This bustling town is brimming with activity wherever you turn.
Whether you’re wandering around the downtown area, kayaking on the Tempe Town Lake, or sitting down for a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants, you’re bound to feel it.
Of course, that’s not to say that you can’t find pockets of peace and tranquility here.
On the contrary, Tempe offers the perfect retreat for anyone looking to relax and recharge with its location in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.
Here, it’s easy to unplug while hiking one of the many trails that wind through the arid landscape filled with cacti or while gazing at one of the breathtaking sunsets from a vantage point in the desert.
However, if that’s not what you came here to do, Tempe is also home to plenty of other exciting attractions and activities that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
These include ATV rides through the desert, mountain biking, and practicing your aim at a shooting range.
Ready to learn more about what Tempe has to offer? Check out our list of recommendations below
The 85 Most Popular Things To Do In Tempe, Arizona
85. Maricopa Trail
5.0 (1 review)
84. Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail
5.0 (1 review)
Location: Tempe AZ
Web Address: https://dbg.org/visit/garden-trails-galleries/
83. Beverly Canyon Trailhead
5.0 (3 reviews)
Credit: Ravenwolf !, Google Maps
Location: 8000 S 46th Street Phoenix AZ
82. Mill Avenue Bridge
4.6 (5 reviews)
Credit: Doug Kerr, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Tempe AZ
81. Innovation Gallery
5.0 (5 reviews)
Credit: Chris Hale, Google Maps
Location: 900 Cady Mall Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 965 6215
Web Address: https://shesc.asu.edu/innovation-gallery
80. Udinotti Museum
4.3 (6 reviews)
Credit: Isabela Huin, Google Maps
Location: 6505 E McDonald Dr Paradise Valley AZ
Tel: 480 946 7056
Web Address: http://udinottimuseumoffigurativeart.org/
79. Harry Wood Gallery
4.6 (7 reviews)
Credit: Harry Wood Gallery, Google Maps
Location: Arizona Streetate University Art Building 900 S Forest Mall Tempe AZ
Web Address: https://art.asu.edu/galleries-and-facilities/harry-wood-gallery
78. Evelyn Hallman Park
5.0 (7 reviews)
Credit: Dru Bloomfield, License, Flickr
Location: 1900 N College Ave Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: http://tempe.gov/
77. Desert Breeze Lake
4.3 (7 reviews)
Credit: Rama Krishnam Raju Vegesna, Google Maps
76. Mesa Community College Planetarium
4.3 (8 reviews)
Credit: Erik Binggeser, Google Maps
Location: 1833 W Southern Ave Mesa AZ
Tel: 480 461 7015
Web Address: http://mesacc.edu/planetarium
75. Wet electric
3.6 (10 reviews)
Location: 1500 N McClintock Dr Tempe AZ
74. McKellips Lake
4.8 (10 reviews)
73. ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center
4.9 (14 reviews)
Credit: ASU Art Museum, License, Flickr
Location: Brickyard Engineering 699 S Mill Ave #108 Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 727 8170
Web Address: http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu/ceramicsresearchcenter/
72. Entrance to Desert Botanical Garden
5.0 (14 reviews)
Web Address: http://dbg.org/
71. Eisendrath House
4.6 (17 reviews)
Location: 1400 N College Ave Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 858 2202
Web Address: http://eisendrathhouse.org/
70. Arizona State University Desert Arboretum Park
3.7 (18 reviews)
Location: 556 S Packard Dr Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 268 4165
Web Address: https://tours.asu.edu/tempe/desert-arboretum-park
69. South Mill Avenue
4.2 (21 reviews)
68. Evelyn Hallman Pond
4.6 (21 reviews)
Credit: Minette WILLIAMS, Google Maps
67. Riverview Lake
4.7 (23 reviews)
66. Huhugam Ki Museum
4.4 (27 reviews)
Credit: Mick Wedley, Google Maps
Location: 10005 E Osborn Road Scottsdale AZ
Tel: 480 362 6320
Web Address: http://srpmic-nsn.gov/
65. Dobson Ranch Lake
4.5 (27 reviews)
Credit: BeZerk Aveli, Google Maps
Location: 195 Aventerra Apartments Mesa AZ
64. James Turrell ASU Skyspace: Air Apparent
4.4 (31 reviews)
Credit: Rachel Ewell, Google Maps
Location: 797 E Tyler Street Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 727 8322
Web Address: http://skyspace.asu.edu/
63. Kiwanis Lake
4.4 (34 reviews)
Credit: davidpinter, License, Wikimedia commons
62. Hayden Flour Mill
4.5 (38 reviews)
Credit: davidpinter, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 119 S Mill Ave Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 4311
