Tempe Town Lake: Free Things to Do Near ASU
Tempe Town Lake is one of the best free hangout spots near ASU. Here's everything you can do there without spending money.
There's an Actual Lake Right Near Campus
Tempe Town Lake is a mile-long reservoir created by inflatable rubber dams on the Salt River. It sits about a 15-minute walk south of ASU's campus — from the heart of campus, you head south on Mill Avenue and the lake appears at the end. It's one of those things new students overlook for the first semester and then can't believe they missed.
Most of what makes it worth visiting is completely free.
Walking and Running the Loop
The paved path that circles Tempe Town Lake is about four miles. It's flat, well-maintained, and open to pedestrians and cyclists. The south side of the lake runs along Tempe Beach Park and has views of the Tempe skyline (such as it is) and the mountains. The north side is more industrial but offers a view of the lake itself and the occasional great blue heron standing in the shallows.
For running, the loop is a popular 5K option — enough to feel like a real workout without being a commitment. Early morning is the best time: cooler, less crowded, and the light on the water is actually beautiful from October through April.
Biking the loop is also viable. Bring your own bike or use a Lime rental if you're coming from campus without one. The path is wide enough that pedestrians and cyclists coexist reasonably well.
Tempe Beach Park
The green space on the north shore of the lake — Tempe Beach Park — is the main gathering area. It's a large grass area with shade trees, water features, and benches. People bring frisbees, slack lines, and blankets. Dogs are allowed on leash.
The park hosts the Tempe Festival of the Arts twice a year (spring and fall), which is free to attend and genuinely good — local and regional artists, food vendors, live music. If it's on during your time in Tempe, go.
The park is also where many of Tempe's larger outdoor events happen: concerts, festivals, holiday celebrations. Check the City of Tempe events calendar at the start of each semester.
The Pedestrian Bridge
The A-Frame pedestrian bridge crosses the lake and is free to walk across. It's a nicer crossing than it sounds — the bridge is elevated and gives you a clear view of the lake in both directions. Worth doing once even if you have nowhere specific to go on the other side.
Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals (Not Free, But Cheap)
Hurricane Harbor Watercraft Rentals and Tempe Town Lake Boat Rentals both operate on the lake and offer kayak, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals. Prices run $15–$25 per hour depending on what you're renting. Not free, but cheap enough for an occasional activity with friends. The lake is calm, there are no motor boats, and the experience is more pleasant than it sounds.
Fishing
Arizona Game and Fish stocks Tempe Town Lake with largemouth bass, catfish, and tilapia. A fishing license is required — under-25 licenses are discounted and annual licenses aren't expensive. If you fish, this is a walkable spot from campus that most students have no idea about.
Sunsets
This one sounds cheesy but Tempe Town Lake has legitimately good sunsets. The Arizona sky in late afternoon turns colors that are worth stopping for, and the lake reflecting that sky is better than any screensaver. In the fall and spring, the 6–7pm window is when the light is best. Bring food from somewhere on Mill, sit on the grass at Tempe Beach Park, and call it a good evening.
Getting There From Campus
Walking: Head south on Mill Avenue from University Drive. The lake is about 15 minutes on foot, less if you're moving quickly.
Biking: Five to seven minutes from campus. Plenty of bike racks at the park.
Light rail: The Tempe/Downtown light rail stop at Mill Ave/3rd St puts you within a five-minute walk of the lake's north shore.
When to Go
October through April is the sweet spot. The lake is enjoyable in summer if you go before 8am or after 6pm, but the midday heat is serious. During the cooler months, almost any time works.
Weekend mornings have a good energy — locals, students, families, dogs. Weekend evenings get busier around events. Weekday afternoons are often quiet enough that you get the loop mostly to yourself.
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