Tempe doesn’t do a slow spring. One week it’s jacket weather, and the next, the patios are packed, the lake is calling, and everyone seems to have the same idea: get outside. If you’ve been looking for a reason to finally explore the city — or revisit your favorites with fresh eyes, late March is one of the best times to do it.
The Lake Is Calling Your Name
Tempe Town Lake is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a city. Spanning more than two miles, this lake sits right at the heart of everything and delivers a solid good time for anyone willing to get out on the water.
Boat Rentals of America on the south shore sets you up with:
-
Stand-up paddleboards for a solo float or low-key morning workout
-
Tandem kayaks for two (great for the relationship, complicated for steering)
-
Electric donut boats that hold up to 10 people, basically a floating hangout spot
-
Swan pedal boats if you want the best photo on the lake
Not into the water? The 7.5-mile shoreline loop is great for biking or walking. Pack a picnic, claim a bench near the water, and call it a day well spent.
Climb “A” Mountain While It’s Still Pleasant Out
Hayden Butte Preserve, known to everyone as “A” Mountain, is a short but steep hike that punches well above its weight in views. From the top, you’re looking at the Tempe skyline, Town Lake, and ASU’s entire campus laid out in front of you.
The round trip takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and the trailhead is right off Mill Avenue. Go early, bring water, and expect your legs to remind you about it the next day. The panoramic views at the summit are genuinely worth every step.
Patio Season Is Here. Take Advantage
Spring in Tempe makes outdoor dining an actual lifestyle. A few spots worth getting to:
-
Postino Annex on College Ave has a sunny, wraparound patio with views of ASU and “A” Mountain, and pairs bruschetta with wine better than most
-
SunBar on W. 5th Street is a relaxed outdoor bar that’s perfect for a low-key evening
-
Pier 54 in south Tempe is a fully outdoor restaurant right on the water, with panoramic lake views and gorgeous sunset backdrops
-
Blanco Cocina + Cantina near the lake offers solid Mexican food with a wide open-air feel
These spots are close enough to each other that stringing two or three together into one long afternoon is very doable.
Weekend Plans, Already Made for You
Tempe Beach Park has a few things lined up right around the time you’re reading this:
-
AZ Dragon Boat Festival — March 27 to 29, competitive dragon boat racing with cultural performances and food vendors along the waterfront
-
Rosé Disco — March 28, 1 to 7 p.m., an outdoor rosé tasting event with a disco theme that needs no further selling
-
Reggae Rise Up Arizona — April 17 to 19, a three-day reggae festival that turns the park into something much more laid-back than its usual vibe
Spring here has a short window before the heat takes over and changes the equation entirely. These spots and events are your best bet for getting the most out of it right now. I cover more places, local picks, and things worth doing all across the East Valley. Check out my articles if you want to keep exploring.
Sources: tempetourism.com, downtowntempe.com, tempelocal.org, visitphoenix.com
Header Image Source: McKayla Crump on Unsplash
