Photo courtesy of Tempe Tourism.Feel the warmth of the Arizona sunshine in Tempe this spring. Located in the heart of the metropolitan Phoenix area, Tempe combines a pedestrian-friendly and historic downtown with a blossoming culinary scene, street art, a casual vibe and Sonoran Desert outdoor experiences with plenty of room to get away from it all.
Outdoor Activities
Tempe is a welcoming place with a come-as-you-are attitude that you would expect in a college town. However, you’ll be surprised by Tempe’s unexpected moments. Go kayaking or paddle boarding at Tempe Town Lake, a recreational area that is walking distance from downtown. From any hotel, you’ll find yourself just minutes away from cactus-lined hiking trails at places like “A” Mountain in Downtown Tempe, South Mountain Park and Preserve or Papago Park, a desert preserve just north of the lake. Even though these trails are in the heart of the city, there’s lots of space to get fresh air and enjoy the wide-open spaces. See the city on two wheels from the 215 miles of bike pathways in Tempe that traverse historic neighborhoods, desert paths and the lake front. Just make sure to watch a vibrant, iconic Arizona sunset from one of these outdoor vantage points.
The Art Scene
Art can be found everywhere in Tempe. Snap a photo for Instagram in front of one of the many colorful murals located throughout the city. Experience a contemporary art exhibition or take a self-guided public art or architecture tour on the Arizona State University campus.
Shopping
Shoppers will love the open-air Tempe Marketplace, with a mix of retailers, eateries and art installations. Arizona Mills is a family entertainment and outlet shopping destination with more than 185 stores with savings of up to 70%. Kids will love SEA LIFE Arizona and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona inside the mall. Both shopping centers are following safety protocols.
Dining
When most of the country has rain and snow in the forecast, Tempe’s spring temperatures are perfect for dining on outdoor patios. No matter what you’re craving – enchiladas, chicken shawarma, tikka masala or an all-American burger – Tempe offers creative cuisine at affordable price points. Many of Tempe’s restaurants are near the ASU Tempe Campus, but you’ll also find neighborhood favorites from breakfast spots to wine bars throughout the city. You can also take your meal to-go and enjoy a picnic in one of Tempe’s scenic park.
Some of Tempe’s most distinctive flavors can be found at local craft breweries and distilleries. The first whiskey made in Arizona since prohibition and the state’s number one selling beer are both produced in Tempe. The award-winning breweries in Tempe are also known for their relaxing outdoor patios or casual taprooms, some with food menus that are artfully inspired by their craft beer. Tempe’s cocktail scene has also grown in recent years. Now you can try hand-crafted cocktails that are created with a local spirit or use regional ingredients like prickly pear, citrus or agave syrup.
Stay
Hotel accommodations in Tempe range from boutique-style properties to a mountaintop retreat. And because this is Arizona, you can expect a refreshing pool at each one. That includes picturesque pools surrounded by desert scenery or rooftop pools with incredible views to accompany all that sunshine. All of Tempe’s hotels are following cleaning and safety protocols to provide peace of mind.
If your ideal getaway is a mix of activities from hiking to dining to relaxing poolside, you’ll fit right in in Tempe.
For more information, visit www.TempeTourism.com.
