When you think of Tempe, you might think of ASU, but there’s so much more going on in this friendly city which is a short drive south of Phoenix.
With a wide range of events, there is always something to do year-round. Tempe is home to one of the longest-running arts events in the state: the Tempe Festival of the Arts which operates in the Spring and the Fall each year. For those more fitness-oriented, join the Fat Tire Tour de Fat or sign up for Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathons. if you’re more of a spectator, attend an ASU football game at Sun Devil Stadium or catch a Spring Training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
At the northern end of Downtown Tempe, you’ll find Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park. The area is lively with business complexes, an artistic pedestrian bridge, a park, and the marina, Tempe Town Lake is the site for daily water recreation. Go for a run, enjoy a picnic, take up paddle boarding or just relax in the sun. Tempe Town Lake also hosts a myriad of fun activities such as the Four Peaks Oktoberfest, and the Arizona Dragon Boat Festival.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Downtown Tempe’s Mill Avenue to explore more than 100 hip shops, restaurants, taverns and nightclubs. Mill Avenue is also a great place for a hike up iconic “A” Mountain, a part of the Sonoran Desert right in Tempe’s backyard.
Don’t miss Tempe’s other entertainment and shopping hubs within the city, including Tempe Marketplace, known for great shopping and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Arizona Mills Mall features a mile of outlets, specialty shops and attractions, such as SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery.
