Things to Do | Tempe, AZ

Ever wondered what it is like to live in Tempe, AZ? While you may spend most of your time in class or studying, there is tons around to explore in this area we call home!

Whether you’re from the area or a Tempe newcomer, you’ll find something to love within steps of Lofts on 8th. Explore our town’s best and brightest local attractions, starting with these six things to do, see, and eat.

Boating on Tempe Lake

A desert oasis in the middle of the Phoenix Metropolitan area, there are a variety of events and activities to enjoy year round at Tempe Town Lake. Tempe has taken the guesswork out of exploring lakes and pathways. You can rent bikes, paddleboards, pedal boats, kayaks and electric boats. Watercraft are available on Tempe Town Lake and Kiwanis Lake. Find shared GRID bikes, electric bikes and scooters throughout the city or rent trail bikes and road bikes from a local bicycle shop.

Desert Botanical Garden

Think the desert is all dirt and tumbleweeds? Think again. Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cactus, trees and flowers from all around the world. Allow yourself to be amazed by the spectacular view of a desert sunrise. Enjoy stunning views of saguaros bathed in early morning light, the sounds of nature and the peaceful sensation of the first hours of the day.

Tailgate at an ASU Game

Nothing gets you more pumped up for Sun Devil football than spending an afternoon tailgating and barbecuing with hundreds of other fans sporting their maroon-and-gold attire during this highly anticipated, pregame ritual. In recent years, the addition of the family-oriented Sparky's Touchdown Tailgates has introduced an entertaining gathering place featuring activities, former Sun Devil players, the marching band and more.

Hike A Mountain

Class of 1918 was responsible for installing the first letter on Tempe Butte. In 1952, a bomb blast destroyed the letter. The present "A" stands 60 feet tall and was built of reinforced steel and concrete in 1955. Each year, during the week leading up to the ASU vs. U of A football game, the Student Alumni Association coordinates the guarding of our beloved gold "A" from being painted by U of A students.

Phoenix Zoo

Enter the Phoenix Zoo and explore a wondrous world of curiosity, imagination and discovery. Featuring more than 3,000 animals, including Sumatran tigers, Bornean orangutans, Asian elephants, Komodo dragons, Andean bears, American alligators and many more – the Zoo is like no other place in the Valley!

Papago Park

Papago Park has been home to many different pieces of Phoenix history: it was a reservation for indigenous tribes, a fish hatchery during the Great Depression, a POW camp during World War II, and a VA hospital. Today, the park is home to The Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, golf courses, various museums, baseball fields, lakes, and Sonoran Desert plants and animals.

Distance

No route was found for the selected transit mode.

Distance:
Travel Time:

Reset Filters

View on Google Maps