Tempe Town Lake

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Last updated on May 7, 2026.

Tempe Town Lake is one of the most popular urban recreation destinations in Arizona, offering boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, walking trails, entertainment, and scenic skyline views in the heart of downtown Tempe. Located along the Salt River corridor near Arizona State University and the Mill Avenue District, the lake combines outdoor recreation with restaurants, nightlife, festivals, shopping, and year-round events in the Greater Phoenix area.

Imagine an urban environment where you could spend the morning sailing across crystal clear lake waters, picnicking on grass knolls or strolling along smooth sandy beaches, followed by an afternoon concert at an outdoor amphitheater, with dinner at dozens and dozens of restaurants or cafes within walking distance. Even better, imagine not even having to drive to this urban refuge as you board the soon to be complete light rail from the station nearest your home and you glide quickly over the rails to alight effortlessly at your destination. For those living in the Phoenix area, this imagined oasis is just moments away at Tempe Town Lake.

Why Visit Tempe Town Lake

Visitors come to Tempe Town Lake for its mix of outdoor recreation, downtown entertainment, scenic waterfront paths, and easy access to restaurants, events, and nearby attractions. The lake is popular for kayaking, rowing, jogging, cycling, fishing, sightseeing, and attending festivals or concerts while enjoying one of the most unique urban lake settings in Arizona.

Things to Do & See Around Tempe Town Lake

• Walk or Bike the Lake Paths: Multi-use trails circle the lake and connect visitors to parks, bridges, downtown Tempe, and scenic viewpoints.
• Visit Tempe Beach Park: A popular gathering area for concerts, festivals, outdoor events, and waterfront recreation.
• Explore Mill Avenue District: Restaurants, nightlife, shopping, coffee shops, and entertainment are all within walking distance of the lake.
• Rent Kayaks and Paddleboards: Several vendors near the marina offer paddle sports rentals and guided experiences.
• See the Tempe Center for the Arts: A lakeside destination featuring performances, art exhibits, architecture, and scenic evening views.
• Watch Rowing and Sailing Activities: The lake regularly hosts rowing teams, sailing clubs, regattas, and fitness events.
• Attend Annual Festivals: Tempe Town Lake hosts Ironman Arizona, Fourth of July celebrations, holiday events, concerts, and community festivals.
• Enjoy Sunset Photography: The lake offers excellent views of downtown Tempe, bridges, reflections, and colorful Arizona sunsets.

Fishing At Tempe Town Lake

• Urban Fishing Opportunities: Tempe Town Lake is regularly stocked and offers convenient fishing access in the middle of the Phoenix metro area.
• Rainbow Trout: Winter trout stockings attract anglers during cooler months.
• Largemouth Bass: Bass fishing is popular along shoreline structure and calmer coves.
• Catfish and Sunfish: Additional fish species provide year-round fishing opportunities for families and casual anglers.
• Shoreline Fishing: Walking paths and park areas provide easy access for bank fishing around the lake.
• Fishing License Required: Arizona fishing regulations and license requirements apply at Tempe Town Lake.

Boating On Tempe Town Lake

• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: One of the most popular activities on the lake with rental options available nearby.
• Rowing and Crew Teams: Tempe Town Lake is widely used for rowing practices, races, and training events.
• Sailing: Small sailboats and sailing clubs regularly use the lake for recreation and instruction.
• Pedal Boats and Watercraft Rentals: Visitors can rent recreational watercraft for sightseeing and relaxing lake cruises.
• Scenic Waterfront Views: Boating provides unique views of the Tempe skyline, bridges, parks, and surrounding entertainment district.

Best Times To Visit Tempe Town Lake

• Spring: One of the best seasons for outdoor festivals, kayaking, walking, fishing, and comfortable temperatures.
• Summer: Early mornings and evenings are popular for paddle sports, waterfront dining, and events despite hot daytime temperatures.
• Fall: Cooler weather makes fall ideal for jogging, cycling, fishing, concerts, and sightseeing around the lake.
• Winter: Mild Arizona winter weather attracts walkers, anglers, outdoor fitness enthusiasts, and seasonal visitors.

More than just a city water-side park, Tempe Town Lake is a civic masterpiece of open space and habitat blending seamlessly with lakeside residential and commercial development. Two miles in length and found along the traditional banks of the normally dry Salt River, Tempe Town Lake combines innovative design with the wonders of nature into a vibrant mix of outdoor recreation, arts and culture settings, premier retail shops and fine dining. Completed in the 1990s after two decades of planning, design and engineering challenges, today Tempe Town Lake is the crown jewel of the City of Tempe and provides a destination experience for not only those nearly 1,000,000 people living within ten miles of the Lake, but over 4,000,000 in the Valley of the Sun.

In The Heart of Downtown Tempe

Town Lake runs from just east of Mill Avenue west to about Curry Road and along Rio Salado Parkway in the heart of downtown Tempe. Town Lake's Beach Park, considered by many to be the town's finest special event space, borders the Historic Mill Avenue District. Here visitors can enjoy exciting nightclubs, dine in the finest Tempe restaurants or find that perfect gift item at nearly 200 shops brought together in the unsurpassed mix of businesses that only the Mill Avenue District can offer. Nearby Arizona State University, home to Sun Devil Stadium, is within walking distance and forms a stunning backdrop for visitors strolling along the shores or enjoying a paddle cruise across the water.

