Arizona is a charming US state and has many places to explore. Tempe, east of Phoenix and the site of Arizona State University, has the atmosphere of a university town and activities that entice visitors to stay for a while.
However, Tempe is not simply a college town. Its commercial options, outdoor activities, and desert landscape are popular with tourists. Here is the ultimate guide to visiting Tempe.
Best Time To Visit Tempe, AZ
Tempe Town Lake
Tempe, in Arizona, neighbors Phoenix and is beautiful in the spring. The air is warm, although not too scorching, and the desert wildflowers are in blossom. The hottest period in Tempe is between June and August. If visitors want to visit at its warmest, these are the best times to do so.
In Tempe, March would be the peak month for tourists, trailed by January-February. It is also among the amazing places to explore in Arizona during winter.
Although visitors can economize if they book far ahead, these periods will have the highest hotel and airfare prices.
Those willing to travel around November will probably discover that it is the cheapest month.
Top Things To Do
There are many things to do in Arizona and the Phoenix Metropolitan Area’s eccentricity, the charming city of Tempe is packed with various fantastic attractions.
Visitors can take a walk around the vibrant nightlife and eateries downtown, which are pedestrian-friendly with cobblestone pathways.
Visit The Tempe Center Of Arts
Tempe Arts Center, Arizona
A sight to behold is the Tempe Center for the Arts, which has a roof composed of intricately pleated geometric plates. The center is home to a theatrical company named Childsplay, dance crews like A Ludwig Dance Theatre, Desert Dance Theater, and ConderDance, and music bands, including the Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Tempe Community Chorus, and the Arizona Wind Symphony.
The Gallery has been a fine arts venue that features artwork by both domestic and foreign artists. The center’s lovely grounds go well with its sleek and contemporary decor. It is surely among the top museums to visit in Arizona.
Observe Sea Life
Arizona Mills Mall
Thousands of aquatic creatures, featuring clownfish, angel fish, lionfish, jellyfish, seahorses, rays, and various shark species, like white tip reef sharks and black tip reef sharks, can be found at the 26,000 sq. ft SEA LIFE Aquarium.
The Interactive Rockpool, another immersive touch area at the aquarium, allows kids to feel various sea life, such as sea stars, lobsters, and crabs.
Ziva, a threatened green sea turtle, and other injured or disabled marine animals are rescued and cared for by the aquarium as part of its involvement in wildlife conservation.
Have Fun At Tempe Beach Park
Tempe Beach Park sign Tempe Arizona
There are many things one can do at Tempe Town Lake and the best is to visit here. An iconic local attraction, Tempe Beach Park, an exciting city park, is located alongside Tempe Town Lake.
The Splash Pad is one of its attractions with a splash playground with slides, spray cannons, a waterfall, and immersive play structures. It also has additional sports fields.
Arizona is one of the most adventurous places in the US and visitors can enjoy biking, fishing, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, picnicking, and many other activities here.
Live performances, festivals, and athletic competitions are just a few of the events held at the park.
Enjoy LEGO
Arizona Mills Mall offers LEGOLAND Discovery Center
There are many incredible places to visit in Arizona and this is absolutely interesting. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center has always been a wonderful place to enjoy time together as a family.
Kids will enjoy every second of their time in this utopia of play and education. Visitors can all awe of the incredible iconic sites made of Lego blocks in Miniland, such as the Grand Canyon display.
Along with the Lego 4D theater, the Kingdom Quest Ride, and the Merlin’s Apprentice Ride, there is a special build-and-play section just for kids.
Travelers can view the weekly schedule online and make plans to bring the children to an Imaginative Workshop where they will learn the ropes from master Lego builders.
Where To Stay In Tempe
Visitors can find some excellent accommodations in Tempe within all budgets and with all the amenities, but even staying in neighboring Phoenix offers travelers access to all of Tempe’s offerings.
Luxury Hotels
Canopy by Hilton in Downtown Tempe
Canopy By Hilton Tempe Downtown
- Cost: Starts at $626 per night
- Address: 108 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Amenities: Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Fitness Center
- Cost: Starts at $718 per night
- Address: 11 E. Seventh Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Amenities: Jacuzzi, Fitness Center, Restaurant
Tempe Mission Palms, A Destination By Hyatt Hotels
- Cost: Starts at $638 per night
- Address: 60 East 5th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Amenities: Hot Tub, Bar, Swimming Pool, Restaurant
Budget Hotels
Tempe Arizona AC Marriott Hotels
Sonesta Simply Suites Phoenix Tempe
- Cost: Starts at $102 per night
- Address: 1335 West Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283
- Amenities: Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Jacuzzi
- Cost: Starts at $109 per night
- Address: 5211 South Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283
- Amenities: BBQ Facilities, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center
- Cost: Starts at $131 per night
- Address: 5223 South Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283
- Amenities: Fitness Center, Swimming Pool
Tempe, AZ: Where To Eat
wooden sign for The Chuckbox restaurant
When visiting the city, try some of the fantastic cuisines that Tempe has to offer.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Bars
Top Neighborhoods To Visit
There are many lesser-known towns to visit in Arizona and Tempe has a distinctive appeal thanks to its mix of suburban and urban lifestyles, well-liked attractions, thriving nightlife, and superb restaurants.
