Tempe, Arizona Vacation Rentals
Explore 1500+ rental homes and villas in Tempe, Arizona for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Homes with Pools, Air Condition Homes and Best Affordable Homes. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $30 per night with homes containing as many as 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
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Tempe Overview
Nestled in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tempe, Arizona, is a vibrant oasis that promises an unforgettable escape. With its youthful spirit, courtesy of Arizona State University, Tempe buzzes with a dynamic arts scene and an array of outdoor adventures that beckon travelers from all walks of life.
Imagine waking up in your own private home, a tranquil retreat where you can savor your morning coffee by the poolside, as the Arizona sun gently warms the day. Rental homes in Tempe often come with the luxury of private swimming pools, offering a refreshing respite from the desert heat. Many of these homes are pet-friendly, ensuring that your furry companions can join in on the fun.
The city's crown jewel is Tempe Town Lake, a sparkling waterfront that invites visitors to enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic strolls along its shores. Tempe Beach Park, adjacent to the lake, is a hub of activity with its festivals and concerts, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and entertainment.
For those drawn to natural wonders, Papago Park's striking red sandstone formations provide a dramatic backdrop for hiking and exploration. The park's trails wind through the desert landscape, offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with Arizona's rugged beauty.
Cultural connoisseurs will delight in Tempe's thriving arts community. The ASU Art Museum showcases an eclectic mix of contemporary works, while the Tempe Center for the Arts is a beacon for live performances. The historic Mill Avenue district pulses with life, its streets lined with an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and eateries that capture the city's creative essence.
Sports fans can revel in the excitement of college athletics or catch the Los Angeles Angels during their spring training sessions, while history enthusiasts can immerse themselves in local lore at the Tempe History Museum.
Tempe's culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions, offering everything from upscale dining experiences to casual spots where you can indulge in authentic Mexican flavors or innovative vegan dishes.
In Tempe, every moment is an opportunity for discovery, whether you're seeking outdoor thrills, cultural enrichment, or simply a peaceful haven to call your own. With a private home rental as your base, your Arizona adventure promises to be as boundless as the desert sky.
Cultural Attractions in Tempe
Tempe, Arizona is a dynamic city that provides a wide array of cultural experiences tailored to your preferences in arts, history, and local traditions. The city is proud to host the Arizona State University Art Museum, renowned for its remarkable collection of modern art. The museum's ever-changing exhibits showcase pieces from across the globe, offering a diverse journey through the realm of art.
For those passionate about history, the Tempe History Museum is an essential stop. It presents captivating exhibits that narrate Tempe's historical journey and its transformation into a contemporary city. Another noteworthy site is the Hackett House in downtown Tempe, recognized for its historical importance as one of the city's oldest structures.
Live music flourishes in Tempe with venues like The Marquee Theatre hosting concerts spanning various genres from rock to country music. For those seeking a cozier ambiance, the Tempe Center for the Arts regularly hosts live performances including music concerts and theater productions.
Art galleries are plentiful in Tempe. University Drive features several galleries including Gallery 100 and Harry Wood Gallery which display works from both budding and established artists.
Visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions through numerous events held throughout the year in Tempe such as the annual Festival of the Arts showcasing local artists and craftsmen or events like Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake celebrating German culture with food, music and games.
As for navigating around once you've arrived, public transportation options encompass buses and light rail services linking different areas of the city. However, many attractions are also conveniently located within walking distance particularly around Downtown Tempe making it quite pedestrian-friendly for visitors.
Family friendly activities in Tempe
Tempe, Arizona is indeed a city that caters to families, offering a plethora of attractions that children will find enjoyable. The SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is an essential visit, allowing children to delve into the mesmerizing marine world and encounter thousands of sea creatures. The touch pool experience and the 360-degree ocean tunnel are particularly favored by visitors.
Outdoor enthusiasts can venture to Tempe Town Lake where paddle boats, kayaks or electric boats are available for rent. A splash playground is also present for children to cool down during the hot summer months. Adjacent to this is Tempe Beach Park which provides picnic areas and playgrounds.
The Arizona Museum of Natural History presents another excellent opportunity for children's learning. Here they can gain knowledge about dinosaurs, Native American history and Arizona's natural environment through engaging exhibits.
Kiwanis Park caters to active kids with its wave pool, indoor batting range and various sports courts. It also boasts several playgrounds and picnic areas for a leisurely family day out.
For those with an interest in arts and culture, Childsplay Theatre offers performances specifically tailored for young audiences.
While not directly in Tempe but located in nearby Phoenix, LEGOLAND Discovery Center should not be missed where kids can construct their own creations, partake in two rides and watch 4D cinema shows.
