Tempe, Arizona is a vibrant city! Home to Arizona State University, Tempe Town Lake, The Desert Botanical Gardens, The Phoenix Zoo, Papago Park and even Camden Tempe and Camden Sotelo, there are so many great spots to explore.

I have called Arizona home for four years now. I have grown to love exploring the area and finding great hot spots to hit with friends, family, and even significant others! I have curated a list of some of my favorite spots, new and old to book for your next date on the town.

Coffee Shops

In need of a caffeine jolt or just want to enjoy a slow start to the morning? Start your day with a friend and a cup of Joe! Here are a few fan favorites amongst my group of friends.

• Steve’s Espresso: 1801 E Baseline Rd #102, Tempe, AZ 85283

• The Buzzed Goat Coffee: 4302 E Ray Rd STE.106, Phoenix, AZ 85044

• Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters: 1300 E 8th St #100, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Cartel Roasting Co: 810 S Ash Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Jasmine Jo Coffee and Flowers: 107 E Baseline Rd Suite A4, Tempe, AZ 85283

• A bonus spot that I absolutely love is in Old Town Scottsdale. It is called Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop. It is within our Camden Old Town Scottsdale location and has amazing lattes and sweet treats. It is located at 7350 E Stetson Dr c101, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Enjoy Coffee with Friends! Photo Courtesy of Unsplash

Restaurants

Need a new date night spot or outing for your friend’s night out? There are some amazing restaurants in Tempe with so many hidden local gems!

• Snakes and Lattes: 20 W 6th St, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Hundred Mile Brewing Company: 690 N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ 85288. This amazing, locally owned brewery gives Camden residents a discount.

• Caffe Boa: 398 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Mijana Lebanese Restaurant: 1290 N. Scottsdale Rd Tempe AZ 85281

• Society: 920 E University Dr #204, Tempe, AZ 85288

• Culinary Dropout:149 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Sushi 101: 1435 E University Dr C-112, Tempe, AZ 85288

Shopping

Get in, we're going shopping! I tend to enjoy exploring local markets and thrift stores with my friends on the weekends. Tempe has some of my favorite spots to hit! Here are a few stores that are near our Camden Tempe and Camden Sotelo communities to check out.

• Tempe Farmers Market: 805 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Lotion & Potions: 420 S Mill Ave # 105, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Cactus Sports: 514 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Candy Addict: 414 S Mill Ave #119, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Creations Boutique: 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy #1246, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Rocket a Go`Go: 15 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282

• Tempe Marketplace: The marketplace is minutes from our Camden communities in Tempe and home to numerous shops such as Target, Ulta, H&M, Nordstrom Rack and even a Harkins! This is located at 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85288.

Tempe Marketplace Entrance. Photo Courtesy of Camden

Things to do

Is your family coming to visit and you are not sure where to take them in the area? There are a decent number of staple spots to show off to your guests. Check the weather before you go!

• The Desert Botanical Garden: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

• The Phoenix Zoo: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

• Tempe Beach Park: 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281

• Papago Park: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

• Tempe Town Lake: Tempe Town Lake is a nearby lake that receives most of its water from the Colorado River. You can paddle board, boat and fish on the lake. There is a system of paths that allow people to walk, jog, bike and watch the sunset along the lake. You can walk from Camden Tempe and Camden Sotelo along the paths of the lake. The address is 620 N Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281.

Beautiful Tempe Town Lake. Photo Courtesy of Camden

Wherever you live, it can take time to curate a list of places you enjoy going to take friends, significant others, and family. Once you tour and find your perfect Camden home, take time to explore the nearby area or ask a Camden team member about some of their favorite spots close by. Enjoy the unknown and find your favorite spots!