Find the best things to do in Tempe Arizona. Explore parks, cultural attractions, and local dining spots to make the most of your visit. Tempe, hands down, is one happening city with so much to do by itself in terms of activities, events, and attractions. So, if your travel plans include a stop in Tempe, Arizona, here now is a walk-through for a good time in Tempe, Arizona. From the exciting activities at Tempe Town Lake to the tranquility of Papago Park, this vibrant town offers something for everyone, catering to a wide range of interests. Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Introduction
The city of Tempe would be a very busy city hosting a wide array of attractions, rich history, and varied culture. It is placed in the heart of Metropolitan Phoenix where scenic beauty combines with a great deal of outdoor activities together with various types of cultural experiences. Tempe, Arizona, either in December or February, you are sure to get enough action and attractions.
Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is incredibly at the core of Tempe and offers beautiful scenery on the water for one to engage in activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, pedaling a boat, or anything. There are lots of different places to rent all around the lake, so getting out onto the water to have some fun will definitely not be a problem for anyone. The 2-mile-long lake is clean, large enough to allow, and surrounded by additional open recreational activities in the park. Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Tempe Beach Park
On the other end of the Tempe Town Lake is the stunning Tempe Beach Park, in which one is able to enjoy picnics and leisurely strolls, and space is provided for many events throughout the year. Its beautiful views of the surrounding area have made it the first preference by local and visiting individuals alike. These are venues that host anything from the annual Tempe Festival of the Arts to concerts, and outdoor movie nights—events that draw audiences of all ages, having fun together. Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Tempe Town Lake Events
The lakebed is hosting a collection of events since it has various times during the year, making sure there is always something to do and see. Some of the bigger and also popular events include the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade in December, which features amazingly decorated boats lighting up the lake in a way sure to get one in the holiday spirit. Other major events are the Fourth of July celebration through breathtaking fireworks over the lake into the night and live music and scenery of family-related activities.
Papago Park Exploration
Next to Tempe Town Lake is Papago Park. It is another beautiful desolate landscape with an abundance of hiking trails. Inside the park is Hole-in-the-Rock, a geological formation portraying a city scene from one of the best shooting spots for photographers. Very picturesque with its reddish sandtone buttes, uniquely eroded into rocks. Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
In Papago Park, the hiker will find trails suited to any ability. Some of the good family trails include the Elliott Ramada Loop Trail, which gives nice views out over the surrounding desert. For those more experienced, try the Double Butte Loop for a nice circuit around the front buttes of the park, with good bird watching and viewing of wildlife. Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Other than being a beauty of nature, Papago Park represents a few attractions in itself. Highlights include the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo. The latter contains one of the world’s largest collections of desert plants. It also contains the renowned Phoenix Zoo, holding more than 1,400 animals and custom-designed, interactive venues that provide educational programs.
The Best Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Cultural and historical attractions in Tempe have views which are the most stimulating towards the city’s past and present. Whether you like museums or the performing arts centers, everything is there to satisfy a viewer. Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Arizona Historical Society Museum
The Arizona Historical Society Museum in Tempe features exhibits on the state’s history. Other exhibits feature stories and events of Native American cultures that led to the emergence of modern-day Arizona. There are programs available, and it is an interactive museum, making it suitable for all ages.
Tempe Center for the Arts
Finally, art lovers will especially appreciate the Tempe Center for the Arts, which showcases a line-up of theater, dance, and live music performances and constantly-changing art exhibitions. The exceptional architecture, along with the stunning setting along the Tempe Town Lake, makes the center truly an amazing cultural feature for the city. Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Annual Events and Festivals
One of the highlights of the events and festivals in Tempe is this huge exuberance. These events are annual and arrayed along the calendar, as visitors from across the region descend into a watchful frenzy, described by the community’s lifeblood as ethnically diverse, cultural city.
