Welcome to Arizona, the Valley of the Sun, your prime destination for an unforgettable getaway in 2024! This Arizona Travel Guidebook 2024 is your essential companion for navigating the Cactus League spring training and discovering the myriad attractions this stunning state has to offer. As a seasoned visitor with 35 years of experience enjoying spring training in the Phoenix area, I’m thrilled to share insider tips and updated information to make your trip seamless and extraordinary.
Spring training games at Sloan Park kick off on Friday, February 23rd, promising weeks of baseball excitement. But Arizona is more than just baseball. This guide will help you navigate ballparks, secure tickets, find the best accommodations, explore dining hotspots, and discover breathtaking landscapes and cultural gems, ensuring your Arizona adventure is a home run.
Ballparks and Tickets: Catching the Spring Training Action
Arizona is a baseball lover’s paradise in the spring, hosting 15 major league teams across ten unique ballparks in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Securing your spot to witness your favorite team’s spring training is a key part of planning your Arizona trip.
Sloan Park: Home of the Chicago Cubs
If you’re a Cubs fan, Sloan Park in Mesa is your must-visit destination. The good news for those planning their Arizona travel guidebook 2024 trip is that tickets are still available for all 18 games at Sloan Park. While high-demand games can be pricier, budget-friendly lawn tickets are often available for around $18 (plus fees), comparable to season-ticket prices. For example, you can often find affordable lawn tickets for games against teams like the Reds or Guardians at nearby Goodyear Ballpark.
One of Sloan Park’s fantastic features is that most seats are shaded, offering respite from the Arizona sun. If you prefer soaking up the rays, the outfield berms provide over 5,000 sunny tickets for each game.
The 2024 Cubs home schedule is nicely spread throughout the five-week spring training period, including historic first-ever spring games in Mesa against the Cardinals on March 25th and 26th. Adding to the excitement, March 15th features a special “Spring Breakout” game at Sloan Park, showcasing top Cubs and White Sox prospects in a seven-inning showdown. Tickets for this game are a steal at $15 for general admission.
Pro Tip for your Arizona Travel Guidebook 2024: While Scottsdale Stadium, the spring home of the Giants, is close to Old Town Scottsdale and a beautiful venue, tickets for Cubs games there tend to be even more expensive than at Sloan Park. Consider focusing on Sloan Park for a more budget-friendly Cubs spring training experience.
To get a sense of the ballpark locations throughout the Phoenix metro area, refer to this map:
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A map illustrating the locations of various spring training ballparks in the Phoenix metropolitan area, essential for planning your baseball trip according to the Arizona travel guidebook 2024.
For detailed information and specific locations of all 10 Arizona spring training parks, visit this resource.
Remember that during most spring training games, especially in the early weeks, you’ll likely see minor league players taking the field after the initial innings, offering a glimpse into the future of baseball.
Beyond the Main Diamond: Prospect Games and Autographs
For dedicated baseball fans, especially those keenly following the Cubs’ future stars, the back fields at the Sloan Park complex are a hidden gem. These four fields, located on the west side of the complex, host free games featuring Cubs prospects. Admission is free, and on days without a home game at Sloan Park, parking is also complimentary.
Adding to the fan experience, the Cubs often set up a dedicated autograph area for kids (12 and under) next to Field 1, adjacent to the Red Lot as shown in this map:
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A map of the Sloan Park complex, pinpointing the location of the kids’ autograph zone, a valuable detail for families using this Arizona travel guidebook 2024.
Players have become more consistent about signing autographs for young fans at this designated spot. They may also occasionally sign near the Home Plate Gate as they walk from the practice fields to the main field, generally prioritizing autographs for children.
Food, Souvenirs, and Transportation: Practical Tips for Your Ballpark Visit
Enhance your spring training experience with smart planning for food, souvenirs, and getting to and from the games, all crucial aspects covered in this Arizona travel guidebook 2024.
Ballpark Food and Drink
Sloan Park boasts a solid selection of food options, including a rotating lineup of local food trucks. Check this Phoenix-area street food schedule to see which trucks will be at Sloan Park each day. While Sloan Park allows outside food, many other Cactus League venues do not, so always check the specific park’s policy before you go. However, sealed plastic bottles of water are generally permitted at all venues – a highly recommended practice given ballpark water prices.
Pro Tip from your Arizona Travel Guidebook 2024: Freeze a water bottle before heading to the game. It will thaw gradually, providing chilled water throughout the warmer parts of the day and can be refilled at water fountains.
Souvenir Shopping
For Cubs merchandise, Sloan Park has a large gift shop, but prices can be steep.
Pro Tip for Savvy Shoppers in your Arizona Travel Guidebook 2024: Clark Street Sports often sets up a large outdoor kiosk across Rio Salado Parkway from Sloan Park, offering a wide selection of Cubs spring training gear at more affordable prices.
Getting to the Ballparks
добраться Getting to spring training parks in the Valley is generally straightforward. Most are conveniently located near freeway exits with ample parking. Parking costs vary, from $20 at Sloan Park to free at Surprise Stadium. Note that some $10 parking lots at Sloan Park are quite a distance from the ballpark.
Highly Recommended Transportation Tip for your Arizona Travel Guidebook 2024: Avoid the long walk from the cheaper Sloan Park lots by parking for free at Tempe Marketplace or Mesa Riverview shopping areas and taking their free shuttles to and from the ballpark. Details on the Mesa Riverview shuttle are available here. For the Tempe Marketplace shuttle, contact the Thirsty Lion bar there for current details.
The Mesa Riverview transportation link provides further transportation information for Sloan Park.
General Arrival Tip for your Arizona Travel Guidebook 2024: Arrive early at any spring training park, especially Sloan Park, as traffic can become congested closer to game time. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up at Sloan Park is located outside the Right Field Gate on Sheffield Avenue.
Beyond Sloan Park, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Diamondbacks and Rockies home) is another excellent venue, easily accessible off Arizona Loop 101. Parking information for Salt River Fields can be found here.
Parking Strategy Tip for Salt River Fields from your Arizona Travel Guidebook 2024: Choose a parking lot on the side of the park closest to your seats for quicker entry and exit.
Other recommended parks include Peoria Stadium (Mariners and Padres) and Surprise Stadium (Rangers and Royals), both known for easy access and varied food choices.
Weather, Accommodation, and Transportation Beyond the Ballpark: Planning the Rest of Your Trip
Your Arizona travel guidebook 2024 extends beyond baseball, covering essential aspects like weather, where to stay, and how to get around to fully enjoy your Arizona experience.
Arizona Spring Weather
Expect pleasant weather in the Phoenix area during spring training. Average high temperatures in March range from the low 70s at the end of February to around 80 degrees by the end of March. Many afternoons can reach the low to mid 80s, comfortable due to low humidity.
Weather Pro Tip for your Arizona Travel Guidebook 2024: While daytime temperatures are warm, low humidity can make evenings cooler. Pack light jackets or sweatshirts if you plan to enjoy the nightlife.
Airfare, Hotels, and Local Transportation
March is peak season in Phoenix, so book flights and accommodations as early as possible. Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is served by most major airlines.
Hotel prices are generally high during spring training. Hotels immediately adjacent to Sloan Park, such as the Sheraton Mesa at Wrigleyville West and the Courtyard Mesa at Wrigleyville West, are convenient but can be expensive. The Hyatt Place at Mesa Riverview, near Sloan Park, may offer slightly more affordable rates.
Consider hotels in Scottsdale (15 minutes from Sloan Park), other parts of Mesa, or Tempe for potentially better rates. AirBNBs are also an option.
Car Rental Tip for your Arizona Travel Guidebook 2024: Avoid renting a car directly at Sky Harbor Airport to save on taxes and fees. Take a taxi or rideshare to your hotel and rent a car from in-town agencies, some of which are located at hotels.
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft operate at Sky Harbor Airport. Find complete rideshare information for PHX here. Public transportation options to spring training parks are limited.
Beyond Baseball: Exploring Arizona’s Attractions
Your Arizona travel guidebook 2024 wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the incredible attractions beyond baseball. The Phoenix area and wider Arizona offer a diverse range of activities and sights.
Dining and Nightlife
The Valley of the Sun boasts countless restaurants and bars. Don’t limit yourself to Mesa; the Phoenix area is easy to navigate thanks to its grid system.
Mesa Riverview and Tempe Marketplace, near Sloan Park, offer numerous dining and bar options. Chicago-area favorites like Portillo’s and Lou Malnati’s have multiple locations in the Phoenix area.
Old Town Scottsdale offers a mix of “Old West” charm, art galleries, and excellent restaurants. Scottsdale’s weekly “Art Walk” takes place every Thursday evening.
Personal Restaurant and Bar Recommendations for your Arizona Travel Guidebook 2024:
- Old Town Tortilla Factory (Scottsdale): Contemporary Mexican with a great patio.
- Citizen Public House (Scottsdale): Contemporary American cuisine.
