Discover Tempe
42 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
A Mountain (Hayden Butte)
A prominent butte in Tempe with sweeping views of the city skyline, Tempe Town Lake, and Arizona State University. Features the iconic 60-foot painted 'A' that is a hallmark of local pride. Offers diverse perspectives for both urban and natural shots, from wide-angle cityscapes to close-ups of the 'A' sculpture.
Tempe Town Lake
A 2-mile urban lake lined with bridges, parks, and pedestrian paths. Offers vibrant sunset reflections, city light reflections at night, and a mix of urban and waterside scenery. Popular for both portraits and scenic city shots.
Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA)/Tempe Town Lake
A vibrant area with a mix of urban landscapes and water views, perfect for capturing city life, events, and beautiful sunsets over the lake
“A” Mountain
This iconic landmark offers panoramic views of Downtown Tempe, Tempe Town Lake, and the surrounding mountains. It is a perfect spot for capturing both cityscapes and natural beauty.
Mill Avenue Bridge
Offers stunning views of Tempe Town Lake and surrounding cityscape, ideal for sunset and nighttime photography.
Tempe Center for the Arts/Tempe Town Lake
A beautiful lake with a contemporary arts center, offering opportunities for waterscape and architecture photography.
SkySill at The Westin Tempe
A rooftop bar offering spectacular views of Tempe and Tempe Town Lake, perfect for capturing urban skylines and sunsets.
A Mountain
Also known as Hayden Butte, this spot offers panoramic views of Downtown Tempe, Tempe Town Lake, and the Mountain America Stadium. The 60-foot gold-painted letter 'A' is a popular photo subject.
ASU Art Museum
A modern, sculptural museum designed by Antoine Predock, notable for its distinctive desert-inspired architecture. Offers angular lines, dramatic shadows, and contemporary backdrops for creative photography.
Rio Salado Area
The Rio Salado area offers a mix of urban and natural landscapes along the river. It's perfect for capturing wildlife, water scenes, and unique urban wildlife coexisting with nature.
Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA)
A venue with a unique blend of art and architecture, offering captivating shots of the building and surrounding lake views.
Tempe Town Lake and Mill Avenue Bridge
Tempe Town Lake offers scenic views, especially at sunset, and is perfect for capturing water reflections and urban landscapes. The bridge provides a unique perspective on the city.
Gammage Memorial Auditorium
A historic theater with a stunning design, offering opportunities for architectural and cultural photography.
Tempe Center for the Arts / Tempe Town Lake
A scenic spot with a lake and surrounding cityscape, offering opportunities for water and urban photography.
Mountain America Stadium
A large stadium that offers architectural photography opportunities, especially during events.
Tempe Mission Palms
A hotel with a charming courtyard and orange groves, offering opportunities for architectural and landscape photography.
Tempe Center for the Arts
Located near Tempe Town Lake, this spot offers a blend of modern architecture and beautiful lake views, making it ideal for capturing urban landscapes and sunset photography.
Tempe Beach Park
Located along Tempe Town Lake, this park offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding cityscape, ideal for landscape and sunset photography.
Rio Salado Pathway
A scenic pathway along Tempe Town Lake, offering a blend of natural and urban landscapes perfect for capturing walking or biking scenes.
Hayden Library at ASU
Known for its unique underground design and beautiful outdoor spaces, offering multiple architectural photo opportunities.
Palm Walk at ASU
An infinite stretch of well-maintained palm trees, perfect for capturing unique angles and lines in photography.
Marina Heights
A modern commercial complex with sleek architecture, offering unique urban photography opportunities.
ASU Gammage
A historic auditorium with unique architectural features, offering opportunities for architectural and cultural photography.
Governor Hunt's Tomb
A historic site within Papago Park, offering a glimpse into Arizona's history and scenic views.
Marriott Lake Resort Tempe at The Buttes
A resort offering scenic views of Tempe Town Lake and Mount Hayden, ideal for capturing serene landscapes and hotel life.
Downtown Tempe
A vibrant urban area with a mix of modern and historic architecture, ideal for street and architecture photography.
ASU Memorial Union
A hub of student activity, the Memorial Union offers a blend of modern and traditional architecture, providing interesting opportunities for photography.
Palm Walk
A scenic stretch lined with palm trees, ideal for capturing idyllic campus life and peaceful nature scenes.
Tempe Beach Town Lake
A popular spot for capturing lakefront scenes and urban landscapes, Tempe Beach Town Lake offers a vibrant atmosphere and scenic views.
Old Main at ASU
A historic building and a landmark on campus, offering a charming backdrop for graduation or other portrait photos.
ASU Wells Fargo Arena
A sports arena with a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for event and sports photography.
Tempe Diablo Stadium
A sports stadium with a unique architectural design, offering opportunities for sports and event photography.
Papago Park Off-Leash Dog Park
A vibrant spot for capturing the interaction between dogs and their owners, offering a fun and lively atmosphere for street photography.
Coor Hall
A modern building on the ASU campus, offering clean lines and architectural photography opportunities.
G. Homer Durham Parkette
A small park with public art installations, offering unique opportunities for capturing street art and urban landscapes.
Hayden Library
A modern library with a unique design, offering interesting architectural views and quiet study spaces for photography.
Tempe City Hall
A modern building with a unique design, offering interesting architectural photography opportunities.
Tempe Art Center
Located in Tempe, this art center offers a blend of modern architecture and urban landscapes, ideal for capturing artistic details and cityscapes.
Tempe Public Library
A modern library with a sleek design, offering opportunities for architectural and urban photography.
Mill Avenue
A bustling downtown area with eclectic shops and restaurants, perfect for capturing urban life and street photography.
Bridge over University Drive
A scenic pedestrian bridge on the ASU campus, offering views of the surrounding area and opportunities for urban photography.
Aruma Cafe
A cozy cafe with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for capturing candid street or urban lifestyle photography.