Tempe is one of those rare Arizona gems where desert landscapes meet college town energy, creating endless possibilities for adventure. Nestled in the Phoenix metro area, this city offers everything from paddling on Tempe Town Lake to exploring world-class museums on the ASU campus. Whether you’re here for outdoor adventures or live music on Mill Avenue, Tempe delivers experiences that capture the spirit of the Sonoran Desert.
Key Takeaways
- Tempe Town Lake is the heart of outdoor recreation, offering pedal boats, kayaking, biking trails, and stunning sunset views
- Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue are packed with coffee shops, breweries like Pedal Haus Brewery, and venues featuring live music
- Free cultural attractions include the ASU Art Museum, ASU Gammage (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright), and hiking at Papago Park’s Hole in the Rock
- Desert Botanical Garden showcases 50,000+ desert plants with special evening exhibits through May
Ready to Explore Tempe?
Book your stay at CozySuites and experience the perfect home base for your Arizona adventure.
Outdoor Adventures at Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is Arizona’s second-most visited attraction, and it’s easy to see why. This two-mile urban oasis sits in the heart of the city, offering a refreshing escape from the desert heat.
Water Activities and Boat Rentals
You can rent pedal boats, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards from Boat Rentals of America, located near the Historic Mill Avenue Bridge. The rental kiosk offers 24/7 self-service access, making it convenient to get out on the water whenever the mood strikes. Prices are reasonable, with kayaks starting at $20 per hour.
Tempe Beach Park anchors the lake’s south shore with 25 acres of trails, picnic areas, and event spaces. The park hosts everything from music festivals to cultural celebrations throughout the year. It’s a perfect spot for simply walking along the waterfront or setting up for an afternoon picnic under the palm trees.
Pro Tip: Visit the lake early morning or around sunset for the best temperatures and lighting. The panoramic views of the downtown area and surrounding mountains are spectacular during golden hour.
Biking and Walking Around Tempe Town Lake
The five-mile loop path around Tempe Town Lake is perfect for walking, running, or cycling. The trail is flat, paved, and lined with more than 20 pieces of public art. You can rent bikes from The Bicycle Cellar or try an e-bike tour that includes a history lesson and stops at nearby attractions.
The path connects seamlessly to other outdoor recreation areas, including Papago Park to the east. On any given day, you’ll see families, fitness enthusiasts, and people watching the sun rise over the lake.
Cultural Attractions and Museums
Tempe punches above its weight when it comes to arts and culture. The city’s location adjacent to Arizona State University means world-class cultural venues are just a short walk from downtown.
ASU Art Museum
The ASU Art Museum stands out as one of Arizona’s premier contemporary art destinations, and admission is always free. The museum houses over 13,000 objects, including the largest collection of Cuban art in the United States. Art in America magazine called it “the single most impressive venue for contemporary art in Arizona.”
The museum operates two locations: the Nelson Fine Arts Center and the Ceramics Research Center. Both are open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check their current exhibitions before you visit.
ASU Gammage
ASU Gammage is an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This venue hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and touring productions throughout the year. The 2025-2026 season features major productions like “The Book of Mormon” and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
Even if you don’t catch a show, arrive early to admire the building’s distinctive circular design and the beautiful grounds surrounding this iconic landmark.
Pro Tip: Tours of ASU Gammage are available. It’s worth seeing Frank Lloyd Wright’s last major public commission up close.
James Turrell’s Air Apparent Skyspace
Located on the ASU campus, this contemporary art installation offers a meditative experience of light and sky. The 45-foot structure features a centered opening to the sky and 480 LED lights programmed to optimize sunrise and sunset viewing. It’s free to visit and provides a unique way to experience the Arizona sky.
Hiking and Nature Exploration
The Tempe area offers exceptional hiking opportunities, from quick urban trails to more challenging desert treks.
Papago Park and Hole in the Rock
Papago Park straddles the border between Phoenix and Tempe, offering distinctive red sandstone formations that have become iconic photo spots. The Hole in the Rock trail is the park’s star attraction, a quick 0.2-mile hike that rewards you with panoramic views of downtown Tempe, the lake, and the surrounding valley.
The trail takes only 10-15 minutes to complete but gains about 200 feet in elevation. Stone steps carved into the sandstone make the ascent manageable for most fitness levels. Visit the official park website for current trail conditions and hours.
Papago Park also includes longer trails like the Double Butte Loop (2.3 miles) for those wanting extended outdoor activities in the Sonoran Desert landscape.
