Whether you’re an Arizona first-timer or a seasoned traveler to the Grand Canyon State, Tempe is full of attractions and restaurants worth visiting. Located in the East Valley part of metro Phoenix, Tempe is home to rich wildlife, interesting history, and countless restaurants and shops with great food and company.
Check out these twenty ideas for your next Tempe, AZ vacation.
1. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is home to a plethora of native desert wildlife and there are paved trails to walk on while admiring the flora and fauna. DBG is open every day from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. and tickets are required prior to your visit. Tickets are free for members, active military members, and children under 3. Child tickets for ages 3-17 range from $9.95-$14.95 and general admission is $14.95-$29.95.
2. Admire Wildlife and Hike at Hayden Butte Preserve
Hayden Butte Nature Preserve is home to a wide range of desert wildlife. The nature preserve has a long history as a home to the indigenous peoples who have lived their for centuries. The preserve is also home to approximately 500 petroglyphs created by the Hohokam.
Not only is this a good place to visit for a naturalist, but it’s a great opportunity to learn about a sacred indigenous place and the history that it holds.
3. Tour the Eisendrath House
Rose Eisendrath designed this house with the help of Robert Thomas Evans, a famous Arizona architect. Eisendrath wanted this house built after she was refused accommodations at a luxury resort for the mere fact that she was Jewish. It was also pivotal in the movement to revive the use of adobe on Arizona homes in the 30s and 40s.
4. Take a Walk to Hunt’s Tomb
For the fan of anything odd and out of place, Hunt’s Tomb is a peculiar and interesting place to visit. Consider taking a short walk up to the tomb to see where Arizona Governer George W.P. Hunt was buried alongside his family in the 1930s. Because of his affinity for the Egyptian pyramids, Hunt wanted to recreate them in the states.
5. Check Out the Public Art in Downtown Tempe
Downtown Tempe has several public art pieces scattered throughout each block. This art makes for a great memento photograph or Instagram post. Here you’ll find prints, murals, sculptures, and art of many other types. To help you find each art piece, check out the public art map.
6. Hang Out at the Tempe Town Lake
The Tempe Town Lake is more than 2 miles long and is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and other water leisure activities. Families are also commonly found picnicking on the green next to the lake. Along with these, you can also find the Tempe Center for the Arts, a veterans’ memorial, and volleyball courts to boot.
7. Cool Off at a Splash Pad or Pool
Arizona is undebateably hot. The summer months can be especially hard to keep cool in the dry Arizona heat. However, Tempe is home to a variety of splash pads and pools that are perfect for those days that feel too hot for anything else. Hours and admission varies depending on the location:
- Kiwanis Wave Pool: 6111 S. All America Way, Tempe, AZ 85283
- The Tempe Marketplace Splash Pad: 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281
- The Cloud at Kiwanis Park: 5233 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85283
- Jaycee Park Spray Pad: 817 W. 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
- Esquer Park: 2407 E. McArthur Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281
- Hudson Park: 1430 S. Cedar St., Tempe, AZ 85281
8. Visit SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona
Home to Arizona’s only 360-degree aquatic viewing tunnel, SEA LIFE Tempe is the perfect attraction for beating the heat. Buying advance tickets on their website will guarantee entry on any day they’re open. SEA LIFE is open to the public every day from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with final entry being at 4:00 p.m.
9. Hang Out in the Mill Avenue District
Downtown Tempe and the Mill District are home to a plethora of shopping choices. From books to clothing to completely random tchotchkes, you’re sure to find some fun things to take home to remind you of your trip. This district is also home to several breweries and pubs, so you can flight a few different brews or do an entire pub crawl, the choice is yours.
10. Take a Walk Around Arizona State University
While here, consider taking a stroll around the Arizona State University campus. The architecture is stunning for carpentry lovers. It also makes for a quiet and laid back vacation day to contrast other, more packed, days on your trip.
11. Tea Time at Drink Me! Tea Room
This Tempe tea house opened in July of 2020 and they regularly hold events and theme their teas around them. You can visit their website to order ahead or peruse their online store for loose leaf teas. Depending on the teatime you choose to book, prices will vary. I recommend scanning their website before choosing.
12. Go Shopping at Tempe Marketplace
The Tempe Marketplace is definitely one of the most popular destinations in the city. This outdoor mall is home to hundreds of shops and restaurants as well as a splash pad at the mall center. The marketplace regularly hosts different events of all types and may be worth looking into during your trip to the city.
13. Admire Art at the ASU Art Museum
The ASU art museum, located at Arizona State University, is home to some of the most interesting modern art in the country. They also show collections based on Latinx culture and contemporary crafts with things like wood and fiber. Admission into the museum is free and is open friday thru sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
14. Keep Cool at Big Surf Waterpark
The Big Surf Waterpark is another aquatic attraction good for keeping cool during Arizona summer. Children 3 and under are free, ages 4-17 are $24, general admission is $34, and senior citizens as well as active military or fire rescue are $19.95. Hours of operation vary depending on the day.
15. Grab a Drink at Adventurous Stills
This craft distillery was opened in September of 2015 with a tasting room opened two years later. They use around 70% of locally-grown grains and everything is made by hand. For that reason, this distillery is a popular destination for beer enthusiasts.
16. Chill Out at Low Key Piano Bar
Low Key Piano Bar is a laid-back environment where two dueling pianos play familiar tunes to the audience. Advanced registration is required and can be done through their website. Each performance features different pianists from across the country.
17. Enjoy a Show at the Tempe Center for the Arts
Tickets to shows can be purchased beforehand online or at the box office, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday thru Friday. Check out their event calendar to find a show you and your travel partners may be interested in viewing.
18. Tee Up at Rolling Hills Golf Course
This 18-hole executive golf course is perfect for those who want to get a couple swings in while they’re on vacation. Rolling Hills is located in Papago Park and there’s a 30-day prior reservation requirement.
19. Hit the Rocks at Climbmax Tempe Climbing Gym
Want to go rock climbing but the rocks are too hot in Tempe? Consider checking out Climbmax indoor climbing gym to scratch that itch. The walls are open to all ages and skill levels and admission depends on whether or not you have you’re own gear. Check out their hours here.
20. Explore the Past at the Tempe History Museum
If you need a little mental stimulation while exploring Tempe, the Tempe History Museum is a good place to go. Here you’ll find information on the rich history of the city. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday thru Saturday.