What we love in Phoenix

There’s a lot to love when you live in the metro Phoenix area. ASU students have a ton of favorites around all four campuses. If you haven’t checked out these much loved spots yet, you have some fun (and delicious) homework ahead of you.

Grab a few friends and a sense of adventure, and get ready to enjoy some classic hotspots around the Valley of the Sun. Here's the ASU shuttle schedule to help you get from one campus to another. 

Eat

• Chuckbox -- For charbroiled hamburgers on the Tempe campus, this will be your new go-to. *Cash only

• Chop Shop -- Healthy salads, wraps, sandwiches and outdoor seating. This restaurant with locations around the metro area is perfect for lunch.

• Fillmore Coffee Co. -- Right next to an open air market and one minute from the Downtown Phoenix campus, serves daily fresh pastries, salads, and more. 

• Pho Avino -- A West campus must-eat. Students love the pho, spring rolls and boba tea. Check out the dessert menu and try the “snow.”

Hike -- ASU students can join the ASU Outdoors Club. A student group for people interested in outdoor adventures, road trips and more.

• Papago Park -- This large park located near the Tempe campus and 10 minutes from ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus is a great spot for light hikes. A student favorite is Hole in the Rock -- it’s a great place to watch the sunset.

• Camelback -- 20 minutes from the Downtown Phoenix campus and the Tempe campus, this mountain is a classic tourist attraction and fantastic hike. There are two trails to the top (caution: both are labeled “extremely hard”), and amazing views of the city.

• "A” Mountain -- On the southeast corner of Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue in Tempe is Hayden Butte, also known as “A” Mountain. Climbing this mountain to paint the “A” during Echo for the Buttes is a tradition for first-year students, but no matter how many times you hike it, there’s always a great view of the city.

• Lost Dutchman State Park -- If you love a good mystery and a great hike, check out this park in the East Valley near the ASU Polytechnic campus. Do some research on the hidden gold mine before you go and keep your eyes peeled for treasure.

Free Activities

• City Lights, Movie Nights -- The second Friday of every month (starting in February) is  movie night in downtown Phoenix. Bring a blanket or or a chair and enjoy an outdoor movie in Patriot’s Park.

• Desert Botanical Garden -- Free the first Tuesday of every month or with an ASU culture pass, the DBG is a great place to check out the beauty of the desert. Various tours are offered, or you can walk through on your own. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

• First Fridays Art Walk -- The first Friday of each month is the perfect time to experience the culture and spirit of downtown Phoenix, from food trucks to local vendors and live music. Admission to the Phoenix Art Museum and many local galleries is free, making it the perfect time to explore.

• Tempe Town Lake -- Take a stroll around the lake or rent a kayak and head out onto the water. It’s a great place to enjoy the fantastic weather in the Phoenix area.

• Westgate Entertainment District -- This vibrant outdoor space, 22 minutes from West campus offers everything from great restaurants and proximity to the  Arizona Cardinals stadium (they offer free tours to the public), to free outdoor concerts and a dancing-water attraction.

Day Trips -- ASU students can rent outdoor gear (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, cooking gear) from the Tempe and West campus Sun Devil Fitness Complexes.

• Sedona -- About two hours north of the Tempe campus is this red rock haven. Hiking, shopping and relaxation make this an amazing day or weekend trip.

• Grand Canyon -- The drive may be a little long for some, about 3.5 hours) but it’s worth the trip. This breath-taking national park is one of the seven wonders of the natural world and perfect for anyone ready for a little adventure or amazing views.

• Prescott -- This cute community about 100 miles north of central Phoenix is a great spot for hiking, art fairs or a relaxing weekend away from the heat. Check out the tasty cafes and artful boutiques.

• Fossil Creek -- This hidden destination is one of two "Wild and Scenic" rivers in Arizona and a gorgeous oasis, just look at these pictures. A permit is required to visit so plan in advance.

What are your favorite places to visit in the metro Phoenix area?