Hayden Butte (A Mountain)
Hayden Butte, locally known as “A” Mountain, is a Tempe landmark visible throughout the city. The steep trail to the summit offers high-intensity hiking with several stopping points to rest and capture photos. The trailhead is located behind Tempe Mission Palms Hotel.
Despite the challenging elevation gain, the effort pays off with 360-degree views of the Phoenix metro area, South Mountain, and beyond.
South Mountain and Desert Botanical Garden
While South Mountain Park is technically in Phoenix, it’s just a few miles from Tempe and offers some of the region’s best mountain biking and hiking trails. The Marcos De Niza Trail via Pima Canyon is a popular 1.7-mile loop showcasing classic Sonoran Desert wildflowers in spring.
The Desert Botanical Garden is another must-visit, featuring 140 acres and more than 50,000 plants across five thematic trails. Through May 10, the garden hosts “Garden: After Dark” with illuminated trails and the multi-sensory “FRAMERATE: Desert Pulse” art exhibit. Check hours and admission before your visit, or take advantage of Community Day on the second Tuesday of each month for pay-what-you-can pricing.
Pro Tip: Summer heat in Arizona is no joke. Visit outdoor attractions early in the morning before temperatures climb. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat year-round.
Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue
Downtown Tempe is where the city’s energy concentrates. Mill Avenue, the most photographed area in Tempe, runs through the heart of downtown with shops, restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues lining both sides.
Dining and Breweries
Mill Avenue is packed with dining options for every taste and budget. Cocina Chiwas delivers world-class Chihuahuan cuisine alongside their newer venture, Aruma Cafe, offering specialty coffee and aguas frescas. Culinary Dropout serves creative comfort food in a lively atmosphere with occasional live music.
Pedal Haus Brewery is a local favorite, combining craft beer with German-inspired cuisine. The downtown area continues to add restaurants, with several new concepts opening on Mill Avenue in 2025.
Coffee Shops and Casual Spots
Beyond the restaurants, Tempe is home to excellent coffee shops perfect for remote work or casual meetings. The college town atmosphere means you’ll find plenty of cafes with strong Wi-Fi and outdoor seating.
Live Music and Nightlife
The Marquee Theatre has hosted over 4,000 shows since opening in 2003, featuring everything from metal and punk to reggae and electronic dance. Darkstar Theatre, located in the historic Tempe National Bank Building, showcases up-and-coming artists across all genres.
Downtown Tempe hosts free events throughout the year, including Second Sundays on Mill with local vendors, live music, and street performances.
Special Events and Seasonal Attractions
Tempe’s calendar is packed with special events drawing thousands of visitors throughout the year.
Spring Events
The Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts (March 7-9) transforms Mill Avenue into an open-air gallery featuring over 300 professional artists. This three-day event draws approximately 150,000 visitors annually. The Arizona Dragon Boat Festival in late March brings teams from across the country to compete on Tempe Town Lake.
Music Festivals
Reggae Rise Up Arizona takes over Tempe Beach Park in mid-April with multiple stages, art installations, and food vendors. The Innings Festival in late February combines live music with Spring Training baseball season, creating a unique desert celebration.
Fall and Winter
IRONMAN Arizona concluded its 21-year run in Tempe in November 2025, but the city continues hosting major athletic events. The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade in December features decorated boats, holiday vendors, and fireworks over the lake.
Pro Tip: Many events occur at Tempe Beach Park. Arrive early for the best parking lot access, or use the Valley Metro Rail to avoid traffic entirely.
Arizona State University Campus
Arizona State University is one of the largest universities in the nation, and the campus itself is an attraction worth exploring. Palm trees line the historic Palm Walk, creating that quintessential Arizona college atmosphere.
The campus hosts annual traditions including the homecoming parade each fall and Pat’s Run each spring. Sun Devils games, particularly football at Sun Devil Stadium, create electric atmospheres perfect for experiencing college sports culture.
Hayden Library’s renovated tower features enhanced study spaces and interdisciplinary learning labs. The Secret Garden offers a peaceful courtyard escape nestled between buildings in the heart of campus.
Shopping and Entertainment
Tempe Marketplace
Tempe Marketplace sprawls across 1.3 million square feet with over 100 shops and restaurants. This outdoor shopping destination hosts more than 300 events annually, including concerts at the District Stage every Friday and Saturday night.
The venue features cozy fireplaces, water features, and art installations that make it more than just a typical shopping center. It’s particularly pleasant in the evening when the weather cools down.
