2026 RMA Conference – Tempe Area Visitor Guide

Things to Do While Thriving in the Heat

September in Tempe is still very warm. Plan outdoor activities during the early morning or evening, carry plenty of water and wear sun protection.

Daytime Activities

Kayaking or Paddleboarding at Tempe Town Lake

Rent a single or double kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Life jackets and paddles are included, and no previous experience is required.

  • Address: 72 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 855-690-0794, ext. 4
  • Cost: Single kayak or paddleboard: $30 for one hour or $40 for two hours. Double kayak: $40 for one hour or $50 for two hours.
  • Details: A photo ID and matching credit or debit card are required. Alcohol and swimming are prohibited.
  • Website: Boat Rentals of America

Pedal Boats at Tempe Town Lake

Explore the lake in a shaded, easy-to-operate pedal boat accommodating up to four adults.

  • Address: 72 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 855-690-0794, ext. 4
  • Cost: Standard pedal boat: $50 for one hour or $60 for two hours. Swan, duck or dragon boat: $65 for one hour or $80 for two hours.
  • Details: Advance reservations are recommended. Walk-up rentals are subject to availability.
  • Website: Boat Rentals of America

Bike Rentals Around Tempe Town Lake

Rent a bicycle from The Bicycle Cellar and explore the lake’s approximately five-mile, mostly flat paved loop. Rentals include a helmet, lock, lights and repair kit.

  • Address: 200 E. Fifth St., Suite 105, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-219-7225
  • Cost: Standard bike rentals start at approximately $25 for two hours, $35 for four hours or $45 for eight hours.
  • Details: Call ahead to reserve a bicycle.
  • Website: The Bicycle Cellar

Downtown Tempe Public Art and Murals

Explore murals, sculptures, utility-box art and public installations throughout Downtown Tempe and along the Town Lake paths.

  • Suggested starting point: Mill Avenue and Fifth Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-355-6060
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: The City of Tempe offers online public-art maps for self-guided walks.
  • Website: Tempe Public Art

Papago Park and Hole-in-the-Rock

Hole-in-the-Rock is a short, rocky trail leading to a natural opening with views of the lagoons and Phoenix skyline.

  • Address: 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
  • Phone: 602-495-5458
  • Cost: Free
  • Parking: Free
  • Details: The trail is approximately 0.3 miles round trip and climbs about 200 feet. The rocks can be steep and slippery.
  • Website: Papago Park

“A” Mountain—Hayden Butte Preserve

This short but steep urban hike provides views of ASU, Downtown Tempe and Tempe Town Lake. The preserve also contains hundreds of ancestral Hohokam petroglyphs.

  • Trailhead area: Near Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-350-4311
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: The hike is approximately one mile round trip, depending on the starting point. Remain on designated paths and do not touch the petroglyphs.
  • Website: Hayden Butte Preserve

Tempe Center for the Arts

This lakeside performing-arts center presents theater, music, community programs, gallery exhibitions and public art.

  • Address: 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-350-2814
  • Cost: Gallery admission is free. Performance ticket prices vary.
  • Details: Check the calendar before visiting because public hours depend on exhibition and performance schedules.
  • Website: Tempe Center for the Arts

ASU Gammage

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, ASU Gammage is one of Tempe’s most recognizable architectural landmarks and a major performing-arts venue.

  • Address: 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-965-3434
  • Cost: Exterior viewing is free. Performance tickets vary.
  • Details: Interior tours may be available. Contact the box office for current tour dates and pricing.
  • Website: ASU Gammage

ASU Art Museum

The museum features contemporary art, Latin American and Latinx art, craft, prints and artwork from throughout the Americas.

  • Address: 51 E. 10th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-965-2787
  • Cost: Free
  • Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Monday, Tuesday and university holidays
  • Website: ASU Art Museum

Coffee Shops

Gio’s Organic Coffee

A family-operated café serving organic Peruvian coffee, empanadas, alfajores, pastries and light meals in a tucked-away Mill Avenue courtyard.

  • Address: 414 S. Mill Ave., Suite 111, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 949-872-9052
  • Typical cost: $4–$8 for a drink or approximately $8–$18 with food
  • Website: Gio’s Organic Coffee

Press Coffee—Skywater

An Arizona specialty roaster serving espresso, drip coffee, cold brew and breakfast and lunch items near Tempe Town Lake.

  • Address: 601 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 103, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-794-1107
  • Typical cost: $4–$8 for coffee or approximately $8–$18 with food
  • Website: Press Coffee

Proof Bread—Tempe

An artisan bakery known for naturally leavened sourdough, croissants, pastries, sandwiches and pizza.

