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Things are different in the desert. The sky is bigger. The stars are brighter. The sunsets stop you in your tracks.
America's fifth largest city still has real cowboys and rugged mountains and the kind of cactus most people see only in cartoons. Phoenix is the gateway to the Grand Canyon, and its history is a testament to the spirit of puebloans, ranchers, miners and visionaries.
Projected against this rich backdrop is a panorama of urban sophistication: resorts and spas that drop jaws and soothe souls. Stadiums and arenas worthy of the world's biggest sports spectacles. Restaurants with inspired cuisine and inspiring patio views. Golf courses that beckon players the year round. Shopping centers as stylish and eclectic as the fashions they house.
Transportation is easy in Phoenix and its surrounding communities. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is located five minutes from downtown Phoenix. The nation's newest light-rail system connects Phoenix with Tempe and Mesa and stops at a station where you can catch a quick shuttle to the airport.
Dubbed as America's Friendliest Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International is the main airport serving the Greater Phoenix area. It serves more than 39 million passengers a year, and goes to more than 100 domestic and international destinations, making it one of the 10 busiest airports in the nation. With about 1,200 daily flights - about 500 nonstop - Sky Harbor is one of the most convenient airports.
Sky Harbor airport is the only airport in the country with hubs for two major low-fare carriers (US Airways and Southwest Airlines), which is one of the reasons its average round-trip airfare has been below the national average for the past 13 years. Once at the airport, passengers enjoy free Wi-Fi at every terminal and public space.
| Terminal 2: | Terminal 3: | ||
| Alaska Air | Air Tran | Frontier | |
| Continental | American | Hawaiian | |
| Great Lakes | Delta | Midwest Airlines | |
| United/TED | Delta Connection | Sun Country Airlines | |
| Terminal 4: | |||
| AeroMexico | Southwest | ||
| Air Canada | US Airways | ||
| British Airways | WestJet | ||
Once at the airport, getting to your destination in Greater Phoenix is very easy with so many options. It's likely that your destination is Downtown Phoenix, the Metro Light Rail is your best bet, with fares just $1.75 each way. There is a shuttle at the airport to transport you to the nearest Light Rail stop. The Light Rail is a 20-mile line with 28 stops that runs for 20 hours a day, seven days a week, and comes every 10 minutes.
Taxis are also an affordable option from Sky Harbor, and these are two companies serving the airport: AAA Cab (www.aaayellowaz.com - +1-602/252-5252) and and Discount Cab (www.discountcab.com - +1-602/200-2000).
Sky Harbor has a consolidated Rental Car Center that makes getting your car easy and fast. The Rental Center serves Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty Car Rentals. Shuttles run from the airport Baggage Claim level to this offsite center.
The airport is also serviced by SuperShuttle vans (www.supershuttle.com - +1-800-258-3826), limousines, the Phoenix city bus system and many hotel and resort shuttles will accommodate their guests to the airport.
The Phoenix area recently completed the first phase of a light rail system. An all-day pass on the METRO Light Rail is $3.50, and can be purchased on any boarding platform. There are several "park and ride" facilities near each end that offer free parking. From the East: The East end of the line is just east of Dobson on Main St. in Mesa. The line then passes through Tempe, north of Sky Harbor Airport, and goes immediately past the Phoenix Convention Center. Use the "3rd St/Washington" stop, also marked "Convention Center", and cross the street to the east. From the West/North: The West/North end of the line is just south of Bethany Home Road on 19th Ave. The line goes south along 19th Ave. to Camelback, where it jogs to Central Ave., and continues to downtown. Use the stop marked "3rd St/Jefferson", also marked "BallPark/Arena". Walk one block north to the Phoenix Convention Center. Handicapped access: The METRO Light Rail is very handicapped accessible, although the handicapped parking spaces at some of the "park and ride" facilities are about a city block from the actual platform. Bicycles: The METRO Light Rail has bicycle storage hangers in the middle of every car.