- Malee’s Thai Bistro (Scottsdale): Excellent Thai food.
- The Sugar Bowl (Scottsdale): Classic ice cream parlor with a nostalgic feel.
- Scottsdale Fashion Square: Variety of restaurants and a food court.
- Paul Martin’s American Grill (Scottsdale): Regional American dishes, good value.
- Four Peaks Brewery (Tempe): Local brewpub with a wide beer selection.
- Blue Adobe Grille (Mesa): New Mexican cuisine and local favorite.
- Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers: Casual dining with burgers and beers, multiple locations.
- Zipps Sports Grill: Sports bar with many locations.
- PHX Beer Co.: Local craft beer focus, two locations.
- Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix): Popular pizza spot.
- Oregano’s: Local pizza chain with multiple locations.
- Luci’s at the Grove (Scottsdale): Breakfast, lunch, and eclectic store, patio seating.
- Culinary Dropout: Bar/restaurant with live music, multiple locations.
- Pubblico Italian Eatery: Reasonably priced Italian food, two locations.
- San Tan Brewing Company (Chandler): Craft brewery in a historic bank building.
- Talking Stick Resort (Scottsdale): Casino, restaurants, and entertainment.
Higher-End Dining Options for your Arizona Travel Guidebook 2024:
- Fat Ox (Scottsdale): Modern Italian cuisine, happy hour deals.
- Collins Bros. Chophouse (Scottsdale): Elevated steakhouse.
- Chart House (Scottsdale): Steakhouse with Camelback Mountain views.
- El Chorro Lodge (Paradise Valley): Phoenix institution with mountain views.
For more Mesa dining and attraction ideas, visit visitmesa.com.
Activities and Attractions
Arizona offers a wide array of activities beyond baseball, catering to diverse interests.
Golf: Arizona is a golfer’s paradise. Affordable options include Coronado Golf in Scottsdale. McCormick Ranch Golf Club and Troon North Golf Club offer stunning mountain views, while TPC Scottsdale hosts the Phoenix Open PGA event.
Hiking: Explore Camelback Mountain’s challenging trails or the easier trails at Piestewa Peak in Phoenix. Learn more about Camelback trails.
Museums:
- Heard Museum (Phoenix): Premier museum of Native American art. Visit the Heard Museum website.
- Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) (Phoenix): Highly-rated museum with a vast collection and concerts. Explore the Musical Instrument Museum.
- Arizona Science Center (Phoenix): Interactive exhibits, planetarium, great for kids. Arizona Science Center information.
- OdySea Aquarium (Scottsdale): Large aquarium in the desert, kid-friendly. OdySea Aquarium details.
- Taliesin West (Scottsdale): Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture school, tours and events. Taliesin West events and tours.
Entertainment:
- Innings Festival (Tempe): Music festival with baseball personalities, held at Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park. Innings Festival details.
- Extra Innings Festival (Tempe): Follow-up music festival at Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park. Extra Innings Festival information.
- ASU Gammage Theater (Tempe): Frank Lloyd Wright-designed theater hosting touring shows. ASU Gammage Theater schedule.
Day Trips Beyond Phoenix
Extend your Arizona travel guidebook 2024 adventure with day trips to iconic Arizona destinations.
Grand Canyon: A must-see natural wonder, about a 3-hour drive from Phoenix (South Rim). Be prepared for colder temperatures at the higher elevation. Grand Canyon National Park website.
Flagstaff and Lowell Observatory: Explore astronomy at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, about 2 hours north of Phoenix. Lowell Observatory website. Flagstaff restaurant recommendations.
Sedona: Scenic red rock landscapes, hiking, art galleries, and dining, approximately 90 minutes north of Phoenix. Visit Sedona guide.
For more Phoenix area tips, see this TravelZoo guide. (Note: While from 2019, many tips remain relevant).
Important Safety and Practical Advice
Before concluding your Arizona travel guidebook 2024, remember these crucial points:
DUI Awareness: Maricopa County strictly enforces DUI laws. Always have a designated driver or use rideshare services if you plan to drink.
Sunscreen is Essential: Arizona’s sun is strong, even in spring. Use sunscreen liberally and frequently.
Arrive Early: Especially for spring training games, arriving early helps avoid traffic and secure parking.
Plan Your Arizona Adventure in 2024
Arizona in 2024 offers a fantastic blend of baseball excitement, stunning natural beauty, and diverse attractions. This Arizona travel guidebook 2024 is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tips to make the most of your trip. Enjoy your spring training experience and all the wonders Arizona has in store! And yes, definitely bring sunscreen!
