Check out Tempe’s best vantage points for experiencing golden hour
When the sun goes down in Tempe, you’ll be treated to a magnificent display of neon lights. Whether you’re on a hotel rooftop, a restaurant patio or exploring the Sonoran Desert, there’s no shortage of breathtaking locations to capture the orange, red and purple hues of Tempe’s sunsets. Check out our list of the best spots in Tempe to capture the most mesmerizing sunsets.
Sky-High Rooftop Pools
AC Hotel by Marriott Phoenix Tempe/Downtown
AC Hotel Tempe is the ideal location for sunset watching. They have an accessible rooftop that sits against iconic Tempe landmarks such as “A” Mountain and the Hayden Flour Mill, and it is one of the only hotel rooftops where you can catch a glimpse of the sunset and Tempe Town Lake. Take advantage of all the photo opportunities and the incredible views while swimming in their rooftop pool.
100 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-642-6140
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown features Alibi Tempe, a rooftop bar and pool on the 14th floor. This hotel is the hot spot for viewing sunsets, eating scrumptious food and sippin’ on hand-crafted cocktails. Cool off in the pool or check out the many monthly happenings they offer, such as live music, themed soirées and more.
108 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-6800
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
Enjoy stunning views and breathtaking sunsets at the Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU’s rooftop restaurant and terrace, Lucero. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, you can capture the perfect vantage point of the sunset as it descends on Downtown Tempe. While taking in the view, indulge in a variety of small bites and signature dishes from their tapas-style menu.
7 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-794-8600
Residence Inn by Marriott Tempe Downtown/University
Observe Tempe’s glowing lights before or after attending an ASU football game, ASU Gammage show or one of the many events in Downtown Tempe by booking accommodations at the Residence Inn by Marriott Tempe Downtown/University. This hotel is in the middle of all the action and offers incredible views from its expansive rooftop and pool area.
510 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-967-2300
Westin Tempe
The Westin Tempe is ready to elevate your experience at their rooftop lounge and infinity pool, Skysill Rooftop Lounge. Soaring eighteen stories above Downtown Tempe, Skysill is the Valley’s highest open-air bar, offering the best vantage point for sunsets. The Westin Tempe provides a place to sip, savor and watch the sunset in style.
11 E. 7th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-8885
Urban Hiking Trails
Papago Park
Papago Park is one of the busiest parks you can visit during golden hour. Papago Park offers several hikes, and it’s easy to get to from any part of the Valley. Hole in the Rock is the most notable hike for peak sunset views. The hike to the “hole” will only take about 10 minutes and offers a beautiful outlook over the city and the desert below. Also, take advantage of the photo opportunities at the lagoon between Papago Park and the Phoenix Zoo.
1000 N. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-350-5200
Explore before you go: Visit Papago Park with a 360-degree virtual tour.
Getting there: Enter the Phoenix Zoo parking lot and veer to the left. There will be gates to pass through. Enter the Hole in the Rock parking lot. Follow the road to the right to a parking lot and ramada. The trail is accessible on the right side of the mountain.
“A” Mountain
“A” Mountain strikes an iconic silhouette in the center of the city. The steep, short and winding trek pays off with clear views of the sunset, Arizona State University and downtown as Tempe lights up for the night.
Don’t feel like hiking to the top? No worries. Hike halfway up to the first lookout spot, and you will still be able to experience sunset greatness. Hikers, beware: If you watch the sunset from beginning to end, be careful on your descent down, as the last part of the hike is steep. And, when you’re finished, the restaurants and taverns along Mill Avenue are ultra-convenient.
Mill Ave. and Third St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-350-4311
Explore before you go: Visit “A” Mountain with a 360-degree virtual tour.
Getting there: Trailheads are located behind Tempe Mission Palms Hotel off Third and Fourth Street and Mill Avenue, behind the Hayden Flour Mill at Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, and behind the Tempe Transportation Center on Veterans Way and College Avenue.
From Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is the perfect spot to experience fun and enjoy the outdoors, especially during sunset. Visitors are typically perplexed to find a large body of water right in the heart of the city, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Tempe Town Lake. And let me tell you, you have not seen a true Arizona sunset until you have seen one reflecting off the water of Tempe Town Lake. Visitors can experience the sunset by walking or running along the designated paved path or get a front-row seat to the magic by renting a boat from Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake, Northshore WaterSport Rentals or by using your own personal watercraft.
Another vantage point at Tempe Town Lake is on the northeast side of the water at The Watermark Tempe. This large multi-use development features a variety of dining options from savory to sweet, including Monroe’s Hot Chicken, Dog Haus, Sweet Republic, Crumbl Cookies and Hundred Mile Brewing Co. We’re so happy to have one more oasis of foodie goodness near the lake. You could even take your meal to go, walk towards the shore and have a picnic with a view of the glistening sunset.
Explore before you go: Visit Tempe Town Lake with a 360-degree virtual tour.
On An Iconic Pedestrian Bridge
Several pedestrian bridges around Tempe can be the perfect catalyst for an epic sunset picture.
Mill Avenue Bridges
The Mill Avenue Bridges are two bridges stretching over Tempe Town Lake. These bridges are all illuminated by beautiful string lights and are the ideal spot for capturing the sunset adjacent to downtown. While the bridge is open to vehicular traffic, pedestrians are able to view the sunset by using the walking path. This is a great location to view the sunset over the various events at Tempe Beach Park and Tempe Town Lake.
Elmore Pedestrian Bridge
The Elmore Pedestrian Bridge is located near the Tempe Center for the Arts on the west end of the lake. This bridge is closest to the action, as it sits just feet from Tempe Town Lake, creating the ultimate vantage point for all photos.
