Your Guide to Spring Training in Arizona Travel Tips & Trends | Travel Zone by Best Western

Your Guide to Spring Training in Arizona

By Mer Norwood
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Sunny days spread out on a blanket, sunglasses on, beer in hand, hot dog in another, and enjoying a baseball game during springtime in Arizona, doesn’t get much better than that. During Spring Training in Arizona, 15 MLB teams in the Cactus League play 200+ games in Phoenix and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, also known as the Valley. Whether you are visiting from out of town, or a local ready for a staycation, here’s our guide to Spring Training in Arizona.

 

General Spring Training Tips

  • Get your tickets early, and online. Online ticketing can sometimes be cheaper than in-person, and popular teams and games see an increase in demand, so plan as far out as possible, as tickets do sell out. Learn more at cactusleague.com.
  • Wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. You and your loved ones will surely get a tan during the sunny games, so protect yourselves from the sun and stay hydrated.
  • If you have extra time, hit up a few practice sessions. This gives you a chance to meet the players and get autographs. While there’s never a guarantee you’ll get to meet your favorite player, you can always try after their workout. Bring your own pen and merchandise and be prepared if the opportunity does come up.
  • Have fun exploring Phoenix and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area! While it’s not impossible to get around without a car, we do recommend it, as there is lots to see and do in the Valley, and transportation should be the least of your worries.

 

Things To Do in Phoenix

Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Fields

Photo provided by Cactus League.

After watching a Brewers Game, head to downtown Phoenix for more food and entertainment. From the Heard Museum to The Phoenix Art Museum to The Arizona Science Center and even the Japanese Friendship Garden, there’s lots of arts and culture to explore and take in during the day. For happy hour, head to The Rose Garden for garden-inspired $6 cocktails before dining on steaks at the wild and voracious Wren & Wolf. Finish off the night by grabbing award-winning drinks from the famous Bitter & Twisted.

Book your stay at Best Western North Phoenix Hotel.

 

Things To Do in Scottsdale

Arizona Diamondbacks & Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields

Photo provided by Cactus League. Photo by Jonathan Willey/Arizona Diamondbacks.

When people think of Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale immediately comes to mind. This array of art galleries, boutiques, and delicious cuisine makes for a fun day to wander around exploring, and shopping waits for no one at nearby Fashion Square, which boasts over 200 brand-name stores. As the sun sets, make a reservation for fine dining at The Citizen Public House, The Mission, or Maple & Ash. At Maple & Ash, if you call ahead, they will even make customized menus for you as a keepsake for your experience.

Book your stay at Aiden by Best Western @ Scottsdale North.

 

Things To Do in Peoria

San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex

Photo provided by Cactus League.

If you’re in the West Valley, you need to head over to Westgate Entertainment District for tons of things to do. Usually bursting with energy from football game days, during the spring it is still home to tons of shops, restaurants, and excitement. Do brunch at the pink restaurant, Bodega, where you have over 10 flavors of mimosas to choose from. Grab a bite of Fruity Pebbles French Toast at Salt y Tequilas or play games and drink simultaneously, at Carousel Arcade Bar. For a group dining experience, look no further than Manna BBQ for Korean bbq, and for beer enthusiasts, Yard House offers over 100 beers, and is the place to go.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Executive Residency Phoenix North Happy Valley.

 

Things To Do in Chandler

Oakland A’s at Hohokam Stadium

Head over to Downtown Chandler to keep the energy going after watching the Oakland A’s. For the coffee aficionados, there’s Peixoto Coffee Roasters, (pronounced pay-sho-tow), always offering seasonal brews and flavors. The Perch Pub & Brewery offers a unique experience – there’s birds, literally, everywhere that you can see and hear, but not touch. For ice cream, head to The Screamery where you can get ice cream nachos or a flight of ice cream, which includes six sample scoops for to enjoy and share. In Chandler, you can also experience Arizona’s largest combined brewery & distillery facility, with a tour from SanTan Brewing Co., sample and see how beverages like the Devil’s Ale or Sacred Stave American Single Malt Whiskey are made.

Book your stay at Best Western Inn of Chandler.

 

Things To Do in Mesa

Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park

Photo provided by Cactus League.

Downtown Mesa is like one giant Main Street, and it’s easy to navigate the artsy murals, breweries, and restaurants that make up the neighborhood. Start at Cider Corps and get a cider slushie and grab a slice of Myke’s Pizza, also sold within the same taproom. Make your way to Worth Takeaway for their juicy, Crispy Chicken Sandwiches, and if you’re still hungry head to Republica Empanada, home to over 20 different empanadas. Grab a beer at 12 West Brewing where they have 12 beers on tap and serve Superstition Meadery mead, too.

Book your stay at Vib Hotel By Best Western Phoenix-Tempe.

 

Things To Do in Tempe

Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium

Photo provided by Cactus League. Photo by John Cordes.

If you have a hankering for bbq and you’re in the Phoenix area, you can’t leave without trying Little Miss BBQ – University location. Named as one of Yelp’s Top 100 Places, Thrillist’s Top 33 BBQ Joints, and appearing on the Food Network several times, this bbq joint is legitimate, and well-worth the trip. Also, in Tempe during Spring Training, is the Innings Festival, a two-day music festival at Tempe Beach. 2023 headliners include Green Day and Eddie Vedder.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Chandler Hotel & Suites.

 

Things To Do in Surprise

Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals

Photo provided by Cactus League.

Hungry and thirsty after the game? State 48 Brewery has you covered. With dishes like totchos (nachos made with tater tots) and chicken wings in hibiscus, chipotle glaze, paired with brews like Desert Vibes Mexican lager, it’s nothing short of a good time. To keep the good times rolling, head over to Uptown Alley. The venue has everything for family fun, including: a laser tag playground, a bowling alley, a sports theater, an arcade, a virtual reality space, and a restaurant.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Surprise-Phoenix NW.

 

Things To Do in Goodyear

Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds

Photo provided by Cactus League.

Go for a hike at Estrella Mountain Regional Park, which has 20,000 acres of desert and mountain landscapes, plus over 30 trails for hiking. From the short, Baseline Trail to the all-day Penderson Trail, there’s a hike for every skill level and ability for each member of your family. After your hike, head over to Arizona Pizza Company. Founded in Goodyear, this pizzeria only serves locally sourced-ingredients, and their pizzas, from Supreme to Classic to Meathead, all deliver on flavor and taste.

Book your stay at Best Western Phoenix Goodyear Inn.

 

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