Spring Training is one of the best times to head to AZ if you are a sports fan. Even if you have never watched baseball up close and personal before, spending time in the incredible Arizona sunshine, seeing the ballparks in person, and viewing pro athletes is one of the coolest things you can do with your friends or family on your Arizona trips.

Cactus League Spring Training Schedule

Spring Training is a huge deal for baseball fans worldwide to come and see the Cactus League in full form. This exciting league has been around for over 80 years, so no wonder people are overjoyed to come here and see home runs, bring their kids to witness the magic, or see their favorite team out on the baseball diamond.

Make sure you check out the official website, MLB.com, to see the latest updates, schedules, fields, events, and information on your favorite team. The main teams who will be at Spring Training in Arizona in 2024 include the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Padres, White Sox, Cubs, Rangers, Royals, Athletics, Angels, Guardians, Brewers, and Reds.

Chances are, one of these teams is your top pick, so be sure to see your heroes live and in action up close and personal. The Spring Training series kicks off in mid-February, so ensure you get tickets ahead of time to secure your seat.

The most common stadiums for games include the Peoria Sports Complex, Salt River Fields, Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Sloan Park, Surprise Stadium, Hohokam Stadium, Tempe Diablo Stadium, Scottsdale Stadium, and Goodyear Ballpark.

There are numerous stadiums in the heart of Arizona that are close to our properties so you can easily get to and from the games. You can bike, walk, drive, or take public transportation to these convenient stadiums when you stay with us in one of our spacious and modern properties.

10 exciting and unique ballparks are all within an hour’s drive of the bustling and upbeat Phoenix, AZ, making it easy for you to get around the city, explore the stadiums, check out the inner city, and pack your days with fun things to do. You can get to all the stadiums if you stay in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, or Gilbert, Arizona.

Restaurants in Phoenix to Check Out During Spring Training Season in Arizona

Suppose you are staying in the heart of Phoenix during your Spring Training Arizona vacation. In that case, chances are you want to find the best restaurants to go to before and after spending all day at the stadium.

Breakfast is the day’s most important meal, so where do you start? We think that checking out Snooze, an AM Eatery, should be the number one stop on your list for your first day of rest and relaxation in this exciting Arizona city. Head here on Camelback Road to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, huge servings, and friendly service.

We love the expansive menu, featuring top categories like eggs, omelets, breakfast ribs, plant power meals, benedicts, pancakes, French toast, and tacos. The bread pudding French toast with whipped cream is great for a sweet tooth, whereas the chilaquiles with salsa verde and over-easy eggs are ideal for those who want a unique dish.

The next spot for day two of Spring Training is Elly’s Brunch and Cafe on Camelback Road in Phoenix. Kids will love coming here, as they offer numerous combinations of pancakes, French toast, waffles, and other sweet treats that curb any type of craving you may have. The best is the German pancake with lemon wedges and maple syrup or the classic buttermilk pancakes with chocolate chips.

After a long day of wandering around the ballpark, watching your favorite team hit home run after home run, and spending quality time with your family, it might be time to head back into the city to get a filling dinner in Phoenix. Phoenix is no stranger to restaurants, offering high-end dinner spots, ethnic cuisine, international foods, and much more.

We love going to The Arrogant Butcher every time we take Arizona trips, as it offers New American dishes, huge portions, and a modern atmosphere. Start with the house-made pretzels with provolone fondue and the crispy brussels sprouts with prosciutto breadcrumbs and parmesan for the ideal appetizer plates.

Then, for the main dish, you can’t go wrong with the Atlantic salmon with butternut squash and crispy brussels sprouts for a healthy option or the butcher’s meatloaf with mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, and brown sugar tomato glaze for a decadent main entree.

Or try the Seasons 52 restaurant on Camelback Suite for a more high-end option with better steak and seafood than anyone else in the city. We recommend ordering the lump crab cake, slow-roasted meatballs, avocado toast, and grilled artichokes with preserved lemon hummus to split with the table for fresh produce and organic vegetables.

Then, as the main entree, the wood-grilled shrimp and grits, rotisserie half chicken, wood-grilled dry rubbed pork chop, or the wood-grilled boneless rainbow trout all pair well with a glass of wine and the incredible views from outside of the restaurant. We love the fresh food here and the clean ingredients that make us feel good during.

Restaurants in Scottsdale

If you are staying closer to Scottsdale for your Spring Training getaway, there are still numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs for you to check out during your stay.

