Guidebook for Tempe

John
Guidebook for Tempe

Parks & Nature

106 locals recommend
Tempe Butte
106 locals recommend
Many trails wind throughout this park. Good mountain biking trails as well.
543 locals recommend
Papago Park
625 N Galvin Pkwy
543 locals recommend
Many trails wind throughout this park. Good mountain biking trails as well.
Great views and hikes ranging in difficulties. Located outside of city limits, so not as many hikers on these trails...so use caution. Flat Iron is a great strenuous hike/climb (plan on about 6 hours up & down), but the view is worth it. Bring plenty of water (more than you think you need) and some food. Do not attempt in the summer. Horseback riding and other family activities are located in the area as well.
169 locals recommend
Superstition Mountains
169 locals recommend
Great views and hikes ranging in difficulties. Located outside of city limits, so not as many hikers on these trails...so use caution. Flat Iron is a great strenuous hike/climb (plan on about 6 hours up & down), but the view is worth it. Bring plenty of water (more than you think you need) and some food. Do not attempt in the summer. Horseback riding and other family activities are located in the area as well.
Popular hiking area with great trails for all fitness levels. Beautiful desert scenery and stunning views of the city. Bring plenty of water, and avoid during the daytime of hotter months.
126 locals recommend
Piestewa Peak Trails
7232 N Squaw Peak Dr
126 locals recommend
Popular hiking area with great trails for all fitness levels. Beautiful desert scenery and stunning views of the city. Bring plenty of water, and avoid during the daytime of hotter months.
Technically there is no beach, but a nice place to walk or go for a run around Tempe Town Lake. Stand-up Paddle Boards and pedal boats are available for rent. Concerts and festivals are sometimes held here as well.
151 locals recommend
Tempe Beach Park
80 W Rio Salado Pkwy
151 locals recommend
Technically there is no beach, but a nice place to walk or go for a run around Tempe Town Lake. Stand-up Paddle Boards and pedal boats are available for rent. Concerts and festivals are sometimes held here as well.
Great park for walking, jogging, or just finding a spot for a picnic. As long as weather permits, the fountain turns on every hour on the hour for 10-15 minutes, shooting water up to 300 feet in the air.
59 locals recommend
Fountain Park
12925 N Saguaro Blvd
59 locals recommend
Great park for walking, jogging, or just finding a spot for a picnic. As long as weather permits, the fountain turns on every hour on the hour for 10-15 minutes, shooting water up to 300 feet in the air.
Moderate to difficult hike...not to be underestimated. Bring plenty of water, and wear proper shoes. Do not hike after 9am in the hotter months. Echo Canyon Trail is shorter, but more vertical and difficult side of Camelback Mountain. Physically demanding, but the view from the top makes it all worth it. Plan on about 45 minutes to an hour up, and 20-30 minutes down. Parking lot at the trailhead can fill up quickly as soon as the sun rises.
83 locals recommend
Echo Canyon Recreation Area
4925 E McDonald Dr
83 locals recommend
Moderate to difficult hike...not to be underestimated. Bring plenty of water, and wear proper shoes. Do not hike after 9am in the hotter months. Echo Canyon Trail is shorter, but more vertical and difficult side of Camelback Mountain. Physically demanding, but the view from the top makes it all worth it. Plan on about 45 minutes to an hour up, and 20-30 minutes down. Parking lot at the trailhead can fill up quickly as soon as the sun rises.
Moderate to difficult hike...not to be underestimated. Bring plenty of water, and wear proper shoes. Do not hike after 9am in the hotter months. Cholla Trail is the slightly longer, and not quite as strenuous side of Camelback Mountain. However, it is still physically demanding and does contain a few treacherous areas in the later portions of the trail. The view from the top makes it all worth it though. Plan on an hour or so up, and 30-40 minutes down. No parking lot at this trailhead. Street parking on Invergordon Rd., then a bit of a walk to the trailhead.
116 locals recommend
Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain
5150 E Cholla Ln
116 locals recommend
Moderate to difficult hike...not to be underestimated. Bring plenty of water, and wear proper shoes. Do not hike after 9am in the hotter months. Cholla Trail is the slightly longer, and not quite as strenuous side of Camelback Mountain. However, it is still physically demanding and does contain a few treacherous areas in the later portions of the trail. The view from the top makes it all worth it though. Plan on an hour or so up, and 30-40 minutes down. No parking lot at this trailhead. Street parking on Invergordon Rd., then a bit of a walk to the trailhead.
A great area for walking, jogging, or just relaxing. A great children's play area as well.
27 locals recommend
Rio Salado Park
80 West Rio Salado Parkway
27 locals recommend
A great area for walking, jogging, or just relaxing. A great children's play area as well.
The Lava River Cave is a 0.75 mile heavily-trafficked out and back trail located near Flagstaff, Arizona that features a cave and is rated as a moderate hike. It is one of the top free attractions in Flagstaff Arizona, and is truly a geological wonder. It is pitch black in the cave, so wear proper hiking or athletic shoes, and bring a flashlight or headlamp. A jacket or sweatshirt is also recommended, as there can be a 40 degree difference in temperature when you are in the cave.
150 locals recommend
Lava River Cave
171B Forest Rd
150 locals recommend
The Lava River Cave is a 0.75 mile heavily-trafficked out and back trail located near Flagstaff, Arizona that features a cave and is rated as a moderate hike. It is one of the top free attractions in Flagstaff Arizona, and is truly a geological wonder. It is pitch black in the cave, so wear proper hiking or athletic shoes, and bring a flashlight or headlamp. A jacket or sweatshirt is also recommended, as there can be a 40 degree difference in temperature when you are in the cave.

