Tempe Town Lake Marina
A vibrant urban oasis with a marina, offering water activities, scenic views, and unique art installations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Tempe Town Lake Marina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant urban oasis with a marina, offering water activities, scenic views, and unique art installations.
"It's such a pretty place to talk and hang out, taking in the sunset and vibes."
🌅 Golden Hour Photos
Visit Marina Heights during golden hour for the best lighting on the trippy art installation. :camerawithflash:
🛶 Paddleboard Rentals
North Shore Rentals offers paddleboard rentals right on the shore for a sunset adventure. :kayak:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Marina Heights Art Installation
Marina Heights
Discover a trippy, otherworldly art structure perfect for unique photos, especially during golden hour.
+1
Sunset Paddleboarding
Tempe Town Lake
Experience breathtaking sunset views while gliding across the water on a rented paddleboard.
ASU Game Day Shuttle
North Town Lake Marina
Catch a convenient boat shuttle to ASU home games, offering a scenic and fun way to reach the stadium.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Lake
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Golden Hour Photos
Visit Marina Heights during golden hour for the best lighting on the trippy art installation.
🛶 Paddleboard Rentals
North Shore Rentals offers paddleboard rentals right on the shore for a sunset adventure. :kayak:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the walking paths and bike trails around the lake; comfortable shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Scooter App Needed
Bird scooters are available for rent; you'll need the app to unlock and start rides. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Golden Hour Photos
Visit Marina Heights during golden hour for the best lighting on the trippy art installation.
🛶 Paddleboard Rentals
North Shore Rentals offers paddleboard rentals right on the shore for a sunset adventure. :kayak:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the walking paths and bike trails around the lake; comfortable shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Scooter App Needed
Bird scooters are available for rent; you'll need the app to unlock and start rides. :iphone:
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
While beautiful, Tempe Town Lake is not for swimming; focus on boating and paddling activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Tempe Town Lake Marina for its relaxing atmosphere, scenic beauty, and diverse recreational opportunities like biking and picnicking. The sunset views and the unique art installation at Marina Heights are frequently highlighted as major attractions. However, some reviewers express concerns about safety and the presence of homeless individuals, as well as the inconvenience of the one-way exit and the inability to swim in the lake.
"I love this lake. It’s so relaxing. It’s nice if you wanna go bike riding or jogging or even a picnic.. it’s not for swimming or people take their boat boats and their canoes."
Trina Sanchez
"Today I came to the boat park , surprisingly there was not a single vehicle in the parking lot or anyone sitting at the Cabana.
By the time I pulled into the parking lot to toss a piece of trash in the garage can a Tempe park patrol or maintenance truck came into the park and blocked my exit.
I went the opposite direction and a biker with full face covering came out of nowhere. As I am leaving another vehicle was speeding to the park.
The Tempe truck went around the maria and came out as I had made it to the tunnel.
A white vehicle appear to be following me to the highway.
I have came to this park many times and it never cease to amaze me that I can't sit by the water in peace .
Based on how it's set up I think it's a make out spot for people.
Apparently these people think I'm selling something or want to buy something based on their actions. On occasion the men will stop in front of my vehicle to take their shirt off or they will mouth Are you good?
The longest I have parked in this park is 15 minutes it's not a good location due to the one way exit.
The homeless people on the bike trail start circling around as if they are casing the parking lot.
One will pass by within a few minutes four to five bikes are on the bike trail.
Because they have an advantage,based on what I can sense they hang out on the ridge giving them a Birdseye view and concealing their location.
If I'm in the area I stop by the park to see if the situation has changed,it's been over six months and the same shabby crew is running the park .
Be aware of your surroundings the homeless community have electric bikes they fly by on that bike trail like mosquitoes you are at a disadvantage due to the obstruction. They come from behind there and they are gone in seconds.
I was outside my vehicle and I could hear someone whistling but I didn't see them by the time I entered my vehicle homeless person with a full back pack and walking stick came into view. As they started walking towards my vehicle I left the parking lot. The homeless person turned around and went back towards the ridge.
Word of caution don't left the waterfront fool you that it's a place of peace,keep your head on a swivel."
Nono Park
"I am just reading this because all of the reviews are great and I am planning to go there for my twins birthday. They’ll be 20 years old. I’m so excited."
Jan Gillum
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tempe Town Lake Marina is easily accessible by car, with parking available. It's also a popular spot for biking and walking, with many paths leading to the marina. For ASU games, a Game Day Shuttle runs from various points, including the North Town Lake Marina.
Yes, parking is available at the marina. However, one reviewer noted that the one-way exit can be inconvenient, and the parking lot can attract attention from homeless individuals.
Absolutely! Tempe Town Lake has extensive bike paths, making it a great destination for cyclists. Many people enjoy biking around the lake and stopping at the marina.
You can rent Bird scooters for a fun way to explore the area, with rides costing around 48 cents per minute. Biking and walking are also excellent options.