To start the day off on the right foot before heading to one of the nearby ballparks, we recommend going to Butters Pancakes and Cafe for a huge stack of buttermilk pancakes with your choice of toppings, sides, and hot coffee. What could be better? We love the down-home diner vibe of this spot that churns out flapjack after flapjack of butter goodness.

Or, for the second day, head to Alo Cafe on East 1st Street, right in the heart of Scottsdale, for huge servings and friendly workers. We order the Monte Cristo with sour cream and triple berry jam on French toast, Croissant Cristo with sour cream, or the house-smoked barbecue pork loin with house sauce, two eggs any style, and toast when we come here. It is simply divine!

Do you need a dinner spot in Scottsdale after a long day of watching Spring Training? Luckily, Scottsdale and the surrounding areas have tons of cool pubs, bars, restaurants, high-end eateries, and outdoor venues that churn out tasty food, local produce, and yummy drinks.

We recommend going to Duke’s Sports Bar and Grill if you want a laid-back, athletic-focused venue, a neighborhood pub showing sports on the various flat-screen TVs, mouthwatering burgers, huge pores of beer, and free rides home to ensure you get home safely. Talk about a bargain! Order the cheeseburger and a pint of pale ale as you watch sports on the screens at the bar.

Or, if you want something a little more defined, check out Roaring Fork on North Scottsdale Road for tasty food, a modern atmosphere, and strong cocktails that will keep you going all night long. We love the skillet cornbread with whipped agave butter, queso with green chili pork, and guacamole with cotija cheese, cilantro, and corn chips to start.

For the main dish, you can’t go wrong with ordering one of the meat-heavy dishes from the wood-fired grill, like the all-natural Black Angus steak with caramelized shallot butter, complete with a broiled lobster tail or side of au poivre. If you would rather try one of the house specialties, the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with poblano grits and charred corn is a fan favorite.

Baseball Attractions in Arizona

If you just can’t get enough of America’s pastime, then head to one of these exciting baseball attractions dotted around Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding suburbs. We know that you are going to love learning more about the history of the sport, spending time in the beautiful weather, and purchasing memorable souvenirs to bring back home after your Spring Training trip.

First, head to Chase Stadium once the regular season starts to catch a full MLB game on Jefferson Street right in the heart of Phoenix, AZ. The large stadium has a great vibe, exciting atmosphere, and great views of the entire baseball diamond from every seat.

Next, The Keg Steakhouse and Bar in Desert Ridge is a sports-themed bar that is great for athletes and sports lovers to convene, meet, and share their love of baseball with one another. You can catch the local games on the numerous TVs and even try their aptly named “baseball sirloin,” paired perfectly with a glass of red wine or a hearty beer.

Furthermore, the American Family Field of Phoenix is a great baseball stadium in the Cactus League that churns out tasty brats, hot dogs, and beer for you to enjoy on a hot spring or summer day. We love the laid-back atmosphere and the huge crowds that turn out to this sunny and clean venue to watch Spring Training in Arizona.

Phoenix Breweries to Head to After a Game

Want to keep the good vibes flowing and the party going after catching Spring Training in the Cactus League? We don’t blame you. Nothing goes better with baseball than a craft beer, so we recommend going to one of the best breweries in Phoenix and the surrounding areas to watch games on the TV, chat with other baseball fans, and sip on some of the best brews in the entire state.

First, check out Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company. If you want to listen to vintage vinyl records on Fridays, satisfy late-night carvings until 1:30 am on the weekends, grab a deal for taco Tuesday, or enjoy ‘stein’ hour for a great deal on tons of beer. This exciting brewery is one of the state’s most well-known and highly lauded breweries due to its unique brews and tasty food.

Another spot that is a must-visit after checking out the Spring Training in Arizona is Greenwood Brewing Company right in the heart of downtown Phoenix on Roosevelt Street. We love heading to the Roosevelt Row Arts District to catch a more unique scene than you would find in the more touristic sections of the city. We love the Herstory Brew Pale Ale on a hot day!

Not done with the beer yet? We don’t blame you. Walk to Huss Brewing Company’s taproom in one of their three locations in downtown Phoenix to taste some fruity and summer-type beer, like the Scottsdale blonde, and chat with locals and tourists alike. We love the laid-back vibe and friendly staff, who are great at making craft beer recommendations.

Why You Should Stay with Us During Spring Training in Arizona

If you are super keen to head to Arizona to watch Spring Training baseball, we don’t blame you. It is exciting to watch, and you can do many activities before and after viewing these pro athletes, like getting some of the best coffee and breakfast in the state, visiting museums, shopping in downtown Phoenix, and eating at high-end restaurants.