# Essential Tempe Travel Guide: What to See & Do

**Discover Tempe, Arizona: Desert Views and College-Town Energy**

Tempe, Arizona, just east of Phoenix, combines university culture, desert scenery, public art, and an energetic downtown atmosphere. Shaped by Arizona State University, the city has a youthful character, while its sunny climate and open landscapes create plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors on a budget.

## Best Places to Visit in Tempe

### Hike “A” Mountain for Desert Views

One of Tempe’s most recognizable natural landmarks is “A” Mountain, a compact hike near downtown, Tempe Town Lake, and the Arizona State University campus. Although the trail is short, its uphill sections lead to broad views of the city, the lake, and the Sonoran Desert.

The hike is an easy way to add a scenic outdoor experience to a day in Tempe. However, summer temperatures can be intense, so early morning or evening is the safest time to hike.

### Relax at Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake adds a distinctive water feature to the city’s desert landscape. It is a popular setting for walking, relaxing, and enjoying the contrast between the water and the surrounding desert scenery.

### Explore Downtown Tempe

Downtown Tempe is known for its street life, creative atmosphere, galleries, public events, and nearby university landmarks. Its combination of cultural energy and accessible recreation makes it one of the most appealing areas to explore in the city.

## Things to Do in Tempe

Travelers researching things to do in Tempe will find a relaxed introduction to desert life, with plenty of free experiences. From the views at “A” Mountain to the atmosphere around Tempe Town Lake and downtown, the city offers more than traditional attractions.

With its compact attractions, active arts scene, and dramatic mountain views, Tempe is a worthwhile destination in the greater Phoenix area.

## Walk Tempe with Neywo

Neywo turns Tempe into a self-guided audio tour. Stories arrive as you reach the place they belong to, and the route reshapes when you wander off it.

## More in Arizona

- [Tombstone](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/arizona/tombstone.md)
- [Tucson](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/arizona/tucson.md)
- [Yuma](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/arizona/yuma.md)
- [Camp Verde](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/arizona/camp-verde.md)
- [Globe](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/arizona/globe.md)
- [Mesa](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/arizona/mesa.md)
- [Page](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/arizona/page.md)
- [Phoenix](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/arizona/phoenix.md)

## Elsewhere in United States

- [Eureka Springs](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/arkansas/eureka-springs.md) — Arkansas
- [Little Rock](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/arkansas/little-rock.md) — Arkansas
- [Mena](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/arkansas/mena.md) — Arkansas
- [Anaheim](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/california/anaheim.md) — California
- [Avalon](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/california/avalon.md) — California
- [Bakersfield](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/california/bakersfield.md) — California
- [Berkeley](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/california/berkeley.md) — California
- [Big Bear](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/california/big-bear.md) — California
- [Big Sur](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/california/big-sur.md) — California
- [Calabasas](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/california/calabasas.md) — California
- [Calistoga](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/california/calistoga.md) — California
- [Carmel](https://neywo.com/destinations/united-states/california/carmel.md) — California

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