Essentials

The closest grocery store.
11 locals recommend
Safeway
1902 W Main St
11 locals recommend
The closest grocery store.
Can get very busy, especially at night.
75 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter
4915 N Pima Rd
75 locals recommend
Can get very busy, especially at night.
It's Target. You'll go in for 2 things and come out with 20 things.
112 locals recommend
Target
995 S Cotton Ln
112 locals recommend
It's Target. You'll go in for 2 things and come out with 20 things.

Entertainment & Activities

A golf driving range on steroids. Great for group outings. Can get a bit pricey though.
597 locals recommend
Topgolf
9500 Talking Stick Way
597 locals recommend
A golf driving range on steroids. Great for group outings. Can get a bit pricey though.
Brand new aquarium in Scottsdale.
603 locals recommend
OdySea Aquarium
9500 East Vía de Ventura
603 locals recommend
Brand new aquarium in Scottsdale.
Located 1 exit north on the 101 freeway.
109 locals recommend
Casino Arizona
524 N 92nd St
109 locals recommend
Located 1 exit north on the 101 freeway.
Casino, restaurants, bars, pool parties with world-class DJs every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
499 locals recommend
Talking Stick Resort Casino
Talking Stick Way
499 locals recommend
Casino, restaurants, bars, pool parties with world-class DJs every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Stand-up Comedy venue, featuring top comedians Thursday-Sunday.
50 locals recommend
Tempe Improv
930 E University Dr
50 locals recommend
Stand-up Comedy venue, featuring top comedians Thursday-Sunday.
Indoor Go-Kart Racing.
96 locals recommend
Octane Raceway
9119 Talking Stick Way
96 locals recommend
Indoor Go-Kart Racing.
Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the 2017 NCAA Final Four
546 locals recommend
University of Phoenix Stadium
1 Cardinals Dr
546 locals recommend
Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the 2017 NCAA Final Four
During the summer months, tubing down the Salt River is a great Phoenix activity. Bring beer, some light food, SUNSCREEN, plastic bags or a cooler, and plan on 6-7 hours.
242 locals recommend
Salt River Tubing
9200 North Bush Highway
242 locals recommend
During the summer months, tubing down the Salt River is a great Phoenix activity. Bring beer, some light food, SUNSCREEN, plastic bags or a cooler, and plan on 6-7 hours.
Located less than 2 miles away.
102 locals recommend
Big Surf
1500 N McClintock Dr
102 locals recommend
Located less than 2 miles away.
Waterpark and Mini-golf! (Side note: The waterpark scenes in "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" were filmed here).
134 locals recommend
Golfland Sunsplash
155 W Hampton Ave
134 locals recommend
Waterpark and Mini-golf! (Side note: The waterpark scenes in "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" were filmed here).
Indoor Skydiving!
151 locals recommend
iFLY
9206 Talking Stick Way
151 locals recommend
Indoor Skydiving!
864 locals recommend
Phoenix Zoo
455 N Galvin Pkwy
864 locals recommend
140 acres of the world's finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts around the world, in a unique outdoor setting.
1231 locals recommend
Desert Botanical Garden