Mill Avenue District
Beyond dining and nightlife, Mill Avenue offers unique shopping experiences. Candle Chemistry lets you blend custom fragrances and pour them into candles while you enjoy dinner or drinks nearby. Second Sundays on Mill brings local artisans and crafters together monthly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Getting Around Tempe
Tempe is surprisingly walkable and bike-friendly, especially around downtown and the lake. The Valley Metro Rail connects Tempe to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, downtown Phoenix, and other parts of the metro area. Two stations serve downtown Tempe at Third Street and Fifth Street.
The city also offers free circulator services including the FLASH around Arizona State University and the ORBIT connecting downtown to surrounding neighborhoods. For longer distances, rideshare services and rental bikes provide convenient options.
Pro Tip: Download the Valley Metro app for real-time transit updates. The light rail is an easy way to explore multiple Phoenix metro area destinations without dealing with parking.
Where to Stay in Tempe
When planning your visit to Tempe, consider staying at one of CozySuites’ Arizona vacation rentals. Our apartments and condos provide the comfort of home with hotel-standard cleanliness, perfect for business travelers and vacationers exploring the area.
Unlike traditional hotels, our accommodations give you space to spread out after a day of outdoor activities or exploring downtown. You’ll have full kitchens, comfortable living areas, and the flexibility to come and go as you please while discovering all the fun things Tempe offers.
Best Time to Visit Tempe
Tempe shines brightest from November through April when temperatures range from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit. This is peak season for outdoor recreation and special events. Spring brings desert wildflowers and perfect weather for biking around Tempe Town Lake or hiking at Papago Park.
Summer heat (June through September) is intense, with temperatures regularly exceeding 110 degrees. If you visit during summer, plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening hours. Many locals embrace the heat by spending pool time at resort-style properties or visiting air-conditioned attractions like museums and shopping centers.
Late February through early April coincides with Spring Training baseball in nearby Phoenix and Scottsdale, adding extra energy to the area.
Day Trips from Tempe
Tempe’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the broader Phoenix metro area and beyond. Scottsdale’s art galleries and golf courses are just 15 minutes away. Phoenix downtown attractions, including Chase Field and the Heard Museum, are easily reachable via Valley Metro Rail.
For a completely different landscape, Sedona’s red rocks are about two hours north. The mountain town of Flagstaff offers pine forests and cooler temperatures, also roughly two hours away. Even New Mexico’s border is within a reasonable drive for extended trips.
FAQ
What are the best free things to do in Tempe?
Hiking Hole in the Rock at Papago Park, visiting the ASU Art Museum, walking around Tempe Town Lake, and exploring the ASU campus are all completely free. The Desert Botanical Garden offers pay-what-you-can admission on Community Day (second Tuesday of each month). Downtown Tempe hosts free events like Second Sundays on Mill with vendors, live music, and activities.
Is Tempe better for families or young adults?
Tempe works for both. The college town atmosphere around Arizona State University creates vibrant nightlife and live music scenes that appeal to young adults. Families enjoy outdoor activities at Tempe Town Lake, the nearby Phoenix Zoo, and mild winter weather perfect for exploring. A few places like Tempe Beach Park host family-friendly festivals throughout the year.
Where should I park when visiting downtown Tempe?
Downtown Tempe offers over 20,000 parking spaces in garages, surface lots, and metered street parking. The Tempe Beach Park surface lot charges $2 per hour weekdays (free evenings and weekends). For events, arrive early or use Valley Metro Rail to avoid parking lot congestion. The light rail stops at Mill Avenue, just a short walk from most downtown attractions.
Does Tempe have vacation rentals or only hotels?
Tempe offers both hotels and vacation rentals. While you’ll see properties like Hilton Tempe Downtown and Westin Tempe in the area, CozySuites provides apartments and condos that give you more space and comfort than traditional hotel rooms. We don’t offer standalone houses or cabins, but our condos and apartments feature full kitchens, living areas, and the flexibility of a home away from home.
What unique attractions make Tempe different from Phoenix?
Tempe’s unique attractions include the ASU Art Museum (free admission), ASU Gammage designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, James Turrell’s Air Apparent Skyspace, and the vibrant college town energy around Arizona State University. The city blends university culture with outdoor recreation at Tempe Town Lake and distinctive desert landscapes at Papago Park’s Hole in the Rock.
When is the best time to visit for a Sun Devils game?
Football season runs from September through November, with most home games at Sun Devil Stadium on Saturday evenings. Basketball season at Desert Financial Arena spans November through March. Buy tickets in advance for popular matchups. The area around Arizona State University gets especially lively on game days, with fans gathering at Mill Avenue bars and restaurants before and after games.
