7 Fun Things to See and Do for Renters in Tempe

Share this article:

Home to the University of Arizona, Tempe may seem like just your typical college town. But, there’s much more to this Phoenix suburb than students heading to class. In truth, there are plenty of things to do in Tempe, and a little something for everyone — the art enthusiast, the shopaholic, the alcohol connoisseur, the outdoorsy type, and the list goes on.

 

So, whether you’re visiting or looking for apartments in Tempe, here are some of the best things to see and do in this desert gem.

 

Have Fun at Legoland Discovery Center

 

An exciting place for children and adults alike, Legoland Discovery Center hosts rides, play zones and even a 4D cinema. Turn all of your building ideas into reality in this colorful, family-friendly, indoor playground. And, if you get exhausted from all the construction work, there’s no need to worry, just take a break in the Lego-themed Cafe.

 

Meet the Creatures at Sea Life Arizona Aquarium

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SEA LIFE Aquarium (@sealife_arizona)

 

Dive into the world of marine life with the help of this 26,000-square-foot, interactive aquarium. With more than 10 interactive zones to explore, you can watch sea turtles chomp on their food; travel along with the fish through the tunnels, and even connect with the creatures inside touch pools.

 

Visit Tempe History Museum

 

This is the place to go for renters who want to learn more about Tempe’s history and diverse community. There are four thematic areas to explore: College Town, Building Our Community, Living Together and Surviving in the Desert. There’s even a children’s gallery where the little ones can learn and play. Best of all, admission is always free!

 

Enjoy Watersports at Tempe Town Lake

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by City of Tempe (@tempegov)

 

Local renters don’t need to walk any further than the city center to find Tempe Town Lake. Although swimming is prohibited, this man-made oasis is a haven for watersports and other fun activities. For renters who love yoga, there is even a new challenge: paddle yoga. This unique workout combines the benefits of yoga with the excitement of paddleboarding. It is a great way to get a full-body workout and enjoy the beauty of Tempe Town Lake at the same time.

 

Hike in Hayden Butte Preserve

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by City of Tempe (@tempegov)

 

Also known as “A” Mountain, this landmark is easily distinguishable by the self-explanatory letter “A” painted on its slopes. At the end of a short 10- to 15-minute hike, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of the city and surrounding desert area. That said, Hayden Butte Preserve is a great place to visit in Tempe for renters who want to get their workout in, especially if their four-legged friend is tagging along.

 

Take Brewery & Distillery Tours

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, Four Peaks Brewery is your next destination. Built in 1892, the property previously housed a creamery and an ice factory, as well as Uranus Recording — the music label of artists such as Stevie Nicks and Ed Sheeran. Four Peaks Brewery had its grand opening in 1997 and has been growing ever since. Today, it even offers offer guided tours. So, before grabbing one of their craft beers, go behind the scenes and see the brewing process with your own eyes.

 

Shop at Arizona Mills

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Arizona Mills (@arizonamills)

 

With more than 185 stores, it’s easy to say that Arizona Mills will fulfill all of your shopping needs. Or, if you’re looking for a fun night at the movies, you’re in luck because this shopping center is also home to the largest IMAX in the state of Arizona.

Don’t be fooled by Tempe’s college town legacy. These are just a few in a long list of what the city and its surrounding areas have to offer. With 300 sunny days per year, Tempe is the perfect vacation spot all year round — and perhaps even the place you’ll want to call home.

Share this article:

Andreea Neculae

Andreea covers the data and trends behind the flexible workspace industry, from coworking pricing and market growth to the amenities, commute patterns, and shifts redefining where and how people work.
With an academic background in Language Arts, Andreea has built her career producing research-driven articles, market reports, and B2B content grounded in proprietary industry data. Her writing has been featured in The Business Journals, The New York Times and Forbes. She has a knack for turning dense datasets into stories that are clear, sharp, and genuinely useful to readers.
For Andreea, writing is a bigger part of her life than just work. Outside the office, she enjoys writing fiction, penning book reviews, and reading.
Drop her a line via email.

Sign up for The Ready Renter newsletter

Get our free apartment hunting guide — plus local insights, trends and research.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.
Mask group (1)
Group 50289
Mask group (2)
Group 50288

Related posts

Collage of the Detroit and Chicago skylines, illustrating a cost of living comparison for renters weighing a move between the two cities.

Detroit vs Chicago: Which Midwest city is more affordable for renters?

Detroit and Chicago are about 280 miles apart, making a move between the two a realistic option for many Midwestern renters. Maybe you’ve landed a…

Newark, NJ skyline along the Passaic River with historic rail lift bridges, part of the Newark public transit network connecting the city.

Public transit options for renters in Newark, NJ: How to get around without a car

Newark renters can live car-free using PATH, NJ Transit rail, the Newark Light Rail and an extensive bus network, with Manhattan reachable in about 20…

Ask these 5 questions before renting apartments in Boise, ID.

Touring apartments in Boise, ID? Ask these questions before you sign a lease

Boise sits where high desert runs into the Rocky Mountain foothills, and it still moves at a small-town pace even as the Treasure Valley fills…

Want more local renting insights?
Sign up for The Ready Renter newsletter

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.