The ultimate travel guide and things to do there

Arizona is a fascinating American state and has many places to explore. Tempe, just east of Phoenix and the site of Arizona State University, has a university town atmosphere and activities that keep visitors interested for a while.

However, Tempe is not simply a college town. Its business options, outdoor activities and desert landscape are popular among tourists. Here is the ultimate guide to visiting Tempe.

Best time to visit Tempe, AZ

Tempe, in Arizona, neighbors Phoenix and is beautiful in the spring. The weather is warm, although not too hot, and the wild flowers of the desert are blooming. The hottest time in Tempe is between June and August. If visitors want to visit during the warmer months, these are the best times to do so.

Related: Exploring Southwest Arizona: Yuma’s Ultimate Travel Guide and Things to Do

In Tempe, March is the peak month for tourists, followed by January through February. It is also one of the amazing places to visit in Arizona during winter.

Although visitors can save money if they book early, these seasons tend to have the highest hotel and flight prices.

Those willing to travel around November will find that it is probably the cheapest month.

The main things to do

There are plenty of things to do in Arizona and the Phoenix metropolitan area, including the charming city of Tempe, which is filled with a variety of amazing attractions.

Visitors can stroll along the pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets to the lively nightlife and restaurants of the city.

Visit the Tempe Center for the Arts

A must-see is the Tempe Arts Center, whose roof is intricately composed of geometric panels. The center includes a theater company called Childsplay, dance groups such as Ludwig Dance Theater, Desert Dance Theater and Condence and music bands, Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Tempe Community Chorus and the Arizona Wind Symphony.

The gallery is an art space that displays works of art by both local and foreign artists. The beautiful grounds of the center go well with the beautiful and modern decorations. It is one of the top museums to visit in Arizona.

See the marine life

Clownfish, angelfish, lionfish, jellyfish, seahorses, rays and a variety of shark species, such as white tip sharks and black tip reef sharks, are housed in thousands of aquatic creatures at the 26,000 square foot Marine Life Aquarium.

The interactive Rockpool, another immersive underwater experience, allows children to experience a variety of marine life such as starfish, lobsters and crabs.

Ziva, the endangered green sea turtle, and other injured or disabled marine animals are rescued and cared for through involvement in aquatic wildlife conservation.

Enjoy Tempe Beach Park

There are many things one can do at Tempe Town Lake and one of the best is sightseeing here. A wonderful local attraction, Tempe Beach Park, a fun city park, is located next to Tempe City Lake.

The Splash Pad is one of the attractions with slides, spray cannons, waterfalls and immersive play structures. It also has more sports fields.

Arizona is one of the most adventurous places in America and visitors can enjoy biking, fishing, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, picnicking and many other activities here.

Live performances, festivals and athletic competitions are just some of the events held at the park.

Related: There’s a tower in the middle of the Arizona desert, and this is how you can visit Tovria.

Enjoy LEGO

There are many amazing places to visit in Arizona and this one is really fun. LEGOLAND Discovery Center is always a great place to enjoy family time together.

Kids will enjoy every second of this level of play and learning. Visitors can marvel at the amazing sculptures made of Lego blocks in Miniland, such as the Grand Canyon display.

Along with the LEGO 4D Theater, Kingdom Quest Ride and Merlin’s Apprentice Ride, there’s a special build and play section just for kids.

Travelers can view the weekly schedule online and plan to bring the kids to a virtual workshop to learn from the ropes of Lego builders.

Where to stay in Tempe

Visitors can find some great accommodations in Tempe for all budgets and amenities, but even staying in neighboring Phoenix gives travelers access to all that Tempe has to offer.

Luxury hotels

Canopy at the Hilton Tempe Downtown

• Price: Starts at $626 per night
• Address: 108 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281
• Facilities: Swimming pool, restaurant, fitness center

The Westin Temp

• Price: Starting at $718 per night
• Address: 11 E. Seventh Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
• Facilities: Jacuzzi, fitness center, restaurant

Tempe Mission Palms, a destination by Hyatt Hotels

• Price: Starting at $638 per night
• Address: 60 East 5th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
• Facilities: hot tub, bar, swimming pool, restaurant

Budget hotels

Sonesta Simply Suites Phoenix Tempe

• Price: starts from 102 dollars per night
• Address: 1335 West Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283
• Amenities: Swimming pool, fitness center, Jacuzzi

SpringHill Suites Tempe

• Price: Starting at $109 per night
• Address: 5211 South Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283
• Facilities: BBQ facilities, swimming pool, fitness center

TownePlace Suites Tempe

• Price: starts from 131 dollars per night
• Address: 5223 South Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283
• Amenities: Fitness center, swimming pool

RELATED: This Abandoned Arizona Ghost Town Is Even More Creepy To Visit In Real Life

Tempe, AZ: Where to eat

While visiting the city, try some of the fantastic food that Tempe has to offer.

