For baseball fans in Southern California, spring training in Arizona is a perfect mini vacation. The stadiums are small, the atmosphere is more relaxed and you get to see your favorite team play up close, whether you’re a Dodgers, Padres or Angels fan. When you’re not at a game, there are great restaurants, hiking trails and entertainment options to explore in the Phoenix metro area. We just got back, so I’m sharing a few spring training travel tips that can help make your trip a big hit.
But first, a note for Dodgers fans – if you want to go see them play in Arizona, you only have a few days left. Most Cactus League teams will be there until March 25, but the Dodgers last game is Tuesday, March 11. After that, they head to Tokyo for an MLB opener series against the Chicago Cubs and then back to SoCal to wrap up spring training against the Angels.
How to get there
One of the best things about spring training in Arizona is how easy it is to get there. A quick five- to six-hour drive from Southern California brings you straight to the heart of the action.
The main routes from SoCal are Interstate 10 from Riverside, Orange and L.A. counties or Interstate 8 from San Diego. It’s not the prettiest drive, so put on your favorite playlist or a good audio book to help pass the time.
Pro tip: If you’re taking the 10, stop for gas in Quartzite, just across the Arizona border. We paid $2.99 a gallon on our trip last week.
Dodgers spring training travel tips
For Dodgers fans like me, the team’s home stadium at Camelback Ranch (also home to the Chicago White Sox) is a must. It offers a great mix of modern amenities and is one of the nicer stadiums in the Cactus League if you can get over the lack of cup holders at the seats. The location in Glendale is a bit removed from the big city, but worth the drive.
Pro tips:
- Where to sit. If you’re going to an afternoon game, be prepared for some serious sun. Seats in the upper sections along the first base lane are most likely to have shade. Wear light-colored Dodgers gear to help stay cool. (I repped my white Shohei Ohtani jersey.)
- Parking. The parking at Camelback Ranch is free, but the gridlock is notorious. On our visit last year, we approached the stadium from the north and were funneled onto a dirt lot. It took almost an hour to exit after the game. This year we entered from the south and parked in Lot 1, where getting in and out seemed much easier.
Padres spring training travel tips
Padres fans can catch their team at the Peoria Sports Complex, which they share with the Seattle Mariners. This fan-friendly stadium provides great sightlines, family-friendly activities, and easy access to local dining. The Padres fandom is legendary, so it’s fun to see fans all over town wearing their pride on their sleeves (and heads.).
Pro tips:
- Where to sit. For shade during afternoon games, the upper deck (especially on the third-base side) and the sections behind the first-base line are your best bet. If you’re OK catching some rays, the sight lines throughout the stadium are pretty great.
- Parking. The main parking lot directly next to the complex is the most convenient and provides easy access to the stadium entrance. Parking typically costs around $5 to $10 during spring training. Arriving early is the best way to beat the traffic in and out.
Angels spring training travel tips
Angels fans will love Tempe Diablo Stadium, which has some cool mountain views and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It’s the oldest and smallest stadium in the Cactus League, but that fits with the whole nostalgic baseball vibe. The sea of red and white Angels shirts and hats just adds to the atmosphere.
Pro tips:
- Where to sit: Shade is in short supply at this stadium, so bring your hats and sunscreen. All tickets are pretty affordable (especially compared to what you’re likely to pay at Camelback) but the best deals are on grandstand (bench-style) seats. Just be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors. If you want the best of the best, go for the MVP seats in sections 7–15.
- Parking. The east parking lot offers the most convenient access to Tempe Diablo Stadium and is generally less crowded, especially if you arrive early. Parking usually costs around $5 during spring training.
What to bring (and not bring)
- Sunscreen and a hat – Arizona sun is no joke, even in March. Stay protected!
- Your favorite Dodgers, Padres or Angels gear. Buy it in advance online to save money and avoid stadium lines.
- Comfortable clothing – Spring training is casual, so pack light, breathable clothes and comfortable shoes for walking around.
- A baseball glove – You’ll have a great chance to catch a foul ball or snag a batting practice homer.
- A Sharpie and baseball cards – Players are more accessible during spring training, making it the best time to get autographs.
- Bottled water – You can bring one bottled water into most stadiums as long as it’s unopened.
Things to do beyond the ballpark
Arizona isn’t just about baseball—there’s plenty to see and do outside the ballpark.
- Explore the great outdoors. If you love hiking, you’re in luck. The area is home to incredible trails, including at Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and Papago Park. We were pressed for time, so we did Hole in the Rock Trail at Papago Park. It’s an easy 10-minute trek to the top, where you can take in amazing views and snap a few cool photos. If you have more time and want a, take a scenic drive to Sedona – about two hours from Scottsdale – and marvel at the stunning red rock formations.
- Hit the golf courses. Spring training and golf go hand in hand. Arizona boasts world-class golf courses, many of which are just minutes from the ballparks. Whether you’re a pro or a casual golfer, courses like TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, and Papago Golf Course offer a fantastic way to spend your morning before heading to an afternoon game.
- Experience Old Town Scottsdale. Baseball fans looking for great food, shopping, and nightlife should head to Old Town Scottsdale. This area is packed with top-tier restaurants, craft breweries, and Western-themed shops. It’s also a great place to pick up unique baseball memorabilia at one of the many sports stores in the area.
- Check out local breweries and restaurants. Phoenix has a booming craft beer scene, and there’s no better way to cool off than with a cold pint from local favorites like Four Peaks Brewing Co., Wren House Brewing, or Huss Brewing. If you’re craving good food, be sure to try some Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine at places like Barrio Café or Los Dos Molinos.
