Things to Do in Tempe, Arizona
Tempe is compact, walkable, and built for doing things outside. From Tempe Town Lake to the Mill Avenue District to a quick hike up A Mountain, here is the local rundown of what is actually worth your time around ASU.
Tempe Town Lake
The centerpiece of Tempe. You can kayak, paddleboard, or take out a pedal boat, walk or bike the paths that ring the water, fish, or just catch the sunset from one of the bridges. Tempe Beach Park on the south shore hosts festivals, concerts, and seasonal events, and the lake is the backdrop for highlights like the holiday boat parade.
The Mill Avenue District
Downtown Tempe's walkable spine, right next to the ASU campus. Mill Avenue is where the shops, restaurants, bars, and live music cluster, plus recurring events like the 2nd Sundays on Mill market and the seasonal arts festivals. It is the classic college-town strip, busiest when school is in session.
Hayden Butte (A Mountain)
The short, steep hike up Hayden Butte, the landmark with the big gold "A," is the fastest way to a panoramic view of Tempe, the stadium, and the Valley. It sits right at the edge of campus and Mill Avenue, so it pairs well with a downtown afternoon.
ASU Gammage and campus culture
ASU Gammage, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, brings touring Broadway shows and concerts to Tempe. The ASU Tempe campus itself is worth a wander, from Palm Walk to Old Main to the ASU Art Museum.
Make a day of it
The beauty of Tempe is density: you can hike A Mountain in the morning, walk Mill Avenue for lunch, get on the lake in the afternoon, and catch a show or a brewery at night, all without moving your car. Check current hours and event calendars before you go, since venues and seasonal events shift.
Common questions
- What are the top things to do in Tempe?
- Tempe Town Lake (kayaking, paddleboarding, biking and walking paths), the Mill Avenue District for shopping, dining, and live music, a hike up Hayden Butte (A Mountain) for the views, a show at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed ASU Gammage, and exploring the ASU Tempe campus.
- What can you do at Tempe Town Lake?
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, and pedal boats, fishing, walking and biking the paths around the water, picnicking at Tempe Beach Park, and catching festivals, concerts, and seasonal events along the shore and the bridges.
- Is Tempe walkable?
- Yes. Downtown Tempe and the Mill Avenue District are very walkable and sit right next to the ASU campus and Tempe Town Lake, and the Valley Metro light rail adds a car-free way to get around and into Phoenix.
- What is A Mountain in Tempe?
- A Mountain is the local name for Hayden Butte, the landmark at the edge of downtown Tempe and the ASU campus marked with a large gold A. A short, steep trail leads to panoramic views of Tempe and the Valley.
- What is there to do in Tempe at night?
- The Mill Avenue District is the nightlife hub, with bars, breweries like Four Peaks, live-music spots, and late venues. See the Tempe bars and nightlife guide for specifics.
- Thinking about living in Tempe?
- If spending time here makes you want to stay, that is worth a conversation. Jon Hegreness, Associate Broker with Howe Realty, helps buyers find the right Tempe neighborhood near ASU, the lake, or in South Tempe. Call or text (623) 826-0888.
A real opinion on Tempe, not a sales pitch
If this guide has you thinking about living in Tempe, the next move is a short conversation about your timeline and what you are working toward. If Tempe is not the right fit, I will tell you that too.
Jon Hegreness
REALTOR / Associate Broker · Howe Realty
AZ License BR540940000
Full-time Phoenix North Valley REALTOR and Associate Broker with 24 years in Arizona residential real estate. A negotiator and problem solver who works the way you would want a friend in the business to work: direct, on your side, and steady through the parts that get complicated.