Tempe

Tempe is a small but dynamic, steadily-growing city. Its shared history with ASU has given it a long-standing reputation as a college town, and it is considered to be the academic and intellectual center of the greater Phoenix area. In addition, its younger, student-heavy population allows it to offer a vibrant nightlife that is relatively rare in Arizona. It is home to many research-centric industries in fields ranging from biotechnology to solar energy as well as a high percentage of knowledge workers those industries require. Being surrounded by the neighboring cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Chandler, it serves as a major hub in the Valley Metro light rail transit system.

• Tempe Tourism Office

  phone: +1 480 894-8158
  address: 51 W 3rd St, Ste 105
  Provides city maps, and up-to-date information on hotels, restaurants, and city events.

By rail

The Valley Metro Light Rail project is operational and brings light rail service through Tempe from the neighboring cities of Mesa and Phoenix. The rates are very reasonable, and day-passes are available for a discount. Tickets may be purchased from automated kiosks at every station. Free Park-and-Ride lots are located along the length of the route. There are plans in the works to extend the rail system through the use of spurs.

By bus

See By bus under "Get In", in the Phoenix article for a list of additional bus and shuttle van companies serving the Phoenix area.

• Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach

  address: (Curbside Stop) 3rd and Ash
  Connects the Phoenix metro area to the Amtrak Sunset Limited and the Texas Eagle trains in Maricopa ( south). Additional stops are in Sky Harbor International Airport and Metro Center Transit Center by the Metro Center Mall.

• Flixbus

  address: (bus stop) 872 S Rural Rd
  The next nearest one is at the 44th St PHX Sky Train Station on 44th St & Washington near the airport.

• Hoang Express

  phone: +1 714 839-3500, +1 408 729-7885
  address: (Bus stop) Cofoc Chinese Center @ 668 N 44th
  Travels between SoCal (San Diego, El Monte, Los Angeles, Westminster) and Arizona (Phoenix, Chandler and Tempe).
• Valley Metro offers bus service to Tempe from neighboring cities, as well as ORBIT, the free neighborhood shuttle around Tempe (see listing below in 'Get Around'). Routes and fares can be found on their website. Nearby Mesa does not have bus service on Sundays, so some service in Tempe is disrupted.

By plane

Tempe is one of the most accessible cities in the Phoenix Metropolitan area and only 10 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Taxis and shuttles are available for arrivals and departures. There are also a number of reasonably-priced public buses, and the light rail is a short shuttle ride away. Those new to Sky Harbor should be warned, however, that the roads and parking lots serving the airport can be poorly marked and rather confusing to navigate. Allot extra time in case you miss a turn and need to circle around. Also, there is no Terminal 1 – only numbers 2 through 4.

By car

Tempe is accessible via several main arteries, including Interstate 10, Loop 101, Loop 202, US 60, and surface streets including East Van Buren Street to the Mill Avenue Bridge.

By bike

Several bike routes reach into Tempe, especially around the downtown area where you can bike over Tempe Town Lake from Phoenix on the Mill Ave Bridge.

Public transport

Tempe offers two free and convenient neighborhood circulators, called "Orbit" and "Flash". Fixed route service (fee) is available through Valley Metro, connecting commuters with neighboring cities. A system-wide route map for all bus routes, paid and free, can be downloaded from the City of Tempe website here.

• OrbitHas five routes, taking passengers through neighborhoods to the downtown area and the Mill Avenue District and connecting to the light rail station at College Avenue. The Orbit routes are each named after planets (complementing the "orbit" moniker), charge no fare, and can pick up passengers at any point along a sidewalk in residential areas where no bus stops are established. A routemap is available here.

• FlashAlso operates multiple routes, taking passengers around the Arizona State University area and Mill Avenue District. A map and schedule can be downloaded here.

• Valley Metro

  phone: +1 480-858-2350
  address: Tempe Transit Store, 200 E 5th St, 1st Floor
  Has an extensive bus service operating on every major road with very reasonable fares. Many bus routes connect to Metro, the light rail system. The buses have bike racks, but because the buses usually only come every half hour, they are often full during high traffic hours. All-day, 7-day, 15-day and 31-day passes can be purchased at numerous locations like grocery stores or the light rail stations; cash and credit card accepted.

By bicycle

Tempe is a comparatively bicycle-friendly city in the Phoenix valley area, and features bike lanes along many roads (which see more traffic the closer you get to downtown Tempe and ASU) and a variety of very enjoyable bike paths in and around parks and scenic locations, which connect conveniently to nearly all urban areas and points of interest. Although Tempe is a small city, the dry and hot summer climate can make it somewhat uncomfortable to self-pedal from one point in the city to another. For this and many other reasons, electric bikes are becoming a very popular option year round.
A printable map of bike routes in the city can be downloaded here.

• The Urban Commuter

  phone: +1 480-621-7700
  address: 1219 S McClintock Dr
  Offers electric bicycles for rent or purchase.

• Arizona State University

  address: University Rd and College Dr
  In the heart of Tempe, ASU is a key factor in its the vibrant, diverse and progressive lifestyle. It was founded as a Normal (Teaching) school in 1885. Arizona State is now one of the largest universities in the nation, with several campuses spread throughout the metropolitan area. The largest of these campuses is the Tempe ASU Campus, a square-mile center of knowledge and cultural experience. ASU's expansive campus features many shaded lawns and expansive walks; most buildings feature displays and recent projects. The grounds are officially an arboretum – discreet tags mark many of the trees and plantings, which showcase desert and tropical flora from around the world. There are also a number of free museums and exhibits available, some permanent and some on a rotational basis.

• Old Main

  address: 400 E Tyler Mall
  The original school's building, dating back to its founding.

• Gammage Memorial Auditorium

  phone: +1 480-965-5062
  address: 1200 S Forest Ave
  A Frank Lloyd Wright designed theater that hosts international talent, Broadway shows, and local entertainment. One of his last architectural pieces, it was designed for Baghdad before finally being built in the equally arid Valley of the Sun.

• ASU Mars Space Flight Facility

  phone: +1 480 965-1790
  address: 201 E Orange Mall
  Supports the Thermal Emission Spectrometer experiment that was sent aboard the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft when it launched in November 1996. The Mars facility has a visitor area with displays about Mars and a television tuned to NASA TV.

• ASU Robert S. Dietz Museum of Geology

  phone: +1 480 965-7065
  address: Bateman Physical Sciences Center, F-wing, Room 186
  Houses minerals, gems, fossils from Arizona and around the world. It also has a six-story Foucault pendulum; local fossils including Colombian mammoth remains excavated in 1985, 1997 and 1999; real dinosaurs, a giant-extinct fossil shark over 7 feet tall (to be featured on the National Geographic Channel in 2009) a rare T-rex brain cavity and cast and many other rare and extinct fossil mammals including saber-toothed cats. The museum also features several large meteorites from the ASU Center for Meteorite Studies; Ore minerals and crystals from the many Arizona open-pit and underground mines, a gemstone exhibit and a 6-foot tall amethyst geode at the museum entrance. Other exhibits include: Volcanology; Mineralogy, Geology of Arizona; Rocks of the Grand Canyon and Arizona's State Fossil: Fossil wood from the Petrified Forest proposed by 2 former ASU Geology faculty members in 1988.

• ASU Center for Meteorite Studies

  phone: +1 480-965-6511
  address: 781 E Terrace Rd, Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 4 (ISTB4), 2nd Floor, Meteorite Gallery
  Houses the world's largest university-based meteorite collection, with specimens from more than 1700 separate meteorite falls. Portions of this collection are on display to the public.

• ASU Art Museum

  phone: +1 480-965-2787
  address: Fine Arts Center, 51 E 10th St
  Has a fine permanent collection and an active guest artist program. The attached gift shop is, surprisingly, a great place to get beautiful and unusual gifts.

• Hayden Library

  address: 300 E Orange Mall
  A vast collection housed mostly underground in the center of campus. It has many unique features, including the only Child Drama collection, various exhibits, and rare and valuable works available to the public through the Luhrs reading room. Where else can one walk in and request to see a page from a Gutenberg Bible?

• Life Sciences Tower

  address: A Wing
  Has glass cases set into the hallways that house dozens of reptiles, including a comprehensive sampling of the poisonous snakes of Arizona.

• ASU Museum of Anthropology

  phone: +1 480-965-6224
  address: Cady Mall
  Run by the internationally acclaimed School of Human Evolution and Social Change, has many interesting permanent and visiting exhibits throughout the year.

• Northlight Gallery

  phone: +1 480-965-6517
  Exhibits a broad range of photographic work by emerging and international recognized artists.

AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park

phone: +1 480-929-9499

address: 1300 N College Ave

A museum that concentrates on Arizona's history in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Tempe History Museum

phone: +1 480-350-5100

address: 809 E Southern Ave

Features the history of Tempe from the time of prehistoric Hohokam to today. Video, hands-on exhibits and gift shop.

City of Tempe Cultural Services Public Art

phone: +1 480-350-5160

address: 3500 S Rural Rd

Numerous examples of public art dot Tempe's landscape. Additionally, Tempe presents exhibits featuring professional and student artists. Works may be viewed in public places, which serve as alternate spaces for regularly changing exhibits.

Petersen House Museum

phone: +1 480-350-5151

address: 1414 W Southern Ave

Restored Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1892 by one of Tempe's earliest settlers.

Tempe Center for the Arts

phone: +1 480-350-2822

address: 700 W Rio Salado Pkwy

For events see the event calendar.

Salt River Project History Center

phone: +1 602-236-5900

address: 1521 North Project Dr

Has exhibits illustrating the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam, as well as other exhibits relating to the history of water usage in Arizona.

Sea Life Arizona

phone: +1 480-478-7600

address: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir #145

Has a walk-through aquarium, and 30 displays.

Outdoor activities

Tempe has numerous parks, soccer fields, fenced dog parks, lighted tennis courts, pools, golf courses and its own two-mile urban park complex, Tempe Town Lake. Twin bicycle and walking paths circle the lake leading to Tempe Beach Park, Splash Playground, Town Lake Marina and Giuliano Park, where many triathlons take place. In addition, Tempe has more than 150 miles of dedicated bikeways and the League of American Bicyclists has designated Tempe a Silver-Level Bicycle-Friendly Community Award winner.
Tempe's outdoor activities and sporting events add to its dynamic lifestyle. Tempe is the annual home to a number of sporting events, as well as all of the intercollegiate athletics at Arizona State University.

• Big Surf Waterpark

• Tempe Town LakeSet adjacent to Tempe's Mill Avenue District, Arizona State University and the 2,000 acre Papago Park, Tempe Town Lake embodies a unique vision for the future of the Valley. It is the center for many activities like boating, biking etc and has a jogger's track as well. The sight of the bridge at sunset is worth a watch.

• Ironman ArizonaHeld annually in November.

• P.F. Chang's Rock'n'Roll Arizona Marathon and Half MarathonHeld annually in January.

• Buffalo Wild Wings BowlAnnually in December.

• Angels Major League Baseball Spring Training

  phone: +1 480-350-5265
  address: 2200 W Alameda Dr
  Hosted every March.

Other events

• Tempe Festival of the Arts

  address: Mill Ave
  Massive twice yearly street fair featuring arts and crafts from all over the country, as well as a wide selection of carnival/street fair style foods, beverages and live entertainment. Held at the end of March and beginning of December.

Tempe has a wide range of shopping choices from nationally known department stores to outlets and specialty boutiques. The heart of downtown Tempe and the main shopping district is the Mill Avenue District. This area is filled with specialty shops, bars, restaurants, cafés, pubs and is also the cornerstone of the downtown business district.

• Arizona Mills

  phone: +1 480-491-7300
  address: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir
  Offers more than 175 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues under one roof.

• Changing Hands Bookstore

  phone: +1 480-730-0205
  address: 6428 S McClintock Dr
  A new and used independent bookshop, and practically a Tempe institution.

• IKEA

  address: 2110 W Ikea Way
  The only one in Arizona.

• Tempe Marketplace

  phone: +1 480-966-9338
  address: 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
  Tempe Marketplace's 1.3 million square feet of retail space is positioned as an open-air, pedestrian-oriented environment, creating an eclectic atmosphere for a memorable experience. Arizona State University maintains the "Night Gallery" at the marketplace. It is free to the public, and open late into the evening. There are also frequent concerts and other activities throughout the year.

Tempe's Mill Avenue District offers the most concentrated area of restaurants and cafés in Arizona. Tempe restaurants offer cuisines including Middle Eastern, Asian, Mexican and, of course, American fare. Many have received the Phoenix New Times's "Best of" award.

• Cafe Lalibela

  phone: +1 480-829-1939
  address: 849 W University Dr
  Cafe Lalibela is a family restaurant bringing Ethiopian cuisine to the heart of Tempe. Takeout available.

• Cornish Pasty Co

  phone: +1 480-894-6261
  address: 960 W University Dr #103
  A British and Irish themed restaurant and bar offers a wide range of classic, modern, and experimental pasties with a number of European beers available on tap. It is popular with Tempe's younger and bohemian crowd.

• Green New American Vegetarian

  phone: +1 480-941-9003
  address: 2240 N Scottsdale Rd #8
  Vegan restaurant that was named the best vegan restaurant in Phoenix by the Phoenix New Times. PETA named the secret BBQ Chicken sandwich as the best faux chicken sandwich in the USA. Another location in Central Phoenix.

• House of Tricks Restaurant

  phone: +1 480-968-1114
  address: 114 E 7th St
  A Tempe original accessible within walking distance from Mill Avenue, hidden inside two turn-of-the-century homes, behind a vine-strewn courtyard. Eclectic new American menus and extensive wine list. Outside catering available. Private dining area or patios can accommodate 35-75 guests; semi private dining areas can accommodate 15-20 guest.

• La Fonda Mexican Food

  phone: +1 480-966-8001
  address: 1831 E Baseline Rd
  La Fonda is a great restaurant if you're looking for Mexican food. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere is friendly; good pricing is an added benefit, not a factor.

• Little Szechwan

  phone: +1 480-966-7660
  address: 524 W University Dr
  Family-run Chinese restaurant. Mouth-watering food and very friendly service.

• Munch a Mania

  phone: +1 480-967-7944
  address: 2090 E University Dr #107
  The food is wonderful, portion sizes are great, and the service is the most personal you will get in town. Free delivery ($10 minimum order).

• My Big Fat Greek Restaurant

  phone: +1 480-966-5883
  address: 525 S Mill Ave
  Delivers large portions of Greek food and is a favorite of many ASU college students.

• Phoenicia Cafe

  phone: +1 480-967-8009
  address: 616 S Forest Ave
  Delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. Relatively small and often packed, esp. while the university nearby is in session. Try the babaganouj (eggplant dip) and the baklava, made from scratch. There is also an attached small Middle Eastern grocery that has great prices, especially on spices, Middle Eastern/Mediterranean deli items, and bulk olive oil. Very good service and friendly atmosphere. Restricted hours June to September, call ahead to check.

• Rosita's Fine Mexican Food

  phone: +1 480-966-0852
  address: 960 W University Dr
  This popular, long-established family restaurant serves up Mexican classic dishes with a focus on Sonoran cooking.

Tempe is situated amidst the Phoenix Metro area as a "college town," and considering this Tempe's nightlife constitutes a wide variety of people. Most prominent is a college-aged drinking crowd that congregates on Mill Avenue District (which offers the most concentrated area of restaurants and cafés in Arizona) seven nights a week.

• Caffe Boa

  phone: +1 480-968-9112
  address: 398 S Mill Ave
  An original, casual, Euro-style bistro/wine bar. Award-winning wine list with authentic Mediterranean styled food. Over 250 wines with full bar. Voted best Italian restaurant and best chef for 2005.

• Casey Moore's Oyster House

  phone: +1 480-968-9935
  address: 850 S Ash Ave
  Built in 1910, the Historic William Moeur house has been the home of Casey Moore's since 1986. With an Irish pub feel and an expansive front and side patio, Casey Moore's maintains a neighborhood ambiance. Often dozens of bicycles are locked up out front; it is a local favorite. Multiple beers on tap, free food with happy hour, and a full menu featuring fresh seafood. Rumored to be haunted.

• Fat Tuesday

  phone: +1 480-967-3917
  address: 680 S Mill Ave #106
  A Mardi Gras-themed daiquiri bar.

• Four Peaks Brewing Company

  phone: +1 480-303-9967
  address: 1340 E 8th St #104
  Arizona's largest brewery located in a turn of the century brick warehouse with award-winning food and hand-crafted ales.

• Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

  phone: +1 480-736-0033
  address: 420 S Mill Ave #201
  The second story New Orleans style restaurant has three balconies overlooking the downtown district. Within walking distance from major business, ASU and Sun Devil Stadium and offers complimentary valet parking beginning at 5PM every night.

• Mill Cue Club

  phone: +1 480-966-0068
  address: 607 S Mill Ave
  Features billiards and beer.

• Rúla Búla Irish Pub & Restaurant

  phone: +1 480-929-9500
  address: 401 S Mill Ave
  Lively old-world pub & restaurant built in Ireland. Four-star cuisine, pub fare, and ample pints of Guinness. Live music and courtyard patio bar. Seating for 130. Semi-private dining for 50.

• Tavern on Mill

  phone: +1 480-967-5887
  address: 404 S Mill Ave
  Offers traditional and southwestern cuisine and is known for its well rounded beer selection, excellent service and great eats. The Tavern on Mill has almost as much seating space inside as outside. 30 television monitors and flat screens display the latest music videos, sports games and more.

• Courtyard Tempe Downtown

  phone: +1 480-966-2800
  address: 601 S Ash Ave
  10 minute free shuttle ride from your flight into Sky Harbor Airport. From there you are just blocks from downtown Tempe and Arizona State University.

• Embassy Suites Hotel Tempe

  phone: +1 480-897-7444
  address: 4400 S Rural Rd
  6 miles from Phoenix Airport PHX, and 2 miles from the main ASU campus.

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Tempe

  phone: +1 480-831-9800
  address: 1520 W Baseline Rd
  Rates include free wi-fi and breakfast. 12 miles from downtown Phoenix.

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Phoenix Tempe - University

  phone: +1 480 966-7202
  address: 1031 E Apache Blvd
  Located within walking distance of ASU, this hotel offers proximity to local area attractions in a room with various full-service accommodations. Includes breakfast and wi-fi.

• Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix Airport

  phone: +1 480 804-9544
  address: 1413 W Rio Salado Pkwy
  2 miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and 1.5 miles from downtown Tempe and Arizona State University.

• Quality Inn Airport Tempe

  phone: +1 480-967-3000
  address: 1550 S 52nd St
  Centrally located near the airport, ASU, the Mill Avenue District, and Tempe Town Lake. Pets accepted.

• Quality Inn at ASU

  phone: +1 480-774-2500
  address: 1375 E University Dr
  This hotel is 5 miles from the airport and very close to ASU. Easy access to freeways for travel in Tempe. Breakfast and wi-fi included.

• Tempe Mission Palms Hotel

  phone: +1 480-894-1400
  address: 60 E 5th St
  Upscale 303-room hotel with courtyard and roof top pool, 30,000 sq. ft. of conference space, 10 ADA rooms, restaurant. AAA/CAA & TAG approved.

• Tempe Residence Inn

  phone: +1 480-756-2122
  address: 5075 S Priest Dr

• Tempe Public Library

  phone: +1 480-350-5500
  address: 3500 S Rural Rd
  Free wi-fi is available throughout the building during opening hours, with no library card required.

Tempe, Arizona State University, and the state of Arizona as a whole have been pioneers in the acceptance of the LGBT community. However, Tempe features no LGBT-oriented bars or clubs. Neighboring Phoenix contains all of the LGBT bars in the valley.

• "Old Town" Scottsdale in the northeast Phoenix metropolitan area is the most tourist friendly area in the valley