Top Things To Do In Tempe

Tempe is centrally located between Scottsdale and Phoenix. Have a bite at Tempe favorites Chuck Box or House of Tricks, or spend some time near the Arizona State University campus to get the full college experience.

The best things to do near Tempe include:

• Exploring the natural desert beauty at the Desert Botanical Gardens
• Shopping at the the retail mecca Tempe Marketplace
• Having a picnic at one of the many ramadas at Papago Park
• Walking across the Tempe Town Lake Bridge to view the lights and the lake
• Having dinner on the Cornish Pasty patio on Mill Avenue

Some of the best tourist attractions include riding the Valley Metro Rail to Phoenix or Mesa and seeing the Hayden Flour Mill near the lake. Take a tour at the Arizona Distilling Company or grab lunch at Four Peaks Brewery.

Popular attractions near Tempe include:

• Learning all about the history of Tempe at the Tempe History Museum
• Showing Arizona State University pride be taking a picture on “A” mountain
• Checking out the Pat Tillman Statue at Sun Devil Stadium
• Visiting the Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights
• Exploring the city and neighborhoods with GRID rental bike

Tempe is full of fun things to do on a whim. Encourage local business by grabbing a coffee at local favorites Cartel Coffee and King Coffee near the ASU campus. Take a yoga or spin class at Core Power Yoga on Mill Avenue or group fitness class at the local YMCA branch.

Exciting activities near Tempe include:

• Buying tickets to a game at the Spring Training Headquarters, Diablo Stadium
• Grabbing lunch and a brew at the Blasted Barley Beer Company
• Getting some air at the Tempe Skatepark
• Shopping for vintage clothes and accessories at Buffalo Exchange
• Spending the day furniture shopping at the only IKEA location in Arizona

Tempe is where locals head to when looking for things to do at night. Enjoy dancing and music at Mill Avenue staples like Fat Tuesdays and Low Key Piano Bar. Or check out Tempe Improv to see famous comedians like Chelsea Lately and Jimmy Fallon.

Nighttime activities near Tempe include:

• Betting on a game of billiards at Cue and Brew
• Watching local and touring bands play at the Marquee Theater
• Playing arcade games and have a dinner at Dave & Busters
• Grabbing a cocktail at happy hour on the Patio of Salut Kitchen Bar
• Spending the night out at the Wild Horse Pass Casino

Suburbs form a large section of Tempe, making the city an ideal family destination. There are plenty of things to do with kids, such as visiting the Arizona Mills Mall. Here you can explore the underwater world at Sea LIfe Arizona, create and learn at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and eat lunch at jungle themed restaurant Rainforest Cafe.

Family-Friendly things to do near Tempe include:

• Learning all about the heart at the Halle Heart Children’s Museum
• Getting frozen treats before the game at Rita’s Italian Ice
• Lose yourself watching a play at the Childsplay Theatre Co
• Checking out books and events at the local Tempe Public Libraries
• Grabbing a slice with the family at Oregano's Pizza Bistro

Not all of the best parts of Tempe are outside. There are plenty of things to do indoors that both relax and entertain. Try zero-gravity meditation at True REST Float Spa or get relaxed at Escape Massage Day Spa. Looking to learn? Take a cooking class at Whisked Away or paint pottery at As You Wish.

Tempe things to do indoors include:

• Watching a performance at the Tempe Center for the Arts
• Visiting Arizona State University’s Marston Exploration Theater and seeing a 3D Astronomy Show
• Sipping some wine and letting out your inner artist at Painting with a Twist
• Losing yourself in visual wonder at the IMAX Theater at Arizona Mills
• Appreciating unique and engaging art from locals at Gersten Fine Art

As a walkable city, Tempe takes pride in the amount of outdoor activities and art installations. After attending a Tempe Beach Park event, head out of town to explore the natural desert landscaping along the edges of the metropolitan area.

Active things to see in Tempe include:

• Bringing your clubs and hit the green at Karsten Golf Course
• Riding a segway around the lake with Segways of Scottsdale
• Taking horseback riding lessons at the Salt River in Mesa
• Having a picnic at one of the many ramadas at Papago Park
• Heading south to explore the South Mountain Preserve and Park