For those who are looking for an active and laid-back atmosphere, Tempe is the place to visit. The local community has always played a massive part in what makes this city so great! When you plan your next trip here, be sure not to miss out on all that we have waiting just below our surface level. Whether it’s through shopping at one of many antique stores or grabbing something healthy from one of its locally-owned dining establishments, there will never be anything short when it comes down to how much fun people can get while living within these four walls.
Tempe, Arizona, is a city that has no shortage of entertainment opportunities. Here are just three of the best ways to spend your time here!
Things to Do in Tempe
Downtown Tempe is a great place to spend your free time in the city. The options for things to do are endless, and you’ll be sure not to get bored with so many activities available around here! You can enjoy shopping or dining while also taking part in some of these fun events such as hiking trails and museums if that’s more up your alley. There’s always something going down every day, thanks mainly to Mill Avenue, where all different types meet each other under one roof.
When Should You Visit Tempe?
Tempe is a sunny city with almost 300 days of sun per year. The fall provides the perfect opportunity to escape cold weather at home and enjoy some warm temps in Arizona’s Desert Southwest during this time! You can also see what Tempes has to offer overwinter–the mild climate will make it feel like spring all day long (although if you want snow-skiing or other winter sports, there are plenty available).
Hiking: When you visit Tempe, don’t forget to take in the view from “A” Mountain. This quick but rigorous hike provides panoramic views of our beautiful campus and surroundings that are sure to impress visitors and remind students why they came here in the first place – learning!
Bike Ride: Take a bike ride to explore Tempe! The Bicycle Cellar near Mill Avenue offers rentals, so you can easily find your perfect two-wheeled animal. If that’s not what suits your fancy, there are hundreds of paths winding through the city, or head north for some lovely exploring in one of our favorite parks in Papago Park (a short drive).
Entertainment: Movies at the AMC Centerpoint 11 are like a movie theater experience in your living room. With recliner seats and food from top restaurants close by, this is a luxury viewing that you won’t want to miss out on!
In downtown Tempe, you can see a wide variety of performances, from edgy to blockbuster shows. For example, Stray Cat Theatre Company performs between the smart and popular theater productions at The Center for the Arts or ASU Gammage–which has been called “the nicest theatre around.
Catch the Angels Baseball Spring Training in March at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Enjoy an intimate ballpark feel, great food, and beer on tap while you cheer your favorite team! Game dates are subject to change, so make sure to confirm them beforehand or risk missing out on this year’s game times.
The Arizona Cardinals are a football team founded in 1898 and joined the National Football League as its 24th member. They play at the University of Phoenix Stadium, which has been their home since 1980 when it replaced the aging Sun devil stadium with 35000 seats, more than double!
The Arizona Coyotes Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team in Glendale, Arizona. The Gila River Arena has hosted the annual NHL game every October through April for over 20 years!
Sightseeing
There are plenty of reasons to visit Arizona, with Tempe as your home base. You can take advantage of the many tour companies who will pick you up from your hotel and leave for destinations like the Grand Canyon or Sedona!
Explore the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and so much more! For those who want an educational experience and cultural diversity, they offer one-day tours or longer journeys you can take at your leisure.
A trip to the Sonoran desert is not complete without visiting some of its ancient ruins, including those home to more than 100 Native American tribes. You can also take machine gun shooting adventures!
A private one-hour cruise on Saguaro Lake will provide you with a unique and relaxing way to see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls, as well as dramatic desert vistas.
Hot Air Balloon ride company offers the ultimate adventure. You’ll experience a post-flight celebration as you fly over the beautiful Sonoran Desert, and it’s on their list of things to do before they “drop” out of those clouds!
The Salt River is a great place to go whitewater rafting. With its red rock cliffs and pine trees, the scenic canyon will make you feel like you’re in the wilderness of Arizona! Open 7 days per week from March until May for all different types of trips – if they’re not full already, that is.
Shopping
Shoppers looking for an adventure in Tempe will find it at the many different stores around this area. From specialty shops to nationally known favorites, there’s something sure worth checking out on your next trip!
Arizona Mills is the perfect destination for shopping and dining, with more than 185 stores located 10 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix. They offer savings up to 70% off every day, plus great entertainment options!
Ever since 1974, Changing Hands Bookstore has been serving the community of Tempe with new and used books. They also sell unique gifts, including ceramics, chimes, chocolate bars–and anything else you can think of! Change all your reading needs in one place at this legendary independent retail store that will make any reader happy.
