The Tempe center point is about the area of Downtown Tempe and the area of Sun Devil Football Stadium.
Anytime is a good time to visit Tempe, Arizona. The desert climate ensures that you'll only deal with rain once or twice a month, on average. Winters are typically mild, in the upper 60s. Though summers climb into the low 100s, low humidity makes the heat bearable.
The best time to come to Tempe depends on what kind of entertainment you plan to pursue. Tempe boasts a robust calendar of weekly, monthly, and annual events dedicated to arts and culture, and Tempe Town Lake hosts more than 40 special events each year, from the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade to Ironman Arizona and the largest Independence Day celebration and fireworks show in the state.
Each Sunday, October through April, downtown Tempe comes alive with the 6th Street Market, a diverse showcase of local artisans, makers, and performers. Over 100 vendors and performers are slated to participate each season. For a world-class arts experience, visit during the three-day juried Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts that is held each year in late November/early December. This festival ushers in the holiday season with an exhibition of artist booths down Mill Avenue, with a slate of live music performances, street performers, exhibits, and more. The following weekend in December, Santa arrives by boat! The annual Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade delights locals and visitors with a lighted procession of festively decorated boats on Tempe Town Lake, an event which has become a favorite Arizona holiday tradition.
Homey-yet-luxurious Arizona Grand Resort is the perfect hotel for those seeking amenities and great rates near Tempe. You'll find amazing rates here, especially during the hot summer months. Don't miss dining under the stars at this property. The facility's name fits, as the grand property features over five floors and grounds that include a lazy river, golf courses, children's pool, and poolside bar. The fitness center rivals any outside facility in its square footage and fitness equipment. Two restaurants, a bar/lounge and poolside bar, along with breakfast service ensure you'll never have to leave the luxurious Arizona Grand Resort.
If you are seeking a luxury hotel in the heart of Tempe, Arizona, Tempe Mission Palms - Destination Hotels and Resorts should be on your radar. The hotel's central courtyard offers an escape from the downtown scene, with an outdoor pool, lounge chairs, terrace dining, and outdoor fireplaces, to ward off the desert nighttime chill. On-site event space, excellent bars, lounges, restaurants, and chic décor make this a hotspot for events and wedding parties.
Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University is an excellent option for travelers seeking modern style and excellent rates. If you are a AAA member, you will secure excellent discounts at this downtown Tempe hotel. The décor is one of this hotel's most attractive features, with chic pendant lighting and seamlessly designed interiors that make you feel like you're staying at a boutique hotel at a much higher cost.
The hotel is a favorite of families visiting Arizona state students, who love the in-room kitchenettes, convenience shop, pool and spa access, free receptions, and daily breakfast. Free internet service, in-room desks, free daily newspapers, and ample event space make this hotel a favorite of business travelers, too. The hotel is also pet friendly.
For another affordable hotel option near ASU, check out Courtyard by Marriott Tempe. Clean, convenient, and comfortable, Courtyard by Marriott Tempe also offers a AAA discount.
Tempe is known as a town that supports the arts, and there's no better place to experience the breadth of offerings than at Tempe Center for the Arts. The architecturally significant facility frequently hosts international and local musical ensembles and theater troupes, as well as exhibitions in its 3,500 square-foot gallery. Each year, Tempe Center for the Arts also welcomes the community to TCA's Disrupt FEST, bringing forward-thinking, edgy performances and art to the community.
You can learn more about Tempe's past at the Tempe History Museum. The museum's free admission makes this a fascinating and affordable attraction for families and history lovers, with added value programs like free concerts. If you visit in June or July, kids can participate in Tempe Time Machine programs on select days. Third Thursdays are another favorite attraction at the Tempe History Museum, serving up dessert and coffee and a chance to interact with local artisans and historians.
For a hyper-local experience, head to downtown Tempe. Yuccata Tap Room, billed as "Tempe's original home for live music," does not disappoint. The live music sets are rivaled only by the craft beer selection. Be sure to pop in on a Tuesday for "Beers and Baos," the house specialty. Discover local flavor for a good cause at 1865 Coffee House. Indulge in a donut, iced latte, or barista brew served up by this non-profit coffee house, which benefits the Salvation Army.
Foodies with a taste for upscale creations head over to House of Tricks, where the artistic plating and fusion dishes delights all the senses. When it comes to breakfast, Tempe takes brunch seriously. Each June and July, the Tempe Brunch crawl allows participants to visit four brunch spots, enjoy specials, giveaways, and indulge in mimosas to their hearts' content.
Below are reviews of the city of Tempe, AZ from an actual visitor's perspective.
I booked this hotel because it was close to the ASU Gamage theater.
Nice
We did not have an opportunity to visit the City of Tempe, but we are aware of the many restaurants, places to visit and the university there and in adjacent Phoenix and Chandler. Maybe next time.
Easy access to freeway and easy to find location.
Restaurants Steakhouse & Saloon and North Italia were wonderful!!
Tempe is a very beautiful city. This was our first time visiting. We were highly impressed.
