Arizona Spring Training Guide: Top 10 Activities Beyond the Ballpark for Baseball Fans
For baseball fans, the announcement of "pitchers and catchers report" heralds winter's end and the thrill of spring training. Swap hot stove league debates for cold beers under the Arizona sun at lively ballparks.
Planning a trip? Arizona's Cactus League hosts 15 MLB teams within an hour of Phoenix, offering up to 10 games daily. This guide highlights 10 exceptional ways to extend your seventh-inning stretch, from gourmet dining and mountain hikes to the iconic Grand Canyon.
Squeeze Plays: Before or After the Ballgame
1. Take a Sunrise Hike
Arizona's golden hour shines from high vantage points. Visit Lost Dutchman State Park, 25 miles east of Mesa, for trails like Siphon Draw leading to the challenging Flatiron summit. Catch morning light on rock formations, cacti, and spring wildflowers—back in time for evening games.
2. Go Where the Wild Things Are
Discover wildlife at the Phoenix Zoo, home to 3,000 animals most active in the morning. Highlights include celebrity sloth Fernando and Arabian oryx. For families, Wildlife World Zoo offers a triple threat: zoo, safari park, and aquarium with blacktip reef sharks, albino alligators, and cheetahs—the world's fastest land animal.
3. Take Some Swings of Your Own
Phoenix ranks among America's top golf destinations per Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, with over 400 courses statewide boasting stunning desert and mountain views. Tee off early for 18 holes before afternoon games or enjoy twilight discounts later. No time for a full round? Hit Topgolf, featuring 100+ climate-controlled bays, a rooftop terrace, and TVs for watching spring training action.
4. Swap Hot Dogs for Tacos, Barbecue, and Pizza
After ballpark fare, elevate your palate in Arizona's foodie paradise, earning James Beard accolades. Pizzeria Bianco delivers wood-fired perfection by Chris Bianco. Try Roland’s Cafe Market Bar, co-created with Tacos Chiwas owners. Yelp's No. 2 Phoenix spot, Little Miss BBQ, draws lines for its excellence—arrive early. Post-game, savor prime rib amid sports memorabilia at Don & Charlie's, a Bob Uecker favorite.
5. Trade a Day at the Stadium for a Spa Day
Phoenix and Scottsdale boast numerous 4- and 5-star resorts with world-class spas. Opt for local-inspired treatments using desert sage, aloe, and prickly pear. At Fairmont Scottsdale Princess' Well & Being Spa, indulge in the Purification Ritual. Scottsdale Camelback Resort's Running Water Spa offers Desert Deep Massage, Havasupai Body Wrap, and Saguaro Blossom Manicure.
6. Make Music at One of the Nation's Top Museums
The Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix's top TripAdvisor attraction, showcases thousands of instruments and memorabilia from John Lennon to Taylor Swift. Immerse in the Experience Gallery with playable global instruments—sparking musical inspiration for all ages.
You're Out of Phoenix: Road Trips
7. Cross the Grand Canyon Off Your Bucket List
Celebrate the Grand Canyon's national park centennial legacy with stunning views and events. On its February 26 anniversary, enjoy music, cake, and tribal presentations. The 225-mile drive from Phoenix passes Verde Valley wine country, Montezuma Castle National Monument's ancient cliff dwellings, Sedona's red rock trails, and possibly Arizona Snowbowl skiing near Flagstaff.
8. Have a House Party—On a Lake
Escape to Lake Powell for houseboats and Rainbow Bridge, the world's largest natural bridge, or Lake Havasu to see the relocated London Bridge.
9. Visit the Old Pueblo
115 miles southeast, Tucson blends Spanish colonial history like Mission San Xavier del Bac with UNESCO-recognized indigenous gastronomy. Savor modern takes at Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails, Welcome Diner, or Barrio Bread. Celebrate at historic Hotel Congress. Explore Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon's Seven Falls, and the vast Pima Air and Space Museum plus Davis-Monthan boneyard.
10. Wind Back the Clock to the Wild West
In Tombstone, a National Historic Landmark, relive Wyatt Earp's era at the O.K. Corral gunfight reenactments. Visit the courthouse and Allen Street saloons. Time for Wild West Days (March 16-17) for parades and dances.
Ready to Go? Find Trip Recommendations and Deals on Hotels, Restaurants, Spas, and Activities
Extra Innings
Expert tips for a winning Arizona spring training trip:
- Hotel location: Stay near your team's stadium in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area for convenience.
- Day games: Expect surge pricing for rideshares; plan ahead.
- Sunscreen: Essential for outfield lawn seating.
- Flexibility: Catch popular teams on away fields for better seats and value.
- Autographs: Arrive early—ideally at pitchers and catchers reporting—or 2-3 hours pre-game.
- Lineups: Early games feature prospects; late March mimics regular season.
- Best deals: Midweek day games—book now.
