Tempe Travel Blog

ASU campus landmarks, Tempe Town Lake, the Mill Avenue Historic District, seasonal timing, and a practical itinerary for the Valley's college town.

Last updated: 2026-07-25

Nightlife

Tempe Nightlife: Mill Avenue, Live Music, and Game-Day Energy

A practical look at Tempe's Mill Avenue bar scene, live music venues, and how ASU game days change the atmosphere.

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Seasonal

Tempe in Winter: Mild Weather, Full Campus, and Peak Season

What to expect from Tempe's winter weather, why it's peak travel season, and the best ways to spend a mild sunny day.

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Getting Around

Getting Around Tempe: Light Rail, Walking, Biking, and Parking

A practical breakdown of light rail, walking, biking, parking, and rideshare options for getting around Tempe.

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Golf

Golf Near Tempe: Desert Courses and the Best Season to Play

An overview of golf options near Tempe, from the ASU course in town to desert layouts across the wider Phoenix metro area.

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Family Travel

Tempe With Kids

Where to take kids in Tempe, from Tempe Town Lake to splash pads and an easy indoor backup plan for hot afternoons.

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Day Trips

Best Day Trips From Tempe

Where to go on a day trip from Tempe, from the Superstition Mountains to Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Sedona.

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Outdoor Adventures

Best Hikes Near Tempe

A rundown of hiking options near Tempe, from the short Hayden Butte climb downtown to South Mountain and the McDowells.

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Events and Festivals

Tempe Events and Festivals Guide

An overview of Tempe's recurring events, from the Mill Avenue arts festivals to ASU game days and lakefront gatherings.

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ASU Campus

A Visitor's Guide to Arizona State University's Tempe Campus

What to see on ASU's Tempe campus, how to time your visit around students and football, and how to get there without a car.

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Mill Avenue

Mill Avenue: Tempe's Walkable Dining and Nightlife District

What Mill Avenue is, how it connects to campus and the lake, and how to time a visit around its busiest nights and events.

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Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Tempe: A Practical Lodging Guide

Why Tempe works as a central Valley base, which areas to consider, and when to book ahead around ASU events.

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Restaurants

Where to Eat in Tempe: A Guide by Area and Cuisine

A by-area breakdown of Tempe dining, from Mill Avenue and Tempe Marketplace to campus-adjacent spots and local breweries.

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Things to Do

Best Things to Do in Tempe, Arizona

ASU's Tempe campus, Tempe Town Lake, Mill Avenue, and Papago Park -- a first-timer's overview of the Valley's college town.

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Parks & Recreation

Tempe Town Lake: A Visitor's Guide

The Rio Salado path, the Mill Avenue Bridge, rental kiosks, and the lake's fireworks and dragon boat events.

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Seasonal Guide

Best Time to Visit Tempe, Arizona

Weather patterns month by month, plus how ASU's football and move-in calendar affects crowds and lodging.

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Itinerary

A 3-Day Tempe, Arizona Itinerary

Campus, lake, and Mill Avenue on day one and two, with a Phoenix or Scottsdale day trip to close out the visit.

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