1231 locals recommend
140 acres of the world's finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts around the world, in a unique outdoor setting.
Specializing in African and South American animals, it is home to AZ's largest collection of exotic animals, with 600 different species. Visitors can feed giraffes, parrots and stingrays at this 215-acre zoo and aquarium in Western Phoenix.
217 locals recommend
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
16501 W Northern Ave
217 locals recommend
Specializing in African and South American animals, it is home to AZ's largest collection of exotic animals, with 600 different species. Visitors can feed giraffes, parrots and stingrays at this 215-acre zoo and aquarium in Western Phoenix.
The premier place for skydiving in Arizona. Located between Phoenix and Tucson.
24 locals recommend
Skydive Arizona
4900 N Taylor St
24 locals recommend
The premier place for skydiving in Arizona. Located between Phoenix and Tucson.
Treetop-suspended obstacle courses for kids & adults, featuring ropes and zip lines up to 60 feet off the ground! Recommendation: Make reservations for a morning session in order to maximize your time on the course. If you have a fear of heights, this may not be your thing.
175 locals recommend
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course
2446 Brigade Rd
175 locals recommend
Treetop-suspended obstacle courses for kids & adults, featuring ropes and zip lines up to 60 feet off the ground! Recommendation: Make reservations for a morning session in order to maximize your time on the course. If you have a fear of heights, this may not be your thing.
Nerf gun wars for the whole family (5 and up), as well as paintball for the adults. Paintball is also available for kids 10 and up.
Tempe Paintball & Nerf Wars
1401 S McClintock Dr
Nerf gun wars for the whole family (5 and up), as well as paintball for the adults. Paintball is also available for kids 10 and up.
You have 60 minutes to escape one of their themed rooms. (ps… the room is locked). Solve puzzles & find clues in the room to aid in your escape.
30 locals recommend
Escape the Room AZ
7017 E Main St
30 locals recommend
You have 60 minutes to escape one of their themed rooms. (ps… the room is locked). Solve puzzles & find clues in the room to aid in your escape.
Watch movies in comfy recliners at this theater just a few blocks away at Mesa Riverview! Recommended to book in advance, as you are able to choose your seats.
38 locals recommend
Cinemark Mesa 16
1051 N Dobson Rd
38 locals recommend
Watch movies in comfy recliners at this theater just a few blocks away at Mesa Riverview! Recommended to book in advance, as you are able to choose your seats.
While it may not be for everyone, The Scottsdale Gun Club is the largest public indoor shooting range in the United States, with 32 total lanes. Lessons available, as well as a multitude of guns available to rent.
10 locals recommend
Scottsdale Gun Club
14860 N Northsight Blvd
10 locals recommend
While it may not be for everyone, The Scottsdale Gun Club is the largest public indoor shooting range in the United States, with 32 total lanes. Lessons available, as well as a multitude of guns available to rent.