  • Address: 699 S. Mill Ave., Suite 117, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-270-8320
  • Typical cost: $4–$8 for a pastry or approximately $8–$20 for bread, pizza or a light meal
  • Website: Proof Bread

Cartel Roasting Co.—Maple Ash

Cartel’s original Tempe specialty-coffee location offers house-roasted coffee, espresso and light food.

  • Address: 810 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-621-6381
  • Typical cost: $4–$8 for a drink or approximately $8–$15 with food
  • Hours: Daily, 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Website: Cartel Roasting Co.

Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters

An independent specialty café and coffee-education center offering pour-overs, espresso, tea and light food.

  • Address: 1300 E. Eighth St., Suite 100, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-968-2533
  • Typical cost: $4–$9 for a drink or approximately $8–$18 with food
  • Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Website: Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters

Snakes & Lattes

A full-service café, bar and restaurant with a large board-game library. Staff members can recommend games and help explain the rules.

  • Address: 20 W. Sixth St., Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-361-6644
  • Game fee: $6 per adult and $3 for children under 12. There is no game fee if you are only dining.
  • Food and drinks: Approximately $10–$30 per person
  • Details: Reservations are recommended during evenings and weekends.
  • Website: Snakes & Lattes

Evening Activities and Restaurants

Mill Avenue District

Downtown Tempe’s primary walkable entertainment district offers restaurants, cocktail bars, breweries, live entertainment and late-night venues.

  • Location: Mill Avenue between University Drive and Tempe Town Lake
  • Visitor information: 1 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-355-6060
  • Cost: Free to explore. Meals generally cost $15–$40, and cocktails commonly cost $10–$18.
  • Website: Downtown Tempe

Lucero Rooftop Lounge and Terrace

A rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge at the Omni Tempe Hotel with views of ASU and the surrounding mountains.

  • Address: 7 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 602-794-8600
  • Typical cost: Approximately $20–$50 per person
  • Details: Reservations are recommended around sunset. Hours may change seasonally.
  • Website: Lucero Rooftop Lounge

Caffe Boa

A long-running Mill Avenue restaurant offering Italian-influenced dishes, handmade pasta, wine and patio seating.

  • Address: 398 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-968-9112
  • Typical cost: Approximately $20–$45 per person
  • Website: Caffe Boa

Society Tempe

A floral-themed boutique restaurant and late-night bar serving Mediterranean- and Italian-influenced food and cocktails.

  • Address: 920 E. University Drive, Suite 204, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-550-7801
  • Typical cost: Approximately $30–$60 per person
  • Details: Reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturday.
  • Website: Society Tempe

Blue Sushi Sake Grill—Novus Place

A contemporary sushi restaurant offering traditional and creative rolls, sashimi, sake and an extensive vegan menu.

  • Address: 690 S. Novus Place, Suite 183, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-977-2583
  • Typical cost: Approximately $20–$40 per person
  • Parking: Valet parking may be available for approximately $10.
  • Website: Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Top of the Rock Restaurant

An elevated special-occasion restaurant at the Marriott Tempe at the Buttes, known for panoramic sunset views.

  • Address: 2000 W. Westcourt Way, Tempe, AZ 85282
  • Phone: 602-431-2370
  • Typical cost: Approximately $50–$90 per person
  • Parking: Complimentary valet parking is available for restaurant guests.
  • Details: Reservations near sunset are recommended.
  • Website: Top of the Rock

North Italia—Tempe

A modern Italian restaurant specializing in house-made pasta, pizza, seasonal entrées and cocktails.

  • Address: 697 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 928-588-1007
  • Typical cost: Approximately $25–$45 per person
  • Details: Weekend brunch and weekday happy hour are available.
  • Website: North Italia

Blanco Cocina + Cantina—Tempe

A contemporary Mexican restaurant serving tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tequila and frozen margaritas.

  • Address: 717 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-366-3717
  • Typical cost: Approximately $20–$40 per person
  • Parking: The restaurant offers two-hour Novus Garage validation.
  • Website: Blanco Cocina + Cantina

Postino Annex

A relaxed wine café in a converted ASU art building, known for bruschetta boards, salads, sandwiches and approachable wines.

  • Address: 615 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-927-1111
  • Typical cost: Approximately $20–$40 per person
  • Details: Reservations are helpful before ASU games and performances.
  • Website: Postino Annex

Social Hall

A restaurant and gathering place with indoor and outdoor seating, fireplaces, pool tables, ping-pong and oversized games.

