20 Must-Do Activities in Tempe, AZ to Kick Off the New Year
Photo Credit: @traveling_newlyweds
As we usher in the New Year, explore these 20 top activities in Tempe, Arizona. Whether you're a longtime resident rediscovering the city or a visitor planning your itinerary, this curated guide—from outdoor adventures to cultural gems—will inspire your next outing, weekend escape, or annual Tempe experience. Perfect for Arizona travelers.
1. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
Experience the enduring allure of desert flora at the Desert Botanical Garden, featuring plants from arid regions worldwide. Located just minutes from Downtown Tempe in Phoenix, advance reservations are required for safety; masks may be necessary—check their website for details.
Seasonal exhibitions rotate regularly, with past highlights including "Wind, Water, Earth" by Natasha Lisitsa and Daniel Schultz, and the immersive "Chihuly in the Desert" (through June 2022). Visit their site for current displays.
2. Discover new restaurants and coffee shops
Tempe boasts an array of innovative eateries, beloved staples, and exceptional local coffee shops. Explore our favorite Tempe-area coffee spots—you'll rethink your go-to chain after reading.
Sample new cuisines like Ethiopian at Café Lalibela, ramen at Hachi, northeastern Chinese dishes at Chou’s Kitchen, or affordable Mediterranean at Phoenicia Café. Or try a neighborhood gem you've eyed.
For health-focused goals, review ways to stay fit in Tempe and top healthy restaurants. #NewYearNewYou
3. Hike “A” Mountain at sunrise
The iconic “A” Mountain offers a rewarding hike in Downtown Tempe, popular at sunset but ideal at sunrise for fewer crowds, stunning photos, and an energizing start.
This short, moderately challenging trail rewards with panoramic views. Insider tip: Follow up with breakfast at Daily Jam or Snooze, an A.M. Eatery.
4. Visit the Arizona Heritage Center
Even lifelong Arizonans uncover new insights at this Papago Park museum chronicling the state's modern history—from copper mining and agriculture to air conditioning's role in Phoenix's growth. Current special exhibits include “Unframed: A Photo Journey Through Navajo and Hopi Nations.” Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; confirm on their site.
5. Explore the ASU Art Museum
Recognized by Art in America as Arizona's premier contemporary art venue, the ASU Art Museum spotlights national and international artists, with strengths in Latin American and Cuban art, plus an acclaimed print collection.
Recent highlights include “Point Cloud (ASU),” a site-specific LED installation by Leo Villareal using 3D-scanned data (through late 2021). Check for ongoing exhibits.
6. Tour the Eisendrath House
This historic adobe, built over 80 years ago by Rose Eisendrath to protest discriminatory resorts, offers compelling docent-led tours Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (by appointment). Book ahead to learn her story and the building's restoration.
7. Hike to Hunt’s Tomb
Beyond Papago Park's Hole-in-the-Rock trail, trek to Hunt’s Tomb, the pyramid-inspired resting place of Arizona's first governor, George W.P. Hunt, and family—modeled after Egyptian pyramids he admired.
Directions: Follow Galvin Pkwy. toward Phoenix Zoo; park near the lot below Hole-in-the-Rock. Combine hikes—the pyramid is east of the rock formation.
8. Take a self-guided Downtown Tempe public art tour
Tempe celebrates art through murals, prints, and sculptures, concentrated in Downtown. Follow the Public Art Map for a self-guided tour of 50 works that inspire, provoke, and beautify.
For more, drive our featured Tempe murals tour: check Murals in Tempe, Arizona Part I and Part II.
9. Enjoy tea time at Drink Me! Tea Room
Indulge in a whimsical afternoon tea at this Alice in Wonderland-themed spot in South Tempe (opened 2020). All plant-based, gluten-free teas and treats rotate seasonally—six character-inspired options, plus themes like Halloween's Edgar Allan Poe or holiday Winter Wonderland. Reserve via their website at McClintock Drive and Warner Road.
Read our full review for the backstory and experience.
10. Find your new go-to healthy salad
Elevate your routine with Tempe's fresh salads. Favorites include Daily Jam's Super Kale and CoreLife Eatery's customizable bowls or Mediterranean (kale, romaine, hummus, organic ingredients).
Our healthy eats guide features ChopShop, MAD Greens, 24 Carrots, and more.
11. Embark on a Tempe brunch crawl
Work hard, brunch harder! Rally friends or family for a tour guided by our Top Breakfast Spots. Walk for calorie burn or drive between north and south Tempe spots.
12. Try axe throwing at Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing
Unleash fun (and skill) with friends or on a date. Experts coach each group; axes are sanitized, BYOB/food after 4 p.m. Safety protocols in place.
13. Rock climb indoors at Phoenix Rock Gym
For a full-body challenge safer than desert bouldering, try indoor climbing. A unique fitness goal to build strength and confidence.
14. Learn something new: cooking or art classes
Master recipes at Tracy Dempsey Originals (University Dr., east of Priest; open Thu.-Sat.). Bakery treats, wines, and classes (virtual/in-person): call (602) 775-4693.
Create at Painting with a Twist (in-studio, kits, virtual; BYO snacks/wine evenings). Or craft signs at Hammer and Stain (workshops, DIY kits; BYO beverages). Book ahead.
15. Shop local at Tempe boutiques
Support independents: fashion at Creations Boutique, ASU gear at Cactus Sports, baked goods at Great Harvest Bakery, books at Changing Hands Bookstore, and new eateries.
16. Catch live music at Tempe Marketplace
Enjoy free performances Fri./Sat. nights at the District Stage amid shopping, sunsets, and dining in perfect Arizona weather.
17. See a Broadway show at ASU Gammage
The Desert Financial Broadway series features hits like TOOTSIE, HADESTOWN, COME FROM AWAY, and THE LION KING. Admire Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpiece.
18. Picnic with takeout at a Tempe park
Support locals safely: grab takeout, head to Tempe Beach Park, Kiwanis Park, or Daley Park. Pack Hydroflask, blanket, sunscreen for al fresco dining.
19. Explore Tempe Town Lake by watercraft
Tempe's most photogenic spot shines at sunset. Rent pedal boats, paddleboards, kayaks, or electric boats from Boat Rentals of America. Tag @tempetourism or #OurTempe!
20. Plan a vacation or staycation
Americans leave billions of vacation days unused annually (U.S. Travel Association). Combat this with a Tempe staycation at hotels with rooftop pools and walkable dining, or book a getaway. Mark National Plan for Vacation Day for inspiration: ustravel.org.
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