Last updated: June 1, 2026
What are the best things to do in Tempe, AZ?
The best things to do in Tempe, AZ are walking Mill Avenue in the heart of downtown, getting out on Tempe Town Lake by kayak or paddleboard, hiking “A” Mountain (Hayden Butte) for skyline views, and taking the kids to LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium at Arizona Mills. As Arizona State University’s hometown, Tempe is the Valley’s college-town nightlife hub — and it’s right next to Sky Harbor, about 10 minutes from the airport.
Tempe is the most walkable, most energetic square mileage in the Valley — a college town built around a lake, a butte, and one very lively street. It’s also the easiest day trip in the metro since it’s basically across the freeway from the airport. Here’s the local rundown.
What is Tempe, AZ known for?
Tempe is known for being the home of Arizona State University, for the Mill Avenue entertainment district, and for Tempe Town Lake — a recreation reservoir in the middle of the desert. It’s the Valley’s college-town nightlife and live-music hub, and one of the most pedestrian- and bike-friendly cities in metro Phoenix.
The 7 best things to do in Tempe, AZ
1. Mill Avenue & Downtown Tempe
The beating heart of the city. Mill Avenue runs through downtown packed with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques. By day it’s brunch and people-watching; by night it’s one of the Valley’s top nightlife strips. It also hosts the Festival of the Arts each spring and fall. Most patios are dog-friendly.
Cost: Free to walk · Best for: dining, nightlife, date night
2. Tempe Town Lake
A desert oasis right downtown. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pedal boat, or just walk and bike the roughly 7.5-mile loop around the shoreline. A sunset crossing of the pedestrian bridge is the photo everyone takes. The lake hosts 50+ events a year, from concerts to Ironman.
Best for: watersports, walking, sunset
3. “A” Mountain (Hayden Butte Preserve)
The short, steep butte topped with ASU’s giant gold “A.” It’s a 10–15 minute climb to sweeping views of downtown, Town Lake, and the Phoenix skyline — best at sunrise or sunset. One of the most convenient hikes in the entire Valley.
Best for: a quick free hike, skyline views
4. Arizona Mills (LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE)
Arizona’s largest indoor outlet mall — 185+ stores plus LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium under one climate-controlled roof. This is the Phoenix-summer lifesaver: it’s the move when it’s 112° outside and you’ve got kids.
Best for: kids, hot days, shopping
5. Tempe Marketplace
An open-air shopping and entertainment center with 100+ shops and restaurants, a movie theater, and a live-music District stage. Good for an easy evening of eat-shop-stroll.
Best for: dining, shopping, easy nights out
6. ASU Campus, Gammage & the Art Museum
Walk the ASU Tempe campus, catch a touring Broadway show at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gammage Auditorium, or wander the free ASU Art Museum for contemporary exhibits — a great air-conditioned afternoon.
Best for: culture, architecture, indoor afternoons
7. Tempe Diablo Stadium (Spring Training)
Spring home of the Los Angeles Angels for Cactus League baseball each February and March. Cheap tickets, close seats, and perfect pre-summer weather.
Best for: baseball, February–March visits
Free things to do in Tempe
- Hike “A” Mountain — 10–15 minutes up for the best free skyline view in the Valley.
- Walk or bike the Town Lake loop — 7.5 miles of paved path around the water.
- People-watch on Mill Avenue — and stop into the ASU Art Museum (free).
- Catch a lakeside event — many Tempe Beach Park festivals are free to attend.
⚡ AZ INSIDER TIP
Tempe is a college town, so plan around ASU. On football Saturdays and big event days, downtown and the Town Lake area get slammed and parking turns brutal — use a rideshare or the light rail down Mill. In summer, do the lake or “A” Mountain at sunrise, then bail to Arizona Mills for the mid-day heat.
Best things to do in Tempe with kids
Arizona Mills is the easy answer — LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium are both inside, air-conditioned, and built for kids. Outside of that, the Town Lake has pedal boats the little ones love, and the splash-and-play areas around Tempe Beach Park are a hit in warmer months. Save the lake for morning and the mall for the afternoon heat.
Tempe at a glance: best for…
| If you want… | Go here | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| A date night | Mill Avenue + Town Lake sunset | $$ |
| Something free | “A” Mountain hike | Free |
| Kids entertained | Arizona Mills (LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE) | $$ |
| A rainy / 110° day | Arizona Mills or the ASU Art Museum | Free–$$ |
| Sports | Tempe Diablo Stadium (Feb–March) | $ |
When is the best time to visit Tempe?
The best time to visit Tempe is October through April, when the weather is ideal for the lake, Mill Avenue patios, and “A” Mountain. February and March add Cactus League Spring Training and the Festival of the Arts. Summer (June–September) tops 105–112°, so go early or stay indoors mid-day — and remember the ASU calendar drives the crowds.
Where to eat in Tempe
Mill Avenue and Tempe Marketplace are the two main food hubs — Mill for the walkable downtown vibe, the Marketplace for patios and chains. Heading across the river too? See our guides to things to do in Scottsdale and things to do in Phoenix, both a few minutes away.
Tempe, AZ FAQ
Is Tempe, AZ worth visiting?
Yes. Tempe is worth visiting for Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake, the quick “A” Mountain hike, and family attractions at Arizona Mills — all walkable and about 10 minutes from the Phoenix airport.
What is Tempe, AZ known for?
Tempe is known as the home of Arizona State University, the Mill Avenue entertainment district, and Tempe Town Lake — the Valley’s college-town nightlife and recreation hub.
Are there free things to do in Tempe?
Yes. Hiking “A” Mountain, walking or biking the Tempe Town Lake loop, strolling Mill Avenue, and the ASU Art Museum are all free.
How far is Tempe from Phoenix?
Tempe borders Phoenix and is about 10 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport and 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix via the Loop 202 and I-10.
⚡ More Arizona guides
Exploring more of the Valley? Check out things to do in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tucson — or browse every Arizona things-to-do guide.
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