Tempe Arizona Attractions & Things To Do
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Tempe, Arizona is a lively Phoenix-area destination known for Arizona State University, Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake, outdoor recreation, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and year-round events. Located in the heart of the Valley of the Sun, Tempe combines urban entertainment, desert scenery and lakefront recreation with convenient access to Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Chandler.
- Tempe History
- Things To Do
- Downtown & Mill Avenue
- Tempe Town Lake
- Arizona State University & ASU Gammage
- Outdoor Recreation
- Dining & Shopping
- Where To Stay
- Visitor Tips
- FAQ
Tempe Arizona History
Tempe grew from several early settlements along the Salt River. Charles Trumbull Hayden established a store and freighting operation near the river in 1871, and the settlement that developed around his ferry and flour mill became known as Hayden's Ferry. Nearby Hispanic settlers also established the community of San Pablo east of Tempe Butte.
The community was named Tempe in 1879 after Darrell Duppa, an Englishman associated with early Phoenix, suggested the name. The surrounding butte, river and green agricultural landscape reportedly reminded him of the Vale of Tempe in Greece. Tempe was later incorporated in 1894 and developed into one of the central communities of the Salt River Valley.
Downtown Tempe & Mill Avenue
Downtown Tempe centers on Mill Avenue, a walkable district filled with restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, nightlife and historic buildings near Arizona State University. The district blends Tempe's early history with the energy of a major university community and is one of the city's most popular areas for visitors to explore on foot.
Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is one of the city's signature outdoor recreation areas. Visitors can walk, jog and bicycle along lakeside paths, relax at Tempe Beach Park or enjoy activities on the water. The lake also provides a scenic connection between Downtown Tempe, nearby parks and attractions along the Salt River corridor.
Arizona State University & ASU Gammage
Arizona State University's Tempe campus is closely connected with Downtown Tempe and adds college sports, museums, cultural attractions and performing arts to the city's visitor experience. Sun Devil Stadium hosts ASU football, while ASU Gammage presents touring Broadway productions and other performances in a distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright-designed venue.
Where To Stay In Tempe
Tempe offers accommodations ranging from convenient limited-service hotels to full-service properties and upscale resorts. Visitors who want restaurants, nightlife and easy access to Arizona State University may prefer Downtown Tempe and the Mill Avenue area, while hotels elsewhere in the city provide convenient access to major freeways, shopping and Greater Phoenix attractions.
Tempe's central location makes it a practical base for exploring Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Chandler while staying close to Tempe Town Lake, Downtown Tempe and Arizona State University.
Things To Do In Tempe Arizona
- Explore Downtown Tempe and historic Mill Avenue
- Walk, bicycle, paddle or relax at Tempe Town Lake
- Visit Tempe Beach Park along the lakefront
- Explore the Arizona State University Tempe campus
- Attend an ASU sporting event at Sun Devil Stadium
- See a Broadway production or performance at ASU Gammage
- Hike Hayden Butte Preserve, commonly called "A" Mountain
- Enjoy Tempe restaurants, breweries, nightlife and live entertainment
- Shop at Tempe Marketplace and Arizona Mills
- Attend seasonal festivals, concerts and community events
Outdoor Recreation In Tempe
Tempe combines an urban setting with several easily accessible outdoor recreation options. Hayden Butte Preserve offers a short desert hike overlooking Downtown Tempe and the ASU campus, while Tempe Town Lake provides miles of waterfront paths for walking, jogging and bicycling. Parks throughout the city offer additional places for picnics, sports and outdoor activities.
Summer temperatures in Tempe can become extremely hot. Plan hiking and other strenuous outdoor activities for cooler morning hours, carry adequate water and avoid exposed desert trails during extreme heat.
Tempe Dining, Nightlife & Shopping
Tempe has a diverse dining and nightlife scene, particularly around Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue. Visitors can choose from casual restaurants, Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, international dining, breweries, coffee shops, bars and live-entertainment venues. The university population helps give the downtown district an energetic atmosphere throughout much of the year.
For larger shopping destinations, Tempe Marketplace combines stores, restaurants and entertainment, while Arizona Mills offers a large indoor shopping complex. Smaller shops and local businesses are also found throughout Downtown Tempe and along Mill Avenue.
Tempe Arizona Visitor Tips
- Downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue, ASU and Tempe Town Lake are close enough to combine during one visit.
- Plan outdoor activities for morning hours during the hottest months of the year.
- Check event calendars before visiting because ASU games, festivals and concerts can affect traffic and parking.
- Use the Tempe area map to plan sightseeing and nearby Phoenix-area trips.
- Visit Mill Avenue for restaurants, nightlife, shopping and Downtown Tempe attractions.
- Tempe's central Valley location makes Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Chandler convenient day-trip destinations.
Tempe Arizona FAQ
What is Tempe Arizona best known for?
Tempe is best known for Arizona State University, Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake, Sun Devil sports, ASU Gammage, restaurants, nightlife and year-round events.
What are the best things to do in Tempe?
Popular things to do include exploring Mill Avenue, visiting Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park, walking through the Arizona State University campus, hiking Hayden Butte Preserve, attending a performance at ASU Gammage and shopping at Tempe Marketplace or Arizona Mills.
Is Downtown Tempe walkable?
Yes. Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue are pedestrian-friendly, with restaurants, shops, entertainment, Arizona State University and several nearby attractions concentrated within a relatively compact area.
Can you walk around Tempe Town Lake?
Yes. Paths around Tempe Town Lake provide opportunities for walking, jogging and bicycling, with access to parks and recreation areas along the waterfront.
What is "A" Mountain in Tempe?
"A" Mountain is the commonly used name for Hayden Butte Preserve near Downtown Tempe and Arizona State University. The butte offers a short desert hike and elevated views of Tempe and the surrounding Valley.
Is Tempe a good place to stay when visiting Phoenix?
Yes. Tempe's central Greater Phoenix location provides convenient access to Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Chandler while offering its own restaurants, nightlife, recreation and attractions.
What is the best time of year to visit Tempe?
Fall through spring generally provides the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor sightseeing. Summer visitors can still enjoy Tempe but should schedule strenuous outdoor activities for cooler hours and plan around extreme desert heat.
How far is Tempe from Phoenix?
Tempe borders Phoenix and is part of the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Travel time varies considerably by starting point, traffic and destination, but Tempe provides convenient access to central Phoenix and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
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