Located in south-west Arizona, Mesa is a city that offers a wealth of things to see and do. Whether you want to explore the past through the legends of the old west, hit the golf courses to make the most of the perennial sunshine or use it as a gateway to discovering the resplendent rural landscapes of the state, this is a place that shines bright.
A rental car gives you the freedom to explore Mesa’s highlights, as well as giving you the chance to reach Phoenix, Tucson and beyond.
Golfer’s paradise
Thanks to its near-guaranteed sunshine, Mesa has become something of a golfer’s paradise, boasting numerous world-class and championship courses to try out.
Ease yourself into the city’s glorious golf scene with a round at the Arizona Golf Resort, a visually stunning course that gives a sense of an oasis against the backdrop of desert. Lined with eucalyptus and cottonwood trees, the fairways are wide and the greens forgiving, making it the perfect place for newcomers.
For those with a little more experience on the course, try teeing off at Las Sendas. The course itself is challenging but it’s the setting that really gives it an edge. The elevated course affords golfers resplendent views of the Phoenix skyline on one side, contrasted with the expansive cliff faces of the Arizona wilderness on the other.
History and culture
Mesa might not have the bright lights and glamour of its more prominent neighbours but the city is proud of its history and culture which you can explore in its diverse museums.
Head to the Arizona Museum of Natural History and step back in time over 65 million years with its extensive dinosaur display – ideal for families with young kids. For a more up-to-date look at Arizonan culture, the museum also pays homage to the native American tribes that call it home, with Hohokam dwellings providing an insight into America’s oldest way of life.
Elsewhere, you’ll discover a city proud of its recent past. The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona allows you to learn all about the state’s influence on World War II – you can even take flight in a Bombardier from the war for unmatched views of the desert below.
For families, make some time to discover Rockin’ R Ranch and feel yourself fall into a scene straight out of a spaghetti western. Cowboy stage shows, gold panning lessons and authentic stores will transport you to another world and give you an essence of an Arizona long gone.
Explore Arizona
One of the best parts about hiring a car in Mesa is the freedom it gives you to explore the contrasting surroundings. To the west, you’ll find ultra-modern cityscapes reaching into the sky in Phoenix and Scottsdale, while a turn to the east or south will lead you into the beautiful wilderness of national parks and deserts, punctuated by soaring mountain backdrops.
Head towards the Sonoran Desert to take in one of the most breathtaking sights in the US. Traverse canyons, mountains and seemingly endless expanses of desolate landscape as you drive out into the eerily tranquil desert. Alternatively, explore on foot by following one of the many hiking routes on offer.
Look out for the rich array of wildlife on offer as you roam, ticking off coyotes, jack rabbits, snakes and desert deer along the way. And be sure to keep an eye out for the giant saguaro cactus which isn’t found anywhere else in the world.
Continue your rural exploration with a visit to Tonto National Forest, a diverse national park stretching out almost three million acres. The rugged, beautiful countryside is reminiscent of western movies, with cactus dusted deserts sitting side-by-side with pine-tree lined mountains.
Make sure to stop off at Superstition Mountains too, a jagged rock formation jutting out of the desert just off the US-60. Shrouded in mystery, a legendary gold mine is said to be located here but has never been discovered, while the Apaches believe that the ancient volcanic structure is home to a hole leading to the underworld.
Car rental from Mesa Gateway Airport opens the door to discovering the stunning cities and landscapes of Arizona.
