Discover Tempe
50 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
James Turrell ASU Skyspace: Air Apparent
James Turrell’s ASU Skyspace “Air Apparent” is a small, meditative chamber with a roof aperture that frames the sky. Photograph the changing colored light sequences at sunrise and sunset, the circular opening against sky gradients, and intimate interior details—use the aperture to compose minimalist shots and silhouettes. Best times: arrive 30–45 minutes before scheduled light sessions at sunrise/sunset and stay through blue hour. Check ASU Skyspace schedule or campus events—some sessions are by
Downtown Tempe
Downtown Tempe centers on Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake — a lively, walkable mix of glassy office towers, historic brick storefronts, public art and waterfront reflections. Photograph sunrise/sunset over the lake and bridges, neon-lit nightlife and ASU-driven street energy. Accessible by Valley Metro light rail and multiple parking garages; no entry fee. Best visited at golden hour or after dark for reflections and city lights; weekends are busy with events.
Papago Park in Tempe
Papago Park offers iconic red sandstone buttes (Hole-in-the-Rock), desert plants, small lakes and skyline views of Tempe/Phoenix—ideal for dramatic desert landscapes and intimate cactus/macrophotography. Best at golden hour and sunset for warm contrast; monsoon season delivers stormy skies. Trails are short and generally easy; Hole-in-the-Rock is a brief climb with wide vistas. No entry fee; multiple free parking lots near trailheads and the Papago Park Lake. Weekday mornings are least crowded;暑
Diane and Bruce Halle Skyspace Garden
James Turrell’s Diane and Bruce Halle Skyspace is an intimate light chamber with an oculus and curated LED light sequences that transform sky color at sunrise/sunset. Photograph the circular opening, interior seating geometry, and the sky color shifts against Tempe’s urban-desert skyline. Best at sunset (light ritual begins ~10–20 minutes before and after sunset) and at dawn for calmer conditions. Site is on Terrace Mall with mall parking; check current hours or ticket/reservation requirements (
Hayden Flour Mill
Hayden Flour Mill is a rust-red historic landmark on Tempe Town Lake offering strong architectural silhouettes, textured brick details and clean water reflections from the south bank and Mill Avenue Bridge. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light and lit facades; nights reveal colorful bridge and city lights. Easily accessible on foot or by car with nearby public parking and bike paths; exterior shots are public (interior access may be restricted). Weekdays and early mornings are least‑
222 South Mill Avenue
Mill Avenue waterfront at Tempe Town Lake offers dynamic urban-waterscape scenes: pedestrian bridges, downtown skyline, Tempe Center for the Arts, and reflections on the water. Golden hour and sunset produce warm light and vivid colors; blue hour yields strong reflections and illuminated bridges. Easily accessible by car or light rail (Mill Ave/Third St station); paid lots and street parking nearby. No entry fee, wheelchair-accessible paths. Evenings and weekends draw crowds—weekday mornings are
Tempe Beach Park
Tempe Beach Park centers on Tempe Town Lake, offering reflections of the Mill Avenue Bridge, downtown skyline and recreational water activity. Ideal for sunrise and sunset color, long exposures of smooth water, and lively event/street scenes during festivals. Easily accessible with paid lots and street parking; flat paths and ramps make gear transport simple. Weekdays and early mornings are quieter; summer afternoons are hot—bring shade and water.
Tempe Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge
Modern cable-stayed pedestrian bridge over Tempe Town Lake offers clean architectural lines, reflections in the water, and skyline views of downtown Tempe and ASU. Ideal for sunrise and sunset colors, long exposures of light trails, and minimalist compositions. Easy access, free to enter, paid/limited parking nearby; weekdays are quieter.
Corbell Park
Small lakeside park on Tempe Town Lake with palm-lined paths, open lawn, pedestrian bridges and strong reflections of the downtown/ASU skyline. Great for sunrise/sunset colors, mirror reflections, and cityscape-with-water compositions. Free entry, paved paths and nearby parking off Lakeshore Dr; wheelchair accessible. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Summer can be harsh midday—aim for golden hour or blue hour for best light.
