Phoenix is the state capital of Arizona. It is also the state’s largest city which offers a variety of activities and enjoyable weather year-round. Whether you want to attend a food festival, relax at a world-class resort, gaze at art in the many museums and galleries, venture the lush golf courses, or explore the Sonoran Desert, there is always something to do in Phoenix. With our Phoenix city guide, you can explore the various hot spots of Phoenix during your stay.

Arriving at the PHX Airport

The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. On any given day, nearly 1,500 aircrafts arrive and depart from the many terminals, about 100,000 passengers arrive and depart, and over 700 tons of air cargo is handled. All the planes, people, and cargo causes crowds and can result in a difficult trip for passengers. However, Airport Parking Connection makes parking at the Phoenix airport simple.

• Taxi – Taxis are available from the terminal, parking lot, and any other pickup locations at the Phoenix airport. If you choose to park at or near the PHX airport, Airport Parking Connection offers discount airport parking prices, safe and secure lots, and quick and easy reservations.
• Hotel Shuttle – Many of the nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttles to and from PHX. Be sure to check your hotel to see if they offer a complimentary airport shuttle.
• Car Rental – You can always rent a car at or near the airport. While this can be beneficial if you plan on driving a lot, it can also be time-consuming and frustrating. Be sure to check various car rental companies to compare rates and distances from your terminal.
• Airport Parking – Your best option is parking at or near the Phoenix airport. Parking near the airport is easy and stress-free using Airport Parking Connections search functions for PHX Airport Parking. We offer discount airport parking rates, easy reservations, a hassle-free cancellation policy, and secure parking lots. We also provide complimentary shuttle services to and from your terminal.

Tourist Attractions in Phoenix

There are countless tourist attractions in and around the great city of Phoenix. In fact, there are too many too describe here. Nonetheless, here is a list of some f the popular Phoenix attractions.  

• The Grand Canyon - Although the Grand Canyon is not in Phoenix, it is close enough. When you travel to Phoenix you should plan to visit this amazing, powerful, and inspiring landscape. The Grand Canyon is about 277 miles long and can get up to 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep at points. Most of the Grand Canyon is contained in the Grand Canyon National Park, which offers lodging, hiking, tours, biking, and more. Along with the Grand Canyon National Park, there are several features outside of the park that are must-see attractions. For example, the Skywalk and Hualapai Reservation, the Havasupai Reservation and Waterfalls, the Kaibab National Forest, and the Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park.
• Parks and Recreation areas - Phoenix is home to a several parks and recreation areas. There is an abundance of water parks, most likely to help residents and visitors cope with the harsh desert heat during the summer. Although all the water parks and recreation areas are terrific, one of the notable parks in Phoenix is the Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort (formerly known as Pointe South Mountain Resort). In north Phoenix, there is an amusement park called Castles N’ Coasters that offers family fun, thrilling roller coasters, a water park, a miniature golf course, and much, much more.
• Museums - Phoenix is home to several museums and art galleries. The most well-know museums are the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum. Other notable museums include:
  • Arizona Science Center
  • Fleischer Museum
  • Hall of Flame Firefighting Museum
  • Arizona Historical Society Museu
  • Phoenix Museum of History.

Phoenix Nightlife

Phoenix is filled with entertainment, gourmet restaurants serving delicious entrees, trendy bars and clubs, interesting attractions, and fun events. You will experience an unforgettable night out on the town regardless of whether you go to a game, stroll through a festival, check out one of the bars, clubs, or breweries, gamble at the casinos, dance the night away at the dance clubs, listen to entertainers at one of the live music venues or comedy clubs, or play pool at a billiard club. For more information on Phoenix nightlife visit VirtualTourist.com.

Phoenix Sports

• The Arizona Cardinals - The Cardinals are Phoenix’s National Football League (NFL) team. The AZ Cardinals hold the distinction of being the oldest continuously run professional football club in the United States. The team is actually based in Glendale, which is just outside of Phoenix. They play at the newly constructed University of Phoenix Stadium.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks - The Diamondbacks, also well-known as the D-backs, are Phoenix’s Major League Baseball (MLB) team. They play in Phoenix at Chase Field (formerly Bank One Ballpark). The D-Backs currently hold one World Series title and one National League Pennant.
• The Phoenix Suns - The Suns, Phoenix’s National Basketball Association’s (NBA) team, are housed in the US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix. They are typically a successful team, ending many seasons with a winning record and advancing to the playoffs several times. Unfortunately, they have yet to win an NBA title.
• The Phoenix Coyotes - The Coyotes are actually in Glendale, just outside of Phoenix. They are Phoenix’s National Hockey League’s (NHL) team and used to share the US Airways Center with the Suns, but now play at the Jobing.com Arena.

Phoenix Weather

Summer in Phoenix tends to be very hot. In fact, the average high temperature in summer is among the hottest of any populated area in the United States. On the other hand, winter tends to be temperate and enjoyable with not much rain and rarely any snow. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Phoenix is a perfect year-round destination. Fore more information on Phoenix weather visit WUnderground.com.

San Francisco, one of the world’s most popular international destinations, is renowned for its perfect marine weather, beautiful scenery, entertaining attractions, and famous landmarks. There is always something to do or see in San Francisco. With Smart Traveling’s city guide, you can explore the hot spots of San Francisco and the Bay area.

Arriving at the SFO Airport

San Francisco International Airport is one of the world’s 30 busiest airports serving several million domestic and international travelers annually. SFO is a leader in safety, customer service, and quality of facilities. While the airport is a superior facility, SFO airport parking can be difficult. However, Airport Parking Connection makes San Francisco Airport parking simple.

• Taxi - You can take a taxi from your hotel or park in a lot near the airport and take a taxi directly to your terminal. If you choose to park near the SFO airport, Airport Parking Connection offers discount airport parking prices, safe and secure lots, and quick and easy reservations.
• Hotel Shuttle - Many of the nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttles to and from SFO. Be sure to check your hotel to see if they offer a complimentary airport shuttle.
• Car Rental - You can always rent a car at or near the airport. While this can be beneficial if you plan on driving a lot, it can also be time-consuming and frustrating. Be sure to check various car rental companies to compare rates and distances from your terminal.
• Airport Parking - Your best option is SFO airport parking. With Airport Parking Connection, parking at the airport is easy and hassle-free. We offer discount airport parking rates, easy reservation, a hassle-free cancellation policy, and secure parking lots. We also provide complimentary shuttle services to and from your terminal.

Tourist Attractions in San Francisco

There are countless tourist attractions in and around San Francisco. In fact, there are too many too describe here. However, to give you some ideas, a few popular attractions are listed below.  

• Golden Gate Bridge - The Golden Gate Bridge has been an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco since the bridge’s completion in 1937. It is a very long suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, which is the opening of the San Francisco Bay onto the Pacific Ocean. The bridge connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County. It is one of the world’s most beautiful bridges with its tremendous towers, sweeping main cables, and unique color. Visiting the world famous Golden Gate Bridge is a unique experience for everyone.
• Alcatraz - Alcatraz Island, also known as The Rock, has been a versatile island since being discovered in 1775. It has served as the site of the first West Coast lighthouse, as a harbor defense fort during the Civil War, as a legendary federal prison, as the setting for several blockbuster hits, and as a tourist attraction. The Island is about a mile and a half off the coast of Fisherman’s Wharf. It is now maintained as part of the National Park Service because along with the former prison, the island is home to rare flowers and plants, marine wildlife, and a variety of birds. You can take a ferry to view its beauty and uniqueness. Additionally, there are many guided tours that take inside the walls of the famous Alcatraz prison grounds.
• Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf - At Pier 39, there is something for everyone. From shops to restaurants, to random street entertainment and festivals, no matter what you will have a wonderful, unique, and unforgettable experience on the Pier. Throughout the year, Pier 39 hosts several free events and has daily entertainment. Additionally, Pier 39 is home to world-renowned sea lions basking in the sun and playfully knocking each other around on the docks of Sea Lion Cafe. With over 110 stores, 12 restaurants offering spectacular views of the Bay, and a variety of fun-filled entertaining attractions, Pier 39 should be on the top of your to-do list.
• Angel Island State Park - Angel Island is the largest island in the San Francisco Bay area. It offers miles of hiking trails and bike paths, guided tours, cozy camping sites, pleasant picnic areas with tables and charcoal barbeques, historical military structures, and beautiful sites of the city of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay.
• Museums - The San Francisco Bay Area is home to an assortment of worldly recognized museums and galleries. Each museum offers an interesting, unique, beautiful look into a variety of cultures, architecture, and art. We've provided some of the best museums below:
  • Exploratorium
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
  • Asian Art Museum
  • Berkeley Art Museum
  • Cartoon Art Museum
  • The Contemporary Jewish Museum
  • De Young Museum
  • Bay Area Discovery Museum
  • Legion of Honor
  • Museum of Craft & Design
  • Museum of Performance and Design
  • Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

San Francisco Nightlife

San Francisco is home to some of the best gourmet restaurants, trendy clubs, lounges, and a variety of bars. From Chinatown to the Industrial District, you will have an enjoyable night out on the town in San Francisco. Several places offer live music and entertainment. Other places offer famous DJs, urban settings, casual atmospheres, and tasty cocktails. You can find a variety of atmospheres, including sport bars, adult clubs, jazz clubs, lounges, comedy clubs, and more.   For a list of popular bars, clubs, and lounges visit SanFrancisco.com.

San Francisco Wine Country

The city of San Francisco is in close proximity to some of California’s finest wine country. About an hour’s drive north of San Francisco are two regions of beautiful scenery, fine wines, world-class gourmet restaurants, shopping, recreational activities, and more.

• Napa Valley - Napa Valley offers several attractions, but is most famous for being one of California’s finest wine regions. Napa is home to approximately 325 wineries. Several wineries offer wine tours with affordable wine tasting. Many wineries even offer free wine and cheese samples. In addition to the numerous wineries, there are several other places to visit while in Napa, including a variety of charming restaurants, day spas, breweries, and more.
• Sonoma Valley - Sonoma Valley is another famous wine region near San Francisco. It is actually a little closer to San Francisco than Napa Valley, but is only home to about 145 wineries. In addition to fine wine, Sonoma offers various activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, wine tours, gourmet restaurants, antique shops, and much more.

San Francisco Sports

• The San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park - AT&T Park (formerly Pac Bell Park) is home to the Major League Baseball team the San Francisco Giants. It is a wonderful place to visit because of its unique design, modern features and amenities, and beautiful sights of the Bay and the city. The park opened on April 11, 2000 and has since been recognized as a classic urban ballpark with an old-time feel.
• The San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park - Candlestick Park used to be the home of the San Francisco Giants. In fact, the field was christened on April 12, 1960 when the SF Giants beat the St. Louis Cardinals. During the early 1970s, the park was expanded to house the National Football League team the San Francisco 49ers. The two teams shared the field until Giants moved to AT&T Park and now Candlestick is solely used by the 49ers. The 49ers became the first major league professional sports franchise to be based in San Francisco. The 49ers have made their fans proud, winning five NFL championships.

San Francisco Weather

San Francisco enjoys a lovely, temperate, marine climate year round. While there can be a lot of rain during the winter, summer, spring, and fall are mild and beautiful. Year round, temperatures usually hover between 40° and 70° F. During the winter months, it can get very windy. Additionally, the city is famous for a thick morning and evening fog that dissipates by midday. San Francisco 10-Day Forecast.