According to forum posts, the Desert Botanical Gardens is a highly recommended attraction in Phoenix, often highlighted for its unique desert plants and special exhibits like the Dale Chihuly blown glass exhibit. The Musical Instrument Museum and Heard Museum are also frequently mentioned, both offering rich cultural experiences with their collections of global musical instruments and Native American art and history, respectively.

Travelers have called out Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West and the Pueblo Grande Museum as must-visit sites for those interested in architecture and archaeology. Taliesin West offers a look into Wright’s innovative design philosophies, while Pueblo Grande showcases the area's Native American history.

For those looking to explore the natural landscape, South Mountain Park offers extensive trails for hiking and stunning city views. Sedona, although a two-hour drive from Phoenix, was recommended for its scenic landscapes and outdoor tours like the Pink Jeep tours, providing adventurous yet non-extreme sports experiences.

According to forum posts, travelers recommend staying in Old Town Scottsdale, known for its walkability to restaurants, shops, and bars. The Wigwam in Litchfield Park is suggested for its proximity to spring training games and hiking, with Old Town Scottsdale also mentioned for better walkability. The Royal Palms near the Phoenix/Scottsdale line is highlighted for being close to attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden.

Some travelers have mentioned The Hermosa Inn and Andaz Scottsdale for a luxurious stay, while the Clarendon in Phoenix offers a more budget-friendly option with a great pool. For families, the Westin Kierland, located in a great area with a variety of amenities, is highly praised.

For those needing convenient airport access, staying at the Aloft near the 44th and Washington station is recommended, providing easy transportation to the airport via the light rail. This location is also near safe areas for dining, such as the Stockyards Steakhouse.

According to forum posts, Phoenix offers several outdoor attractions suitable for families. The Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo are highly recommended for their engaging and interactive experiences with nature and animals. Additionally, places like McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and the nearby Bajada Nature Trail provide scenic spots for leisure and exploration.

For indoor entertainment, travelers have called out the Children's Museum of Phoenix and the OdySea Aquarium as excellent choices. These venues offer educational and fun activities that are engaging for children of various ages. The Butterfly Wonderland and the Arizona Science Center are also popular, providing immersive experiences that captivate young minds.

During specific times of the year, Phoenix becomes a hub for family-oriented seasonal activities. Posts mentioned the ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and holiday events at the Desert Botanical Garden as must-see attractions during the holiday season. These events typically feature stunning light displays and festive activities that are enjoyable for all ages.

According to forum posts, car rental options at Phoenix Airport (PHX) are centralized in a single rental car center, which is accessible via a shuttle bus from the airport terminals. This facility houses multiple rental car providers, facilitating comparisons and pick-ups in one location.

Some travelers have recommended joining car rental loyalty programs to expedite the pick-up process at Phoenix Airport. These programs often allow members to bypass the normal counter check-in, going directly to their reserved cars.

A few users have discussed offsite rental options, noting that while they might offer lower rates due to avoiding airport taxes, these locations generally have more restricted operating hours. Travelers need to consider the hours of operation if picking up from an offsite location.

When planning to return rental cars, it's advised to check with the provider about any additional fees for different drop-off locations, as mentioned by some forum members regarding returning cars to places other than Phoenix Airport.

According to forum posts, March is a very busy time in Phoenix due to Spring Training, with many travelers and higher hotel rates. Some users recommend booking accommodations early due to high demand.

Travelers have suggested checking the Cactus League website for a map of stadiums to plan visits effectively. It's also advised to buy tickets in advance as games, especially popular ones like the Brewers-Cubs, can sell out quickly.

Some users mentioned staying in areas like Scottsdale for better access to multiple stadiums and a safer, more pleasant environment. Options such as the Comfort Suites Old Town Scottsdale were noted for their proximity to Spring Training venues and overall safety.

For getting to games, having a rental car seems advantageous due to the spread-out nature of the stadiums. However, public transportation and rideshare services are also options, though some travelers noted that public transit isn't very comprehensive in Phoenix.

According to forum posts, a common recommendation for visiting the Grand Canyon is to allocate at least 1-2 nights for a thorough exploration. This allows for enough time to experience the park's majestic views and various viewpoints.

Travelers have called out that staying inside the Grand Canyon National Park is optimal for easy access to trails and activities. Lodging options such as Yavapai Lodge inside the park are popular, but they book up fast, so early reservations are advised.

For many users, entering the Grand Canyon via the East Entrance is suggested to avoid long lines at the South Entrance. This route also offers immediate access to impressive viewpoints like Desert View. Exiting through the East gives a scenic drive along Desert View Drive, providing multiple stops at key overlooks.

Some travelers said that incorporating nearby attractions enhances the trip. Suggestions include visiting Sedona for its red rock landscapes or exploring cultural sites like Wupatki National Monument near Flagstaff, enriching the Grand Canyon visit.

For Cardinals games, parking options include the Black Lot, where a parking pass is advisable to avoid excessive walking. The lot is close to the Red Zone and accessible via a pedestrian bridge to Gate 1. Preferred parking spots are available but may not be significantly closer than regular spots within the same lot.

At Chase Field, parking for concerts and events can be found in various public garages and lots around the stadium. Prices can vary, with pre-event pricing in official garages like the Right Field Garage typically around $20, but can increase to $60 on the day of the event. Exiting these garages post-event can be time-consuming due to traffic.

For the Footprint Center, pre-paid parking options are offered at $30, and nearby street parking for $25. However, using the Park and Ride on the Light Rail is recommended by some travelers to avoid traffic and parking hassles, especially after events when the area becomes crowded.

According to forum posts, the most recommended driving route from Phoenix to Sedona involves taking I-17 north, which offers scenic views through diverse desert environments. Some travelers suggest using Route 51 for a more scenic and less congested drive through Phoenix before connecting to I-17.

While the posts do not detail public transportation options directly between Phoenix and Sedona, they emphasize the limited availability and convenience of such services for reaching hiking trails and scenic spots. Instead, there are mentions of tours that can be booked which cover Sedona from Phoenix, although specifics such as operators or schedules are not provided.

Many users strongly recommend renting a car for flexibility and ease of travel between Phoenix and Sedona. This allows travelers to explore at their own pace and access more remote trails and areas that are not typically served by public transport.