Web Address: https://facebook.com/HaydenFlourMill
61. 6th Street Park
4.5 (43 reviews)
Location: 24 E 6th Street Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: http://tempe.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/4/1209
60. Governor Hunt Tomb
4.6 (53 reviews)
Credit: Brendan Purdy, License, Flickr
Location: 625 N Galvin Pkwy Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 262 6862
Web Address: http://phoenix.gov/parks
59. Franciscan Renewal Center
4.5 (68 reviews)
Credit: Franciscan Renewal Center, Google Maps
Location: 5802 E Lincoln Dr Scottsdale AZ
Tel: 480 948 7460
Web Address: http://thecasa.org/
58. Petersen House Museum
4.5 (75 reviews)
Credit: Mcmillin24, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1414 W Southern Ave Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5151
Web Address: https://tempe.gov/government/community-services/tempe-history-museum/petersen-house-museum
57. Huhugam Heritage Center
4.0 (101 reviews)
Credit: Huhugam Heritage Center, Google Maps
Location: 21359 S Maricopa Road Chandler AZ
Tel: 520 796 3500
Web Address: http://grichhc.org/
56. Tempe Butte
4.7 (105 reviews)
Credit: dnatheist, License, Wikimedia commons
55. Javelina Canyon Trailhead
4.7 (137 reviews)
Credit: NuCreation, Google Maps
Location: Javelina Trail Phoenix AZ
54. The Short Course at Mountain Shadows
4.7 (148 reviews)
Credit: The Short Course at Mountain Shadows, Google Maps
Location: 5445 E Lincoln Dr Scottsdale AZ
Tel: 480 624 5432
Web Address: http://mountainshadows.com/golf
53. Downtown Tempe
4.5 (162 reviews)
Credit: BestOnLifeform, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1 W Rio Salado Pkwy Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 355 6060
Web Address: http://downtowntempe.com/
52. Estrada Park
4.6 (172 reviews)
Credit: Hungry Madre, Google Maps
Location: 1801 E Palomino Dr Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: https://tempe.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/64/3542
51. Hanger Park
4.5 (184 reviews)
Credit: Hungry Madre, Google Maps
Location: 501 E Knox Road Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: https://tempe.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/94/2423
50. Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights
4.3 (191 reviews)
Credit: Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights, Google Maps
Location: 5025 E Van Buren Street Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 256 3221
Web Address: http://tovreacastletours.com/
49. “A” Mountain Tempe
4.7 (203 reviews)
Credit: Daderot, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 201 S Packard Dr Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 355 6060
Web Address: http://asu.edu/tour/tempe/amntn.html
48. Desert Breeze Hummingbird Habitat
4.5 (206 reviews)
Credit: Diane Kaminski, Google Maps
Location: 4700 4724 W Desert Street Chandler AZ
Tel: 480 893 6652
Web Address: https://facebook.com/Hummingbird-Habitat-at-Desert-Breeze-Park-Chandler-AZ-401159263230558/
47. AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park
4.7 (215 reviews)
Location: 1300 N College Ave Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 929 0292
Web Address: http://arizonahistoricalsociety.org/
46. Esquer Park
4.1 (225 reviews)
Credit: Erik Binggeser, Google Maps
Location: 2407 E McArthur Dr Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: https://tempe.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/58/3542
45. Papago Park in Tempe
4.4 (249 reviews)
Credit: Chris English, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1000 N College Ave Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: http://tempe.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/146/2423
44. The Rose Garden At MCC
4.6 (261 reviews)
Credit: Renee Waite, Google Maps
Location: w 1833 W Southern Ave Mesa AZ
Tel: 480 461 7022
Web Address: http://rosegarden.mesacc.edu/home.html
43. Creamery Park
4.0 (269 reviews)
Credit: Jeremy Cox, Google Maps
Location: 1520 E 8th Street Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: https://tempe.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/30/3542
42. Tempe History Museum
4.7 (305 reviews)
Credit: Greg Goebel, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 809 E Southern Ave Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5100
Web Address: https://tempe.gov/government/community-services/tempe-history-museum