Scudder Park
Small lakeside park on Tempe Town Lake offering clean reflections, city-skyline backdrops, landscaped shoreline and riparian trees. No entry fee; roadside and small lot parking along Lakeshore Dr. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and mirror-like water; weekday mornings and late evenings are quieter. Easy paved paths and wheelchair-accessible viewpoints make compositions straightforward. Great for calm water reflections, migratory birds, and cityscape + nature contrasts.
Boat Rentals of America
Tempe Town Lake launch offering easy access to on-water perspectives of the Tempe skyline, Mountain America Stadium and pedestrian bridges. Ideal for reflective water shots, sunrise/sunset color, and night reflections of city lights. Accessible dock, pay-to-rent boats (no special permits), convenient parking and an alternative to stadium lot congestion. Best at golden hour or after sunset; weekdays and non-event days are calmer.
Hayden Butte
Hayden Butte (“A” Mountain) is a short, rocky hill in downtown Tempe offering elevated city and Tempe Town Lake vistas, ASU campus views and close-ups of desert scrub and the iconic white “A.” Easy, paved trails make it accessible for quick golden-hour shoots; visit at sunrise or sunset for warm light and reflections on the lake. No entry fee; street parking and nearby lots by Tempe Beach Park or ASU. Avoid midday heat in summer; monsoon season brings dramatic cloudscapes.
Gallery of Scientific Exploration
Compact, research-driven gallery inside ASU showcasing striking meteorites, fossils, full-size spacecraft models and open labs. Interiors feature dramatic metallic staircase, suspended satellite and glass display cases—ideal for detail shots and environmental portraits. Best visited weekday mornings (avoid nearby student traffic); controlled indoor lighting favors late-morning/afternoon for even light. Weekdays only; limited on-site parking—use nearby garage and walk ~10–15 min. Accessible entry
Kiwanis Park
Small urban park centered on a mile-long lake with large shade trees, waterfowl, paddle boats and looping walking/bike trails. Great for reflections, wildlife (ducks, herons) and sunset skies; western canal and open lawns add leading lines and foregrounds. Accessible with several parking lots, flat paths for tripods/wheelchairs; no entry fee. Best at sunrise or golden hour for calm water and soft light; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Check event schedule (movies/dog-park openings) as
Petersen House Museum
Photograph a rare 1892 Queen Anne Victorian with wraparound porch, ornate trim and period interiors—rich textures, stained glass and historic furnishings. Best light is late afternoon golden hour for warm facades; interior shots require guided tour permissions. Small museum with nearby Petersen Park for contextual park-and-house compositions. Check museum hours and tour availability, arrive on weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds; street parking and nearby lots are available.
Cole Park
Small waterfront park on Tempe Town Lake offering palm-lined promenades, reflections, downtown skyline and bridge elements — great for sunrise/sunset colors and calm-water reflections. Easy, free access with parking nearby, paved accessible paths; weekdays are quieter. No entry fee.
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
Compact, family-friendly aquarium with immersive underwater tunnel, touch pools, viewing domes and colorful reef tanks — ideal for close-up marine portraits, silhouettes of sharks/rays in the tunnel, and playful kid interactions. Best visited weekday mornings or late afternoons for fewer crowds and quieter galleries. Low museum lighting requires high ISO or fast lenses; located in Arizona Mills Mall with ample parking, wheelchair access, and combo ticket options with LEGOLAND next door.
Michelle Brooks-Totress Park
Small lakeside park on Tempe Town Lake offering clean water reflections, palms and skyline views. Ideal for sunrise and sunset shots of the lake, nearby bridges and downtown reflections. Easy, level access from S Lakeshore Dr / E Redfield Rd with free parking nearby; open public park (no entry fee). Best visited at golden hour for warm light and calm water; weekdays and early mornings reduce jogger/bike traffic.
