Beyond the Cactus League: 14 Must-Do Experiences in Arizona for Baseball Fans
Arizona draws baseball fans from across the country each March for Cactus League spring training, where 15 MLB teams compete within an hour's drive of Phoenix. With up to 10 games daily, even dedicated supporters may crave a refreshing break from the diamond.
Here are 14 expert-recommended escapes for an extended seventh-inning stretch, from Phoenix-area highlights to epic Arizona adventures.
Squeeze Plays: Before or After the Ballgame
1. Embark on a Sunrise Hike
Capture Arizona's stunning golden hour from a high vantage point.
Visit Lost Dutchman State Park, 25 miles east of Mesa, where dawn's red and gold light illuminates desert cacti and wildflowers. Ideal for a morning hike—perhaps toward the Superstition Mountains—before returning for an evening game.
2. Encounter Wildlife Up Close
Arizona's wild side extends beyond the pitcher's mound. The Phoenix Zoo houses 1,400 animals, with highlights like giraffe feeding, the Safari Train, and Monkey Village—the nation's only walk-through squirrel monkey exhibit.
For families seeking zoo and aquarium thrills, head to the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park (15 miles west of Peoria and Glendale). Enjoy cheetah safaris, sea lion shows, and a petting zoo. Evening discounts after 5 p.m. make it perfect post-afternoon game.
3. Tee Off on World-Class Golf Courses
Phoenix earns top honors from Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of America's best golf cities. Arizona boasts over 400 courses amid dramatic desert and mountain landscapes.
Morning tee times allow 18 holes before afternoon games; twilight rates offer afternoon savings. Short on time? Hit Topgolf in Scottsdale or Gilbert—over 100 climate-controlled bays, rooftop terrace, 200+ TVs to catch games between swings.
4. Savor Arizona's Culinary Delights
Trade stadium fare for authentic flavors—it's a healthier, more sustainable choice.
Elevate with tequila cocktails at Barrio Queen (Scottsdale's largest selection in Arizona) or pecan wood-smoked ribs at Joe's Real BBQ, featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Post-game, indulge in prime steaks amid sports memorabilia at Don & Charlie's, a Bob Uecker favorite. Catch food trucks outside Sloan Park in Mesa.
5. Unwind at a Luxury Spa
Phoenix and Scottsdale host countless 4- and 5-star resorts, offering enough spa experiences for a full trip.
Discover Native American traditions like heated stone tables and desert sage oils at Alvadora Spa, or prickly pear clay and aloe treatments at Aji Spa, rooted in Pima and Maricopa heritage.
6. Dive into Interactive Science
The Arizona Science Center delights with hands-on exhibits: navigate a giant stomach model, SkyCycle 90 feet high, or a bed of nails.
Explore the shark exhibition featuring cinematic displays, full-scale models, and 370-million-year-old fossils. Adults enjoy third-Friday events with demos, drinks, and music.
7. Play at the World's Top Musical Instrument Museum
TripAdvisor's #1 Phoenix attraction, the Musical Instrument Museum showcases 6,500+ instruments and memorabilia from icons like John Lennon, Elvis Presley, and Taylor Swift.
Hands-on Experience Gallery lets you play global instruments, from gongs to Burmese harps.
You're Out of Phoenix: Day Trips and Road Trips
8. Capture Red Rock Magic in Sedona
Two hours north, Sedona's iconic red rocks offer Instagram-worthy hikes like Devil's Bridge or Soldier Pass Arches in Red Rock State Park. Thrill-seekers opt for Pink Jeep Tours.
A sacred site for Native Americans, explore energy vortexes via guided tours or aura readings.
9. Explore Ancient Cliff Dwellings
26 miles south of Sedona, Montezuma Castle National Monument preserves Sinagua cliff homes from the 1100s. View from a paved trail (no interior access). Families love junior ranger programs and bird walks. $10 entry; managed by National Park Service.
10. Cruise Lakes on a Houseboat
Rent houseboats (2-night min., 8-12 people) on Lake Powell (near Utah) or Lake Havasu (near California). See Rainbow Bridge and London Bridge, transplanted from England.
11. Discover Vibrant Tucson
Two hours south, detour via Saguaro National Park. Downtown Tucson blends history (150-year-old buildings, Hotel Congress cocktails) with modern vibes near University of Arizona—boutiques, coffee, alfresco dining.
Catch the Spring Street Fair (March 24-26) with 400+ artisan booths, local eats, and music.
12. Tour an Airplane Boneyard
Tucson's Pima Air and Space Museum, one of the world's largest civilian aviation museums, adjoins Davis-Monthan Air Force Base's boneyard—home to 4,000+ U.S. military and NASA aircraft.
13. Step into the Wild West in Tombstone
In historic Tombstone, relive Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday's era at the O.K. Corral. Allen Street preserves saloons and shops; enjoy daily reenactments or Wild West Days (March 18-19) with parades and dances.
14. Witness the Grand Canyon
A four-hour drive from Phoenix, the Grand Canyon demands at least two days to fully appreciate its awe-inspiring scale.
