Arizona Spring Training Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Know & How to Plan Your Cactus League Trip
- Apr 30
- 10 min read
Arizona Spring Training is one of the best reasons to visit Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area in late winter and early spring.
Every year, baseball fans travel to Arizona for sunshine, Cactus League games, outdoor dining, golf, hiking, family trips, group getaways, and a more relaxed way to experience Major League Baseball before the regular season begins.
Unlike a regular-season baseball trip where visitors usually go to one stadium in one city, Arizona Spring Training gives fans the chance to see multiple teams and multiple ballparks across the Valley during the same trip.
That is what makes the Cactus League so special.
The official Cactus League website describes Arizona Spring Training as featuring 15 MLB teams across 10 stadiums, all located in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
For guests staying in Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix, or nearby Valley communities, Spring Training can be the centerpiece of a memorable Arizona vacation.
At iTrip Scottsdale, our professionally managed vacation rentals give baseball travelers the space, kitchens, laundry, parking, Wi-Fi, and comfort that families, couples, groups, and longer-stay guests need between games.
This guide explains what to know before planning your Arizona Spring Training trip, where to stay, how to think about the schedule, and why booking direct with iTrip Scottsdale can make your Cactus League visit easier.
What Is Arizona Spring Training?
Arizona Spring Training is the preseason period when Major League Baseball teams prepare for the regular season in the Phoenix metro area.
The Cactus League is Arizona’s Spring Training league, while the Grapefruit League is based in Florida.
What makes the Cactus League especially convenient is how close the stadiums are to each other. The official Cactus League stadium map notes that the league’s 10 ballparks are clustered in the Phoenix metropolitan area within about an hour’s drive of each other, allowing fans to follow favorite teams and experience different stadiums during one trip.
That creates a travel experience that is very different from a normal baseball trip.
Fans can:
See multiple teams
Visit different stadiums
Enjoy smaller ballpark settings
Watch day games in the Arizona sunshine
Pair baseball with golf, hiking, dining, shopping, and day trips
Travel with family or groups
Stay longer and build a full Arizona itinerary
For many fans, Spring Training becomes an annual tradition.
Why Spring Training Is a Major Arizona Travel Attraction
Spring Training is not just a baseball event. It is a major Arizona travel season.
Visit Arizona, the state’s official travel site, promotes Spring Training as an opportunity to explore 15 teams across 10 stadiums, including stadiums in Peoria, Scottsdale, Glendale, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Goodyear, and Surprise.
Spring Training also overlaps with Scottsdale’s broader winter visitor season, which means guests may extend their stays to enjoy golf, hiking, Old Town Scottsdale, patio dining, birdwatching, day trips, and outdoor activities while they are in Arizona.
When Is Arizona Spring Training?
Spring Training generally takes place in late February and March, leading into the Major League Baseball regular season.
The exact schedule changes each year, so travelers should always check the official schedule before booking flights, buying tickets, or finalizing plans.
For 2026, the official Cactus League schedule page lists games beginning on Friday, February 20, 2026. MLB also announced that the 2026 Spring Training schedule begins on February 20, including multiple Cactus League games that day.
Editor’s Note: Spring training schedules are released annually so check back each year to get an updated schedule.
Why Scottsdale Is a Great Spring Training Home Base
Scottsdale is one of the best places to stay for an Arizona Spring Training trip because it gives guests access to both baseball and the broader Arizona vacation experience.
From Scottsdale, visitors can enjoy:
Scottsdale Stadium
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Easy drives to Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, Mesa, Tempe, and Surprise stadiums
Old Town Scottsdale
Golf
Hiking
Outdoor dining
Shopping
Day trips
Spring weather
Vacation rentals with space for families and groups
Scottsdale Stadium is especially relevant because it is located near Old Town Scottsdale and hosts the San Francisco Giants during Spring Training. The Cactus League ballpark guide notes that Scottsdale Stadium has hosted Cactus League baseball since the 1950s and is close to food, shopping, and entertainment in Old Town Scottsdale.
This makes Scottsdale a strong base for guests who want baseball during the day and restaurants, shopping, galleries, patios, or nightlife in the evening.
Spring Training Areas Near iTrip Scottsdale Guests
iTrip Scottsdale’s footprint is especially useful because Spring Training is not limited to one city.
Guests may be staying in or near:
Scottsdale
Phoenix
Peoria
Glendale
Fountain Hills
Cave Creek
North Scottsdale
Other Valley communities
That matters because several key Spring Training stadiums are located across the metro area.
Visit Arizona identifies Spring Training stadiums across the Valley, including Peoria Sports Complex, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Camelback Ranch-Glendale, and American Family Fields of Phoenix.
