202 Tempe Arizona

Vacation Mavens

Tamara and Kim recently traded the northern cold and rain for Arizona's sunny skies on a "momcation" or girlfriend getaway to Tempe, Arizona. Find out what makes this college city a great option for either a family vacation or a girls' trip. With plenty of outdoor activities and great food, there is a lot about Tempe that may surprise you!

Note: This episode was created in partnership with Tempe Tourism. All opinions are our own and we thank them for supporting our work!

Planning a Trip to Tempe, AZ

• Tempe is adjacent to Phoenix, Arizona, but really more of its own city than just a suburb.
• Tempe is home to Arizona State University (ASU) so it has a college town feel, but there are also many large businesses with offices in Tempe and it is a growing city.
• It is easy to get to Tempe. Phoenix Sky Harbor airport has many affordable, direct flights and it is only a 10-15 minute Uber ride from PHX to downtown Tempe.
• You can also take the light rail directly from the airport station for only $2.00.
• If you plan on staying in downtown Tempe, you don't need a car as it is easy to walk, bike, Uber, or take public transportation. However, if you want to explore more of the area or enjoy some of the attractions and restaurants outside of downtown Tempe, you will probably want to rent a car for your trip.
• There are many things to do outdoors in Tempe including water-based activities on Tempe Town Lake, biking, relaxing at the pool, shopping, walking around downtown Tempe or the ASU campus, and enjoying outdoor dining.
• Tempe hosts many large events including the Iron Man race, baseball spring training, and in 2023 the Super Bowl will be held nearby.
• Tempe has recently expanded its hotel inventory to include the Westin Tempe, Canopy by Hilton, and soon the Omni Hotel and Vīb by Best Western.
• We stayed at the Tempe Mission Palms hotel in downtown Tempe, which was a great location for exploring. The Junior Suites are very spacious and quiet. The hotel has a nice pool and hot tub with a view of "A" mountain.
• Some fun things to do in Tempe include:
  • Hiking "A" Mountain / Hayden Butte at sunrise or sunset
  • Kayaking or paddle boarding on Tempe Town Lake with Boat Rentals of America
  • Renting bikes or e-bikes from North Shore Water Sports to bike through town or along the lake bike paths
  • Tempe has 218 miles of bike paths and bike lanes in Tempe, making it a great city for bikers and car-free living
  • You can also rent scooters to explore Tempe
  • Shopping and dining at the Tempe Marketplace, which has a great entertainment district with tons of great dining options
  • Take photos in front of some of Tempe's murals
  • Relaxing at the hotel pools. Some hotels like the Tempe Westin and Canopy by Hilton have great rooftop pools and lounges. These are also a great spot to see the sunset
  • See a baseball game during Spring Training season or watching the Sun Devils college sports at ASU
• You can also rent a car and visit nearby Mesa or Scottsdale. Mesa is home to the Fresh Foodie Trail, which incorporates a number of farms, restaurants, and other unique stops.
• Some things to do in Mesa include:
  • Enjoy BBQ or chips with homemade salsa at Jalapeno Bucks, which is set in a citrus grove. This is a popular spot with locals and visitors so expect long lines and outdoor picnic table dining
  • Queen Creek Olive Mill offers olive grove tours, outdoor dining, and shopping for olive oil and olive-oil based products
  • If you wanted to spend the night in Mesa, check out the Cozy Peach Glamping at Schnepf Farms, which has custom renovated Airstream trailers. Schnepf Farms also hosts many seasonal events
  • Downtown Mesa offers shopping, cideries, breweries, restaurants, coffee shops, and game/arcade spots
  • Cider Corps is a veteran-owned cidery that offers a wide-range of ciders and also incorporates other businesses to offer pizza and coffee
  • There are also some great murals in downtown Mesa
• Tempe has many great food options, including:
  • Top of the Rock at the Buttes Marriott offers amazing views and great fine dining for special occasions. If the weather is cooler, try to book a table on the terrace for great nighttime views
  • For breakfast:
    • Snooze, an AM Eatery -- near the college, they have a great retro design and unique offerings
    • Morning Squeeze -- also has a fun retro diner vibe but with more traditional breakfast offerings
    • Daily Jam -- near the Tempe Mission Palms in downtown offers famous waffles in various flavors, including red velvet waffles
  • For lunch:
    • Postino Annex -- located near campus, they offer great outdoor dining and it is great for groups with many small plates and bruschetta boards, plus they offer $5 glasses of wine before 5pm
    • Barrio Queen -- located in Tempe Marketplace, they offered great Mexican / Southwest cuisine with amazing decor, outside dining, tableside guacamole, and delicious tacos
  • For dinner:
    • Culinary Drop Out -- great space for families or groups with ping pong tables, corn hole, and plenty of small plates to share. It is a large and lively space
    • Ghost Ranch -- located about 10 minutes from Downtown Tempe, Ghost Ranch is delicious southwest cuisine with great drinks
    • House of Tricks -- located near campus, this restaurant has a beautiful garden setting, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a special dinner with friends or parents taking out their college student
• Tempe is a good spot for a girl's trip or family vacation and a more affordable alternative to the high-end resorts in Scottsdale.