I'm not familiar with the Uk guide you mention. Here are some of the US sources:
Web Sites AOPA FBO directory at <a href="http://www.aopa.org" target="_blank">www.aopa.org</a> (but you need to be a member). Really just has the basic information and sometimes an airport diagram.
Airstrip America at <a href="http://www.airstripamerica.com/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.airstripamerica.com/index.html</a> shows great promise since it has photos of the airports as well as facilities information. Note that this information is user-supplied.
In print California/Northwest/Southwest, etc. Airport Guides
The California one is a blue binder and can be obtained for around $30. For VFR flying, I can't rate this more highly. It contains all the info from the standard FAA Airport and Facilities Directory and much more. It goes into local checkpoints, what to expect, approaches, departures, etc. Their website is <a href="http://www.pilotsguide.com/" target="_blank">http://www.pilotsguide.com/</a> and you can see an example of content at <a href="http://www.wvfc.org/pao.html" target="_blank">http://www.wvfc.org/pao.html</a>
Sometimes the best recommendation is to tell you what to avoid, so stay clear of books in the series The Pilot's Travel and Recreation Guide to (region of your choice) by Carmody. I bought and returned the California one since it was seriously suggesting that for a spot of sightseeing I fly into San Francisco International... Maybe if I had the use of my own personal 737 I would but in a 172 I hardly think so <img src="eek.gif" border="0">
Finally, some obvious suggestions: once you know where you'll be going, take a look at the forums on <a href="http://www.aeroplanner.com" target="_blank">www.aeroplanner.com</a> and <a href="http://www.ipilot.com" target="_blank">www.ipilot.com</a> and post a question there. You'll usually get some good responses from locals. Similarly, take a look at the rec.aviation.piloting group on Google Groups (formerly Deja) <a href="http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&group=rec.aviation.piloting" target="_blank">http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&group=rec.aviation.piloting</a> - again if you post there you will usually get some good responses from locals, including which FBOs to use, etc.
Don't forget to also call the FBO and have a chat with them - they are usually very helpful and can give you a good idea on specific local aspects.