41. Rolling Hills Golf Course
4.4 (320 reviews)
Credit: Brendan Purdy, License, Flickr
Location: 1415 N Mill Ave Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5275
Web Address: https://tempe.gov/government/community-services/parks/golf-tempe/rolling-hills
40. Tempe Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge
4.8 (327 reviews)
Credit: davidpinter, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Tempe AZ
39. Desert Breeze Railroad
4.5 (338 reviews)
Credit: Napoleon Dynamite YTTP, Google Maps
Location: 660 North Desert Breeze Blvd E Chandler AZ
Tel: 480 893 6652
Web Address: http://desertbreezerr.com/
38. Arizona Grand Golf Course
4.0 (343 reviews)
Credit: Arizona Grand Golf Course, Google Maps
Location: 8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 431 6480
Web Address: https://arizonagrandgolf.com/
37. Mountain Vista Park
4.3 (367 reviews)
Location: 13647 S 50th Street Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 262 6111
Web Address: https://phoenix.gov/parks/parks/alphabetical/m-parks
36. Jaycee Park
4.3 (404 reviews)
Location: 817 W 5th Street Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: http://placemaking.pps.org/great_public_spaces/one
35. Selleh Park
4.7 (409 reviews)
Credit: Kimberly Vickers, Google Maps
Location: 2425 S Los Feliz Dr Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: http://tempe.gov/parks
34. Hudson Park
4.2 (449 reviews)
Credit: Melissa Diaz, Google Maps
Location: 1430 S Cedar Street & Spence Avenue Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: http://tempe.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/104/3542
33. Ken McDonald Golf Course
4.2 (460 reviews)
Location: 800 E Divot Dr #4607 Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5250
Web Address: https://tempe.gov/government/community-services/parks/golf-tempe/ken-mcdonald
32. Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass
4.6 (533 reviews)
Credit: Whirlwind Golf Club, Google Maps
Location: 5692 W North Loop Road Chandler AZ
Tel: 480 940 1500
Web Address: http://whirlwindgolf.com/
31. Hayden Butte
4.7 (544 reviews)
Credit: Chris English, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: E Rio Salado Pkwy & S Mill Ave Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 4311
30. Papago Golf Club
4.3 (587 reviews)
Credit: Papago Golf Course, Google Maps
Location: 5595 E Karsten Wy Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 275 8428
Web Address: http://papagogolfclub.com/
29. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
4.3 (606 reviews)
Location: 4816 E Ray Road Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 663 9340
Web Address: https://urbanair.com/arizona-ahwatukee
28. Phoenix Rock Gym
4.7 (646 reviews)
Credit: Ariel Jensen, Google Maps
Location: 1353 E University Dr Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 921 8322
Web Address: http://phoenixrockgym.com/
27. Oasis Water Park
4.4 (670 reviews)
Credit: Oasis Water Park, Google Maps
Location: 8000 Arizona Grand Pkwy Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 438 9000
Web Address: https://arizonagrandresort.com/oasis-water-park
26. Dobson Ranch Golf Course
4.4 (735 reviews)
Credit: Dobson Ranch Golf Course, Google Maps
Location: 2155 S Dobson Road Mesa AZ
Tel: 480 644 2291
Web Address: https://dobsonranchgolfcourse.com/
25. Dobson Ranch Park
4.6 (895 reviews)
Location: 2359 S Dobson Road Mesa AZ
Tel: 480 644 7529
Web Address: https://mesaparks.com/parks-facilities/parks/dobson-ranch-park
24. Vista Del Camino Park
4.6 (1,059 reviews)
Credit: Alpha Featherfeet, Google Maps
Location: 7700 E Roosevelt Street Scottsdale AZ
Tel: 480 312 2330
Web Address: http://scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/vista-del-camino-park
23. Pima Canyon Trailhead
4.8 (1,429 reviews)
Location: 4500 E Pima Canyon Road Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 262 7393
Web Address: https://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south-mountain/trail-descriptions-and-map
22. Kiwanis Recreation Center
4.6 (1,478 reviews)
Location: 6111 S All America Way Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5201
Web Address: https://tempe.gov/government/community-services/community-recreation-centers/kiwanis-recreation-center
21. Makutu’s Island
4.1 (1,545 reviews)
Credit: Makutu’s Island, Google Maps
Location: 6919 W Ray Road Chandler AZ
Tel: 480 344 3740
Web Address: http://makutusisland.com/
