Location: Tempe
Top Things to do in Tempe
6 Nature & Parks 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. 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
2. 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.
3. Desert Arboretum Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
This large arboretum contains more than 300 species of plants from various regions of the desert.
Reviewed By travelingspirit52
The Desert Arboretum Park contains many specimens of cactus, aloe, and plants that live in the desert. Some of the Aloe were blooming when we visited in Feb. It was a beautiful day to wander around and look at the plantings and appreciate the plants of the desert.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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