Hackett House is a historic first bakery specializing in one-of-a-kind gifts, afternoon teas, and cooking classes. They also offer rentals for events, with all proceeds going towards Tempe Sister Cities programs!
Tempe Marketplace is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. With over 100 shops, 300 events per year, including bustling farmers markets in the summertime to live music throughout December – you’re sure not going hungry or bored! The vibrant outdoor setting features fireplaces and water fountains, making it feel cozy while enjoying your meal on one of our many patios with pop-up art installations lining them. This provides even more atmosphere, so find us today!
Fun Activities At Tempe Arizona
Tired of the same old arcade games? Come to Tempe and try something different, like axe throwing or rage rooms. You may want to plot your escape from a challenging space before going out for dinner at Snakes & Lattes with friends! If you’re looking for some classic video games plus virtual reality fun, then head straight over to Tilt Studio in town; Book A Booth In This New Restaurant Run By The Dogfather Himself Dave Aucoin, And Get To Gaming On Us.
Casino Arizona and Starz Sports Bar offer numerous slot machines, high limit games of chance such as blackjack or other table-based card games. Players can also enjoy video poker at either location with televisions for viewing sporting events while playing their favorite casino game!
With D-BAT, players of all levels can enhance their experience at this premier baseball and softball training center. Whether you are looking for batting practice or private lessons with one on one attention available throughout the week -we have it covered!
Hotshots Axe Throwing Tempe, the premier venue for axe throwing in Arizona! Your coach will teach you how to have fun and be safe while hitting projected targets with an ax. 10+ age limit, we welcome friends or the whole company – date nights are great too!
Main Event Entertainment is the perfect spot for all your friends to get together and have a fantastic time. They’ve got 26 high-quality bowling lanes, laser tag games that will keep you busy for hours on end, or gravity-assisted ropes courses where teamwork becomes crucial! There are billiards tables in addition, but they also offer shuffleboard if none of those suits what you’re feeling like today, too — Main Events has something every visitor needs at their next event!
Places To Satisfy Your Taste Buds.
Tempe is home to some of the best restaurants in Arizona. You can find everything from fast-casual and fine dining, with dishes that you wouldn’t expect at all!
Chompie’s is Arizona’s New York deli, serving up bagels and matzo ball soup with their New England-style pastrami sandwiches. They provide breakfast all day long and lunch or dinner options to keep you satisfied until your next meal!
Crepe Bar is the perfect destination for breakfast or lunch. The menu features creative sweet and savory crepes and specialty coffees, teas & cocktails with chef Jeff Kraus at its helm, who strives to make each dish fresh to order using seasonal ingredients!
IKEA Restaurant and Café:They serve up delicious meatballs, salads, and world-famous desserts. Or if you’re looking to save money, order off the kid’s menu – it’ll be just as good (if not better) than what your old college roommate cooked back in their kitchen when they were still living at home with mommy & daddy.
Cafetal Coffee is a specialty coffee shop in Tempe, Arizona, featuring delicious drinks sourced directly from their family farm in Colombia. All of the small plates and baristas are prep-made by our friendly staff!
Fate Brewing Co. is known for its bold, award-winning craft beers and perfectly paired lunch and dinner fare. The company has two locations in Scottsdale and a new Tempe location that just opened this year!
Four Peaks Brewing Company is one of the most popular craft breweries in America. The Travel Channel called them “a favorite,” and their signature beer, Kilt Lifter (which was made with locally sourced hops), has become Arizona’s bestseller!
Hachi Ramen is a local favorite with an authentic Japanese-style ramen menu. Chef Bradley An, his team, and the three broth options to choose from will have you enjoying all of your favorites in no time!
Haji-Baba is a Middle Eastern grocery with delicious, fresh foods to enjoy at any time of day. Lunch and dinner are offered daily so that you can take home some authentic cuisine from your favorite country in just minutes!
Arizona Distilling Co. is an award-winning, family-owned business that has been handcrafting spirits in Arizona. They are committed to producing only the highest quality products using locally sourced ingredients for their distillery-designated cocktails like Copper City Bourbon and Commerce Gin which they offer tours of too!
The Fantasy of Lights is ready for the best holiday season in Arizona. The opening night parade will be full of live entertainment, shoppers can sift through hundreds of handmade goods at an outdoor market, and they’ll never forget watching as Downtown Tempe lights up with decorations!
Tempe may be the place for you if you are looking for a holiday destination that is both affordable and exciting. With lots of unique things to do in this college town, it’s no wonder why so many people flock here every year. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums or shopping at one of the local malls, there is something for everyone. What will your next adventure entail?