  • Address: 715 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-747-3851
  • Typical cost: Approximately $20–$40 per person
  • Parking: Free on-site parking is generally available.
  • Website: Social Hall

Breweries

Pedal Haus Brewery—Tempe

An award-winning downtown brewpub with house-made beer, pub food and a large courtyard-style patio.

  • Address: 730 S. Mill Ave., Suite 102, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-314-2337
  • Typical cost: Approximately $15–$35 per person
  • Parking: West Sixth Garage validation is available.
  • Website: Pedal Haus Brewery

Four Peaks Brewing Company—8th Street Pub

Four Peaks’ original brewpub is housed inside a historic former creamery and ice factory. It serves specialty beers and a complete food menu.

  • Address: 1340 E. Eighth St., Suite 104, Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: 480-303-9967
  • Typical cost: Approximately $15–$35 per person
  • Website: Four Peaks Brewing Company

The Shop Beer Co.

An independent neighborhood brewery with a historic-house taproom, shaded beer garden, rotating releases and visiting food trucks.

  • Address: 922 W. First St., Tempe, AZ 85281
  • Phone: A public telephone number is not currently listed on the brewery’s official website.
  • Typical cost: Approximately $7–$20 for beer; food-truck prices vary.
  • Details: Food availability depends on the scheduled vendor.
  • Website: The Shop Beer Co.

Fate Brewing Company—Tempe

A large, family-friendly brewery and restaurant serving house beer, pizza, burgers, salads and brunch.

  • Address: 201 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282
  • Phone: 480-590-2395
  • Typical cost: Approximately $18–$40 per person
  • Website: Fate Brewing Company

Huss Brewing—Tempe Taproom

Huss’ original South Tempe taproom offers approximately two dozen taps with rotating Huss beers, cider and wine.

  • Address: 1520 W. Mineral Road, Suite 102, Tempe, AZ 85283
  • Phone: 480-264-7611
  • Typical cost: Approximately $7–$20 for beer
  • Details: This is a taproom rather than a full-service brewpub. Confirm current food availability before visiting.
  • Website: Huss Brewing Company

Worth the Short Drive

Desert Botanical Garden

Explore thousands of desert plants along five thematic trails, with seasonal exhibitions, educational programs and evening events.

  • Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
  • Phone: 480-941-1225
  • Drive from Downtown Tempe: Approximately 10–15 minutes
  • Cost: Admission uses dynamic pricing but is frequently around $30–$40 for adults. Child admission is lower, and special events cost extra.
  • Details: Advance timed tickets are recommended. Summer hours and midday closures may be used during excessive heat.
  • Website: Desert Botanical Garden

Phoenix Zoo

The 125-acre nonprofit zoo houses more than 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species.

  • Address: 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
  • Phone: 602-286-3800
  • Drive from Downtown Tempe: Approximately 10–15 minutes
  • Cost: Adults 14 and older: $39.95; children 3–13: $29.95; children 2 and younger: free
  • Details: September hours may be shortened because of the heat. The zoo is cashless, and certain experiences cost extra.
  • Website: Phoenix Zoo

Old Town Scottsdale

This walkable district features Southwestern galleries, boutiques, museums, restaurants, public art, cocktail bars and nightlife.

  • Suggested starting point: Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
  • Phone: 480-312-7177
  • Drive from Downtown Tempe: Approximately 15 minutes
  • Cost: Free to explore; individual attractions, restaurants and stores vary.
  • Parking: City garages are free. Street parking generally has a three-hour limit.
  • Website: Old Town Scottsdale

Phoenix Art Museum

The Southwest’s largest visual-arts museum contains more than 21,000 objects, including American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, contemporary and fashion collections.

  • Address: 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
  • Phone: 602-257-1880
  • Drive from Downtown Tempe: Approximately 20–25 minutes
  • Cost: Adults: $23; seniors 65 and older: $20; students: $18; youth 6–17: $13; children 5 and younger: free
  • Discounts: Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesday from 3–8 p.m. and free general admission during First Friday from 5–8 p.m.
  • Website: Phoenix Art Museum

Heard Museum

An internationally recognized museum dedicated to American Indian art, history and living cultures, with particular strength in Southwestern Indigenous art.

  • Address: 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
  • Phone: 602-252-8840
  • Drive from Downtown Tempe: Approximately 20–25 minutes
  • Cost: Admission varies by age and exhibition. Consult the official ticket page for current prices.
  • September hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Details: Complimentary docent tours are normally included with admission and offered several times per day.
  • Website: Heard Museum