As for navigating around Tempe, it's relatively straightforward due to the city's comprehensive public transportation system comprising buses and light rail service that links to Phoenix and Mesa. However, renting a car may be more suitable especially when traveling with young children. The city itself is quite walkable particularly around the downtown area where many attractions are situated close by.
Outdoor activities in Tempe
Tempe, Arizona is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nestled within the captivating landscape of the Sonoran Desert. The Salt River, while not running directly through Tempe, flows nearby to the south of the city. This river offers a variety of water-based activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. It also serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife including wild horses.
Tempe Town Lake is another popular spot for water sports. While it's not surrounded by extensive parks due to its urban location, there are trails around it that are suitable for walking or cycling. The lake also hosts several events throughout the year including regattas and triathlons.
For those who enjoy hiking, there are numerous trails in and around Tempe that offer breathtaking views of the desert landscape. A local favorite is "A" Mountain or Hayden Butte Preserve located right in downtown Tempe. This short but challenging hike provides panoramic views of the city.
While Papago Park is technically located in Phoenix rather than Tempe, it's still a great destination for more hiking opportunities and other outdoor activities like golfing and fishing. It's also home to Hole-in-the-Rock, a natural geological formation that offers stunning sunset views.
South Mountain Park/Preserve is another must-visit location for hikers. As one of the largest municipal parks in the country, it boasts over 50 miles of trails through rugged desert terrain.
Approximately 15 miles away from Tempe in Phoenix lies the Desert Botanical Garden which gives visitors an intimate look at diverse plant life thriving in this arid region. With over 50 acres of outdoor exhibits featuring thousands of plants from around the world, it's an essential visit for nature lovers.
Lastly, don't miss out on stargazing under Arizona's dark skies. Whether you choose to do this from one of Tempe's parks or venture further out into the desert away from city lights, the sight of the Milky Way stretching across the night sky is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
In summary, Tempe, Arizona and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of outdoor activities and natural wonders that will satisfy any nature enthusiast. Whether you prefer hiking through rugged desert landscapes, exploring local flora and fauna, or simply enjoying a sunset over the water, there's something for everyone.
Weather in Tempe
Tempe, Arizona is located in the Sonoran Desert and experiences a desert climate. This is characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters. The city's weather is influenced by its geographical location, which results in a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
From June to September, the summer months are extremely hot with average high temperatures reaching into the 100s Fahrenheit. These months also have the lowest levels of humidity, which can intensify the heat. Rainfall is scarce during this period but when it does occur it's typically in the form of monsoons.
The winter months from December to February are mild and sunny with average high temperatures in the 60s and lows rarely dipping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall is slightly more common during this period but still relatively low.
Spring and fall serve as transitional seasons with temperatures ranging from the 70s to 90s. Springtime sees an increase in flowers blooming across the city while fall brings slightly cooler temperatures and less rainfall.
The most popular time to visit Tempe is during spring and fall when weather conditions are most comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking or exploring the city's many attractions. However, each season in Tempe has its own unique appeal offering visitors a different perspective of this vibrant desert city.
Transportation in Tempe
Travelers heading to Tempe, Arizona, can expect a range of transportation options. The city is primarily reached via Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, one of the main airports serving the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Tempe. This airport offers extensive domestic and international air service and is conveniently situated just a few miles from downtown Tempe. Upon landing, visitors can utilize taxis, shuttles or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft to reach their final destination in Tempe.
For those who favor ground transportation, Amtrak's Sunset Limited train provides service three days a week between Los Angeles and New Orleans with a stop in Maricopa, AZ about 30 miles south of Tempe. From there, connecting bus service to Tempe is available. Greyhound also maintains a bus station in downtown Tempe for those traveling by bus.
Once within the city limits of Tempe, navigation is quite simple. The Valley Metro Rail system provides light rail service throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area with stops in downtown Tempe. Valley Metro also runs local bus services that cater to the city and surrounding areas.
For travelers seeking more flexibility in their travel plans, car rentals are easily accessible at the airport and throughout the city. However, it should be noted that parking may be limited in certain areas of downtown Tempe.
Tempe boasts being bike-friendly with numerous bike lanes and paths across the city. Grid Bike Share offers rental bikes that can be collected and returned at various locations around town.
In terms of walkability, much of downtown Tempe is pedestrian-friendly with several attractions such as Mill Avenue District and Tempe Beach Park within walking distance from each other. However, for excursions outside of downtown or to visit nearby cities like Scottsdale or Phoenix, some form of transportation will likely be required.
To summarize: whether arriving by air or ground transportation or getting around by light rail, bus, car or bike; visitors will find navigating through Tempe relatively easy and convenient.