Discover Tempe: Self-Guided Tours of Iconic Architecture, Art, History, and Craft Breweries
Whether you're a Tempe local or a first-time visitor, our city offers far more than endless sunshine. Around every corner, discover public art, vibrant murals, architecturally significant buildings that define our skyline, and five exceptional breweries enriching Arizona's craft beer scene.
Spanning just 40 square miles, Tempe is perfectly sized for a self-guided tour by car, bike, or on foot. Here are our top recommendations for an unforgettable exploration.
Iconic Architecture
Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) – Designed by Architekton + Barton Myers Associates
This striking venue on the south shore of Tempe Town Lake features a concrete-and-steel framework that brings performing arts spaces and public installations to life. Admire Mare Undarum – Sea of Waves (Reflecting Pool) by Ned Kahn, with mirrors reflecting the pool below. From the outdoor patio, the infinity-edge pool blends seamlessly with the lake. Even when closed, peer through the east-side glass walls into the sculpture garden to see Aurora by Brower Hatcher, inspired by desert seed pods.
ASU Gammage – Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
In 1957, ASU President Grady Gammage enlisted his friend Frank Lloyd Wright to create a landmark auditorium. Drawing from an unbuilt Baghdad opera house design, this is Arizona's only public Wright building—a 3,000-seat icon instantly recognizable to architecture enthusiasts.
College Avenue Commons – Designed by Gensler + Architekton
Best viewed from College Avenue's east side, this structure's top floors appear to defy gravity on the north side, with striking vertical and horizontal stripes. A LEED Gold-certified gem, it's the starting point for ASU tours and houses a premier ASU merchandise shop.
ASU Art Museum – Designed by Antoine Predock
Part of the Nelson Fine Arts Center, this Albuquerque architect's design echoes the desert with pink-gray tones and an underground entrance. Its modern lines perfectly frame the contemporary art inside.
Tempe Municipal Building/Tempe City Hall – Designed by Michael and Kemper Goodwin
This inverted pyramid, built in 1970, sparked downtown revitalization. Angled at 45 degrees to streets, it maximizes winter sun and minimizes summer heat, providing essential shade at its base, per the City of Tempe.
Murals and Public Art
Tempe's murals and installations—permanent and temporary—narrate our story through local artists' visions, inviting reflection and discovery.
The Tempe Tourism Office highlights favorites in two blog posts with videos detailing artists and inspirations:
Explore the City of Tempe's Public Art Interactive Map for murals, sculptures, and unique transit stops across downtown, campus, parks, streets, and paths.
Tempe History
Blending late-1800s landmarks with modern high-rises, Tempe's heritage shines. The City offers Walk Through History self-guided tours:
- Downtown Tempe – Printable PDF and Interactive Map
- Downtown Tempe and ASU Tempe Campus – Printable PDF and Interactive Map
- Hayden Butte and Tempe Town Lake
Prep with Tempe Tourism's video series by local historian Marshall Shore on ASU Campus, Tempe origins, and the Eisendrath House in Papago Park. Compatible with Firefox, Safari, Chrome; or download PDFs.
Arizona State University (ASU) Tempe Campus
Rich in history and tradition, ASU's campus boasts public art, landmarks, and gathering spots. Options include 360° tours and videos, but try the ASU Tempe Campus Points of Pride for icons like Palm Walk (1917, 100 palms) leading to the Palm Walk Overpass/University Bridge, Sun Devil Stadium, and Desert Financial Arena.
Highlights: Hayden Library (1966, largest on campus); University Club (1908, historic registers).
Tempe Breweries
Sample Tempe's five breweries responsibly (designated driver/Uber/Lyft required). Brief overviews:
Four Peaks Brewing Company, in a historic creamery, brews state-favorite Kilt Lifter, Peach Ale, 8th Street Pale Ale. Must-try: beer bread dishes.
Huss Brewing, family-owned, distributes statewide. Awards for Scottsdale Blonde, Koffee Kolsch. Dive in at the Tempe Taproom.
Pedal Haus Brewery in Downtown Tempe: award-winning beers like Biere Blanche, White Rabbit hazy IPA; vast patio; gluten-free/veg options; Buttermilk Fried Chicken.
Fate Brewing Co.'s Tempe spot: Irish Red Ale, Buena Vista Blonde, Candy Bar Milk Stout; thoughtful menu from Ahi Tuna Salad to Lunchbox Burger (peanut butter, fig jam).
The Shop Beer Co.: Relaxed vibe, order-in food, patio. Staples: Church Music IPA, Coffee Brown; seasonals like Taco, Nocturnal Daydream, Unicorn Rave.