Drinks & Nightlife

The main drag in Tempe and the ASU campus. You'll find a wide variety of bars, restaurants and shops. Z-Tejas is a recommended stop for their Chambord Margarita.
36 locals recommend
South Mill Avenue
South Mill Avenue
36 locals recommend
The main drag in Tempe and the ASU campus. You'll find a wide variety of bars, restaurants and shops. Z-Tejas is a recommended stop for their Chambord Margarita.
Great wine bar in the heart of ASU. Monday and Tuesday are bottle & board nights after 8pm...$20 for a bottle of wine and a board of their awesome bruschetta. Yum!
97 locals recommend
Postino Annex
615 S College Ave
97 locals recommend
Great wine bar in the heart of ASU. Monday and Tuesday are bottle & board nights after 8pm...$20 for a bottle of wine and a board of their awesome bruschetta. Yum!
You can find bars and restaurants of all types in Old Town Scottsdale, but if nightclubs and dancing are your thing, this is where you go!
1379 locals recommend
Old Town Scottsdale
3200 N Scottsdale Rd
1379 locals recommend
You can find bars and restaurants of all types in Old Town Scottsdale, but if nightclubs and dancing are your thing, this is where you go!
Dimly lit pub with a patio and good food.
15 locals recommend
Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill - Tempe
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
15 locals recommend
Dimly lit pub with a patio and good food.
Low-key pub serving a wide variety of craft beers.
7 locals recommend
The Brass Tap
1033 N Dobson Rd
7 locals recommend
Low-key pub serving a wide variety of craft beers.
Great bar and small music venue in the Roosevelt District of downtown Phoenix.
204 locals recommend
Crescent Ballroom
308 N 2nd Ave
204 locals recommend
Great bar and small music venue in the Roosevelt District of downtown Phoenix.
Local Scottsdale Craft Brewery.
76 locals recommend
Fate Brewing Company - South
1312 N Scottsdale Rd
76 locals recommend
Local Scottsdale Craft Brewery.
Local Scottsdale Craft Brewery. Try the Orange Blossom!
Papago Brewing
Local Scottsdale Craft Brewery. Try the Orange Blossom!
A great option for a brewery/bar in Tempe, and definitely my favorite along Mill Ave. The beers are well made, and you get to enjoy them in their outdoor beer garden or a restaurant area. The tap selection features most of their own beers, including seasonals, and a few other breweries they feel like sharing.
41 locals recommend
Pedal Haus Brewery
730 S Mill Ave
41 locals recommend
A great option for a brewery/bar in Tempe, and definitely my favorite along Mill Ave. The beers are well made, and you get to enjoy them in their outdoor beer garden or a restaurant area. The tap selection features most of their own beers, including seasonals, and a few other breweries they feel like sharing.
Rustic-chic neighborhood wine bar.
10 locals recommend
Salut Kitchen Bar
1435 E University Dr
10 locals recommend
Rustic-chic neighborhood wine bar.

Shopping

Shopping, bars, restaurants, movie theater, etc.
427 locals recommend
Tempe Marketplace
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
427 locals recommend
Shopping, bars, restaurants, movie theater, etc.
Similar to Tempe Marketplace. Walmart, Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops, movie theater, restaurants, bars, etc..
79 locals recommend
Mesa Riverview
857 N Dobson Rd
79 locals recommend
Similar to Tempe Marketplace. Walmart, Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops, movie theater, restaurants, bars, etc..
The most popular shopping destination in Scottsdale.
761 locals recommend
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E Camelback Rd
761 locals recommend
The most popular shopping destination in Scottsdale.
An outdoor upscale shopping district in Northern Scottsdale.
699 locals recommend
Kierland Commons
699 locals recommend
An outdoor upscale shopping district in Northern Scottsdale.
196 locals recommend
Majerle's Sports Grill at Chandler Fashion Center
3111 W Chandler Blvd
196 locals recommend