ASU Art Museum
Contemporary galleries, sculptural installations and a modern museum exterior on ASU's Tempe campus offer clean lines, textured materials and intimate art details. Best shot weekday mornings for quiet interiors and late afternoon/golden hour for warm exterior light. Check museum hours and photo policy (no-flash common); campus pay parking and accessible entrances make logistics simple. What makes it special: rotating contemporary exhibits and architectural geometry that reward both detail and 넓‑
An Antonym for a Tchotchke by Bobby Zokaites
Public, whimsical sculptural piece by Bobby Zokaites at the corner of S Dorsey Ln & E Apache Blvd. Photograph bold shapes, textures and color contrasts against Tempe sky and surrounding palm trees. No entry fee; easily reachable on foot, bike or car with nearby street parking and municipal lots. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and saturated skies; weekday mornings are quieter. Accessible from the sidewalk with close-up and wide-angle opportunities. Reflects contemporary public‑艺术
The Cloud at Kiwanis Park
Small urban park centered on a reflective lake, splash pad and shaded walking trails — great for water reflections, birdlife and candid family/children scenes. Visit early morning for calm water and birds, or golden hour/evening for warm light and lively splash-pad action. Large paved parking, restrooms and ADA paths make gear transport easy. Weekends and summer evenings are crowded; be mindful of photographing children (ask permission).
The Legendary Table
A playful, oversized table installation tucked near Arizona Mills—great for surreal, scale-play shots and environmental portraits. Shoot during golden hour or blue hour for warm rim light and dramatic skies. Easy street-level access and free parking at the mall; expect occasional shoppers. No special entry fees; bring a wide-angle and a low tripod for perspective shots.
ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center
Intimate museum space highlighting contemporary ceramics, studio kilns and detailed glazes—ideal for texture, macro and still-life studies. Visit weekdays during gallery hours for steady, soft indoor light; weekend events may be busier. Check entry rules and appointments with ASU Art Museum; expect limited tripod/flash use. Parking available in campus pay lots or street meters on Mill Ave; accessible building.
Indian Bend Park
Indian Bend Park is a broad urban green space with ponds, riparian vegetation and paved trails—good for water reflections, birdlife and low-angle landscape compositions. Visit at golden hour or early morning for soft light and fewer people. Free entry and street/park lot parking; paths are wheelchair-accessible. Seasonal desert blooms and migrating birds add variety; respect picnickers and local residents.
Escalante Park
Escalante Park is a neighborhood urban park in Tempe featuring open lawns, mature shade trees, playgrounds and sports fields—good for lifestyle, portrait and environmental shots with an Arizona backdrop. Visit golden hour for warm side light; weekday mornings offer fewer people. The park is free, has paved paths and accessible facilities; street and small lot parking are typically available. Near ASU and local neighborhoods, it’s useful for community-event and candid street-style photography.
Evelyn Hallman Park
Small urban park centered on a reflective lake and meandering trails — great for water reflections, tree-lined compositions, and local waterfowl. Easy access near ASU with free parking, no entry fee. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and calm water; weekdays are quieter. Paths and ramps make most areas accessible; watch for seasonal migratory birds and occasional community events.
Tempe Women's Club Park
Small, shady urban park beside ASU and Mill Avenue featuring lawns, mature shade trees, a classic pavilion/club building and seasonal planting beds — ideal for environmental portraits, event coverage, and intimate architectural details. Visit golden hour for warm side-light and long shadows; weekday mornings are quiet. Easy street parking and a small lot nearby; flat, ADA-accessible paths. Often used for weddings and community events, so check calendar for closures.
Tempe History Museum
Compact civic museum documenting Tempe's growth: period artifacts, Old West displays, interactive exhibits and seasonal cultural events (Día de los Muertos). Well-lit interiors, free entry, easy parking. Best photographed on weekday mornings for low crowds and during event nights for color and costumes.
Kiwanis Park Ramada #11
Small covered ramada in Kiwanis Park on Tempe Town Lake's south shore offering framed views of the lake, city skyline and surrounding palm trees. Easy access and free parking make it a convenient base for golden hour, sunset reflections on the water, and casual portrait or drone shots. Weekday mornings and late afternoons have best light and fewer visitors; no special entry fees.
