Stays in Tempe
Tempe is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. It is home to the main campus of Arizona State University, which shapes much of the city's character. The city sits on the south bank of the Salt River, though the riverbed is often dry due to upstream dams. Tempe is…
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About Tempe
Where to stay in Tempe
Downtown Tempe / Mill Avenue District. This is the historic heart of Tempe, centered on Mill Avenue, with its shops, restaurants, and bars, and within walking distance of Arizona State University. It offers easy access to Tempe Town Lake and many of the city's hotels.
Tempe Town Lake. The area around the artificial lake on the Salt River features waterfront parks, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and a growing number of high-rise residential and hotel developments. It is home to several major employers and event venues.
North Tempe. North of the Salt River, this area includes the Papago Park region, with its desert landscape and proximity to the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden. It is also convenient to the Loop 202 freeway and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which lies just west of Tempe.
West Tempe. West Tempe is a largely residential area with some commercial corridors, close to the borders of Phoenix and Guadalupe. It provides quieter accommodations while still being a short drive from the university and downtown.
Getting there and around
Tempe is served by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, located just west of the city, with taxi, rideshare, and light rail connections. The Valley Metro Light Rail runs through Tempe, connecting it to downtown Phoenix, Mesa, and other parts of the metropolitan area. Major freeways, including Interstate 10, US 60, and Loop 202, provide road access. Within Tempe, the light rail and local buses are useful for reaching Mill Avenue, Arizona State University, and Tempe Town Lake, while a car can be helpful for exploring outer areas.
When to go
The best time to visit Tempe is from November to April, when daytime temperatures are mild to warm and ideal for outdoor activities. Summer months, from June to September, are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), making outdoor exploration less comfortable. Spring and autumn also bring pleasant weather, though spring can have occasional windy days. Many events, such as the Tempe Festival of the Arts, take place in spring and fall.
Questions, answered
What is Tempe known for?
Tempe is best known as the home of Arizona State University and for Tempe Town Lake, a reservoir on the Salt River that hosts recreational activities and events. The Mill Avenue District is a popular entertainment and shopping area.
How do I get to Tempe from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?
The airport is just west of Tempe. You can take a taxi, rideshare, or the Valley Metro Light Rail, which has a station at the airport and connects to Tempe.
What is there to do in Tempe?
Visitors can explore the Mill Avenue District, walk or bike around Tempe Town Lake, visit the Arizona State University campus, and attend cultural events at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Nearby, Papago Park offers hiking and views from Tempe Butte.
Is Tempe walkable?
Downtown Tempe and the Mill Avenue area are quite walkable, with wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets. Tempe Town Lake is also walkable via paths, but other parts of the city are more spread out and may require a car or public transit.
What is the weather like in Tempe?
Tempe has a desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. Summer daytime temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C), while winter temperatures typically range from the 60s to 70s°F (15-25°C).