Tempe, Arizona is a city in the Phoenix area home to Arizona State University’s main campus and other popular attractions such as the Mill Avenue District and Tempe Town Lake. The city is located just east of Phoenix, south of Scottsdale, north of Chandler and west of Mesa. Arizona State University is a hub for the arts community in the greater Phoenix area, and the Mill Avenue District is a major shopping, nightlife, and entertainment draw. Tempe is home to major events throughout the year including the Rock n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon, NCAA sports at ASU and Ironman Arizona. Tempe’s population as of 2019 totals 185,000 inhabitants.
Arizona State University’s campus in Tempe is the oldest and largest, with almost 60,000 students enrolled attending classes. The university is a regional leader in the arts, business, engineering and sustainability. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, ASU Gammage is a 3,000 seat theatre and hosts Major Broadway productions. The ASU Art Museum is home to several extraordinary art collections and exhibits and was named “the single most impressive venue for contemporary art in Arizona” by Art in America magazine. Outside the ASU campus, the Tempe Center for the Arts has an impressive gallery and hosts a diverse array of performances.
Tempe Town Lake and the Mill Avenue District are two of the main attractions in Tempe. The Mill Avenue District is a historic and pedestrian-friendly street with shops, restaurants, pubs, and nightlife options. Located near the ASU campus, it’s a popular area for students and locals. Events are held in this lively district throughout the year, including the highly regarded Tempe Fall and Spring Festival of the Arts. Adjacent to Downtown Tempe sits Tempe Town Lake with is popular for boating, kayaking and paddleboarding while the 5-mile long paths surrounding park are great for walking, jogging, biking, and in-line skating. Tempe Beach Park is located at the lake and offers recreational amenities along with major events throughout the year including the Innings Music Festival and the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade.
There are popular attractions, shopping centers and restaurants located all throughout Tempe. Papago Park, which sits just north of Tempe Town Lake, has dozens of trails through its Sonoran Desert setting and is home to the Phoenix Zoo, Hall of Flame Firefighting Museum, Pueblo Grande, AZ Heritage Center and Desert Botanical Garden. Tempe hotels are varied and plentiful and have the added advantage of being only a few minutes drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Explore all the things to do in Tempe by requesting a visitor packet and start your planning today.