The surrounding area is attractive and clean. The roads are in good condition. Downtown has a friendly vibe.
We were only in Tempe for 2 days for a conference. But, we were able to visit Top Golf, it was an amazing and relaxing night.
I love ASU and Mill Avenue. The Chuck Box is the very best hamburger place in the world.
Downtown Tempe is in the state of construction, staying close to Tempe Marketplace is great.
Friendly easy to navigate traffic.
Very welcoming atmosphere
ASU football!
Location; convenience to airport and nearby restraurants.
The staff was Very Nice! Work out room great Starbucks in the lobby awesome
Very welcoming
Location
We used to live there before we moved to St Johns 8 months ago. 30 years we lived, worked and played there. Our familiarity is what I like best.
The City of Tempe impressed us as clean modern and beautiful. The people that we met were very pleasant.
ASU
Tempe is very nice & very close to ASU which we needed to be by
Close to work and airport
A beautiful city with lots of restaurants and shops.
A beautiful city with lots of restaurants and shops.
It was close to Mesa
The View n clean outside
Filthy Animal was a fun walking distance restaurant. Close to ASU.
Filthy Animal restaurant was within walking distance. Close to ASU.
Great restaurants. Awesome vibe. Clean. Endless things to do.
It was clean with good housekeeping.
Tempe Festival, Casino AZ, Philly's!
Restaurants, parks, lake and the friendly community.
We liked Ike's sandwiches near the university and all the different food options available.
Just traveling through.
It's a really nice place to visit and I will be back again
Loved the Blossom Festival and the great eating. Canal and Beach area walkways were highlights.
Tempe and the “Tempe blooms” festival were both great!
Quiet
IKEA was awesome!
IKEA was awesome!
proximity to restaurants and events.
I liked the access to Tempe Town Lake, Downtown Tempe, and the Desert Botanical Gardens.
A great place close to all the bars and restaurants!
Clean!
Tempe is really the place the go! The Hole in The Rock is a kid friendly trail where you enter a cave that opens up to overlook the entire city! The zoo has little water features in it so you don't get too hot. The casino is perfect for dad's while the moms look at pretty plants in the botanical gardens (or vice versa). Tempe has water play as well, kayaking and other things. The Mills Mall has everything you could ever want plus a carousel in the food court. I love it there!
Liked Pita Jungle for dinner. Also liked seeing Hamilton at ASU Gammage Auditorium which was Frank Lloyd Wright's last design.
Atmosphere!
We went to the Gammage; great show.
Very clean & friendly people.
The hotel was clean and beds comfortable. Clean & beautiful
Pleasant town to walk. Visited daughter at ASU. Weather was perfect and warm.
Seeing all the young people and so many options to pick for meals. The town is buzzing!
Good place to stay. We were here for a wedding
Tempe, ASU and the zoo are awesome.
Fat Tuesday is the bomb!
Easy to get around, I felt safe, lots to see and do in a concentrated area.
Easy to navigate, great shopping. Most of all the Tempe Sports Complex is amazing for our granddaughter's softball tournaments.
The airport location was great! A homey feel for ASU campus!
We loved the variety of food choices and the college is outstanding!
Beautiful city; no complaints.
Didn't get to see sights but what we did see was beautiful!
Tempe Town Lake and the food choices! We call it our home away from home.
ASU Parent Weekend
Very clean hotel.
There was the view of the mountains in an easy location to get to rather on the road or highway!
I liked driving up to Sedona for the view. I like the food at Pierre 44.
Convenient location to ASU and Mill Ave.
Lots of restaurants!
The staff was friendly and polite!
Proximity to Hole in the Rock, ASU Campus, tons of nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor activities.
We went to IKEA store Sam's Club. We also found an awesome wine and liquor store nearby that had so so much! Huge.
Lots of nice restaurants and shops walking distance.
Proximity to Arizona State University.
Shopping Mall was next door!
Friendly people. A variety of restaurants. Papago Park is the highlight!
Close to Sky Harbor Airport.
A- ok 👍🏽
Art fair was great. Hiking the hill behind the property was fun. Close to many of the ballparks.
Nice, fun area. Lots of parties happening on the weekend.
Great accessibility to Sky Harbor Airport, AZ State University campus, Casino Arizona, various restaurants and shopping at Tempe Marketplace.
Great weather and lots to do in area!
It was the perfect location for lounge and play. We reserved a donut boat on the town lake and road scooters through the city. The location put us in the perfect place for exploring and great food!
Nice!
Really enjoyed this town, friendly people, lots to do. Will stay at the Holiday Inn next week for church conference.
Very cool place! Don't need a car if staying downtown.
BASEBALL! BASEBALL! BASEBALL!
Hotel is close to anything else you would need or want.
The beautiful Kiwanis Community Park where we had our family picnic, again my family was impressed with the park, and Arizona Mills which was across from our hotel.
Tempe was a great central location for us while visiting friends and playing golf in the greater Phoenix area. Tempe offers everything anyone could ask for for amenities. The In And Out Burger is a must! We plan on coming back sometime for Spring Training.