While most Arizona cities are largely defined by their outdoor recreational activities showcasing the beauty of the Arizona landscape, the city of Tempe is a little bit different—not that there’s a shortage of it here—with the Papago Park located to the north and the South Mountain Park in the south. But if you’re looking for something different, a touch of excitement and a dash of culture and arts, then Tempe is just the place to check.
Located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tempe is the proud home of the Arizona State University. With so much youthful energy bursting in the area, it’s not a surprise that Tempe plays host to a lot of sporting events all year round such as the Arizona State University Athletics, Angels spring training, the Ford Ironman Arizona, and the P.F. Chang’s Rock n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & Half Marathon. There are also a number of golf courses for those who prefer a more laid back recreational sport.
Aside from sports, Tempe is teeming with culture and arts complexes, upscale malls, and various other entertainment hubs. You can catch Broadway shows at the ASU Grammage, another famous work by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and other family-friendly performances at Tempe Town Lake’s Tempe Center for the Arts. There are also over 20 free museums and galleries that are open to the public like the ASU Art Museum in Arizona State University.
Be sure to stop by some of Tempe’s shopping destinations like the Mills Avenue District, Arizona Mills, and the Tempe Marketplace if you’re in the mood for more family friendly entertainment, shopping, and a taste of some of Tempe’s best restaurants.
Other Tempe attractions include annual cultural festivals like the Circle K Tempe Music Festival, the Tempe Festival of the Arts, and the New Year’s Eve Block Party among so many others.