Food Scene

My favorite coffee shop! If you're up in this area of Scottsdale, be sure to stop by.
11 locals recommend
Village Coffee Roastery
8120 N Hayden Rd
11 locals recommend
My favorite coffee shop! If you're up in this area of Scottsdale, be sure to stop by.
Best BBQ in Phoenix, in my opinion. Get there early before food runs out (typically early to mid-afternoon). Once they run out, they close for the day! Small place, and the line starts forming at 10:30am. Doors open at 11am. Closed Sunday and Monday.
39 locals recommend
Little Miss BBQ-University
4301 E University Dr
39 locals recommend
Best BBQ in Phoenix, in my opinion. Get there early before food runs out (typically early to mid-afternoon). Once they run out, they close for the day! Small place, and the line starts forming at 10:30am. Doors open at 11am. Closed Sunday and Monday.
One of the best pizza spots in Phoenix. Small dining area, but great for take-out pizza.
34 locals recommend
Spinato's Pizzeria and Family Kitchen
3150 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd
34 locals recommend
One of the best pizza spots in Phoenix. Small dining area, but great for take-out pizza.
Good breakfast/brunch spot on Mill Ave.
48 locals recommend
Daily Jam
310 S Mill Ave
48 locals recommend
Good breakfast/brunch spot on Mill Ave.
Great place to grab healthier food if you're in the Old Town area. I don't think I've had a bad thing on their menu.
218 locals recommend
Original ChopShop
7158 E 5th Ave
218 locals recommend
Great place to grab healthier food if you're in the Old Town area. I don't think I've had a bad thing on their menu.
Popular breakfast place on the ASU campus that fills up fast on weekend mornings.
236 locals recommend
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
615 S College Ave
236 locals recommend
Popular breakfast place on the ASU campus that fills up fast on weekend mornings.
My favorite breakfast place in the city! A little bit of a drive, but if you're planning a day in downtown Phoenix, it should start with breakfast here. Get there early on weekends. Was featured on the show "Diner's, Drive-ins and Dives" a few years back, so it's popular.
227 locals recommend
Matt's Big Breakfast
825 N 1st St
227 locals recommend
My favorite breakfast place in the city! A little bit of a drive, but if you're planning a day in downtown Phoenix, it should start with breakfast here. Get there early on weekends. Was featured on the show "Diner's, Drive-ins and Dives" a few years back, so it's popular.
Chicago's own! Hot Dogs, beef sandwiches, burgers, shakes & more. Dine in, or drive thru.
47 locals recommend
Portillo's Hot Dogs
65 S McClintock Dr
47 locals recommend
Chicago's own! Hot Dogs, beef sandwiches, burgers, shakes & more. Dine in, or drive thru.
Popular West Coast fast food burger chain. Always good!
24 locals recommend
In-N-Out Burger
920 E Playa Del Norte Dr
24 locals recommend
Popular West Coast fast food burger chain. Always good!
Good neighborhood spot for food, drinks and views of the lakes in Tempe. Be sure to check their hours online. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
20 locals recommend
The Watershed
5350 S Lakeshore Dr
20 locals recommend
Good neighborhood spot for food, drinks and views of the lakes in Tempe. Be sure to check their hours online. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Popular local brewery and restaurant. Great food and beer brewed in-house. Good for brunch, lunch and dinner.
187 locals recommend
Four Peaks Brewing Company
1340 E 8th St
187 locals recommend
Popular local brewery and restaurant. Great food and beer brewed in-house. Good for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Very popular pizza spot. Can have long wait times if you go during prime dinner hours.
167 locals recommend
Oregano's Pizza Bistro
523 West University Drive
167 locals recommend
Very popular pizza spot. Can have long wait times if you go during prime dinner hours.
It's close by if you're in the mood for sushi.
8 locals recommend
Kabuki
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
8 locals recommend
It's close by if you're in the mood for sushi.
Because donuts. Open 24 hours a days, 7 days a week. It's all about the specialty donuts!
6 locals recommend
Hurts Donut Company
2161 E University Dr
6 locals recommend
Because donuts. Open 24 hours a days, 7 days a week. It's all about the specialty donuts!
A farmer's market, a cafe, a coffee house and juice bar, all surrounded by a lovely green outdoor space.
12 locals recommend
Singh Meadows
1490 E Weber Dr
12 locals recommend
A farmer's market, a cafe, a coffee house and juice bar, all surrounded by a lovely green outdoor space.
Great healthier eats! A local favorite. I recommend the hummus trio with grilled chicken.
34 locals recommend
Pita Jungle - Tempe
4 E University Dr
34 locals recommend
Great healthier eats! A local favorite. I recommend the hummus trio with grilled chicken.
Good food in a pub-style atmosphere, with a pasty for whatever you're in the mood for.
209 locals recommend
Cornish Pasty Co
3800 N Goldwater Blvd
209 locals recommend
Good food in a pub-style atmosphere, with a pasty for whatever you're in the mood for.
If you like Indian food, I suggest this little hole in the wall near the ASU campus to satisfy your craving.
Chennai Express
933 E University Dr
If you like Indian food, I suggest this little hole in the wall near the ASU campus to satisfy your craving.
Great traditional breakfast in a modern rustic atmosphere. Close by too!
27 locals recommend
Henhouse Cafe
3133 S Lindsay Rd
27 locals recommend
Great traditional breakfast in a modern rustic atmosphere. Close by too!
Mexican eatery serving mesquite-grilled meats, street-style tacos & more in modern surroundings.
31 locals recommend
Backyard Taco - Mesa North
1524 E University Dr
31 locals recommend
Mexican eatery serving mesquite-grilled meats, street-style tacos & more in modern surroundings.
Italian chain eatery featuring sports, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.
16 locals recommend
Rosati's Pizza
849 N Dobson Rd
16 locals recommend
Italian chain eatery featuring sports, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.