Ironman Arizona
One of the major annual events in Tempe is Ironman Arizona, held at Tempe Town Lake. Besides this high-energy-sapping activity that every man can ever undertake, this is actually a real pleasure to observe. This competition consists of a 2.4-mile swim in Tempe Town Lake, 112-mile bike ride across Sonoran Desert land, and a 26.2-mile run along the shores of Tempe Town Lake. Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Tempe Special Events
From concerts to cultural festivals, food tastings, and wine tastings, when it comes to special events, Tempe truly has something for everyone. Also, not to miss are the listings local to the area, so you can secure these things to do in Tempe, Arizona, your free time. The Tempe Festival of the Arts, along with the Innings Festival of Music and Baseball and the Arizona Dragon Boat Festival at Tempe Town Lake, creates an impressive lineup of events. Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
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Free Things to Do in Tempe, Arizona This Weekend
In this article, you are sure to find scores of free things to do in Tempe, Arizona this weekend, activities that will keep you engaged from morn ’til dawn. Be it shopping, dining, or visiting some of the fantastic local museums, there will always be some action in this vibrant town.
Tempe Marketplace
Tempe Marketplace A hundred-plus stores and a handful of restaurants make an open-air shopping center. Is really a nice way to spend an afternoon by any measure. It’s busy with activity from the outdoor fireplaces and fountains, with live music at the center, and that is what really makes this place very popular among locals and visitors alike. Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Tempe History Museum
Interested in local history? Well, this is the right museum for you, since it has a variety of displays on how the mentioned city’s history passed through. Learn how Tempe was founded and how all over the years it grew into the beautiful city it is today. Full of interactive exhibits and great programs, it is a cool place to bring your family.
Outdoor Activities and Adventure
There are serene spots all over it, perfectly creating very beautiful settings for outdoor activities extending from hiking and biking to water sports. That’s some of the ways one can enjoy nature.
Hiking Trails and Mountain Biking
Only a short drive from downtown Tempe, South Mountain Park and Preserve offers additional hiking and mountain biking trails. The park is full of land variation and has a great view visually from lookouts, hence proving to be very special for outdoor recreation. In this case, National and Hidden Valley trails are routes that are simultaneously challenging to get through and very rewarding in terms of viewing.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Splash Attractions: The nearby Salt River offers tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding and is simply a complement to the facility of Tempe Town Lake. All are the most refreshing ways to get in some of that Arizona sun while soaking up some beautiful vistas. Outfitters abound in the area to help you get out on the water with rentals and guided tours.
Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Seasonal Activities
No matter at what time of the year you head there, something will be cooking up in the city. Due to activities and events that are seasonal, this city experiences unique experiences of culture and characters.
Things to Do in Tempe Arizona in December
Accompanying the very festive holiday lights, which spread over the city during December, are several holiday events further beautifying the city. The festiveness of the decoration is topped by festively decorated boats at Tempe Town Lake in the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. Other holiday events during this time include the Tempe Festival of the Arts and the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink.
Things to Do in Tempe Arizona: February
The weather is beautiful, too, so you are going to want to get outside. It’s also the time of year to really return to medieval times with the Arizona Renaissance Festival for the day in one of the neighboring towns full of excitement and homemade wares. And keep an eye out for the annual Innings Festival, which brings together music and baseball in Tempe Beach Park.
Dining and Nightlife
The dining scene in Tempe goes from fine dining to regular restaurants—just about all one can imagine. With all these restaurants and bars along Mill Avenue, it’s perfect for a night out.
Tempe Food Scene
Be it farm-to-table, ethnic, or some other genre of classic American diners, Tempe has a little bit of everything to satisfy any palate. Some of the best places to eat there include House of Tricks, an intimate restaurant with a garden patio outside, and Four Peaks Brewing Company, known for its craft beers and homemade pub fare.
Live Music and Entertainment
For some live music and entertainment, you have have The Marquee Theatre and Yucca Tap Room. Both of these spots will be home to a spate of acts, ranging from local bands to nationally touring acts, in performance. Living in the Mill Avenue District gives you access to many other live music, DJ, and dance bars and clubs.
Family Activities
Tempe is a great family destination with much to see and do—activities that rate high with one and all. You might find it overwhelming what to do in Tempe with your kids. So, I break down many reasons to trust coming to Tempe, no matter what the age of your kids is—from hands-on amazing museums to exciting.
