Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Mesa
Mesa offers a unique mix of heritage, scenery, and community, all set beneath a bright Arizona sky. Guests can explore ancient ruins, paddleboard in desert lakes, or take in a spring training baseball game. The city embraces its roots while welcoming new energy through arts and education. Mesa is ideal for those who want access to nature without giving up city comforts.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Mesa
Downtown Mesa
Downtown Mesa is the cultural heart of the city, filled with museums, public art, and eclectic dining options. Vacation rentals in Mesa include walkable lofts, urban condos, and creative Airbnbs near galleries and coffee shops. Visitors can enjoy the Mesa Arts Center, Second Friday art walks, and streetcar access.
Eastmark
One of Mesa’s newest master-planned communities, Eastmark is clean, modern, and family-oriented. Rentals in Eastmark include contemporary homes, pet-friendly Airbnbs, and homes with community park access. The neighborhood features playgrounds, walking trails, and nearby shopping plazas. Eastmark is perfect for longer stays and those seeking suburban tranquility.
Las Sendas
Located near Usery Mountain Regional Park, Las Sendas is an upscale, gated community known for golf courses and mountain views. Rentals range from luxury villas and casitas to high-end Airbnbs with pools and outdoor kitchens. The area is serene and scenic, with easy access to desert trails. Las Sendas suits travelers seeking comfort and nature.
Dobson Ranch
In southwest Mesa, Dobson Ranch is a well-established neighborhood with lakes, walking paths, and golf courses. Guests can stay in ranch-style homes, cozy townhouses, or relaxed Airbnbs near parks and cafés. It’s a laid-back area close to major freeways and shopping. Dobson Ranch is ideal for convenience and recreation.
Red Mountain Ranch
The Red Mountain Ranch area sits in northeast Mesa and offers views of Red Mountain, gated communities, and proximity to nature. Vacation rentals in the Red Mountain Ranch include spacious desert homes, private Airbnbs, and houses with resort-style amenities. The area is quiet and close to trailheads and golf.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Mesa
Mesa Arts Center
The Mesa Arts Center is the largest arts complex in the Southwest, offering theater performances, art galleries, and community workshops. Visitors can attend concerts, admire contemporary art, or join a creative class. The building itself is a striking modern landmark.
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Just outside of town, Usery Mountain Regional Park features desert hiking trails, scenic views, and stargazing events. Guests can hike Wind Cave Trail, enjoy a desert picnic, or catch glimpses of wildlife. The park is accessible and family-friendly, with trails for all skill levels.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Located downtown, the Arizona Museum of Natural History showcases fossils, dinosaur exhibits, and Native American artifacts. Guests can walk through recreated ancient dwellings and even experience a flash flood simulation. The museum is educational and fun for all ages.
Organ Stop Pizza
A local favorite, Organ Stop Pizza combines classic pies with a massive Wurlitzer organ played live during dinner. The experience is quirky, musical, and fun for all ages. Guests enjoy casual dining with one-of-a-kind entertainment.
Mesa Grande Cultural Park
At the Mesa Grande Cultural Park, visitors can explore the preserved ruins of an ancient Hohokam temple mound. The site offers walking paths and interpretive signs explaining the area’s prehistoric significance. The park connects modern Mesa to its ancestral past.
Riverview Park
Next to Sloan Park, Riverview Park features splash pads, climbing towers, fishing lakes, and shaded areas for picnics. Families can spend hours here before or after a spring training game. The park is well-maintained and highly rated among locals.
Sloan Park
Home to the Chicago Cubs' spring training, Sloan Park brings fans from across the country each February and March. Visitors can catch preseason games in a relaxed stadium with great weather and desert views. The park creates a festive atmosphere throughout Mesa.
Desert Botanical Garden (nearby in Phoenix)
A short drive west, the Desert Botanical Garden showcases desert plant life through beautifully curated gardens and walking trails. Guests can attend nighttime events, seasonal exhibits, and photography tours. The garden highlights Arizona’s unique flora.
Where to find a vacation rental near Mesa
Phoenix, Arizona
Just west of Mesa, Phoenix is featured in the document and brings urban culture with attractions like the Heard Museum, Roosevelt Row arts district, and Chase Field. Staying in a vacation rental in Phoenix allows quick access to vibrant dining and sports. It’s a lively and enriching contrast to Mesa’s more suburban serenity.
Scottsdale, Arizona
To the northwest, Scottsdale is included in the document and offers art galleries, golf resorts, and desert trails. A stay in a house in Scottsdale places you near Old Town’s nightlife and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It’s a stylish and upscale addition to your Mesa experience.
Tempe, Arizona
Directly west, Tempe is listed in the document and buzzes with youthful spirit from Arizona State University. Guests who opt for an apartment in Tempe are close to Tempe Beach Park and Mill Avenue’s cafés and music spots. Tempe infuses your trip with lakefront views and student-driven energy.
Chandler, Arizona
Located to the south, Chandler is featured in the document and provides family-friendly fun with Tumbleweed Park, shopping plazas, and heritage sites. Renting a vacation home in Chandler offers comfort, quiet, and suburban convenience. It’s ideal for longer stays with easy access to Mesa and beyond.
Apache Junction, Arizona
East of Mesa, Apache Junction isn’t listed in the document but charms with views of the Superstition Mountains and a rich frontier spirit. Choosing a cabin in Apache Junction puts you near the Apache Trail, Goldfield Ghost Town, and desert hikes. It’s a rustic, adventure-friendly option just outside the city.
Embark on urban adventures across diverse American landscapes
Explore the vibrant urban pulse of Mesa, where rich history and cultural experiences abound. Stepping beyond its borders, nurture your zest for discovery with a fascinating journey through other American cities. In Washington, enjoy a vibrant cityscape by staying in airbnb in Bellevue Washington, where the Bellevue Botanical Garden offers a refreshing escape into nature. Venturing east to Ohio, rentals in Akron invite you to immerse yourself in the city's industrial heritage at the Akron History & Technology Museum. Down south, bask in the sunny spirit and warm Texan hospitality with accommodation in Abilene, where the sprawling landscape of Abilene State Park awaits you. Finally, complete your urban adventure on the Pacific coast by finding rentals in Stockton, California, a charming city where the Haggin Museum unfolds a tapestry of art and history. Each city offers a unique glimpse into the stories and experiences that make America so vibrant.