20. Eldorado Park
4.6 (1,995 reviews)
Credit: Kelly Sallaway, Google Maps
Location: 2311 N Miller Road Scottsdale AZ
Tel: 480 312 2483
Web Address: http://scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/eldorado-park
19. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park
4.5 (2,156 reviews)
Credit: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, Google Maps
Location: 20000 S Maricopa Road Chandler AZ
Tel: 520 796 5601
Web Address: https://racewildhorse.com/
18. Desert Breeze Park
4.6 (2,672 reviews)
Credit: Coach Tim, Google Maps
Location: 660 North Desert Breeze Blvd E Chandler AZ
Tel: 480 893 6652
17. Rio Salado Park
4.6 (2,771 reviews)
Credit: m00by, License, Flickr
Location: 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
16. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
4.3 (2,877 reviews)
Credit: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona, Google Maps
Location: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir STE 135 Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 565 7072
Web Address: https://arizona.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/
15. World of Illumination – Tempe, AZ
4.5 (3,027 reviews)
Credit: World of Illumination – Tempe, AZ, Google Maps
Location: 2200 W Alameda Dr Tempe AZ
Web Address: http://worldofillumination.com/
14. Kiwanis Park
4.6 (3,929 reviews)
Credit: davidpinter, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 5500 S Mill Ave Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: https://tempe.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/120/3542
13. Riverview Park
4.7 (4,129 reviews)
Credit: Thomas Gallaway, Google Maps
Location: 2100 W Rio Salado Pkwy Mesa AZ
Tel: 480 644 2352
Web Address: https://mesaparks.com/parks-facilities/parks/riverview-park
12. Tempe Beach Park
4.6 (8,738 reviews)
Credit: Mcmillin24, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 350 5200
Web Address: https://tempe.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/176/3542
11. Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Lone Butte
4.0 (9,043 reviews)
Credit: Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Lone Butte, Google Maps
Location: 1077 S Kyrene Road Chandler AZ
Tel: 800 946 4452
Web Address: http://playatgila.com/
10. Casino Arizona
4.0 (16,639 reviews)
Location: 524 N 92nd Street Scottsdale AZ
Tel: 480 850 7777
Web Address: http://casinoarizona.com/
Our Top picks
9. ASU Art Museum
4.4 (185 reviews)
Credit: sean hobson, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 51 E 10th Street Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 965 2787
Web Address: http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu/
8. Tempe Town Lake
4.7 (668 reviews)
7. Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park
4.5 (768 reviews)
Location: 4619 E Washington Street Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 495 0901
Web Address: http://pueblogrande.com/
6. Hall of Flame Fire Museum
4.8 (888 reviews)
Location: 6101 E Van Buren Street Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 275 3473
Web Address: http://hallofflame.org/
5. SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
4.4 (2,065 reviews)
Credit: Claire Stewart, License, Flickr
Location: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir Suite 145 Tempe AZ
Tel: 480 565 7072
Web Address: http://visitsealife.com/Arizona
4. Hole in the Rock
4.7 (4,146 reviews)
Credit: Doug Kerr, License, Flickr
Location: 625 N Galvin Pkwy Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 495 5458
Web Address: https://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/papago-park
3. Papago Park
4.7 (10,636 reviews)
Credit: Chris English, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 625 N Galvin Pkwy Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 495 5458
Web Address: https://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/papago-park
2. Desert Botanical Garden
4.7 (14,296 reviews)
Credit: Miwasatoshi, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy Phoenix AZ
Tel: 480 941 1225
Web Address: https://dbg.org/
1. Phoenix Zoo
4.5 (17,106 reviews)
Credit: Chris English, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 455 N Galvin Pkwy Phoenix AZ
Tel: 602 286 3800
Web Address: http://phoenixzoo.org/
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Tempe, Arizona! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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