"A" Mountain/Hayden Butte

Location: E Rio Salado Pkwy & S Mills Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Transport: Within walking distance of campus and hotels
Cost: Free

With its long history as a home to Native Americans, homage to ASU and central location, “A” Mountain, officially named Hayden Butte Preserve, is dear to many. Located on the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, Hayden Butte is one of Tempe’s most popular outdoor areas and is a quick jaunt to take in a beautiful view of the city. The butte is culturally-significant to three communities: the people of Tempe, Arizona State University students and alumni, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. 

Desert Botanical Garden

Location: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Transport: Requires a car, taxi, or rideshare
Cost: $25-$30

Discover the tranquil vibrancy of desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore the fascinating beauty of the Sonoran Desert, from towering cacti and alluring succulents to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees. Scroll through the Garden’s calendar so not to miss festive events and dazzling exhibitions.

Heard Museum

Location: 2301 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Transport: Accessible by Light Rail from Tempe
Cost: Adults - $25, Students w/ ID - $10, American Indians
w/ Tribal ID or CIB – Free

Since its founding in 1929, the Heard Museum has grown in size and stature to become recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and its unmatched festivals. Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the Heard successfully presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective, as well as exhibitions that showcase the beauty and vitality of traditional and contemporary art.

Musical Instrument Museum

Location: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Transport: Requires a car, taxi, or rideshare

MIM began with a vision to create a musical instrument museum that would be truly global. Realizing most musical museums featured historic, primarily Western classical instruments, MIM’s founder Bob Ulrich (then CEO of Target Corporation) was inspired to develop a new kind of museum that would focus on the kind of instruments played every day by people worldwide. A focus on the guest experience shaped every aspect of the museum’s development. From the beginning, our goal has been to deliver a musical experience that is enriching, inspiring, interesting, and fun. Today, MIM has a collection of more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 world countries. The galleries reflect the rich diversity and history of many world cultures. But music and instruments also show us what we have in common – a thought powerfully expressed in our motto, music is the language of the soul.

Papago Park

Location: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Transport: Requires a car, taxi, or rideshare

Just minutes from downtown, Papago Park offers exceptional hiking and a wide array of recreational facilities.  Comprised primarily of sandstone, the range is known for its massive buttes that rise and fall throughout the park.  The trails that interlace the area are generally easy treks. The smooth footing and low elevation gain make it a popular place for running and mountain biking. Papago Park is home two of the regions most visited attractions, the world-class Phoenix Zoo and the stunning Desert Botanical Garden.  Additionally, the park boasts an archery range, orienteering course, Papago Ponds fishing lagoon, the Hall of Flame Museum, Papago Sports Complex, and the Papago Golf Course, home of the Arizona State Sun Devils’ golf team.

Snooze

Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.

Location: 615 South College Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281
Hours: 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Caffe Boa

European fare with a market-driven focus served in an airy, contemporary space with brick accents.

Location: 398 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

The Chuck Box

Basic, cash-only burger joint turning out charcoal-broiled patties plus beer & wine.

Location: 202 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281
Hours: 10:30 AM – 10 PM

Alter Ego

Stylish eatery & bar in the Hilton Canopy Hotel serving New American dishes, cocktails & beer on tap.

Location: 108 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281
Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Pita Jungle

Chain for health-oriented Mediterranean dishes, including lots of veggie options, in sleek environs.

Location: 4 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281
Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Postino Annex

An industrial winecafé offering unique and approachable wines, simply scrumptious food prepared with local ingredients, and a warm, edgy culture that brings people together.

Location: 615 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Pedal Haus Brewery

Creative American eats pair with house beers & cocktails in industrial-chic surrounds with a patio.

Location: 730 S Mill Ave #102, Tempe, AZ 85281
Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM