Galleries & Museums
ASU Art Museum
ASU Art Museum
51 E 10th St Tempe, Arizona 85281
Stroll among massive red sandstone boulders in this urban hiking and recreation hotspot.
If it wasn’t for the glass skyline across the river, visitors might think hiking Papago Park was more like walking on the surface of a red planet. The buttes of Tempe create a geologic dreamscape near the north bank of Tempe Town Lake. To the south, the city of Tempe and the campus of Arizona State University bustle with activity. Add this urban park and its iconic visitor destinations to the itinerary to hike, bike and sightsee in Sun Devil country.
The Double Butte Loop Trail is one of the most popular urban hiking destinations in Greater Phoenix. Partly because anyone can do it but mostly because of the exhilaration of being surrounded by a prehistoric scattering of unusual rock formations. The wide trail spans just over 2 miles and has minimal elevation gain. It’s perfect for soaking in the scenery in full stride rather than huffing up mountainsides common on other urban hikes in Phoenix. Of the 10 miles of trails in Papago Park, Hole in the Rock is the shortest and has the biggest payoff. Take the short climb for the ultimate desert vacation selfie or join large crowds when the sunset peeks through the cave burrowed into sandstone. The Nature Trail winds through the center of the park and passes by picnic tables under ramadas, fishing lagoons and playgrounds. The stroller-friendly trail makes it perfect for family picnics before or after visiting the zoo.
Some of the metro’s top visitor attractions chose Papago Park decades ago when Phoenix was a burgeoning desert outpost. Since 1939, Desert Botanical Garden has showcased the surprising mix of plants that grow in the Sonoran Desert and other arid climates across the globe. Today, the outdoor exhibits showcase more than 50,000 plants. The adjacent Phoenix Zoo joined the scene in 1962. Shaded trails lead through the oasis and its multiple habitats featuring desert critters among the 3,000 animals protected here. On the fringes of Papago Park, visitors can add Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting and Arizona Heritage Center to the itinerary.
The history of the East Valley is on display along Mill Avenue, which runs south from Papago Park into the city of Tempe. See the historic Hayden Flour Mill on the banks of Tempe Town Lake and imagine cargo boats chugging up and down the Salt River carrying grain. Today the mill location is surrounded by shops, restaurants and Arizona State University. On campus, visit another historic point of pride — the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed ASU Gammage theater — to see touring acts in a massive performing arts venue.
Cities
Home to Arizona State University, Tempe, just east of Phoenix, contains the vibe you would expect in a college town, and attractions that make...
Rivers & Lakes
This urban lake on the Salt River offers recreation and entertainment year-round.
Arts & Culture
The Garden’s commitment to the community is to advance excellence in education, research, exhibition and conservation of desert plants of the...
Performing Arts
ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world. It hosts concerts, theater and dance performances,...
Nature & Wildlife
Enter the Phoenix Zoo and explore a wondrous world of curiosity, imagination and discovery. Featuring more than 3,000 animals, including...
Galleries & Museums
Performing Arts
ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world. It hosts concerts, theater and dance...
Performing Arts
ASU Kerr is a historic Valley venue that presents a diverse mix of live music, storytelling and theater. Find us in Scottsdale for intimate...
Nature & Wildlife
Audubon Arizona is the state office of the National Audubon Society and a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, with the mission of connecting...
Arts & Culture
The valley of the sun has become home to people of many nationalities, diverse cultures and backgrounds. This will be an event to learn,...
Wineries
The AZ Wine Wagon believes that getting there is half the fun, which is why we created a unique AZ winery shuttle experience from start to...
Breweries
American Indian
Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum offers a chance to explore the ruins and artifacts of the Salado Indians who inhabited the...
Family Activities
Nestled on 20 acres in Arizona on the northern tip of Tempe and just south of Scottsdale, Big Surf Waterpark has remained an Arizona icon...
Shopping
Known as the "crown jewel" because of its regal history and unmatched ambiance, Biltmore Fashion Park serves as home to some of the finest...
Culinary
BK Lobster in Scottsdale, AZ is a quick casual seafood restaurant established in 2022 by married NYC expats intent on adding variety to the...