Tempe has a diverse range of neighborhoods that cater to people of all ages and lifestyles.
Tally Ho Farms
Colorful suburban sunset over Phoenix
A lovely South Tempe neighborhood called Tally Ho Farms has been well-renowned for its rural atmosphere and expansive, opulent homes on big lots. Visitors can enjoy the sights in addition to admiring the stunning architecture.
The Legoland Discovery Center is in this neighborhood where visitors can spend a day having fun. Visitors can also go to Hangar Park, which offers outdoor activities and environmental conservation.
It is a great place to hang out in beautiful weather. Another fantastic location in the Tally Ho Farms is Stroud Park.
Cyprus Southwest
Tempe Town Lake in Arizona
Young adults are drawn to the quaint Tempe neighborhood of Cyprus Southwest. Visitors can take in various attractions while also enjoying the beautiful charm of the location.
While Arizona has some historic landmarks, the Tempe History Museum offers visitors a chance to discover Tempe’s past through changing exhibitions, displays, pictures, and historical records.
Another great place to go is Tempe Beach Park, with picnic areas and the ideal environment for outdoor entertainment. A pleasant location to stroll through and enjoy hours outdoors in this neighborhood is Kiwanis Park.
Camelot Village
Aerial view of Tempe, Arizona
Another wonderful Tempe community known for being kid- and pet-friendly is Camelot Village. The area is renowned for being peaceful, quiet, and excellent for walking.
To visit some local favorites, go to Sacred Pi Love + Pizza, serving Italian comfort dishes in a fantastic setting, along with salads, wings, pizzas, cheese platters, and more.
Another top-notch American eatery, Badlands Bar and Grill, offers excellent food daily. There are also lots of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free selections.
Another adorable and welcoming cafe in the area is P Croissant, well-known for its traditional baked goods such as sandwiches, flavored croissants, and salads.
Best Ways To Get Around
shore view of downtown Tempe Arizona
Tempe is among Arizona’s top destinations to explore, and for a valid cause. It’s simple to navigate around Tempe since it is bikeable and pedestrian-friendly.
Cycling is a fantastic way to discover Tempe, particularly the downtown area, a biker’s heaven. Free transportation from neighboring Tempe neighborhoods to Downtown Tempe is provided via the ORBIT Neighborhood Circulator.
Although the city has good public transportation, visitors can avoid hiring a taxi and navigate the city without one by forgoing the option of renting a car to explore the area.
Tips For Visiting Tempe
Downtown Tempe and Tempe Town Lake
- Tempe is typically arid and sunny all year long. Therefore, when going on a hike, riding a bike, or frolicking outside, be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and spend time in the shade.
- Regardless of where people are in, water is necessary. Carry a water bottle close by. Without recognizing it, dehydration is a simple process. Exercise outdoors as little as possible in the midday sun.
- If using public transportation, first check the timetable before making travel arrangements.
- If visiting Tempe during the peak months, purchase tickets to popular tourist attractions beforehand.
How To Spend A Perfect Day In Tempe
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe is a beautiful place to visit and has lots to explore. Visitors should plan out their day to check out the best attractions of the area and make the best out of their vacation.
The Tempe Center of Arts is a good place to start for its intricate design and exhibitions. The Sea Life Aquarium is another excellent place to observe aquatic life and interact with them.
If visitors are looking for a place to have fun, then Legoland is just the place to go. Kids especially will love visiting Legoland and its interactive workshops.
Tempe Beach Lake is the best place to visit if looking for some water fun. There is a splash playground with slides to have absolute enjoyment in the day.
Tally Ho Farms is a good neighborhood to visit if people are looking to explore some parks and spend some time in nature.
Camelot Village is an excellent neighborhood to visit if looking for some excellent places to eat and admire a quaint neighborhood.
FAQ
Q: Is Tempe a fun city?
One aspect of why this modest, endearing city is such a terrific destination to visit is the abundance of entertaining activities that people of all ages will appreciate. There is a lot to discover, including history, parks, lakes, and exciting nightlife.
Q: Does Tempe have good nightlife?
Tempe has a thriving and entertaining nightlife that features craft breweries, hip cocktail bars, tasting areas for distilleries, nightclubs, and more. Everyone from young professionals to tourists may find the ideal location for a night out in Tempe.
Q: Does Tempe Arizona have beaches?
Because it’s landlocked by neighboring states plus Mexico to the South, Arizona does not have ocean beaches. However, there are lakes, such as Tempe Town Lake, in Tempe. Arizona has other lakes like Small Canyon Lake, plus plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions to keep visitors busy.