Breakfast

lunch

Dinner

Bars

Best neighborhoods to visit

There are many lesser-known cities to visit in Arizona, and Tempe has a unique combination of suburban and urban lifestyles, popular attractions, vibrant nightlife, and great restaurants.

Tempe has a variety of neighborhoods that cater to people of all ages and lifestyles.

Tally Ho Farms

A nice South Tempe neighborhood, Tally Ho Farms was known for its rustic atmosphere and spacious homes on large lots. Apart from admiring the stunning architecture, visitors can also enjoy the views.

It is in this neighborhood that visitors to the Legoland Discovery Center can spend a day enjoying themselves. Visitors can head to Hangar Park, which offers outdoor activities and environmental protection.

It is a good place to relax in beautiful weather. Another amazing place in Tally Ho Farms is Stroud Park.

South West Cyprus

Young adults are drawn to the suburbs of Tempe in southwest Cyprus. Visitors can take in various attractions while enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.

While Arizona has some historic landmarks, the Tempe History Museum offers visitors the opportunity to discover exhibits, displays, images, and historical records of Tempe’s changing past.

Another great place to go is Tempe Beach Park, a perfect area for picnics and outdoor recreation. A great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors in this neighborhood is Kiwanis Park.

Camelot village

Another wonderful Tempe community known as a child is the pet-friendly Camelot Village. The area is famous for being peaceful, quiet and great for walking.

Head over to Sacred Pi Love + Pizza to visit some local favorites, serving Italian comfort food in an amazing way, along with salads, wings, pizza, cheese platters and more.

Another upscale American restaurant, Badlands Bar & Grill offers great food every day. There are also plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Another popular and welcoming cafe in the area is P Croissant, known for its traditional pastries such as sandwiches, savory croissants and salads.

The best ways to get around

Tempe is one of Arizona’s top destinations, and for good reason. Around Tempe is bikeable and pedestrian-friendly, so it’s easy to navigate.

Biking is a fantastic way to explore Tempe, especially the downtown area, a cyclist’s paradise. 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 opt to rent a car to explore the area without a car.

Tips for visiting Tempe

• Tempe is typically dry and sunny year-round. So be sure to use plenty of sunscreen and spend time in the shade when you’re hiking, biking, or cycling outside.
• No matter where people are, water is important. Keep a water bottle nearby. Without realizing it, dehydration is a simple process. Exercise outdoors as much as possible in the midday sun.
• If you are using public transportation, check the timetable first before making travel arrangements.
• If you visit Tempe during the peak months, buy tickets to popular tourist attractions in advance.

How to spend a perfect day in Tempe

Tempe is a beautiful place to visit and has a lot to explore. Visitors should plan their day to see the area’s best attractions and make the most of their vacation.

The Tempe Art Center is a great place to start for intricate design and exhibitions. Marine Life Aquarium is another great place to observe and interact with aquatic life.

If visitors are looking for a place to have fun, Legoland is the only place to go. Children especially love visiting Legoland and the interactive workshops.

Related: Your Essential Guide to the Phoenix Zoo

Lake Tempe Beach is the best place to visit if you want some water fun. There is a sprawling playground with slides for the ultimate fun in the day.

If people want to explore some parks and spend some time in nature, Tally Ho Farms is a great neighborhood to visit.

Camelot Village is a great neighborhood to visit for some great places to eat and admire the beautiful neighborhood.

Every Q

Q: Is Tempe a fun city?

One aspect that makes this modest, beloved city such a great destination to visit is the many fun activities that people of all ages can enjoy. There is much to discover, including history, parks, lakes and a lively nightlife.

Q: Does Tempe have a good nightlife?

Tempe has a rich and fun nightlife featuring craft breweries, hip cocktail bars, dining spots, nightclubs and more. Everyone from young professionals to tourists can find a comfortable place for a night in Tempe.

Q: Does Tempe Arizona have beaches?

Because of neighboring states south of Mexico, Arizona is landlocked. However, there are lakes in Tempe, such as Tempe Town Lake. Arizona has other lakes, such as Little Canyon Lake, and plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions to keep visitors busy.