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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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