Why Vacation Rentals Work So Well for Spring Training Trips
Spring Training travelers often need more than a standard hotel room.
Many guests travel as:
Families
Couples
Friend groups
Multi-generational groups
Snowbirds hosting visitors
Baseball fans following multiple teams
Golfers combining baseball with tee times
Longer-stay guests attending several games
A professionally managed iTrip Scottsdale vacation rental can make a Spring Training trip easier by offering:
Multiple bedrooms in many homes
Full kitchens
Laundry
Parking
Living rooms
Outdoor space when available
Wi-Fi
Space for baseball gear, golf clubs, luggage, and family
Comfortable downtime between games
Flexibility for different schedules
Instead of coordinating multiple hotel rooms, guests can share a home base, enjoy breakfast together, drive to games, return between outings, cook when convenient, and relax after a day in the sun.
Kitchens Are a Big Advantage for Baseball Travelers
Spring Training days often start early.
Guests may want to grab coffee, make breakfast, pack snacks, fill water bottles, or prepare food before heading to the ballpark.
A kitchen is especially useful for:
Families with kids
Long-stay guests
Guests attending multiple games
Travelers with dietary needs
Snowbirds hosting family
Groups trying to manage costs
Early tee times before afternoon games
With an iTrip Scottsdale vacation rental, guests can enjoy the flexibility of eating at home when it makes sense and dining out when they want to explore Scottsdale’s restaurant scene.
Laundry Helps During Longer Spring Training Stays
Spring Training trips can involve warm afternoons, stadium seating, golf, hiking, pool time, family outings, and day trips.
Laundry access is useful for:
Baseball jerseys and fan gear
Kids’ clothes
Golf clothes
Hiking clothes
Pool towels
Longer stays
Visiting family
Multiple game days
For guests staying several days or several weeks, laundry makes the trip easier and helps everyone pack lighter.
Parking Matters During Spring Training
Most Arizona Spring Training travelers use a car.
Because stadiums are spread across the Phoenix metro area, guests often drive between Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Surprise, and other Valley cities.
A vacation rental with convenient parking can make the trip much smoother.
Before booking, guests should consider where they plan to attend games and whether the rental location makes sense for their Spring Training itinerary.
How to Plan Your Arizona Spring Training Trip
A successful Cactus League trip starts with a simple plan.
Step 1: Choose Your Teams
Decide whether you are traveling for one favorite team or planning to experience several stadiums.
Some fans follow their home team. Others build the trip around multiple teams, ballparks, and matchups.
Step 2: Check the Official Schedule
Because game dates and times change each year, always check the official Cactus League or MLB schedule before finalizing plans. The official Cactus League website provides current schedule and stadium information.
Step 3: Choose Your Home Base
Pick a vacation rental based on the stadiums, activities, and locations that matter most.
Scottsdale is ideal for guests who want baseball plus dining, shopping, golf, hiking, Old Town, and day trips.
Peoria and Glendale can be useful for guests attending games in the northwest or west Valley.
Phoenix can be useful for central access and additional attractions.
Step 4: Build in Non-Baseball Time
Do not schedule every hour around games.
Part of the Spring Training experience is enjoying Arizona between games.
Leave time for:
Golf
Hiking
Old Town Scottsdale
Patio dining
Pool time
Shopping
Day trips
Family visits
Relaxing at the vacation rental
Step 5: Book Early
Spring Training overlaps with Arizona’s busy winter and early spring travel season.
If you need specific dates, bedrooms, pet-friendly options, parking, or a particular location, book early.
Where to Stay for Spring Training in Scottsdale, Peoria and Glendale
Scottsdale
Best for guests who want easy access to Scottsdale Stadium, Salt River Fields, Old Town Scottsdale, golf, dining, shopping, and desert activities.
Peoria
Best for guests attending games at Peoria Sports Complex or staying closer to northwest Valley activities.
Glendale
Best for guests attending games at Camelback Ranch-Glendale or combining baseball with west Valley attractions.
Phoenix
Best for guests who want central access, Phoenix attractions, and easy driving to multiple stadiums.
iTrip Scottsdale vacation rentals give guests more space and flexibility than hotels, especially for families, groups, and longer stays.
Things to Do Between Spring Training Games
Spring Training trips are better when guests build in activities between games.
Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area offer plenty to do.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is ideal for restaurants, galleries, shopping, nightlife, museums, and walkable visitor experiences.
Play Golf
Many Spring Training visitors also come for golf. Scottsdale and the Valley offer many options for golfers who want to combine baseball and tee times.
Go Hiking
Winter and early spring are excellent for hiking in the Scottsdale area. Visitors may explore McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Papago Park, Pinnacle Peak area, or other desert trails.
