every turn, delectable dining options and a renowned collection of golf courses and premier accommodations.
The Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is responsible for marketing Mesa, Arizona as a leading vacation, small meeting and sports travel destination to regional and national target audiences, including travel agents, group tour operators, meeting planners, leisure visitors and media. The Bureau offers complimentary services and assistance to help streamline the planning process for groups that schedule events and large meetings for visitors. The Bureau represents nearly 70 properties in Mesa, many with substantial on-site meeting facilities. The Bureau can arrange site inspections and assist in planning group activities and off-site functions to enhance any group itinerary. Activities include golf tournaments, themed outdoor adventures and activities, team-building events and more. Visit the website at www.VisitMesa.com or call 480-827-4700.
MESA SPORTS & TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Mesa Sports & Tourism Development, a division of the Mesa Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, is responsible for marketing Mesa, Arizona as a leading sports travel destination to regional and national target audiences while generating economic growth through the development and promotion of sports at all levels: youth, amateur, high school, collegiate, professional and semi-professional.
Sports venues in Mesa include HoHoKam Stadium and Sloan Park (Chicago Cubs spring training facilities), 13 public pools including two major aquatic centers, two municipal golf courses, four recreation centers, Red Mountain Multigenerational Center, two tennis facilities, Kleinman Wheels Court and Reed Park Skate Court. The City of Mesa Parks and Recreation Division provides additional recreational activities.
The Phoenix-Mesa metropolitan area is one of only 11 cities in the nation to host teams in all four major professional sports: Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Cubs Spring Training, Auto Racing, Cactus League Games, Fiesta Bowl, Horse/Dog Racing, Waste Management Phoenix Open PGA Golf and much more.
MeSA TOURISM RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES/FACILITIES
• 47 City Parks
• 71 Softball/Baseball Fields
• Horseback Riding
• 20 Golf Courses
• 11 Soccer Fields
• Hiking
• 13 Public Swimming Pools
• 70 miles of Bike Routes
• Hot Air Ballooning
• 120 Tennis Courts
• Boating
• Steamboat Cruises
• 56 Racquetball Courts
• Fishing
• Tubing & Rafting
Arts and Culture in Mesa Arizona
The Mesa Arts Center (MAC) opened in the fall of 2005 and is the largest arts center in the state of Arizona and the only center offering comprehensive professional performing arts, visual arts and arts education programming on one state-of-the-art campus. The Mesa Arts Center has allowed award-winning local theater troupes, musicians and artists to fully showcase their talents.
The Mesa Encore Theatre, Mesa’s all-volunteer community theater, can be currently found in the Anita Cox Farnsworth Studio. The Symphony of the Southwest (formerly known as the Mesa Symphony Orchestra), the Southwest Shakespeare Company, the Ballet Etudes (the pre-professional ballet company) and the East Valley Children’s Theatre are also performing at the MAC. For more information, call the box office at 480-644-6500.
The City of Mesa’s museums include:
The Arizona Museum for Youth
https://www.mesaencoretheatre.com
Arizona Museum of Natural History
https://arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
Arizona Wing Commemorative Air Force Aircraft Museum
https://www.azcaf.org
Mesa Historical Museum
https://www.mesahistoricalmuseum.com