Welcome to the Valley of the Sun,
where we have 330 days a year of sunshine.
You will find numerous indoor and outdoor activities available to you.
We believe active engagement in life improves your creative processes by sparking the mind-body connection. Your writing will improve by dedicating time to leave your desk and interact with the world in a physical way. Even a casual stroll through the neighborhood gardens can inspire your writing.
Dare to move. Engage the world with a beginner's mind.
Be amazed at the impact physical activity has on your creativity.
Bicycling
Tempe has amazing bike paths, including extensive canal paths off the street, which extends over 200 miles of bike paths. Tempe is designated as a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community.
Poolside
Enjoy the Cottonwoods complex pool and hot tub.
For people interested in lap swimming, there are several public swimming pools available or LA Fitness Clubs in the vicinity.
Hiking
Hiking is a favorite past-time of many Arizonans. Tempe has accessible in-city areas for hiking which include Papago Park, South Mountain, and "A" Mountain. Plus, we are very close proximity to Phoenix in-city hiking at Camelback Mountain and Piewsta Peak, plus more. Plus, there are countless hiking trails within easy drives from the city, including Superstition Mountains, Sedona, and Tucson. Remember to be safe and stay hydrated!
Mountain Biking
Tempe has accessible
in-city areas for safe mountain biking at Papago Park - a wildlife preserve - and South Mountain which is one of America's largest municipal parks with over 16,000 acres. Desert Trails Park can also be found in Mesa.
Golfing
Known throughout the world for the best in desert golf, the area boasts 185 public, private, resort, municipal, and executive golf course destinations. There are three public 18-hole golf courses in Tempe: the Karsten (ASU) golf course, Ken McDonald golf course, and executive golf course Rolling Hills. The neighboring cities also have public golf courses: Mesa (7), Chandler (3), and Scottsdale (10). Great even for beginners. Book yourself a tee time or a lesson today.
Spas
When you feel the need to indulge yourself, there are many full service resort spas in the Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tucson areas to choose from. Many offer day passes to their spa facilities. Resort prices are often discounted in the summer months.
Fitness Centers
Find your gym, CrossFit box, boxing gym, yoga studio, Jazzercize, LA Fitness, or Tae Kwon Do
Cooking Lessons
Explore the culinary arts and enliven your senses. You will find plenty of schools to choose from: Mix Cooking School, Classic Cooking, Whisked Away, Tempe's Hackette House, Sweetest Season and more!
Walking
Walking is the most easily accessible physical activity available (for able-body adults). At Casa de la Rosa Walking trails inside Cottonwood complex-right outside the front door in a gated community away from street traffic. The complex has a half-mile circular road. . Or take an easy stroll along the canal paths.
Creative Arts
Be creative with your hands. We have a great creative crafts business called Burts of Butterflies and the traditional wine and paint establishments.
Tennis
Need a partner or equipment? Check out Tempe Kiwanis Tennis Complex. Classes for all levels can be found here. They even have a hitting wall to use.
Paddleboard Yoga
Try Paddleboard Yoga in Chandler and Mesa
Equine Experiences
Connect with the cowboy culture. Book a horse riding adventure or even try the full Dude Ranch experience. Or go for an more unique equine experience like offered at the Purple Sage Ranch by Mirival.
Standup Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga
Rent a standup paddleboard at Tempe Town Lake - or even try SUP Yoga
Shopping
Yes, some people consider shopping a sport. Tempe Market Place, Chandler Fashion Mall, Mesa RiverView, Scottsdale Old Town and more.
Boat Rental
Rent a kayak, canoe, or electric boat on Tempe Town Lake. Small boat sailing lessons are even available.
Float the Salt River
Float the Salt River
City Parks
Breathe in fresh air at many of the city parks. Here are some of our favorites: Papago Park (Tempe), Desert Breeze Park (Chandler), Kiwanis Park (Tempe), Tempe Beach Park, Dobson Ranch Park (Mesa), Mesa Riverview Park (Mesa), Veterans Oasis Park (Chandler) and Pioneer Park (Mesa).
Archery
Take an archery class at Usery Park (Maricopa County Parks & Recreation)
Sky Diving
For those of you with truly adventurous spirits, Arizona is known for fabulous desert sky dives. Skydive Arizona has on ground wind tunnels to prep you for the real deal.
Photo is in remembrance of a good friend, Brian Head, who knew how to live life with a lime green heart.
Waterpark
For when it's hotter than hot, you can find the Mesa Golfland and Sunsplash Waterpark for when you need to cool off.
Dancing
Take a dance class or join a Friday night dance social at Dance FX.