Plan a family day out at LEGOLAND Discovery Center—an absolutely interactive attraction with rides and building workshops that even hosts a 4D cinema. Everything will love it, so you will not waste a smile on any face. All this is inside Arizona Mills, so get ready for a full house of the family, busy and replete with entertainment.
Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
Arizona Mills
Among the large number of shopping and markets in the city, Arizona Mills stands as one of the biggest indoor entertainment and shopping malls to cater entirely to family entertainment. The mall offers a wide range of attractions, including an aquarium and an indoor amusement park. Inside of Arizona Mills are two of the major attractions: SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium and Tilt Studio.
Shopping and Markets
It ranges from shopping in the busiest of the marketplaces to small boutiques, which are so much fun to get around. Whether your interests are unique places for souvenirs or if you are attuned to where the latest in fashion trends are, you shall be given plenty of opportunity to prowl around.
Tempe Marketplace
The next hot spot is Tempe Marketplace. A combination of national retailers, over 60 specialty shops, and restaurants create a vibrant scene here. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by outdoor fireplaces, water fountains, and live music, making it a bustling hub for both locals and visitors.
Mill Avenue District
Yet another shopping hot spot within this city is the Mill Avenue District, where all sorts of shops, cafes, and street vendors loiter about. The place gives off the vitality it has in order to give visitors the energy and momentum to spend a lazy afternoon just going around or watching the scene. The place has added historical building structures in this district, together with live street art, which has added an area character.
There’s a lot to holler about for a sports fan in Tempe. Sports venues and recreational activities are on tap in this city, offering varieties of fun to visitors.
ASU Sun Devil Stadium
Sports fans certainly do not want to miss a game played at the ASU Sun Devil Stadium, belonging to the Arizona State University football team. Towards the end, it gets so rowdy that it epitomizes a must-visit for sports scenes locally. A Sun Devils activity generally rates up pretty high on the must-attend list of visitors to Tempe, and with these wild, rowdy fans, it generally makes quite an eventful and hair-raising experience on the ground.
Tempe Diablo Stadium
Tempe Diablo Stadium: The spring home of the Los Angeles Angels, you can see games here as they play out in March. Games here count among the unmistakably Arizona experiences, right along with cactus saguaro and perpetual sunburn. The stadium truly is very intimate, and so the fans are close to the action, and Arizona always has nice weather.
Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
FAQ ,Things to Do in Tempe Arizona
What is there to do in Tempe, Arizona?
There is so much to do in Tempe, Arizona, as canoeing on the Tempe Town Lake, hiking in the Papago Park, visiting the Museum of the Arizona Historical Society, or enjoying some live music at the Tempe Center for the Arts.
What can people do today in Tempe, Arizona?
You could be out at the Tempe Marketplace today to enjoy some fine shopping and dining, going in to the featured exhibits at the Tempe History Museum, or just having a great outdoor time at the Tempe Beach Park.
What to Do in Tempe Arizona, December ?
Be a part of the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade across the Tempe Town Lake, check on all Holiday Lights displays, and many other festivals going on around town this time of the year.
What are some things to do in Tempe Arizona, during February?
Also making its stop in the area in this month of the year is the Arizona Renaissance Festival. The weather makes February a time of year when both hiking and kayaking could, with more plausibility, be done.
What are some special events in Tempe Arizona?
Yes, there are lots of special events going to be around Tempe almost all the time. Few of the good ones which take place are Ironman Arizona, Cultural Festivals, Concerts, Food and Wine Tastings.
What are the best dining and nightlife places in Tempe?
Mill Avenue is the main whole-hearted district which consists of restaurants, bars, and areas of entertainment.
What are Family Friendly activities in and around Tempe, Arizona?
Tempe offers family-friendly activities at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Arizona Mills. A visit to the great outdoors would be more favored at Tempe Beach Park.
Tempe in the state of Arizona promises one exceptional experience with its outdoor adventures, cultural attractions and lively dining and nightlife. Be it a day planned to come here or a planned trip to Tempe, Arizona, in December or February; here is all the information that one might need to plan for the trip of a lifetime. See Tempe at its best and get the most from this dynamic and so-hospitable city with your stay.