Tempe Highlights
Tempe is located in the heart of the metropolitan Phoenix area, just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Tempe is also easily accessible via four major freeways.
Tempe is home to Arizona State University (ASU), one of the largest universities in the United States. ASU's maroon and gold colors envelop the city with a vibrant spirit: a common thread that encourages community pride, diversity and intellect.
During the day, you can kayak at Tempe Town Lake, go mountain biking or hiking on trails that are both easy for beginners and challenging for the experienced at Papago Park. If you prefer the indoors, you can shop for bargains at the state's largest value-oriented mall, Arizona Mills. The newest addition to Tempe's shopping and entertainment scene is Tempe Marketplace, featuring 1.3 million square feet of shops, restaurants and movie screens. Or, ponder the thought-provoking contemporary art at the ASU Art Museum.
After dark, Tempe truly dances to the beat of its own drummer. Whether you prefer an exciting nightlife in the ever popular Mill Avenue District or Tempe Marketplace, a relaxing dinner overlooking the city lights below, or dancing and singing along with your favorite band at a concert under the stars, Tempe has it all.
Feel the energy at one of Tempe's special events: P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon, Ford Ironman Arizona, Insight Bowl, Fiesta Bowl Block Party, Tempe Festival of the Arts and many more that have become favorites of both locals and visitors.
Step Into Tempe's History
Tempe's original settlers might not recognize its progress in the past century, but visitors can still get a sense of Tempe's past. Start at the Pueblo Grande Museum and discover the daily life of the Hohokam people, the original inhabitants of this area. Then, visit the Arizona Historical Society Museum to gain a sense of the history of central Arizona through interactive, engaging exhibits.
If you're still hungry for history, and lunch, go to Monti's La Casa Vieja. The restaurant occupies an adobe hacienda that was constructed in 1871 by Tempe founder Charles Trumbull Hayden. After a tasty lunch of steak and roman bread, take a walk to Tempe Town Lake. Imagine it as the home of Hayden's Ferry, a service that would take people across what was then the Salt River, past fields of green crops. Charles Trumbull Hayden constructed the flour mill, across from Monti's La Casa Vieja, in 1874. Many of the buildings south of the mill are original structures, dating back to the late 1800's. For the first 80 years of Tempe's history, almost all retailers were located on Mill Avenue.
Arizona State University was founded in 1885. For a sense of the college's past, visit Old Main, the oldest building on campus. Originally dedicated February 4, 1898, Old Main stood three stories and dominated the campus. A trailblazer in technology, it was the first building in Tempe wired for electric lighting. It provided the perfect backdrop to a speech by President Roosevelt in 1911. Alumni are welcome to visit Old Main Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Self guided tour materials are available at the reception desk on the second floor.