While specific public transport routes to the marina itself aren't detailed, Downtown Tempe is well-served by public transit, and the marina is a short distance from the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to access Tempe Town Lake Marina and its surrounding areas for general recreation. However, specific events like the Four Peaks Oktoberfest have admission fees.
The park generally closes at midnight, so plan your activities accordingly. Specific rental businesses may have their own operating hours.
Entry to the lake area is typically free. However, special events like festivals or concerts held at or near the lake may require tickets.
While people do bring their boats and canoes, swimming is not allowed in Tempe Town Lake. The marina is primarily for boating and paddling activities.
It's possible to get close enough to hear concerts from the lake, especially if you're on a paddleboard or kayak, though the view might be obstructed.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, biking, jogging, picnicking, and exploring the art installations. +1
No, swimming is not permitted in Tempe Town Lake. It's a body of water for boating and other watercraft activities.
Yes, you can rent paddleboards and kayaks at places like North Shore Rentals. Boat rentals are also available.
It's a unique, trippy art structure that creates a surreal visual experience, perfect for photos, especially during sunset.
While generally a pleasant place, one reviewer mentioned concerns about safety due to the presence of homeless individuals and potential loitering. It's advised to be aware of your surroundings. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the marina is located near Downtown Tempe, which offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants.
Absolutely! Tempe Town Lake is a great spot for picnics, with plenty of scenic areas to relax and enjoy your meal.
While not always present, special events like festivals often feature food vendors.
For ASU home games, the Game Day Shuttle can take you to Hundred Mile Brew Co., which likely offers food and drinks.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics or to enjoy while relaxing by the lake.
📸 📸 Photography
The Marina Heights art installation is a must-see for unique shots.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photographing the art installation and the lake.
Events like the Witches Regatta or the Arizona Dragon Boat Festival can offer unique and festive photo opportunities.
Yes, capturing photos from the water can offer a different perspective of the marina and the surrounding cityscape.
People often capture landscape shots of the lake and skyline, as well as creative portraits with the unique art installations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the water, making it a relaxed and affordable outing. While the art installations at Marina Heights are visually interesting, younger children might not fully appreciate them. The main draw for families will likely be the open space, the water activities (from the shore or on rentals), and the general pleasant atmosphere of the marina area.
+1🚴♀️ Active Lifestylers
Paddleboarding and kayaking offer a great workout on the water, providing a refreshing way to engage with the environment. The marina itself is a hub for these activities, and its proximity to Downtown Tempe means you can easily combine a workout with a meal or other urban exploration.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The downtown skyline reflecting on the water, particularly at sunset, provides stunning urban landscape opportunities. Beyond static shots, consider capturing the movement of boats, paddleboarders, and cyclists to add dynamism to your portfolio.
+1 Special events like the Witches Regatta or dragon boat races offer vibrant, action-packed scenes. +1 The combination of natural beauty, urban elements, and artistic installations makes this location incredibly versatile for various photography styles. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Activities at Tempe Town Lake
Boating is also a common activity, with the marina serving as a launch point for personal watercraft. For those looking for a unique way to experience the lake, consider the Game Day Shuttle operated by Boat Rentals of America. This service transports ASU fans from the North Town Lake Marina to Mountain American Stadium, making game days more convenient and enjoyable.
The lake also hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Witches Regatta and the Arizona Dragon Boat Festival, which add a festive and competitive spirit to the water activities. +1When planning your water activities, it's advisable to check the operating hours of rental companies and be aware of any specific event schedules. The lake can get busy, especially on weekends and during popular events, so booking rentals in advance might be a good idea.
Art and Photography Hotspots
+1 This abstract structure provides a surreal backdrop for photos, and visiting during golden hour (the period shortly before sunset) is highly recommended for the best lighting and most dramatic visual effects. Beyond the specific art installation, the entire marina area offers picturesque views. The waterfront setting combined with the city skyline creates a dynamic urban landscape.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the sunset over the lake, which paints the sky with vibrant colors and reflects beautifully on the water's surface. The presence of various boats and the general ambiance of the marina add to the photographic appeal, making it a versatile location for both casual snapshots and more professional shoots. For those looking for inspiration, Instagram Reels and TikTok videos often showcase these visual gems, highlighting the best angles and times to capture the magic of Tempe Town Lake Marina.
+2Community and Events at the Lake
The lake is also a venue for competitive water sports, such as the Arizona Dragon Boat Festival, which draws participants and spectators alike. For a more whimsical experience, events like the Witches Regatta encourage creative participation and community fun on the water. Beyond organized events, the marina is a popular spot for casual gatherings. Friends meet up to chat, enjoy the sunset, and take in the lively atmosphere of Downtown Tempe.
While the lake is generally a positive community space, it's worth noting that some visitors have reported concerns regarding the presence of homeless individuals in the vicinity, advising others to be aware of their surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit