Best Photo Spots for ASU Grads in Downtown Tempe

Hey Sun Devils!

Graduation always has a way of sneaking up on us, and let’s be honest, the pressure to get everything perfect is real. Whether you’re currently sprinting toward a spring finish or, like me, eyeing that walk across the stage in the fall, the "countdown" starts the second you realize how close the finish line actually is. There’s so much to do, and finding the right way to capture this milestone shouldn't be the thing keeping you up at night.

Between finishing finals and making sure your credits are actually in order, there is one question I keep hearing from all my friends: "Where am I supposed to take my grad pics?!"

Look, we’ve all spent years trekking across this campus. Downtown Tempe has basically become our home away from home. It’s where we’ve had our celebratory post-exam dinners and our "I need a coffee or I won't survive this lecture" runs. So, when it comes to capturing those shareable memories, why not do it in the heart of the city that saw you grow up the last 4 years?

I’ve rounded up a list of the best photo spots in Downtown Tempe to make your life easy and your photos look like a million bucks.

ASU Campus Staples: Old Main & Palm Walk

You can’t graduate from ASU without these. Old Main is the historic soul of our campus, it’s iconic, timeless, and looks great on a graduation card for the grandparents. Just a few steps away is Palm Walk. Those towering Arizona palms are the ultimate photo backdrop and an ASU staple. 

Pro-Tip: If you want that perfect lighting through the trees, aim for the hour right before sunset!

Theater of the Wind

If you want photoshoot inspiration that feels a bit more unique, you have to head over to the Marina Heights complex along the river walk. There’s a public art piece called "Theater of the Wind," and it is honestly a hidden gem for ASU graduation photos.

It’s made from recycled granite and weathering steel, creating a giant frame that perfectly captures the water and the desert in the background. It’s like a living landscape painting, and it gives your photos a sophisticated, modern edge that stands out from the typical fountain shots.

Tempe Town Lake & Pedestrian Bridge

If you’re looking for a stunning outdoor location, Tempe Town Lake is the place. The Tempe Town Lake pedestrian bridge offers those geometric lines and wide-open views that look incredible in wide-angle shots. It’s a great way to show off the scale of the city we’ve called home.

For an even more classic look, the Mill Avenue Bridge is another iconic spot that can’t be missed.

Downtown Tempe Public Art

For the student who wants their photos to feel a bit more "street style" and vibrant, take a stroll through the city streets to find these local gems:

Oidbad Mural: Located on the south wall of the 201 S. Ash Ave. parking garage, this 218-foot masterpiece is divided into six captivating sections. It’s a powerful backdrop that offers a unique, large-scale perspective on Indigenous heritage.

Kinetic Sky: Look up as you pass through the archway between the Bank of America building and the ASU School of Engineering. This 40-foot ceiling mural of the sky is enhanced by multi-colored LED lights, creating a dreamy, abstract atmosphere perfect for architectural shots.

Greetings From Tempe: Make your way to Plazita de Descanso, located near Ragsdale–MLK Park, for the ultimate "postcard" moment. Originally part of a series of mini-monuments, this interactive sculpture encourages you to step into the frame and create your own homemade souvenir.

The Cube: Visit Centerpoint Plaza to capture The Cube, a sleek and modern geometric installation that adds a sharp, contemporary edge to any downtown photo op. This piece was commissioned by Downtown Tempe Authority and features four unique murals, each side painted by a Tempe-based artist, so you’ve got a different backdrop from every angle.

Make it Easy, Make it Last

Graduation is such an important celebration, and the search for photo spots near ASU shouldn’t be stressful. Whether you’re bringing your local family along or showing out-of-state relatives around your favorite spots, these photo spots near Downtown Tempe are the perfect way to commemorate your journey.

Take the pictures, pop the champagne (carefully!), and soak in the moment. You’ve earned this, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in your home away from home.