El Paso Passageway
A narrow, urban pedestrian passageway in Tempe with strong linear architecture, textured walls and occasional public art — good for abstract compositions, leading lines and intimate street scenes. Best visited during golden hour or blue hour for warm side light and dramatic shadows; avoid harsh midday sun and summer heat. Easily accessible from street parking and nearby campus lots; wheelchair accessible. No entry fee; expect light foot traffic on weekdays and busier evenings/weekends.
Hanger Park
Small riverside park offering open lawns, mature shade trees, paved paths and skyline views—good for golden-hour portraits, low-angle cityscape shots and relaxed landscape compositions. Easy public access with free parking nearby; no entry fee. Best light around sunrise and an hour before sunset; weekday mornings are quiet. Expect family activity and dog walkers—respect privacy. Weather is typically dry; bring sun protection in summer.
Estrada Park
Small neighborhood park with open lawns, walking paths, palms and mature shade trees — good for low-key landscapes, environmental portraits and sunset silhouettes. Easy, free access with on-site parking and paved paths (wheelchair friendly). Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and long, soft shadows; weekdays and early mornings avoid families and sports groups. No entry fee or permits for casual photography.
Parque de Soza Park
Small neighborhood park with shady lawns, mature trees, paved paths and neighborhood/skyline backdrops — good for serene green-space shots, environmental portraits, and golden-hour skies. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side-light and long shadows; avoid midday heat in summer. Easy curbside parking on Cedar/Spence, flat accessible paths, no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet; bring water and sun protection in Arizona conditions.
Stroud Park
Small neighborhood park with open lawns, mature shade trees and clear views of Tempe sky — good for low-angle compositions, silhouetted palms and golden-hour portraits. Easily accessible off S Los Feliz Dr with free street parking; no entry fee. Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon for warm light and long shadows; weekdays are quieter. Weather is arid — bring water and sun protection.
Ragsdale-MLK Park
Small urban green space in downtown Tempe offering palms, lawns and close views of downtown buildings and street life — good for capturing city park contrasts, candid portraits, and golden-hour skies. Easy walkable location near Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake; free public access, street or nearby parking garages. Best light at sunrise or sunset for warm tones and soft shadows; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. No entry fees; respect event setups and nearby residences.
Daley Park
Large, open community park with two baseball fields, basketball court, playgrounds and wide lawns — good for sports-action, environmental portraits, picnic and skyline shots. No entry fee; ample parking and clean restrooms. Best light at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm tones on fields and long shadows. Weekday mornings are quieter; evenings and weekends show local activity and candid moments. Be mindful of occasional homeless activity; keep gear secure.
Goodwin Park
Small urban park featuring a calm pond, paved walking paths, mature shade trees and picnic areas—good for reflections, birdlife and intimate landscape shots. Free entry with on-site parking and restrooms. Best at early morning for birds and misty reflections or golden hour for warm light; weekdays are quieter. Paved paths and gentle slopes make it accessible; expect local families and dog walkers.
Selleh Park
Small neighborhood park with lawns, shade trees, playgrounds and desert plantings — good for intimate landscape, lifestyle and sunrise/sunset shots. Easy public access with free on‑street parking; no entry fee. Visit golden hour for warm side-light and long shadows; weekday mornings are quiet. Expect clear desert skies and seasonal heat — bring sun protection and water.
Waggoner Park
Small public park with open lawns, shade trees, sports fields and neighborhood character — good for environmental portraits, family and lifestyle shots, casual landscapes and sunset skies. Easy street parking and a small lot; free entry and wheelchair-accessible paths. Best visited at golden hour for warm side/backlight and on weekday mornings to avoid families and games. Nearby light rail and Tempe neighborhoods make quick multi-location shoots possible.
Mary and Moses Green Park
Small suburban park with grassy lawns, walking paths, a reflective pond and stands of native desert plants — good for intimate landscape and nature shots, bird and water reflections. Easy street parking and paved, wheelchair‑friendly paths. No entry fee. Visit at golden hour for warm side lighting and reflections; winter/clear days give crisper skies. Weekday mornings are quieter; light winds produce better mirror reflections.
