Theresa Padilla
Jul 27, 2026
If you're planning a trip to the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tempe, Arizona deserves a spot at the top of your itinerary. Home to Arizona State University, beautiful desert scenery, exciting outdoor recreation, and an incredible dining scene, Tempe offers something for every type of traveler. Even better, its central location makes it easy to explore neighboring cities like Scottsdale, Mesa, and Phoenix.
Whether you're visiting for a family vacation, business trip, sporting event, or a weekend getaway, choosing a short-term rental from Fifty-Four Eighty gives you the space, comfort, and amenities that hotels simply can't match.
Why Visit Tempe?
Tempe combines the energy of a college town with the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Visitors enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine each year, making it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures, festivals, and year-round sightseeing.
Its convenient location also places you within minutes of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, making travel easy from almost anywhere in the country.
Things to Do in Tempe
Explore Tempe Town Lake
One of the city's most popular attractions, Tempe Town Lake is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, jogging, or simply relaxing along the waterfront. The surrounding parks and walking paths provide beautiful views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Visit Arizona State University
Arizona State University is one of the nation's largest universities and offers a vibrant campus filled with public art, museums, sporting events, and cultural attractions. Catch a Sun Devils football game during the fall or enjoy concerts and performances throughout the year.
Discover Mill Avenue District
Mill Avenue is Tempe's entertainment hub. Here you'll find locally owned boutiques, coffee shops, breweries, nightlife, and live music venues. It's an excellent place to spend an afternoon shopping before enjoying dinner on an outdoor patio.
Experience the Desert Botanical Garden
Located just a short drive away, the Desert Botanical Garden showcases thousands of desert plants, colorful seasonal blooms, and educational exhibits that highlight the beauty of Arizona's unique landscape.
Outdoor Recreation
Tempe is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Popular activities include:
Hiking "A" Mountain (Hayden Butte Preserve)
Mountain biking nearby desert trails
Paddleboarding and kayaking on Tempe Town Lake
Golfing at championship courses throughout the Valley
Walking and cycling the scenic paths around Papago Park
For more adventurous visitors, South Mountain Park and Preserve is only a short drive away and offers miles of hiking, mountain biking, and panoramic views of the Phoenix skyline.
Where to Eat in Tempe
Tempe's food scene continues to grow with restaurants offering everything from Southwestern favorites to international cuisine.
Some local favorites include:
House-made burgers and craft beer
Authentic Mexican restaurants
Wood-fired pizza
Modern American brunch cafés
Sushi and Asian fusion dining
Farm-to-table restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients
Many restaurants also feature outdoor patios, allowing visitors to enjoy Arizona's beautiful weather while dining.
Take a Day Trip to Downtown Scottsdale
One of Tempe's biggest advantages is its location. In approximately 15–20 minutes, you can drive to Downtown Scottsdale, one of Arizona's premier destinations for shopping, dining, art galleries, and nightlife.
Spend the day exploring:
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Old Town Scottsdale
Art galleries and museums
Upscale restaurants
Rooftop bars
Local boutiques
Seasonal festivals and events
The short drive makes it easy to enjoy Scottsdale while returning to the quieter comfort of your Tempe vacation rental each evening.
Why Choose a Short-Term Rental?
Where you stay can make all the difference during your vacation.
Unlike traditional hotel rooms, short-term rentals provide:
Spacious living areas
Fully equipped kitchens
Private bedrooms
Laundry facilities
Free Wi-Fi
Comfortable spaces for families and groups
Outdoor patios or private yards at many properties
Having access to a full kitchen allows guests to prepare meals, save money on dining, and enjoy breakfast before heading out for the day. Extra space also means everyone can relax after exploring without feeling cramped in a single hotel room.
Whether you're staying for a weekend, a week, or even longer, a vacation rental offers the flexibility and convenience that today's travelers appreciate.
Stay with Fifty-Four Eighty
At Fifty-Four Eighty, we believe your accommodations should be just as enjoyable as your destination. Our professionally managed short-term rentals provide the comfort of home with the amenities travelers need to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories.
Whether you're visiting Tempe to explore the outdoors, attend an Arizona State University event, experience the area's incredible dining scene, or take day trips to Scottsdale and Phoenix, we're here to help make your stay exceptional.
Book your next Arizona getaway with Fifty-Four Eighty and discover why so many travelers choose the comfort, convenience, and value of a professionally managed vacation rental.