Things to Do in Tempe: Student Edition
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Welcome to Tempe! Your adventure at Arizona State University goes far beyond the classroom. This city is a vibrant hub of culture, outdoor fun, and unique experiences waiting to be discovered. This guide is your ultimate student handbook for exploring Tempe, AZ. Whether you’re looking for an epic weekend with friends, a cheap date night, or just a new study spot with a great vibe, we’ve got you covered.
And as a resident of SoL Apartments, you’re in the perfect spot to access it all.
Key Takeaways
- Explore iconic outdoor spots like “A” Mountain and the beautiful Tempe Town Lake for hiking, kayaking, and relaxing.
- Experience Tempe’s vibrant arts and culture scene, from Broadway shows at ASU Gammage to the free ASU Art Museum.
- Discover tons of student-friendly and free activities right on and around the ASU campus, saving you money for more important things (like snacks).
- Dive into the city’s best food and nightlife along the famous Mill Avenue and at the bustling Tempe Marketplace.
- Living at SoL Apartments gives you a front-row seat to the action, with resort-style amenities and a private shuttle to campus.
Unmissable Outdoor Adventures in Tempe
Hike “A” Mountain (Hayden Butte) for Epic Views
As an ASU student, hiking “A” Mountain is practically a rite of passage. Officially named Hayden Butte Preserve, this iconic landmark sits right next to campus. The trail is short but steep, making it a perfect quick workout between classes. The reward at the top is an incredible 360-degree view of campus, downtown Tempe, and the Phoenix metro area. Pro tip: go during an Arizona sunset for the best photos to make your friends back home jealous.
Relax and Play at Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is a man-made oasis in the desert and the perfect spot to escape the books and soak up some sun. You can rent kayaks, pedal boats, or stand-up paddleboards from Boat Rentals of America to get out on the water. If you prefer to stay on land, the paths around the lake are great for biking, running, or a chill walk. Tempe Beach Park, right on the shore, is a hub for festivals, concerts, and just hanging out with friends after a stressful week of midterms. For more ideas, check out the official tourism guide.
Explore the Scenery at Papago Park
Located just a short drive from campus between Tempe and Phoenix, Papago Park is famous for its unique red rock formations. The must-see spot is Hole-in-the-Rock, a massive natural window in a butte that you can walk right into. The trail is super easy, making it a great spot to take visiting family and friends for an iconic photo op. If you want to make a day of it, the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden is right next door.
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment for Students
Catch a Show and See Amazing Architecture
Tempe has a surprisingly rich arts scene, led by the incredible ASU Gammage. This world-famous venue, designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, hosts major Broadway shows and concerts throughout the year. For a more local flavor, check out the Tempe Center for the Arts, which features performances from community theater groups and musicians. Keep an eye out for student rush tickets to score a great deal on a sophisticated night out.
Discover Downtown Tempe’s Vibe
There’s more to Downtown Tempe than just the bars on Mill Avenue. The whole area is a walkable hub of culture and creativity. As you stroll the streets, you’ll find vibrant public art installations, unique local shops, and live music spilling out of cafes. The area also hosts huge events year-round, like the Tempe Festival of the Arts. Grab a coffee from a local spot and just explore—there’s always something new to see. Check out everything happening in Downtown Tempe.
Student Budget-Friendly Fun & Nightlife
Experience the Famous Mill Avenue
When the sun goes down, Mill Avenue becomes the heart of Tempe’s social scene. It’s where ASU students go to eat, drink, and celebrate the end of a long week. You’ll find a huge range of options, from awesome local breweries like Pedal Haus Brewery and Four Peaks Brewing Company to cool spots with unique drinks and live music. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday with your roommates or a big Friday night out, Mill Ave has the vibe you’re looking for.
Get Around Town with Ease
One of the best things about Tempe is how easy it is to get around without a car. The areas around ASU are extremely walkable and bicycle-friendly, which can save you a ton of money on gas and parking. For trips a little further out, hop on the Tempe Streetcar. This modern trolley is a cheap and convenient way to connect the campus, Downtown Tempe, and Tempe Town Lake. You can view the full Tempe Streetcar route and schedule online.
Your Tempe Adventure Starts at SoL Apartments
The Ultimate Home Base Near ASU
Being a student is about more than studying—it’s about experiencing everything your new city has to offer. SoL is conveniently located near ASU, putting all of these amazing Tempe adventures right at your doorstep. You can spend less time commuting and more time exploring.
Unwind with Resort-Style Amenities
Sometimes the best “things to do” are right at home. When you need a break, you don’t have to go far. Soak up the beautiful Arizona sun at the rooftop pool, get a workout in at the 24/7 fitness center, or hang out with friends in the social lounges. Why go out when you can host a pool day or grill with friends? You can see all our resort-style amenities online.
Stress-Free Commuting for More Exploring
Parking on campus is a nightmare. At SoL, you don’t have to worry about it. Our community offers a private shuttle to campus that saves you time, money, and stress. That means more time in your day and more cash in your pocket to check out all the cool spots Tempe has to offer.
Tempe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is there anything to do in Tempe, Arizona?
Absolutely! Tempe is packed with fun things to do. It’s a major hub for outdoor recreation with Tempe Town Lake and numerous parks, it has a vibrant downtown and nightlife scene on Mill Avenue, and it boasts a rich arts and culture district thanks to ASU.
Where can you walk around in Tempe?
Tempe is very walkable. The best spots for a walk are the paths around Tempe Town Lake, the bustling Downtown Tempe area along Mill Avenue, the beautiful ASU Tempe campus itself, and the outdoor shopping corridors at Tempe Marketplace.
Is downtown Tempe fun?
Yes, downtown Tempe is a blast! It’s the energetic heart of the city and offers something for everyone, including diverse restaurants, lively bars, unique shops, live music venues, and frequent community events and festivals.
Conclusion: Start Your Tempe Story at SoL
From stunning desert sunsets to exciting downtown nights, Tempe offers a collegiate experience like no other. There’s an adventure waiting around every corner for every type of student. SoL Apartments is the best place to launch your adventure from. It’s more than just an apartment—it’s your home base for everything Tempe has to offer.
Ready to start your journey? Find your perfect floor plan or contact us today to schedule a tour!