Location: Tempe
Top Things to do in Tempe
10 Things to do in Tempe That You Shouldn't Miss
Located just 10 minutes east of downtown Phoenix, Tempe exudes its own personality and the youthful spirit of a college town. Home to Arizona State University, the largest public university in the United States, Tempe has a vibrant downtown that’s active day and night. You’ll find locally-owned eateries and microbreweries, annual festivals, arts and cultural events. And plenty of opportunities to enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year on a bike, hiking trail or stand-up paddleboard.
Restaurants in Tempe
1. Arizona State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
With an undergraduate student body of nearly 34,000, ASU is the state's largest institution of higher learning.
Reviewed By normaw806 - Morgan Hill, United States
This is a very modern and clean university. Many technical majors, and a lot of school spirit among the large student population.
2. Tempe Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
With 1.3 million square feet of retail space to explore and over 100 shops and restaurants to choose from, Tempe Marketplace is the ultimate destination for Valley natives and out of town visitors. Delivering a refreshingly vibrant outdoor environment, complete with cozy fireplaces, unique water features and lush landscaping, the center provides an unparalleled interactive shopping, dining and entertainment experience. Dramatic lights and eye-catching laser elements create a modern and spirited atmosphere, yet the gathering spaces and entertainment areas make it a warm community hub. Conveniently located in the heart of the Valley at the Loop 101 and 202 crossroads, Tempe Marketplace is just minutes from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert.
Reviewed By Srini52 - Bengaluru, India
Large shopping complex, one can easily spend a few hours walking around. It has variety of stores like Best Buy, ???? Target, Barnes and nobles and many more. Host of eating places to choose for an excellent dining experience.
3. Mill Avenue District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 761 reviews
This is a shopping, dining, nightlife area. It's similar to 5th Ave and Old Town in Scottsdale, which are listed on tripadvisor.
Reviewed By jhonesnaps63 - Bradenton, United States
This are has the true ambiance of an excellent college town and activities. The buildings are old and majestic and packed with history.
4. Kiwanis Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
My wife and myself loved the Kiwanis Park There were a huge lake. Wow! Many people were fishing. There was a bridge. There is a playground as well. The best part was the Kiwanis Park
5. Hayden Butte Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By cohoman - Sammamish, United States
While visiting the Phoenix area, my wife suggested we hike the trail up "A" Mountain. Since I'm a Sun Devil graduate, I couldn't say no! So, my wife, teenage son, and I hiked up the paved trail on a hot (92F) April afternoon. The trail is a little steep, but not that bad for us. The last half of the trail to the top had steps made of railroad ties and a handrail to assist hikers. Great view of Tempe city from the top. Definitely worth doing once if you're a Tempe resident.
6. Arizona Mills
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 399 reviews
Arizona Mills is the state’s largest indoor, climate controlled outlet, value and entertainment destination! With over 185 stores to choose from including NIKE Clearance Store, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store, Disney Store Outlet, Gap Factory, Old Navy Outlet and Vans Outlet. Arizona Mills offers shops, services and brands you love at prices you can afford – everything from Women’s Fashion to Jewelry to Shoes and more! Conveniently located on the Arizona Mills Interchange at the intersection of I-10 and US 60, you’ll find us just 10 minutes south of Sky Harbor Airport, and 10 minutes west of the ASU campus. In addition to incredible shopping, Arizona Mills also features unique entertainment and restaurant options like LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Sea Life Arizona, Rainforest Café, Tilt Studio, Harkins Luxury 25 and the largest IMAX in the state. At Arizona Mills you can always find More Brands! More Stores! More Savings! And More Fun!
Reviewed By scrollings
A great place to beat the heat while getting some exercise here in the Valley of the Sunstroke! Three laps around the perimeter takes me about an hour, less if I power walk. Some of the visitors aren't all that careful about masking, despite it being required, but it's easy enough to avoid them. The shops are mostly outlet stores, so there are lots of bargains for stop-off shopping, esp nowadays.
7. Tempe Diablo Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 229 reviews
Reviewed By 01-Canadiantourist - Morris, Canada
Coming from Canada in March, we were quite happy to sit in the sun and soak up some Vitamin D for a lovely Sunday afternoon ball game. Nice stadium with nice view in the background as you watch the game. Line-ups not bad at all for drinks and bathroom. Parking was a bit of a stroll but that just helped wear off the smokie dog ;)
8. Tempe Town Lake
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 308 reviews
Enjoy leisurely strolls, bicycling, kayaking, standup paddleboard and more. There are more than 50 special events annually at Tempe Town Lake, from Ironman Arizona to great concerts, Way Out West Oktoberfest and dragon boat races. Stop by the Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge, Tempe Center for the Arts or just look at the artistic lights on the light rail bridge. Tempe Town Lake is Arizona's second-most visited public attraction.
Reviewed By jules92672 - Tucson, United States
We rented paddle boats from Boat Rentals of American and it was great fun! $35/hour was reasonable and fit four people! They do have some fun looking donut boats that are motorized but they were sold out for the day. Look to make a reservation online they said!
9. SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 605 reviews
Dive in to SEA LIFE Arizona! Be wowed by the many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep as you journey through an amazing underwater world. Prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from sea stars to sharks, rays, octopus and a rescued green sea turtle! To get any closer you'll have to get wet! Enjoy, thousands of sea creatures in 30 displays, interactive touch tanks, an amazing 360 degree ocean tunnel, talks, feeds, and much more!
Reviewed By TexasAly - Mount Pleasant, United States
An Aquarium in the desert, Yes! it is a family friendly learning environment for kids of all ages and an unexpected find.
10. Papago Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By Hank956 - Brownsville, United States
Hiking galore, Just outside of town and a great place. Temperature was great in February. Lots of hiking trails that are easy to do. lots of great areas for pictures. Climb the hole int he rock and enjoy the view. great parking spaces a very popular place take time to visit. hike in the am and go to the mills afterwards
