This fast-growing city is located in the Valley of the Sun, just minutes from Phoenix and Scottsdale. It offers a welcome respite from the hectic business district, while being near Tempe and Scottsdale. Largely a residential area, Mesa is not exactly a rocking place but instead is more famous for its upscale McMansions, behind which the American dream is lived out in all its splendor.
The city’s far east area is home to America’s greatest collection of mobile homes. The beautiful Mormon Temple grounds are the place of worship for the largest population of Mormons outside of Utah. Outdoor fans will get their fill here as the Valley of the Sun offers plenty of open-air pastimes, including waterskiing, desert jeep tours, airborne adventures and tubing along the Salt River.
What Mesa has got going for it is its thriving arts scene, attracting talent from all across the nation. The Mesa Arts Center hosts regular performances and exhibitions by leading artists, while the Heard Museum enjoys international fame for its southwestern and Native American art and artifacts.
Highlights
Arizona Capitol Museum: is a copper-domed building, dedicated as state capitol in 1901.
Mesa Southwest Museum: traces the history of the region from the days of the Indians to modern times.
Superstition Farm: is a working family dairy farm operated by the Stechnij family, all native Arizonians, where you can experience farm life hands on.
Fighter Combat International: at Williams Gateway Airport lets you take to the skies for aerobatic and combat flights without any previous flying experience.
Arizona Museum for Youth: gives kids a visual introduction to the world of fine arts and lets them experiment with hands-on activities that promote art appreciation.