Creamery Park
Small community park with open lawns, mature shade trees and pathways — good for environmental portraits, family scenes, and intimate landscape shots. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm directional light and long shadows; weekday mornings are quiet. Easy street parking and nearby lot; flat, wheelchair-accessible paths. No entry fee; watch for seasonal community events that add color and candid moments.
Optimist Park
Small community park with lawns, playground structures, shaded paths and sports courts — good for lifestyle, candid portraits, action sports and sunset silhouettes. Best light is golden hour and blue hour for richer skies; weekday mornings have fewer families. Park is public, free entry with on-street and small lot parking; paths are wheelchair-accessible. Close to ASU/Tempe neighborhoods, so expect casual local activity and occasional games or events.
Peace Garden
A small, tranquil urban garden featuring native desert plantings, shaded pathways and intimate seating—ideal for close-up plant and texture studies, quiet environmental portraits, and serene compositions. Best visited at golden hour or after light rain for saturated colors; weekday mornings offer the fewest visitors. Easily accessible by car with on-street or nearby lot parking; generally no entry fee. Lightweight gear is advisable in warm months; respect quiet and any memorial signage.
Petersen Park
Small, well-kept neighborhood park anchored by a renovated historic house, themed playground, picnic areas and desert plantings. Great for intimate family portraits, detail shots of play equipment and architectural accents. No entry fee; street parking and nearby residential lots. Visit late afternoon to evening for warm light and fewer early-morning unhoused activity; weekdays are quieter. Paths and shade make it accessible with strollers.
Fiesta Ramada
Small mid-century style airport hotel near Phoenix Sky Harbor. Photograph neon signage, palm-tree framed driveways, pool reflections and transient airport activity at golden hour or after dark. Easy roadside access and free parking make short visits practical; respect guest privacy and quiet hours. Best light: sunrise/sunset for warm side lighting and long shadows, blue hour for neon and aircraft trails. Weekday mornings are quieter; summer afternoons are harsh — aim for early/late day.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
Indoor, colorful miniature LEGO scenes, interactive build stations, a LEGO factory model and small rides — great for close-ups, vibrant color shots and candid family moments. Best on weekday mornings or adult nights to avoid crowds; lighting is mainly mixed artificial so expect tungsten/LED casts. Located inside Arizona Mills Mall with ample parking; buy timed tickets online and check hours for special events.
Gaicki Park
Small neighborhood park with open lawns, shaded trees, walking paths and playgrounds — good for environmental portraits, relaxed landscapes and sunset skies over Tempe. Public, no entry fee; small parking lot and street parking. Best light: golden hour and blue hour for warm skies and silhouettes; weekday mornings are quiet. Paths are paved and generally accessible — bring lens variety for wide scenes and close candid shots of local life.
Kiwanis Recreation Center
Kiwanis Recreation Center is a community sports and leisure complex with courts, fields, playgrounds and open plazas — good for photographing active lifestyles, geometric architecture and golden-hour light. Best at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side-light and long shadows; weekday mornings are quieter. Outdoor areas are generally free; parking available on site. Be aware of posted hours and sports schedules. Proximity to airport can yield airplane silhouettes for creative frames.
Campbell Park
Small neighborhood park with grassy lawns, shade trees, playgrounds and paved paths framed by low desert vegetation and distant Phoenix hill silhouettes. Best at golden hour or sunset for warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings are quiet. Free entry, on-site parking and paved, wheelchair-friendly paths make access easy. No permits needed for casual shooting; check field bookings for sports events. Good for practicing composition with open skies and foreground interest.
2225 South 48th Street
An ordinary Tempe street block mixing mid-century commercial buildings and low-rise residential lots — useful for urban and architectural studies of Phoenix metro sprawl, sun-baked textures, and candid street scenes. Best light is early morning and late afternoon for warm side-light and long shadows. Easily accessible by car with on-street parking; quiet on weekdays. No entry fees; respect private property and neighborhood privacy. Close enough to ASU and Tempe transit for quick turnaround shots