Sightseeing

Roughly 90 minutes north on I-17, the Red Rocks of Sedona make for a great day trip. Plenty of hiking & biking trails, shops, restaurants and scenic views to keep you busy for the day.
883 locals recommend
Sedona
883 locals recommend
Roughly 90 minutes north on I-17, the Red Rocks of Sedona make for a great day trip. Plenty of hiking & biking trails, shops, restaurants and scenic views to keep you busy for the day.
If you want to stay close by and don't feel like hiking, follow Central Ave., south of downtown Phoenix, into the South Mountain Preserve. Take the winding road to the parking lot at the top of the mountain for beautiful views of the entire city, without all of the work!
80 locals recommend
South Mountain Village
80 locals recommend
If you want to stay close by and don't feel like hiking, follow Central Ave., south of downtown Phoenix, into the South Mountain Preserve. Take the winding road to the parking lot at the top of the mountain for beautiful views of the entire city, without all of the work!
The most-photographed and most-visited slot canyon in all of the American Southwest, due to its beauty. All tours are guided, so it is recommended to call in advance and check availability. Approximately a 4-hour drive north of Phoenix. It is best to combine a trip here with a visit to Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and any other destinations in the high desert of Northern Arizona.
243 locals recommend
Upper Antelope Canyon
243 locals recommend
The most-photographed and most-visited slot canyon in all of the American Southwest, due to its beauty. All tours are guided, so it is recommended to call in advance and check availability. Approximately a 4-hour drive north of Phoenix. It is best to combine a trip here with a visit to Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and any other destinations in the high desert of Northern Arizona.
Horseshoe Bend is a popular Arizona sight-seeing destination located near Page, Arizona. This hiking trail is a 1.2 mile heavily-trafficked out and back trail for all skill levels, culminating in a breathtaking view of a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River.
241 locals recommend
Horseshoe Bend
1001 Page Parkway
241 locals recommend
Horseshoe Bend is a popular Arizona sight-seeing destination located near Page, Arizona. This hiking trail is a 1.2 mile heavily-trafficked out and back trail for all skill levels, culminating in a breathtaking view of a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River.
Sunset Crater is a cinder cone located less than 15 miles north of Flagstaff. This Crater Volcano reshaped the nearby landscape, and now offers hiking, scenery of flora like Ponderosa Pines, and an array of wildlife.
161 locals recommend
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
161 locals recommend
Sunset Crater is a cinder cone located less than 15 miles north of Flagstaff. This Crater Volcano reshaped the nearby landscape, and now offers hiking, scenery of flora like Ponderosa Pines, and an array of wildlife.