Destination Information

The Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale area offers a dynamic mix of desert beauty, cultural energy, and year-round sunshine in the heart of Arizona.

Key Highlights:

Valley of the Run: The Valley of the Sun is now the Valley of the Run! Explore the best of the southwest with a smooth and scenic course that winds its way through the Greater Phoenix area. A balanced trio of city, desert, and oasis, Rock 'n' Roll Arizona showcases the many glories of the southwest.
Tri-City Foot Tour: Three cities, one race weekend! Take on this tri-city foot tour through the Valley of the Sun! Experience everything that Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix have to offer over one event weekend.
Rock 'n' the New Year: Start your year on a high note with Rock 'n' Roll Arizona! This chart-topping weekend extravaganza has a distance for everyone, and a course packed with booming beats and electrifying entertainment. Lace up and kick off the new year with a race and after-party that’ll leave you rocking long after the finish line!

Kayak, stand-up paddleboard or pedalboat on Tempe Town Lake — rentals available from Boat Rentals of America at Tempe Town Lake Park. Scenic paths and annual events make it a local favorite.
Hike “A” Mountain (Hayden Butte) — a quick but steep 15‑20 minute ascent rewards you with panoramic sunrises or sunsets.
Stroll Mill Avenue & downtown Tempe — lively shops, restaurants, bars and street art. Great for walking, e‑scootering, or e‑biking.
Visit SEA LIFE Arizona in Arizona Mills Mall — a 26,000 ft² interactive aquarium with tunnels, touch pools and sharks.
Explore local architecture & culture — including ASU Gammage Theater and compelling public art around town.

Papago Park (Tempe + Phoenix) — red rock trails, Hole‑in‑the‑Rock, picnic spots, the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo.
South Mountain Park (Phoenix) — one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., boasting over 50 miles of hiking/biking trails and scenic city views.
Desert tours, ATV/UTV adventures & e‑biking in the Sonoran Desert are popular excursions from Tempe.

SMoCA (Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art) — exhibits on modern art, architecture and design in Old Town.
OdySea Aquarium (Scottsdale) — the largest aquarium in the Southwest, with 6,000+ marine animals across 65+ exhibits.
Scottsdale Fashion Square — Arizona’s largest mall, with 240+ stores and a 14‑screen movie theater.

Visit www.tempetourism.com and www.oldtownscottsdaleaz.com for more on what to do!

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