Location: Tempe
Top Things to do in Tempe
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Tempe, United States
Located just 10 minutes east of downtown Phoenix, Tempe exudes its own personality and the youthful spirit of a college town. Home to Arizona State University, the largest public university in the United States, Tempe has a vibrant downtown that’s active day and night. You’ll find locally-owned eateries and microbreweries, annual festivals, arts and cultural events. And plenty of opportunities to enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year on a bike, hiking trail or stand-up paddleboard.
Restaurants in Tempe
1. Arizona State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
With an undergraduate student body of nearly 34,000, ASU is the state's largest institution of higher learning.
Reviewed By California_Wine - Central Coast California
Let me see....Arizona "STATE" University gets its money from Arizona taxpayers, but everywhere I look Tempe is full of foreign students who most likely are paying double or triple tuition. Nothing against foreign students I think they're great, but I thought this was a state funded university? I think I even saw ASU run a wasteful local TV ad during the Superbowl in 2017 and I'm pretty sure enrollment has always been up and that ad was to just wave their flag around at taxpayer expense. Has anyone noticed the expansion of this school? It is not only growing outward, it is going upward too. Where is all this money coming from? Hmmm. Very interesting.
2. Mill Avenue District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
This is a shopping, dining, nightlife area. It's similar to 5th Ave and Old Town in Scottsdale, which are listed on tripadvisor. Mill Ave is also listed on yelp.com.
Reviewed By beeedell - Phoenix, Arizona
Several times a year, Mill St is closed and it and several adjoining streets are closed as they host the Tempe Arts Fair, a lively collection of hundreds of booths with wares that run to the extremes. There are musicians and the ever-present food vendors to round out the experience. Worth the trip!
3. Desert Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Located in Papago Park, these gardens offer visitors an opportunity to learn about desert flora.
Reviewed By Aundrea H - Fitchburg, Massachusetts
We decided to spend our last day in Phoenix here 3/18. We were a bit apprehensive with the price at first. I am so glad we spent the money to walk through this place. First off being only March a lot was not in bloom but it still didn't disappoint. The butterfly exhibit was lovely! The many different kind of cacti and the walk through different areas was amazing. Loved the wild Prairie dogs and rabbits everywhere. It was just such a serene peaceful place. I will definitely be back on my next visit!!
4. Tempe Beach Park
5. SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 501 reviews
Dive in to SEA LIFE Arizona! Be wowed by the many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep as you journey through an amazing underwater world. Prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from sea stars to sharks, rays, octopus and a rescued green sea turtle! To get any closer you'll have to get wet! Enjoy, thousands of sea creatures in 30 displays, interactive touch tanks, an amazing 360 degree ocean tunnel, talks, feeds, and much more!
Reviewed By Lakerfantoo - Shell Lake, Wisconsin
Really surprised how much we all enjoyed our visit. All of the displays were very interesting. We had a 3 year old with us and he loved our visit. Highly recommend you include this in your visit to the Phoenix area.We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed your visit to our aquarium! We love to create beautiful displays for our guests to enjoy and we greatly appreciate you taking the time to review us! - Joanna Hobday, General Manager
6. Riverview Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By ihavethetravelbug_7 - minneapolis
We had a bunch of kids with us- this park is awesome! Huge splash pad, great rope climbing and play equipment. Tons of seating and shade. Must do in Mesa!
7. Hayden Butte Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Oldjack - Greater Melbourne, Australia
It sits at the back of the Tempe downtown area and is the backdrop for the ASU and the Transporet Station. There are walking tracks and the view would be good but it is a very bare and not that intersting hill.
8. Tempe Diablo Stadium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By Josecanucee - Port Perry, Canada
Its a lovely spot for spring training - but you need to be prepared for SUN. Unlike many of the Cactus League parks, there are few seats in the shade. Lots of good concessions. The scoreboard is clear and easy read. Worth a visit but wear a hat and bring sunscreen.
9. Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West celebrates the art, history and unique stories of the 19 states comprising the American West. The rotating exhibitions feature hundreds of Western artworks and rare historic artifacts on loan from some of the world's foremost collectors and institutions. The contemporary, 43,000-square-foot building is an architectural gem that meets the highest standards for sustainability and conservation of natural resources. Visitors also will enjoy the informative video kiosks, beautiful outdoor sculpture courtyard,museum store, and inspirational film "Spirit Is." Located in downtown Scottsdale's arts district, Western Spirit is within easy walking distance of numerous art galleries and restaurants. Nearby attractions include Old Town Scottsdale,Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale Stadium (Cactus League Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team), the Scottsdale Waterfront, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Scottsdale's Museum of the West is a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, and was selected 2016 Best Western Museum in the nation by True West magazine.
Reviewed By activenretired - Chicago
There is so much to see here u can’t describe all of it. Bronze sculptures, paintings done by early explorers, western artifacts such as vintage Winchester rifles, Colts and Derringers, original Hollywood posters from early Western films and more. Admission is reasonable with discounts for seniors and children. Building is wonderfully divided into different displays. This is worth your time and money!
10. Tempe Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
With 1.3 million square feet of retail space to explore and over 100 shops and restaurants to choose from, Tempe Marketplace is the ultimate destination for Valley natives and out of town visitors. Delivering a refreshingly vibrant outdoor environment, complete with cozy fireplaces, unique water features and lush landscaping, the center provides an unparalleled interactive shopping, dining and entertainment experience. Dramatic lights and eye-catching laser elements create a modern and spirited atmosphere, yet the gathering spaces and entertainment areas make it a warm community hub. Conveniently located in the heart of the Valley at the Loop 101 and 202 crossroads, Tempe Marketplace is just minutes from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert.
Reviewed By Katlyn T
If you are looking to do some shopping or even some socializing then Tempe Marketplace is a great place for you! The Marketplace is a beautiful outdoor mall! It has lots of outdoor seating and misting machines to keep you cool! There was a variety of shops! Also, the bookstore had a coffee shop inside! I loved my time at Tempe Marketplace and wast very impressed with the cleanliness! I would recommend you stop in.
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