Arizona State University is home to artist James Turrell’s “Air Apparent.” Located near the intersection of Rural and Terrace Road, this artistic interpretation of Native American Hohokam shade ramadas and pit houses is especially dramatic at sunrise and sunset.

The ASU Art Museum exhibits national and international contemporary artists, with a focus on Latin American art. The Museum houses the largest collection of Cuban art in the U.S. and an award-winning print collection. Exhibitions change seasonally. Admission is free.

The Ceramics Research Center houses and displays the ASU Art Museum’s extensive ceramic collection of close to 4,000 objects. Exhibitions change seasonally and admission is free. The Museum Store is open during Gallery hours.

The Lunar Exploration Museum includes the LROC Visitor Gallery where visitors discover the excitement of exploration, learn about America’s incredible space program, watch dedicated scientists charting the amazing lunar frontier, explore the Moon, and see a real Moon rock!

At ASU’s Mars Space Flight Facility, scientists and researchers are using instruments on spacecraft on Mars to explore the geology and mineralogy of the Red Planet. A full-size Mars Rover model is on display in the building’s lobby.

Cholla Trail is located along the ridge of Camelback Mountain, the highest point in the Phoenix Mountain at 2,704 ft.  Hikers experience a steady 1.6 mile climb with a fairly exposed section of ridge hiking towards the top.

Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon is one the more difficult, but rewarding, hikes in Phoenix. The trail ascends rapidly over a short distance. Hikers can experience a climb over rocky trails and boulders. The  trail length is 1.23 miles one way.

Tempe boasts 175 miles of bikeways, including bike lanes, desert trails and canal paths. Ride around Tempe Town Lake, down Mill Avenue or in Papago Park. The League of American Bicyclists has designated Tempe as a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community.

This space, located in Downtown Tempe, highlights local artists working in a variety of media. The   exhibitions are fun, eye-catching and unusual and displayed in the windows on the north and east side of the building. Photo: artist installation by Dale Andress.

Tempe’s diverse collection of permanent and temporary public art complements the natural and built environment through innovative place-making, installations, and infrastructure enhancements. Tempe Public Art promotes artistic expression, bringing people together to strengthen Tempe’s sense of community and place.

Downtown Tempe offers a hometown feel with urban appeal and epic adventures. From dueling pianos to Broadway plays, public art to hiking “A” Mountain, renting a bike or paddleboarding on Tempe Town Lake and more, Downtown Tempe is like #NowhereElse.

This self-guided tour takes you around Tempe’s vibrant downtown to explore its diverse collection of public art. The works seek to complement the natural and built environment through innovative place-making, installations, and infrastructure enhancements. Photo (by Michael Williams): Movement by The Lady Egg.

Gallery 100 provides students, faculty and academic professionals of the School of Art with exhibition space. Open Mon.-Thurs., noon to 5 p.m.

The Gallery at Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) offers engaging experiences with curated, traveling and juried exhibitions. Free admission. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Gallery of Design displays work by students, faculty research and design projects and special exhibitions from notable designers. Open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Exhibitions in all media by Master of Fine Arts students. Free and open to the public. Closed weekends and major holidays. Located in the School of Art Building, ASU Tempe Campus. Open Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts offers more than 1,000 free and ticketed events presented by talented students, outstanding faculty and renowned guest artists annually. Events include concerts, musicals, plays, art exhibitions, lectures and more.

Walk, fish or just relax in Tempe’s 125-acre park! Enjoy boat and bike rentals, two large corporate picnic areas, playgrounds, 15 ramadas, urban fishing and seasonal movies in the park.

This desert preserve features nearly 10 miles of hiking and biking trails throughout 1,500 acres. It is also home to several attractions and museums.

Located in the Phoenix Mountain Preserves, Piestewa Peak has numerous trails for hiking and trail running. At 2,610 ft., it’s the second highest point in the Phoenix Mountains, next to Camelback Mountain. Hundreds of residents and visitors hike Piestewa Peak per week because it offers great views and a great workout. Hikes to the peak usually take anywhere from 25-60 minutes, depending on the experience of the hiker.

At more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park and Preserve is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. The park includes 51 miles of scenic desert trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking leading to breathtaking views. Trails can be found at 48th Street and Guadalupe or from Central Avenue.

Open year-round and daily until 11:00 p.m., the Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace is the ideal family-friendly spot for children to splash, play and cool off outdoors. Parents are not to be left out with nearby fashion-forward shops, enticing eats and entertainment stops.  

Tempe Center for the Arts, Arizona’s premier waterfront arts center, is an iconic venue offering exceptional, diverse, inclusive and accessible arts experiences. Enjoy dance, music, theater, comedy and visual arts all under one roof.

The museum explores Tempe history through collections, research services, exhibits and programs that captivate and connect with audiences throughout the community and beyond. Open Tuesday – Saturday. Closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays.

With over 100 shops and restaurants and 300 events a year, Tempe Marketplace is the ultimate destination. With a vibrant outdoor setting featuring fireplaces, water features and pop-up art installations, Tempe Marketplace provides an unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment experience.

This self-guided tour takes you along Tempe Town Lake and through the TCA to explore the city’s diverse collection of public art. The works seek to complement the natural and built environment through innovative place-making, installations, and infrastructure enhancements. Photo: Tree of Life by Marilyn Zwak

The Cloud at Kiwanis Park has 5,000 square feet of water play, including loops, jelly sticks, misting sprays and pillars. The one-of-a-kind structure also provides shade from the summer sun, while featuring unique lighting and sound shows throughout the day. Open April through October.

The USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River showcases the USS Arizona’s original Boat House with over 1,500 illuminated columns silhouetting the dimensions of the USS Arizona representing those aboard December 7, 1941. Open daily from dawn until dusk.