Summer in Tempe means embracing water-based fun amid the Sonoran Deserts dry heat. Locals love their backyard pools, but nothing beats venturing out to premier aquatic spots for swimming, surfing, sliding, and splashing. Pack your sunscreen and hat—here are our top recommendations for refreshing H2O adventures. Surf the Waves at Big Surf Waterpark and Kiwanis Wave Pool. Americas original wave pool, Big Surf Waterpark, is back for summer thrills. From toddler play zones to adrenaline-pumping rid

By Matt Connelly, National Sales Manager At the Tempe Tourism Office, were privileged to partner with top talent in the hospitality and tourism industry. Our mission is to create lasting memories for groups in Tempe—delivering productive meetings while building camaraderie and elevating team spirit. In this feature, we spotlight The Showcase Room at the Culinary Dropout, an imaginative venue in Downtown Tempe, and the Phoenix Marriott Resort Tempe at The Buttes, a stunning mountaintop resort. Te

Join acclaimed Hip Historian Marshall Shore for an in-depth exploration of Tempes iconic Eisendrath House and its fascinating history. As you drive north on College Avenue from Curry Road, the charming pink adobe house atop the hill behind the Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park catches the eye. Constructed in 1930, it served as the residence of Rose Eisendrath, widow of Chicago glove manufacturer Joseph N. Eisendrath. Denied entry to a local resort due to her Jewish heritage, Rose purchased

By Justin LeePhotography by Mark Lipczynski Tempe is booming like never before, transforming from a lively college town into a dynamic urban hub. This evolution benefits residents and visitors with standout perks, especially its continually reinventing dining landscape. The focus isnt just on quantity but on remarkable variety—from upscale to casual, quirky to timeless, international to regional. Dining in Tempe has reached new heights. Global CuisineTempe leads locally in international dini

As summer fades, the Phoenix areas arts and culture scene reignites with energy. ASU Gammage, the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed landmark since 1964, delivers an outstanding 2018-19 season featuring Broadway blockbusters, world-class dance, and special concerts. Home to the renowned Broadway Across America-Arizona series and the innovative ASU Beyond series, ASU Gammage showcases internationally acclaimed artists. Perfectly located in Downtown Tempe, its steps away from top restaurants—ideal

Tempe, Arizona, is thriving with exciting new venues for dining and entertainment. Just when you think youve explored them all, fresh hotspots emerge. Whether youre craving a gourmet meal, innovative cocktails from expert mixologists, or a vibrant night of DJs and dancing, these standout new restaurants and bars in Tempe deliver unforgettable experiences. Ghost Ranch – 1006 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 From acclaimed restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin, Ghost Ranch serves hearty yet healthful moder

Athletes worldwide flock to Tempe, Arizona, for top-tier triathlon competitions. Renowned as one of the nations premier hosts for high-caliber events, Tempe offers the perfect setting: miles of spectator-friendly running and biking paths, convenient access to Tempe Town Lake, and ideal year-round weather. This year, Tempe welcomed the Life Time Triathlon and Arizonas first Major League Triathlon (MLT) event. As the U.S.s inaugural professional triathlon league, MLT saw Tempes Arizona King Snakes

By Delaney Wood Ghost Ranch stands out as one of Tempes newest hotspots, specializing in innovative Southwestern cuisine. During a lively Wednesday evening rush, my friends and I experienced swift seating, attentive staff, and outstanding flavors. Our server impressed us by delivering water glasses proactively—a hallmark of top-tier service. With a Hispanic upbringing filled with masterful homemade Mexican dishes from my mother and grandmother, Im a tough critic for such fare. I opted for the gr

By Delaney Wood Excited to join the Tempe Tourism Office as its newest intern, Im Delaney Wood. During my time here, Ill share a blog series on life in Tempe, my experiences as an Arizona State University student, and tips for the best things to do. As a lifelong Tempe resident, I offer an authentic insiders perspective on the citys top spots—or at least my personal favorites. This summer, I worked full-time as a Personalization Marketing Intern at Insight Enterprises. Now, as a senior at Arizon

By Delaney Wood Born and raised in Tempe, Ive explored countless restaurants, attractions, and events in our vibrant town. Tempe offers a perfect blend of cozy mom-and-pop spots, local favorites, and popular chains. Yet, a few stand out as my go-to choices for consistently exceptional experiences. Discover my top Tempe restaurant recommendations, straight from a lifelong resident. Someburros 101 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283 Someburros tops my list as my most frequent visit. Its my reliable c

By Delaney Wood As a Tempe native, I recently celebrated my 21st birthday and discovered theres more to marking this milestone than the usual Mill Avenue bar crawl. While Mill Ave is always a blast, Tempe offers diverse options for dancing the night away or enjoying a relaxed evening. Here are trusted, local-approved ideas to make your 21st unforgettable. Dine at a Top Tempe Restaurant Skip the crowded bars and savor a special meal at one of these standout spots: Ghost Ranch | 1006 E. Warner Rd.

