Top 5 Things To Do in Tempe
Top Five Things to do in Downtown Tempe
Hunting for the best things to do in Downtown Tempe? Maybe you’re just flying in from out of town and looking to have some fun or maybe you’re just a local urbanite looking for something to do this weekend? Either way, we’ve compiled a list of the Top Five Things to do in Downtown Tempe. Obviously, it isn’t exhaustive and these aren’t the only great things to do, so please feel free to add to our list by leaving your own Top 5 in the comments section at the bottom of the article.
Top 5 Things to do in Downtown Tempe - Number One:
Tempe Town Lake
We know, we know, this is the most obvious choice. Especially considering that Tempe Town Lake is the most visited destination out of anywhere in metropolitan Arizona-- 2nd only to the Grand Canyon for the entire state! But what makes a couple mile stretch of water in the middle of the desert so fascinating? Well, exactly that! People are drawn to water... especially in this arid climate. Match this natural draw with the hundreds of events hosted at Tempe Beach Park (think New Years Eve, Fourth of July, Ironman, PF Changs Rock & Roll Marathon, Octoberfest, My Nana Salsa Challenge, Various Concerts, Parades, and on and on) and you begin to see why it is the most visited site in town. For those who want to get on the water, visitors might enjoy paddle boats, electric boats or the like for a nominal fee. When there isn’t some big event happening, locals just come to relax inside the grassy tree lined parks, trek along the boardwalks that surround the lake, learn some history at the sister-park located kitty-corner at the Hayden Flower Mill, play some sand volleyball at the courts located at the North side of the lake near Mill Avenue, take the kids to the “Splash Park” or enjoy some culture at the modern designed Tempe Center for the Arts. Check out the Tempe Town Lake Calendar of Events HERE and see if there is an event going on this week!
Top 5 Things to do in Downtown Tempe - Number Two:
Mill Avenue
Long considered the “main street” of Downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue has been entertaining the Valley for decades. From the bygone biker bars, to the days of the grass roots music scene, Mill Avenue has always been the place for folks to come and have a good time. Nowadays, you’ll find hundreds of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, unique retailers, tasty dessert shops and the like along the tree lined neighborhood drag. The Downtown Tempe Community (DTC) plays host to Thursday Nights Music on Mill where local musicians set up shop along the brick lined sidewalk and beat out there music to the passersby. The DTC also hosts the Madcap Theaters, and the Montage Art Studio-- a shared place for local artists to show their work. For you theater buffs, Grady Gammage always has a play or Broadway musical to fit your fancy. One thing about Mill Avenue, there’s always people walking around and there’s always something to do. So, come enjoy Downtown Tempe’s historic Mill Avenue with thousands of your closest friends.
Top 5 Things to do in Downtown Tempe - Number Three:
ASU Sports
Whether you come to Downtown Tempe to see ASU compete against their arch rival UofA, or if you are here for a big Bowl game, Downtown Tempe seems to always have sporting events and sports fans walking around on the weekends. With Sun Devil Stadium (Frank Kush Field) hosting the ASU football team, Wells Fargo Arena hosting basketball, volleyball and the like, and Packard Stadium hosting baseball, they are all right next door to each other and they’re all here in Downtown Tempe. There is tailgating galore in and around Downtown Tempe whenever a big game is on. The Sun Devils boast a huge alumni base, and they always seem to come out full force in support of their team.
Like to golf? ASU is one of only a handful of PAC 12 schools lucky enough to have a home golf course. ASU Karsten Golf Course is a links style course that opened in 1989. This Pete Dye designed course was built with contributions from Karsten Solheim, the founder of PING Golf equipment. Often described as fun, but challenging, the course is located moments from Downtown Tempe on Rural & Rio Salado Parkway.
Top 5 Things to do in Downtown Tempe - Number Four:
Tempe Butte a.k.a. “A” Mountain
Looking for a little fun in the sun? Tempe’s “A” Mountain is located right outside the Veteran’s Way Light Rail Station. An easy stroll up for those who are in decent shape, and a great little work out if you choose to give it a fast run, the trail includes small benches along the way, an area with tables to sit and eat, as well as the historic and huge “A” on the path along the way. Hike the mountain during ASU football season and you’re likely to find a 24 hour vigil at the “A”. Ok, it really isn’t so much a vigil as it is a high security detail of ASU students protecting their beloved “A” from rival teams paint colors. Some of the rival teams, particularly ASU’s bitter enemy down South, the University of Arizona, love to paint the “A” stark white before or after their famous “Duel in the Desert”. Once atop Tempe Butte, you’ll enjoy amazing views of Downtown Tempe, Tempe Town Lake, ASU as well as airplanes taking off and landing at Sky Harbor International Airport. It sometimes feels as if you could reach up and grab their landing gear. If you’ve never been atop the butte, then you’ve never really seen Downtown Tempe!
Top 5 Things to do in Downtown Tempe - Number Five:
Become a Resident
While everyone knows the real estate market in the Valley has taken it’s lumps these last few years, we at Urban Realty are more confident than ever before that Downtown Tempe is still the single best urban locale in the Valley. With the Metro light rail crossing over the entertaining Mill Avenue, the festive Tempe Town Lake, and the home of Arizona State University-- Downtown Tempe offers an eclectic mix not seen anywhere else. Whether you are looking to buy or lease a home or office, we have something for everyone. Downtown Tempe live/work lofts, condos, hi-rise, retail, and offices are our passion and we look forward to sharing our passion with you!
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Add your own TOP 5 things to do in Downtown Tempe in the comments section below...
Email Tom Tokoph | 602.549.9000
Designated Broker | Urban Realty & Development
Wednesday, May 16, 2012