For more details, visit http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail/
If you're looking for quick Point A-to-Point B transportation in downtown Phoenix, flag down one of the plentiful pedicabs:
The average high temperature for Phoenix for the month of March is 75.5° F (24.2° C) and the average low temperature is 48.8° F (9.3° C). Local weather reports are almost always in ° F. Please remember that Phoenix is in a desert, and therefore the humidity is very low, so you'll want to drink plenty of water. Also note that Phoenix has intense sunshine, and sunscreen is recommended for any outdoor activities. The average monthly precipitation for March is just over 1 inch (2.5cm).
Reminder for local residents: Please remember that many "tourist" facilities are kept at temperatures below that which are comfortable for Phoenix area residents, so bringing a sweater to wear indoors can be a wise idea.
Downtown Phoenix is a sunny metropolis for work and play. With the Phoenix Convention Center, sports stadiums, arenas, concert venues, performing arts theatres, Phoenix Symphony and events always happening, it's a relaxed but exciting atmosphere. Hip restaurants, boutiques, art galleries attract a youthful crowd.
Central Phoenix is a combination of old-Phoenix aesthetic with modern appeal. It's resurgence of unique restaurants, bars, vintage shops, and art spaces peppered throughout the area make CenPho a true playground for locals. With Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, many resorts call Central Phoenix their own.
The West Valley is primarily made up of the cities of Glendale, Avondale, Arrowhead and Peoria. The vast horizons allow for large sporting and event venues, including the Glendale's University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, and Jobing.com Arena, home to Phoenix Coyotes.
The Northern Valley of the Sun takes you back to the Western roots of Arizona. Just past the north Phoenix and Scottsdale areas, the small, rugged towns of Cave Creek and Carefree are a cozy welcome to locals and visitors alike. The brilliant mountain scenes removed from the city are a sight to see, while these areas have some of the Valley's best dining, hiking and outdoor adventures.
The East Valley primarily comprises the cities of Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert. While Arizona State University in Tempe has a lively and energetic atmosphere, Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa enjoy a relaxed suburban feel. Shops, neighborhood restaurants and quaint art galleries call the East Valley their home.
Scottsdale is the newest, glossiest area of the Phoenix area, with shops, nightclubs, swanky restaurants and resorts abounding. Old Town Scottsdale has numerous western stores and art galleries, which makes way for night owls on the weekends. North Scottsdale hosts recognizable stores outdoors to make the most of their sunny weather.
The Heard Museum - 2301 N. Central Avenue
602/252-8840
www.heard.org
The internationally acclaimed Heard Museum is one of the best places to experience the myriad cultures and art of Native Americans of the Southwest. With a commanding presence on Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix, the museum hosts nearly 250,000 visitors a year and "provides Indian artists with a wonderful home that will excite and inspire visitors from around the world." according to Arizona Highways. The museum's 10 spacious exhibit galleries and beautiful outdoor courtyards feature outstanding traditional and contemporary Native American art.
Taliesin West - 12621 North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale
480/860-2700
www.franklloydwright.org
Frank Lloyd Wright's desert masterpiece is located on 480 acres of rugged desert in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, and the complex of buildings overlooks the entire metropolitan Phoenix Valley below. The Cabaret Cinema, Music Pavilion, Seminar Theater, Wright's private office and the Taliesin West Living Room are linked by dramatic terraces, gardens and walkways. The Sunset Terrace and adjacent areas provide dramatic views of the Taliesin West buildings, as well as the Valley to the southwest. The Living room adjacent to the Sunset Terrace.
Desert Botanical Garden - 1201 North Galvin Parkway
602/481-8188
www.dbg.org
The Desert Botanical Garden offers the world's finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts of the world in a unique outdoor setting. The Garden has more than 50,000 desert plants on display throughout five thematic trails that illustrate topics such as conservation, desert living, plants and people of the Sonoran Desert and desert wildflowers.
Phoenix Art Museum - 1625 North Central Avenue
602/257-1880
www.phxart.org
Popular exhibitions featuring artists such as Rembrandt, Norman Rockwell, Annie Leibowitz and Monet are shown along side the Museum's outstanding collection of more than 17,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design. A community epicenter for nearly fifty years, Phoenix Art Museum presents festivals, live performances, independent art films and educational programs that enlighten, entertain and stimulate.
Arizona Science Center - 600 East Washington Street
602/716-2099
www.azscience.org
The Arizona Science Center offers hands-on, eye-opening fun with more than 300 interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, and traveling exhibitions.
Explore 350 hands-on exhibits, a five-story theater and a planetarium in a unique setting. Group rates and facility rentals available.
Phoenix Zoo - 455 North Galvin Parkway - Papago Park
602/273-1341
www.phoenixzoo.org
More than 1,300 animals, exhibited throughout five unique trails. Open every day 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visitors will enjoy daily up close animal encounters, keeper talks, bike and boat rentals and a variety of retail and food venues. Check the Zoo's website often for updates on special events and daily programs.
Camelback Mountain - 5700 North Echo Canyon Parkway
602/256-3220
phoenix.gov/recreation/rec/parks/preserves/locations/camelback/index.html
Located 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is a Phoenix icon visited by thousands every year. Trailheads are accessible from Tatum Blvd and McDonald on the north side, or 64th St and Cholla Lane on the east side of the mountain. Two Summit trails are very strenuous and steep, but easier hikes can be found around the base of the mountain.
CityScape Phoenix Downtown - One East Washington Street
www.cityscapephoenix.com
Just steps away from the Wyndham Phoenix and the Phoenix Convention Center, the new 1.8 million square foot multi-use urban oasis has it all - a unique and diverse collection of restaurants, bars, lounges to lure the appetites of those craving something new; an eclectic mix of specialty shops and unique boutiques to satisfy the savvy shopper and innovate entertainment including Lucky Strike Lanes and Stand Up Live!
Biltmore Fashion Park - 2502 East Camelback Road
602/955-1963
www.westcor.com
At the heart of a red-hot, upscale neighborhood of estate homes, grand resorts and new condominiums is the open-air Biltmore Fashion Park, a lush garden of shopping and dining experiences in the center of the historic Biltmore District. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and including such luxurious shopping venues as Escada, CALYPSO, Ralph Lauren, Stuart Weitzman, Cole Haan and The Capital Grille, Biltmore Fashion Park is the original luxury shopping destination in Phoenix. Biltmore Fashion Park offers exceptional customer service at the Concierge Desk that includes a complimentary visitor guide and a free Shopping & Dining Visitor Rewards book.
The Borgata - 6166 North Scottsdale Road
602/953-6538
www.westcor.com
The Borgata is a shopping experience of local and national specialty shops and restaurants including: Chico's, Ames, Fitigues and Two Plates Full. Find unique merchandise in a setting straight from the Tuscan Village of San Gimignano complete with cobblestone walkways, fountains and an open-air setting, offering a bit of Renaissance Italy in the sunny Southwest. Dolce Salon & Spa is the largest salon and spa in the Southwest, offering a wide selection of services. Please visit Pink Paradise at The Borgata for a complimentary Shopping & Dining Visitor Rewards book.
Scottsdale Fashion Square - 7014 East Camelback Road
480/941-2140
www.westcor.com
Scottsdale Fashion Square is the Southwest's distinctive address for premier shopping, dining and entertainment, and it offers an extraordinary retail experience in the heart of the country's fastest-growing major metropolitan area. Elite brands include Burberry and Boss Hugo Boss to Kate Spade, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., St. John, Max Mara, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Recognized as one of the top tourist destinations in Arizona, Scottsdale Fashion Square is a retail powerhouse, unequalled in its ability to deliver premier brands to exclusive shoppers.
For more information about Phoenix, please visit these websites:
www.visitphoenix.com PSCE - for information on "all things Phoenix"
www.downtownphoenixjournal.com
http://www.arizonaguide.com - tourist information
http://www.skyharbor.com - Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
http://www.nba.com/suns/ - Official Website of the Phoenix Suns basketball team - the Suns play the Toronto Raptors in Phoenix on Wednesday, March 23, 19:00 at the US Airways Center.
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