By Delaney Wood Struggling to find the perfect shot for your next Instagram post? Head to Tempe, Arizona—a vibrant destination brimming with stunning venues, lively nightlife, and unforgettable sunsets. Home to Tempe Town Lake, Arizona State University, and iconic Mill Avenue, Tempe offers endless photo opportunities to keep your feed fresh and engaging. As a Tempe native, Ive curated this list of the most beautiful and colorful spots for your next photoshoot. Capture the essence of our city at

By Delaney Wood Music has been a cornerstone of my life since childhood, when I sat beside my grandmother at the piano, captivated by her spirited songs. With 10 years playing violin and a current role in the ASU Philharmonia Orchestra, I relish attending live performances. Tempe and the surrounding Valley offer exceptional venues for musicals, rock concerts, orchestras, and more. As a Tempe native, here are my top recommendations. Arizona State University 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 AS

NOTE: This event was cancelled for December 2020. The holiday season in Tempe is renowned for creating lasting memories and cherished traditions that ignite festive spirit. Visitors to Tempe always leave with hearts full of holiday magic. One of Tempes most beloved annual events was the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake, typically held on the second Saturday of December at 6 p.m. This standout metro Phoenix holiday attraction featured about 50 boats brilliantly decorated with tw

Tempe, Arizona, defies easy categorization. Its more than arts, athletics, food, or festivals—its a hub for everyone, especially those craving edgy, out-of-the-ordinary thrills. Dive into these unique experiences to shatter the routine and embrace the extraordinary! Escape Zone – 414 S. Mill Ave. #112, Tempe, AZ 85281 Test your problem-solving prowess at Escape Zone in Downtown Tempe. Choose from immersive scenarios: halt a runaway train, break out of jail, or unearth a hidden family inheritan

In Arizona, endless opportunities await for outdoor enthusiasts. From stunning landscapes to thrilling escapades, explore by foot, mountain bike, ATV, river boat, jeep, van, or hot air balloon. Experience these adventures safely and effortlessly with professional guided tours. Expert operators handle planning, gear, permits, and logistics, ensuring hassle-free enjoyment led by knowledgeable guides. Below are standout tours from trusted operators across Arizona. Visit their websites or call for

Metro Phoenix boasts a dynamic contemporary art scene that rivals major art hubs. Beyond well-known museums, a simple search uncovers dozens of private galleries. From Phoenixs Roosevelt Row to East Valley gems like Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa, experience diverse works by global icons like James Turrell and rising stars. Begin your journey in Tempe. For Tempes full arts guide, visit the Tempe Tourism Arts and Culture page. Tempe ASU Art Museum delivers cutting-edge exhibitions and in

Breakfast is hands-down my favorite meal of the day. I cherish my tried-and-true spots but thrive on discovering new gems. Scramble, the latest addition to Tempes vibrant dining scene, has quickly become my go-to happy place. Located at Lakeshore Drive and Baseline Road near Majestic Phoenix Dine-in Cinemas, Scramble boasts a bright, airy interior with vibrant orange, green, and white décor. The spacious, dog-friendly patio is a bonus. Opt for quick counter ordering—no table service here—

By Angela MunizPhotos by Mark Lipczynski Tucked away in Downtown Tempes evolving urban scene, House of Tricks feels like a refreshing oasis—a lush green haven amid the concrete. Named after owners Bob and Robin Trick, this cozy restaurant occupies two historic homes that have evolved alongside the city over the past 30 years. In 1987, the couple left their corporate jobs to transform an old house into a neighborhood spot seating just 11 guests. It expanded organically, as Robin Trick explains:

As summer approaches in the greater Phoenix area, Big Surf Waterpark in Tempe stands out as a must-visit spot. The park officially opens for the season on Saturday, May 9. Check details on hours, seasonal passes here. Visit Big Surf’s deal page for specials like half-price admission the first three weekends in May (bring non-perishable food for St. Mary’s Food Bank) and free entry for moms on Mother’s Day. What sets Big Surf apart—beyond being a premier waterpark in the desert—is its appeal to