Town Lake

Though it’s a nice (and pretty much the only) place to kayak or do anything water-related in the immediate area. The jogging paths along either “shore” provide a good vantage point for all the “waterfront” loft/office development projects.

Definitely an Oasis in the desert. You can rent a paddle boat or pantoon and cruise the lake. Also there are sail boats occassionally on the lake. Nice place to spend an afternoon or late evening.

It’s nice and all to walk along the water - I used to rollerblade in the park here - but I always thought the man-made lake was kind of pointless. If you’re in downtown Tempe anyway, though, it’s worth a visit.