Arts and Culture

Date Ideas in Tempe

Three couples offer inspo for planning the perfect date in Tempe.

To give you ideas for your next date in Tempe, we asked three local couples to share their itineraries for the perfect romantic day in this city. They also included their feedback on their favorite places, so you’ll know exactly why you should add these spots to your list.

MEET THE COUPLES:

Couple #1: Tempe itinerary for @azsipsters

Meet @azsipsters, Ashley and Connor. They are fun-loving foodies with an eye for all things aesthetically pleasing. They love to create and share the best of Arizona and beyond. You’ll find them eating and drinking their way around town, sharing their favorite places with their followers on Instagram and TikTok. This busy couple lives in Scottsdale and spent a recent Sunday in Tempe. Here’s what they did.

E-bike ride around Tempe Town Lake
“The NorthShore WaterSport Rentals team was amazing and we had no idea they offer sooo much AND are open 24 hours a day. Connor is wondering, ‘how do we buy one of these e-bikes?!’”

Brunch + Games at Snakes & Lattes
“We really enjoyed Snakes & Lattes! The nostalgic games were our favorite part! We will definitely be going back for more coffee.”

Visit the ASU Art Museum
“We explored the ASU Art Museum on Sunday and admission was free! The staff was so friendly, too.”

Dinner at Top of the Rock Restaurant
“Top of the Rock was amazing! From the views, to the service and every single dish we tried! The ravioli appetizer was our favorite, but Connor said his salmon was a close second. Ashley says you should order thecrème brûlée. You’re welcome.”

Couple #2: Tempe itinerary for @coupleyfitt

Husband and wife fitness duo Deanna and Kurt are passionate about connecting with their community and bringing wellness to the forefront. Not just the body’s health, but also the mind and relationships. They are also big advocates for all there is to see and do in Arizona. They live in Chandler and love to dine at local spots throughout the Phoenix Metro Area. Followers can catch them on Instagram and TikTok, sharing great tips about health and date ideas. They recently took time out from their busy schedules for a staycation in Tempe. Here’s how you can follow in their footsteps.

Morning hike up “A” Mountain + breakfast at Daily Jam
“We enjoyed hiking up “A” mountain, watching the golden rays of the sunrise light up Tempe.”

Lunch from Perfect Pear Bistro
“Our favorite dishes were the Chicken Club Sandwich and Strawberry Fields Salad! We both enjoyed the freshness you could taste in every bite.”

Axe Throwing at Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing
“The axe throwing games you play make for a competitive, yet fun atmosphere. This place has officially been added to our date night list!”

Swan Pedal Boats at Tempe Town Lake
“We loved peddling our swan boat on Tempe Town Lake as we watched the beautiful sunset.”

Cocktails at Alibi, the rooftop bar at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown
“We enjoyed vibrant cocktails while taking in the breathtaking views of Tempe. We will be back!”

Dinner at Alter Ego
“We can only say great things about this restaurant! The delicious food, refreshing cocktails, and attentive staff exceeded all of our expectations.”

Staycation at the new Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown
“We really enjoyed our stay. We felt … cared for and welcomed during our entire visit.”

Couple #3: Tempe itinerary for @malleyinlove

Hailing from the west side of Phoenix, Ashley & Malori are a dynamic duo inspiring body positivity, activities to do together across their social channels. They’re also moms to the cutest fur babies, Abra and Lumos. These fun-loving and oh-so-romantic newlyweds recently planned a perfect day in Tempe, and we were excited to share their date tips here.

Brunch at Daily Dose Kitchen & Bar
“If you’re looking for a brunch spot, Daily Dose is the perfect place to cheers with a peach Bellini. The food, drinks, and ambiance are a must!”

Swan Pedal Boats at Tempe Town Lake
“Tempe Town Lake is perfect for a day date activity! Pack a picnic and rent a pedal boat for an hour to spend time alone on the water.”

Mural photo opp + Lunch at Social Hall
Whether you go with friends or with your S.O., you can spend any meal at Social Hall. And don’t forget to take a cute shot in front of their mural!

Visit ASU Art Museum
“The ASU Art Museum is the perfect place to walk hand-in-hand together in Tempe.”

In addition to what these local couples did in Tempe, here are a few more ideas.

Teatime at Drink Me! Tea Room
1730 E. Warner Rd. #5, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (602) 206-5469
We’re a little obsessed with British culture at the moment (Thanks, Bridgerton!) and having afternoon tea fits right into that obsession. Drink Me! Tea Room is the cutest place, with an Alice in Wonderland theme and delicious teas and treats that are all gluten free and plant based. Trust us, their food is so good! They also serve happy hour cocktails as well. You can choose from a variety of tea services (prices vary) and check their calendar for seasonal and themed tea events. Reservations are required in advance.

Date night dance classes at Dave & Buster’s Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Suite 1100, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 281-8456
Lace-up your dancing shoes because Dave & Buster’s Tempe Marketplace welcomes you to their weekly Havana Nights dance classes! Dave & Buster’s Tempe Marketplace hosts Havana Nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and then freestyle dancing until midnight. Check the Havana Nights Facebook page for schedules.

Patio Dining
Arizona is known for many things. The Grand Canyon. The Sonoran Desert. Beautiful sunsets. Dining alfresco. Yep, dining outside is one of our strong suits and Tempe is no exception. We have what seems like an endless variety of restaurants with beautiful, sunny patios that can be enjoyed nearly year-round. Check out our blog featuring Tempe restaurants with patios to plan your next outing.

Tour + Tasting at Arizona Distilling Co.
601 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 921-2487
The award-winning Arizona Distilling Co. handcrafts spirits that tell the story of Arizona. Their products, including Copper City Bourbon and Commerce Gin, are made from the best ingredients, including locally sourced grains. For the full distillery experience, book a Saturday tour of the the tasting room. Tours last one hour and include three half-ounce pours. You can book direct on their website.

Here’s to just a little competition
Whether you’re looking for a first-date ice breaker or and activity for the entire group, we recommend adding a little competitive activity to the agenda. And, who knows, you may discover that you could be a professional air hockey player, if that’s a thing.

Here are a few places in Tempe where you can enjoy everything from pinball machines to bowling.

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