Top Rated Attractions in Tempe

Get out of the city and experience the beautiful sun-kissed Sonoran desert with its jutting peaks and unique desert wildlife. Pinnacle Peak Park is a perfect hiking destination for adventurers and thrill seeking tourists with even horseback rides available. The observation area at the summit gives you an unparalleled and splendid view of the ravine. The park is not without essential amenities and has a restroom, picnic tables, parking area, drinking fountain and ramada for convenience.

This 60-acre (24.28 hectare) park located within the Indian Bend Wash greenbelt is home to the Wedge Skate Park. It is every skater's dream complete with ramps, curbs and rails making it an awesome place to pick up new tricks. The park also offers an outdoor amphitheater, swimming pool, two lakes, two children's playgrounds. The 5K course along with softball, soccer, basketball and a sand volleyball courts make it a great place to come and work out. Or pack up the family, make some lunch and head on over to the picnic area for a great family out.

Set across 20 acres (8.093 hectares), Mountain View Park is a hub of the community. The community center features two activity rooms, a kitchen and stage that may be rented for private functions. The park can accommodate 200 guests outside and 400 inside and is a perfect spot for your family reunion or even a team building outing. Amenities include a full size basketball court, two picnic areas, three soccer fields, a lighted softball field and a volleyball area. Kids enjoy at the playground and scheduled programs hit the fitness needs of children between 12-17.

Drive through one of the largest parks in the United States that covers over 16,000 acres (6474 hectares). With many lookout points, South Mountain Park, offers fantastic views of Phoenix and the surrounding valley. Summit Lookout is at 2,330 feet (710.18 meters) and highlights the enormity of this sprawling desert area. For visitors, the Interpretive Center takes you through the heritage of the area including mining and botanical history. If you prefer an experience out of the car, hike by the marked trails and study the preserved petroglyphs. Carry lunch and enjoy the park's picnic areas with kids in tow. Remember your sunscreen, hat and drinking water when visiting Arizona's best park.

If you are in Phoenix and enjoy going on easy treks, then Papago Park is the place for you. With its sandstone buttes, marked paths and slight elevation, it is perfect for family hiking trips and there are plenty of easy mountain bike paths. The most notable attraction of the park is the hole in the rock formation, which formed over thousands of years most likely from water erosion. For the more adventurous, visitors can climb the face of the rock for an unparalleled view of Phoenix. Additionally, the park is close to famous attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo.

Mill Avenue is the main entertainment and shopping district in the college town of Tempe. The district not only contains city hall and government offices, but major attractions like Tempe Town Lake, Tempe Butte and Tempe Beach Park. In addition to these outdoor attractions, Mill also has tons of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. The Ave is also the site of many of Tempe's major events, festivals and parades.