Spring Training begins on February 26, 2023 at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Enjoy sunny skies and all the spring vibes at this year’s Cactus League Spring Training games, February 26 through March 25, 2023. Catch a fly ball, a tan and hopefully a few attractions while you’re in town, as Arizona’s warmer temperatures are the perfect backdrop for patio dining, hiking and other outdoor activities.
Enjoy this list of our favorites things to do during spring training season.
Go to a Spring Training game, of course!
Cactus League Spring Training brings 15 MLB teams to 10 stadiums to play more than 200 games. View the updated game schedule.
Tempe Diablo Stadium is centrally located and has amazing views of the mountains to remind you why Arizona is such a beautiful place. And, if you want to skip the traffic after the game, take a quick drive up the adjacent mountain to Top of the Rock at the Phoenix Marriott Resort Tempe at The Buttes. They have a terrific happy hour and are open Tues.-Sun, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hiking
Now is the perfect time to dust off those hiking boots. Spring brings lots of color to the desert, making it the perfect backdrop for exercise. If you’re looking for a quick and simple hike, check out “A” Mountain in Downtown Tempe. You’ll find a trailhead at Third St. and Mill Ave, just behind the light rail tracks.
There are a variety of scenic trails at South Mountain Park and Preserve. You can enjoy a walk that lasts 20 minutes or a hike that will take you all day. And you’ll love every minute, except for a few tough uphill climbs. The views of the city from the top will be your well-deserved reward.
If you’re looking for an excellent place to catch a sunrise or sunset, you can’t go wrong with a hike to Hole in the Rock. Hiking to the top only takes about 5 or 10 minutes. You can reach the trailhead by entering the Phoenix Zoo parking lot off Galvin Parkway. Go left at the fork and then turn left into one of the open gates.
Need more ideas for hiking? We put a handy list together of our favorite trails in the Tempe/Phoenix area.
Patio Dining
There’s a good reason why so many restaurants in town invest in patios. A few places to eat tasty food and enjoy Arizona’s warm temps are Pedal Haus Brewery, Postino Annex and Culinary Dropout at the Yard Tempe. But it’s hard to go wrong in Tempe! Check out our complete list of restaurants with great patios.
Shopping
Tempe Marketplace: Shop, sip and dine your way through Tempe Marketplace. This is a fun spot to walk around, browse the shops and grab a bite. Dine at Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill, Bar Louie, Dave & Buster’s and more. For a list of more options, read our Dining at Tempe Marketplace blog! Then shop ’til you drop at H&M, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy and DSW – to name a few! Bonus: Live musical acts take The District Stage every Friday and Saturday evening, so be sure to stay for the free concert!
Arizona Mills: Discover fantastic deals, grab a meal and have fun at Arizona Mills, located just minutes from Tempe Diablo Stadium. This outlet shopping destination offers more than 185 stores, a variety of dining options and tons of attractions, including SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona, Harkins IMAX Theater and Tilt Studio.
Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden is always gorgeous, but spring is when it really comes to life. Wildflowers will bloom, and there’s an excellent on-site restaurant called Gertrude’s, where you can enjoy a delicious meal on their lovely patio. While at the Garden, enjoy the Playing with Stars: Rotraut at Desert Botanical Garden, showcasing Rotraut Klein-Moquay’s bold and lyrical large-scale sculptures nestled among the Garden’s world-class collection of desert plants, on view through May 14, 2023.
The Phoenix Zoo
Springtime is one of the best times of year to visit The Phoenix Zoo. The weather is perfect for being outside, and the animals like it too! Stop by Orang-Hutan, the Orangutan habitat and the Sumatran tigers of the “Isle of the Tiger” habitat. And don’t miss out on the Camel Rides, a favorite of both the kiddos and adults.
Downtown Tempe
Downtown Tempe is a natural gathering spot for baseball fans. Here, along tree-lined streets, you’ll find local shops, tempting restaurants and fun nightlife options. You can also hike up “A” Mountain, check out Tempe Town Lake and more.
Paddleboarding on Tempe Town Lake
Want to try paddle boarding? Make that happen in Tempe! Check out Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake for pricing and details about their other watercraft options. They also offer swan pedal boats (also perfect for Instagram), electric boats and kayaks. You can also visit the Boat Rentals of America – Kiwanis Lake location for pedal boating and kayaks in another picturesque setting.
Craft Beer
One way to experience Tempe, Arizona’s unique culture and relaxed vibe is to visit some of the city’s beloved breweries. Tempe is home to multiple local breweries creating top-rated and even award-winning beers. Check out our craft beer video for breweries you’ll want to sip and see in Tempe.
See Something New
Tempe is totally photo-worthy! From vibrant sunsets and sunrises to unique works of public art, you’re bound to catch moments you’ll want to save for your photo album or post on Instagram. You’ll get to explore and experience some of Tempe’s hidden gems too! Read our blog for a complete list of photogenic places in Tempe.
