Guidebook for Tempe
Parks & Nature
Tempe Butte
Many trails wind throughout this park. Good mountain biking trails as well.
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Papago Park
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.
Montañas de la Superstición
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.
Piestewa Peak Trails
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.
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Tempe Beach Park
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.
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Fountain Park
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.
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Echo Canyon Recreation Area
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.
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Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain
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.
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Rio Salado Park
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.
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Lava River Cave
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
Safeway
The closest grocery store.
Walmart Supercenter
Can get very busy, especially at night.
Target
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.
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Topgolf Scottsdale
A golf driving range on steroids. Great for group outings. Can get a bit pricey though.
OdySea Aquarium
Brand new aquarium in Scottsdale.
Casino Arizona
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.
The Pavilions at Talking Stick Shopping Center
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.
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Tempe Improv
Stand-up Comedy venue, featuring top comedians Thursday-Sunday.
Octane Raceway
Indoor Go-Kart Racing.
Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the 2017 NCAA Final Four
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Estadio de la Universidad de Phoenix
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.
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Salt River Tubing
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.
Waterpark and Mini-golf! (Side note: The waterpark scenes in "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" were filmed here).
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Golfland Sunsplash
Waterpark and Mini-golf! (Side note: The waterpark scenes in "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" were filmed here).
iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Phoenix
Indoor Skydiving!
Phoenix Zoo
140 acres of the world's finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts around the world, in a unique outdoor setting.
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Desert Botanical Garden
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.
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Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
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.
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Skydive Arizona
The premier place for skydiving in Arizona. Located between Phoenix and Tucson.
Phoenix Rising FC is the city's new major league soccer club, and their brand-new stadium is located just a short bike ride away!
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Phoenix Rising FC Stadium
Phoenix Rising FC is the city's new major league soccer club, and their brand-new stadium is located just a short bike ride away!
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.
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Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course
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
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.
Escape the Room AZ
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.
Cinemark Mesa 16
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.
Scottsdale Gun Club
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.
South Mill Avenue
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!
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Postino Annex
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!
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Old Town Scottsdale
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!
Thirsty Lion
Dimly lit pub with a patio and good food.
The Brass Tap
Low-key pub serving a wide variety of craft beers.
Great bar and small music venue in the Roosevelt District of downtown Phoenix.
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Crescent Ballroom
Great bar and small music venue in the Roosevelt District of downtown Phoenix.
Fate Brewing Company - Scottsdale
Local Scottsdale Craft Brewery.
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.
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Pedal Haus Brewery
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.
McKinley Brewing Company
Rustic-chic neighborhood wine bar.
Shopping
Tempe Marketplace
Shopping, bars, restaurants, movie theater, etc.
Similar to Tempe Marketplace. Walmart, Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops, movie theater, restaurants, bars, etc..
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Mesa Riverview
Similar to Tempe Marketplace. Walmart, Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops, movie theater, restaurants, bars, etc..
The most popular shopping destination in Scottsdale.
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Scottsdale Fashion Square
The most popular shopping destination in Scottsdale.
An outdoor upscale shopping district in Northern Scottsdale.
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Kierland Commons
An outdoor upscale shopping district in Northern Scottsdale.
Chandler Fashion Center
Food Scene
My favorite coffee shop! If you're up in this area of Scottsdale, be sure to stop by.
Village Coffee Roastery
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.
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Little Miss BBQ-University
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.
Spinato's Pizzeria and Family Kitchen
One of the best pizza spots in Phoenix. Small dining area, but great for take-out pizza.
Good breakfast/brunch spot on Mill Ave.
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Daily Jam - Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant
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.
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Original ChopShop
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.
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Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
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.
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Matt's Big Breakfast
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.
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Portillo's Tempe
Chicago's own! Hot Dogs, beef sandwiches, burgers, shakes & more. Dine in, or drive thru.
Popular West Coast fast food burger chain. Always good!
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In-N-Out Burger
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.
The Watershed
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.
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Four Peaks Brewing Company
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.
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Oregano's
Very popular pizza spot. Can have long wait times if you go during prime dinner hours.
Kabuki Japanese Restaurant
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!
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Hurts Donut Company
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.
Singh Meadows
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.
Pita Jungle
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.
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Cornish Pasty Co
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
If you like Indian food, I suggest this little hole in the wall near the ASU campus to satisfy your craving.
Henhouse Cafe
Great traditional breakfast in a modern rustic atmosphere. Close by too!
Mexican eatery serving mesquite-grilled meats, street-style tacos & more in modern surroundings.
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Backyard Taco - Mesa North
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.
Rosati's Pizza
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.
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Sedona
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!
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South Mountain Village
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.
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Upper Antelope Canyon
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.
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Curva de la Herradura
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.
One of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is located approximately 3 hours north of Phoenix. You could do a day trip, but I would recommend spending a night in Flagstaff or Sedona to save yourself the drive back, if you have the time.
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Parque nacional del Gran Cañón
One of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is located approximately 3 hours north of Phoenix. You could do a day trip, but I would recommend spending a night in Flagstaff or Sedona to save yourself the drive back, if you have the time.
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.
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Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
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.