Mesa Attractions & Things To Do

The East Valley of Phoenix has tons of different attractions. The area, which includes Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Apache Junction and Gilbert, offers everything from tubing the Salt River to luxury shopping Biltmore Fashion Park. With so many great things to do, you’ll never get bored. Here are some of the highlights of the area:

Phoenix Zoo
455 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008

The Phoenix zoo was voted one of the nations top five zoos for children. The zoo has over 1,200 different animals spread out over one hundred and twenty five acres. The zoo has two and a half miles of walking trails. The zoo itself is divided up into four different trails each focusing on a different area of the world. The zoo offers a number of family and children programs including camp during summer months, and will allow you to bring in your own food for a zoo picnic.

Canyon Lake
14011 Bush Highway
Mesa, AZ 85215

Canyon Lake is very popular in the summer for swimmers and boaters alike. You can rent a boat from one of the many vendors and spend the day floating through the wondrous AZ canyons. This is a wonderful way to spend a relaxing spring or summer day, with plenty of fantastic photo opportunities. You can rent a large boat with your family or friends, or opt for a smaller vessel when it is just you, or you and guest.

Superstition Mountain
State Route 88
Phoenix AZ 85061

Superstition Mountain was given its name before the civil war by hay farmers. The mountains are a source of a number of superstitions, thus giving them their name. The mountains surrounded by several other prominent Arizona mountains, and are a popular destination for hikers. Often called a “hiker’s paradise” this secluded mountain is home to a variety of wildlife. A great place for a family hike, with easy trails for inexperienced hikers, as well as some more difficult ones for the pros.

Tempe Town Lake
80 W Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe AZ 85281

The Tempe Town Lake has long been a popular destination for water sports in the area. You can rent a boat for the day, take a cruise, or bring a picnic and enjoy it lakeside. There are also kayaks, rowboats and small electric boats available for individuals who want to navigate the waters. There is also plenty of shoreline space available for those who just want to spend the day sitting by the lake. This is a wonderful destination for a day or relaxation and reflection.

Tubing on the Salt River
1320 N Bush Hwy
Mesa, AZ

The Salt River is a fantastic place to go tubing. You can rent a tube for the day and spend your afternoon floating down the Salt River. With tubing adventures for individuals, as well as large groups, everyone can have the opportunity to have fun and take in the sights on Arizona’s beautiful Salt River. The river is so popular that it brings in a number of tourists to the area during the summer months for tubing adventures.

Desert Botanical Gardens
1201 North Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix AZ 85008

Filled with plants, the botanical gardens are a wonderful destination for every gardener and plant lover. The gardens are home to a number of different plant species, as well as a good number of butterflies. Photographers will really enjoy the entire photo taking opportunities of this truly amazing collection of plants. The botanical garden focuses on plants that will grow in a desert environment, which include beautiful flowers in addition to the traditional desert plant the cactus. This is a great educational place to go with children, or as an adult.

Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake
480 827-9144
Cruise the secluded inner waterways of the "Junior Grand Canyon" on Canyon Lake. Relax while you admire the breathtaking flora and fauna of the lower Sonoran desert and listen to our captain recount some of the legends and lore about the Superstition Mountains. Bring your camera and binoculars; you may be one of our guests fortunate enough to spot some Bighorn Sheep.

Desert Belle Cruises at Saguaro Lake
480 984-2425
Relax on a 90 minute narrated public cruise and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls, and dramatic desert vistas. The perfect spot for out-of-town guests. The Desert Belle is a unique way to enjoy all the beauty that Arizona has to offer.

Arizona Renaissance Festival
520 463-2700
The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 12-stage theater, a 30-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast -- all rolled into one non-stop, day-long family adventure!

Also see Mesa Visitors Center for more things to do.

More Fun Things To Do: See Phoenix ASAP

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