The Tempe Marketplace can also be found along Town Lake's southern shore. Not just a mall but a destination in itself, the Marketplace contains over 1.3 million square feet of high end retail, restaurant, and open space. Designed as a lifestyle center, the Tempe Marketplace distinguishes itself from other shopping venues by its creative use of water elements, fire pits, gathered seating spots, concert venues and pedestrian friendly walkways, within clear view of the sparkling waters of Tempe Town Lake.

Tempe Town Lake Coordinates:
Latitude: 33.4317
Longitude: -111.9400

Outdoor Activities

Visitors to Tempe Town Lake can enjoy a host of outdoor activities. Whether in town for the Ironman Arizona race or simply out for an evening stroll among the various walking and cycling trails, Town Lake is the place to be.

Boating - whether rowing, sailing, or paddling, there are plenty of ways to get on the water at Town Lake. You can bring your own boat, enjoy a cruise from the Rio Lago Cruise Company, or rent a small watercraft, all at the lake's north shore.

Jogging and Bicycling - the lake's long, linear design is perfect for jogging or riding your bike. The route from Rural Road to Mill Avenue is three miles long, the near equivalent of a 5K race, and thousands of outdoor enthusiasts flock to the trail each year to train for area races. You don't have to be a professional athlete to enjoy the workout trail that circles the lake beginning at Tempe Beach Park, however. An easy loop road, this trail is ideal for walkers, cyclists, marathon runners or the casual jogger and the flat terrain makes it one of the best interval training tracks in Arizona.

Fishing - Town Lake is stocked with rainbow trout each year, but don't be surprised if you land one or two other delicious types of fish as well, as nearly a dozen varieties call Town Lake home.

Ongoing Entertainment

While Town Lake is home to several small amphitheaters that host community entertainment and seasonal concerts, the premier entertainment spot is the Tempe Center for the Arts. More than just a performing arts center, TCA contains a 3,500 square foot art gallery, an art park and outdoor displays, a lakeside banquet and conference facility, and is directly adjacent to the walking and bicycling paths that circle the lake. A destination in itself, TCA contains a sculpture garden, a fire element and spectacular reflecting pool that is one of most stunning nighttime displays of light in all of Arizona. No trip to Town Lake would be complete without a stroll past the Tempe Center for the Arts.

It's hard to mention them all, but there are over 100 events scheduled every year at or near Tempe Town Lake including the Tempe Arts Festival, The Tempe Festival of Lights, The Holiday Boat Parade, The 4th of July Fireworks Show, Oktoberfest, The Insight Bowl and The Insight/Fiesta Bowl New Year's Block Party, one of the most attended community New Year's Party in the country.

Live/Work/Play

One of the innovations of Tempe Town Lake is the live/work/play concept found in the many luxury condominiums overlooking the lake's shiny waters, bordered by several mixed-use developments including Class A office space, high end retail and exciting nightlife. Here residents can glide down from their opulent condominiums, walk a few steps to their office, and then step out again at day's end for a night on the town, dining and dancing at one of the Tempe's top nightclubs, all without getting behind the wheel of their car. The creative use of meandering paths along the lake's shore make pedestrian travel the preferred method of transportation, and on weekends, residents and visitors alike can stroll between the many water venues along the lake and the restaurants, cafes and shops with ease.

Tempe Town Lake is the centerpiece of a civic revitalization project bringing together the best of Tempe's recreation, entertainment and shopping into one fabulous, exciting adventure destination. Found in the heart of the city, Tempe Town Lake is a short fifteen minutes from downtown Phoenix.

Nearby Attractions Around Tempe Town Lake

• Mill Avenue District: Downtown Tempe entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.
• Arizona State University: Major university campus located within walking distance of the lake.
• Tempe Beach Park: Waterfront park hosting events, festivals, concerts, and recreation.
• Phoenix Zoo: One of Arizona’s top family attractions located a short drive away.
• Papago Park: Scenic desert park known for hiking, rock formations, and outdoor recreation.
• Desert Botanical Garden: Popular Phoenix-area attraction featuring Sonoran Desert plants and walking trails.

More Information About Tempe Town Lake

Directions To Tempe Town Lake

FAQ

Where is Tempe Town Lake located?
Tempe Town Lake is located in downtown Tempe, Arizona along the Salt River corridor near Arizona State University and the Mill Avenue District.

Can you kayak at Tempe Town Lake?
Yes. Kayaking and paddleboarding are among the most popular activities at Tempe Town Lake, with rentals available nearby.

Is fishing allowed at Tempe Town Lake?
Yes. Fishing is allowed at Tempe Town Lake and the lake is stocked with trout and other fish species throughout the year.

What is Tempe Town Lake known for?
Tempe Town Lake is known for boating, paddle sports, walking trails, rowing events, festivals, concerts, skyline views, and downtown Tempe entertainment.

When is the best time to visit Tempe Town Lake?
Spring and fall usually provide the most comfortable weather for outdoor recreation, sightseeing, festivals, and waterfront activities.

Are there walking and biking trails around Tempe Town Lake?
Yes. Multi-use trails circle the lake and are popular for jogging, cycling, walking, and fitness activities.

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