Friends and family can fly into Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. The downtown Phoenix area is the center for most of the cultural and sporting events in the Valley, held at venues such as Bank One Ballpark, America West Arena, Symphony Hall, Herberger Theater and the Arizona Science Center.

The sports enthusiast can enjoy Spring Training baseball games, including Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Oakland A's, San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners. Professional and collegiate sporting events such as football, golf, tennis, basketball, baseball, hockey, volleyball and gymnastics are held at various venues across the Valley. Hiking and biking trails through Papago Park, South Mountain, and the Superstition Mountains offer challenges for every level of user.

The world-renown Heard Museum leads the list of cultural offerings in Phoenix. Indian artwork from the past, as well as present-day tribes is featured. The Phoenix Art Museum is home to more than 18,000 works of art, and many traveling exhibits, such as the Splendors of Egypt and works by Monet. The Herberger Theater showcases local and internationally-known theater talent and ballet. Downtown Scottsdale is home to a diverse selection of art galleries and restaurants, as well as the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.

The metro Phoenix area is home to countless shopping opportunities, including Arizona Mills Mall, an outlet shoppers paradise; regional malls such as Metro Center and Fiesta Mall; upscale clothiers and lifestyle products at Fashion Square; and unique shops such as Gilbert Ortega, where Southwestern jewelry and Native American crafts can be found.