Tempe · Maricopa County, AZ
Road trips from Tempe
Scout analyzed 116 Tempe places and surfaced the ones that actually fit road trips.
Places analyzed
116
Matches
24
Typical spend
$25
Typical visit
1.3 hr
Best neighborhoods for road trips
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Family
Escapology Escape Rooms Tempe
Escapology is an escape room location ideal for a planned group activity lasting about 1.5 hours, costing around $35-45 per person. It can be paired with a meal out before or after the experience.
Food & Drink
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
Hawaiian Bros is a casual spot for a quick, affordable meal, ideal for a family lunch or a solo dinner. Expect to spend 30-45 minutes and $10-$20 per person.
Arts & Culture
Tempe Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge
This pedestrian bridge offers scenic views of Tempe Town Lake, perfect for a free, relaxed walk lasting about 30 minutes. It can be paired with exploring the surrounding lake path or nearby downtown Tempe attractions.
Camelback East Village
Heaven’s Closet
Heaven's Closet is a thrift store suitable for a relaxed solo or small group shopping trip. Plan for about an hour and expect to spend $10-$50 per person on clothing finds.
Arts & Culture
Tempe Center For The Arts
This is a performing arts venue for seeing a show or visiting a small gallery, often pairing well with dinner before or after. Expect to spend a few hours here, with ticket prices varying widely based on the performance.
Hudson Manor
The Hudson Eatery & Bar
The Hudson is a casual spot for American comfort food, drinks, and watching sports. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for a meal or an afternoon drink, costing around $15-40 per person.
Outdoors
Selleh Park
Selleh Park is a good free option for a relaxed outdoor activity with kids or a dog. Expect to spend about an hour walking around the pond or using the playground, perhaps before or after a casual meal nearby.
Maple-Ash
Ash Avenue Comics & Books
Ash Avenue Comics & Books is good for a solo browse or a relaxed stop before or after a meal nearby, allowing for an hour of exploration. Expect to spend $0 to $25 if picking up a single comic or graphic novel.
Outdoors
Hayden Butte
Hayden Butte is a popular, free hiking spot in Tempe, offering scenic views and a good workout in about an hour. It pairs well with a coffee run or a meal in downtown Tempe before or after your hike.
Outdoors
Tempe Beach Park
This park is suitable for a family outing, offering activities like a splash pad, boating, and athletic fields. Expect to spend 2-4 hours, with costs ranging from free to around $10 for activities like boat rentals.
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park offers a mixed outdoor and indoor experience, with options for a relaxing stroll around the lake or active time at the wave pool and tennis courts. Plan for a few hours, spending little to nothing for the park itself, or up to $20 if using the indoor facilities.
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Recreation Center
This recreation center and park is suitable for a multi-hour family outing or active solo visit, offering various sports and an indoor wave pool. Expect to spend $5-$20 per person on entry or rentals.
Shopping
Barnes & Noble
Spend an hour or two browsing books and magazines, or grabbing a coffee. This is a good place to unwind after a meal or as a low-cost family outing, typically costing $5-30 per person.
Outdoors
Rio Salado Park
Rio Salado Park is ideal for a 1-2 hour outdoor activity, offering hiking and birdwatching. It's a free, nature-focused stop to pair with a meal or other activities in Tempe.
McClintock
McClintock Pool
McClintock Pool is suitable for a couple of hours of swimming and relaxation, often pairing well with a park visit or picnic. Expect to spend a few dollars per person for entry.
Food & Drink
Filthy Animal
Filthy Animal is suitable for a casual meal or drinks, offering brunch, lunch, and dinner options with outdoor seating. Expect to spend $15-$40 per person for a visit of about 1.5 hours.
South Tempe
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is good for a 1.5 to 2 hour family outing, costing around $20-35 per person. It pairs well with other activities at Arizona Mills Mall, especially on a weekend.
Sports & Recreation
Escalante Pool
Escalante Pool is a good spot for a casual afternoon swim, especially for families. Expect to spend a few hours here, and it's an inexpensive activity, possibly free for residents.
Mesa Grande
Salt River Walking Path
The Salt River Walking Path is good for a free, active outing, possibly paired with a picnic. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, enjoying a walk or run along the river.
Food & Drink
Snakes & Lattes Tempe
This is a lively board game cafe perfect for a casual outing with friends or family, combining food, drinks, and entertainment for a few hours. Expect to spend $20-$40 per person for food and game access.
Ahwatukee
Cactus Jack's Bar & Grill
Cactus Jack's is a casual bar and grill for an evening out, suitable for a relaxed meal, drinks, and entertainment. Expect to spend 1-3 hours here, costing around $15-35 per person for food and a couple of drinks.
South Tempe
Lush Cafe and Lounge
Lush Cafe and Lounge is suitable for an evening out, often featuring live music and drinks. Plan for a 2-hour visit and expect to spend $35-75 per person for food and cocktails.
Outdoors
Clark Park
Clark Park is a free outdoor space suitable for families or solo visits, often paired with other nearby activities. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for a casual walk or some play time.
South Tempe
Optimist Park
Optimist Park is a good free spot for families with young children to play or for a solo relaxed outdoor moment. Plan for an hour or two, especially in cooler weather, as it offers open space and playground equipment.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 116 analyzed Tempe places fit road trips.
- 50% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 75% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Playful, Social, Quiet, Adventurous, Scenic.
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