Enjoy Patio Dining
Outdoor dining is one of the best parts of visiting Arizona during Spring Training season.
Visit Desert Botanical Garden
This is a strong option for families, couples, and visitors who want a beautiful outdoor experience without a strenuous hike.
Take a Day Trip
Guests staying longer may add day trips to Sedona, Jerome, Prescott, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, Saguaro Lake, or Verde Valley.
Relax at the Vacation Rental
Not every moment needs to be scheduled. A vacation rental gives guests a comfortable place to rest between games, cook meals, enjoy outdoor space, or spend time with family.
Spring Training Tips for Families and Groups
Spring Training is especially popular with families and groups because it is more relaxed than many regular-season baseball trips.
Tips for families and groups:
Choose a rental with enough bedrooms and bathrooms
Look for kitchen and laundry access
Confirm parking
Buy tickets early for popular games
Build in rest time
Bring sunscreen, hats, and water
Check stadium bag policies before leaving
Plan meals around game times
Allow extra time for parking and traffic
Avoid overscheduling
For families and groups, a vacation rental often makes the trip feel easier because everyone has more room to spread out.
Spring Training Tips for Snowbirds and Long-Stay Guests
Spring Training is also a major benefit for snowbirds and winter visitors staying into February and March.
Long-stay guests may enjoy:
Hosting family for game weekends
Attending multiple games over several weeks
Exploring different stadiums
Combining games with golf
Taking advantage of midweek games
Building Spring Training into their winter routine
For snowbirds, booking direct with iTrip Scottsdale can also help simplify future winter stays and make it easier to return for Spring Training year after year.
What to Pack for an Arizona Spring Training Trip
Spring Training weather can be beautiful, but guests should still be prepared for sun, changing temperatures, and long outdoor days.
Pack:
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Comfortable shoes
Light layers
Team gear
Refillable water bottle
Phone charger
Small approved bag
Tickets or ticket app
Light jacket for evening plans
Golf or hiking gear if needed
Always check stadium rules before packing for the game.
Weather and Safety Tips
Arizona weather during Spring Training is usually one of the reasons people love visiting, but conditions can still vary.
Guests should plan for:
Strong sun exposure
Warm afternoons
Cooler mornings or evenings
Occasional weather changes
Hydration needs
Walking and parking distances
In recent years, Arizona has also experienced occasional extreme heat during spring events, and game times may be adjusted when needed for safety. During a March 2026 heat wave, for example, the Associated Press reported that multiple Cactus League games were rescheduled to evening starts as temperatures were expected to exceed 100 degrees.
This is another reason guests should check the official schedule, and stadium updates close to game day.
Why iTrip Scottsdale Is a Smart Fit for Spring Training Travelers
iTrip Scottsdale vacation rentals are a strong fit for Cactus League travelers because they provide the features baseball guests actually need.
Guests may benefit from:
Furnished homes and condos
Multiple bedrooms in many properties
Full kitchens
Laundry
Parking
Wi-Fi
Comfortable living space
Outdoor areas when available
Space for families and groups
Local support
Convenient access to Scottsdale, Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, and other Valley areas
For families, groups, snowbirds, and repeat visitors, a vacation rental can make Spring Training feel less rushed and more comfortable.
Booking direct can be especially valuable for Spring Training travelers who plan to return.
When guests book direct with iTrip Scottsdale, they can:
Communicate more directly with the local team
Ask questions before booking
Better understand property details
Avoid some third-party platform fees
Build a relationship for future stays
Make repeat booking easier
Learn about availability for next Spring Training season
Many fans return to Arizona for Spring Training year after year.
Once you find a property, location, and management team you trust, booking direct can make future trips much easier.
Start Planning Your Arizona Spring Training Trip
Arizona Spring Training is one of the best times to visit Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area.
With 15 MLB teams, 10 stadiums, sunshine, baseball, golf, hiking, dining, and day trips, the Cactus League creates a travel experience that is fun, flexible, and easy to personalize.
If you are planning a Spring Training trip, choosing the right home base matters.
iTrip Scottsdale vacation rentals give guests the space, comfort, kitchens, laundry, parking, and local support they need between games.
Arizona Spring Training is more than a baseball schedule.
It is a full travel experience.
Fans come for Cactus League games, but they often stay for Scottsdale sunshine, patio dining, golf, hiking, family time, Old Town, day trips, and the relaxed pace of Arizona in late winter and early spring.
For families, groups, snowbirds, and repeat baseball travelers, an iTrip Scottsdale vacation rental can provide the comfort and flexibility that makes the trip easier.
With kitchens, laundry, parking, Wi-Fi, living space, and direct booking options, iTrip Scottsdale helps guests turn Spring Training into a memorable Arizona stay — and hopefully an annual tradition.