University Bridge
University Bridge, also known as the Palm Walk Overpass, on the Arizona State University Tempe Campus arches over University Drive, connects students from the north to the south side of campus and is a great spot to see a sunset over the main drag of Downtown Tempe.
Restaurants & Bars with Great Views
Central BBQ LakeHouse
Following in the footsteps of the original South Phoenix Location, Central BBQ House’s Tempe location opened in the fall of 2024. This Korean barbecue concept pairs the experience of tabletop grilling with a waterfront view in The Lakes neighborhood of South Tempe. Start off with a variety of boba tea, Thai tea, soju or one of the signature cocktails, then choose from a variety of meats, veggies or tofu for your all-you-can-eat gogi-gui experience. The secret is that you don’t have to choose just one — you can switch it up for each round. So, help yourself to the ribeye steak, beef brisket and bulgogi. Bonus: In addition to the serene waterfront dining experience on that patio, you’ll find the indoor space is lively and vibey in the evenings. Check @centralbbqhouse on Instagram for programming and pop-up events.
5350 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe AZ 85283 | 480-366-4066
Glenrosa at Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills
The evolution of Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills just got a lot tastier with the grand opening of Glenrosa, a full-service restaurant and patio bar set against at the sandstone buttes of Papago Park. In a space that was once the clubhouse for the Rolling Hills golf facility, this new concept is centered around Sonoran Mexican cuisine and live-fire cooking — but the views are equally delicious. So, grab a seat at the fully detached bar that’s nestled against the green or cozy up on the restaurant patio for one of the most serene culinary experiences around. Bonus: A live music venue is scheduled to open later this year.
1415 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85288 | 480-530-9880
Pier 54
It’s hard to find a better place in Tempe where you can appreciate great food and an even better view. This outdoor restaurant and bar offers a unique panoramic view of a beautiful man-made lake, making it an ideal setting for catching sunsets. Enjoy the twilight while choosing what to eat from their made-from-scratch menu.
5394 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-820-0660
Lou’s Bar & Grill at Papago Golf Club
Have you ever seen a sunset over red rocks? And no, we’re not talking about driving to Sedona. Lou’s Bar and Grill serves up delicious food and the perfect ambiance to watch the sunset over the spectacular Papago Buttes. Bask in the amazing hues while playing a round of cornhole or relaxing on their expansive patio overlooking their golf course.
5595 E. Karsten Way, Phoenix, AZ 85008 | 602-358-7004
Lucero Rooftop Lounge & Terrace
Located at Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU, this rooftop bar and restaurant is an upscale concept featuring a tapas-style menu with small sharable plates as well as signature dishes and enviable craft cocktails. Tuck into a table, inside or out, just before sunset (watch as your menu transitions to evening mode) and enjoy Mother Nature’s spectacular show.
7 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-794-8670
Top of the Rock Restaurant
Located at the Phoenix Marriott Resort Tempe at The Buttes, Top of the Rock Restaurant sits on a hilltop, offering diners a 360-degree view of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. If the weather is nice enough, sit outside on their patio, enjoy a delicious meal and a nice glass of wine and watch the sunset over the city below.
2000 W. Westcourt Way, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 602-431-2370
Rustler’s Rooste
If you’re looking for an authentic Arizona experience, make your way to Rustler’s Rooste. Here, you’ll find an indoor slide and waterfall, cowboy hat-adorned staff, live country music and Western fare, including rattlesnake and extra-large steaks with all the fixings! With all that Rustler’s Rooste has to offer, there is nothing that can compare to their patio. The point of view from there is unlike anything you have ever seen. Not only do you get unparalleled views of the city lights, but you can watch the most amazing sunsets here.
8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044 | 602-431-6474
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunsets in Tempe:
Q: Where can I watch sunsets in Tempe?
A: Everywhere! Tempe has various opportunities to view the sunset from any vantage point. Whether walking along the path of Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park, hiking “A” Mountain or Papago Park or simply taking in the views from hotel rooftops or area restaurants, there is no bad seat in the house!
Q: What months have the best sunsets in Arizona?
A: The limit does not exist! Arizona, specifically Tempe, boasts beautiful sunsets year-round. However, you will find the most intense colors in the late fall and winter (November through January). Summer sunsets that take place during monsoon season tend to also be dramatic. According to Arizona State Parks & Trails, these seasonal storms bring just the right amount of wind to move particles from their sedimentary state into the sky to scatter light.
Q: When is the best time to watch sunsets in Tempe?
A: Because sunset time varies by season, we recommend checking your weather app or such websites as timeanddate.com or almanac.com for specifics during your visit. From there, we advise getting to your designated sunset spot ahead of time to ensure parking as well as full view the rays from beginning to end.
Q: Why is Tempe the best place to watch sunsets?
A: While all Arizona sunsets are stunning, Tempe is the only place where you can see water, mountains, bridges and the twinkling lights of the city skyline, all illuminated by dramatic orange, red and purple hues simultaneously.
Q: How can you predict that a dramatic sunset will happen?
A: Tempe is known for dramatic sunsets, but we must admit, no two are the same. Clouds can either make or break a spectacular sunset. There needs to be a perfect balance in cloud coverage — without clouds, there won’t be much to see, and with too many clouds, it will be too dark. We suggest viewing a detailed weather report for cloud cover percentages. Try to aim between 30% to 70% at sunset for the best view. Lucky for you, Tempe gets 330 days of beautiful sunshine per year and usually has the ideal weather to guarantee a great sunset.
Tip: Be sure to stick around for the afterglow to capture the most intense colors of the sunset. This typically occurs 15 to 20 minutes after the sun sinks below the horizon.
