Summer springs eternal in the Valley of the Sun, offering almost 300 days of sunshine each year, and as such, it should be of no surprise that many of your favorite boys of summer spend their Spring Training days right here in the heart of Arizona. The Cactus League (as opposed to the Grapefruit League of Florida) is comprised of 15 Major League baseball teams playing from 10 stadiums located all over the Valley, and when you choose to visit during the months of February and March, you too can be a part of the excitement. Offering the crack of the bat on a spring day, the smell of hot dogs and beer, and a more intimate game experience than in regular season, the only thing better than spending a day on the fields with your favorite team is doing that and then coming home each evening to the comfort and luxuries found in our I Love Scottsdale Spring Training sanctuaries.

These Teams Call Us Home

During the regular season, a vacation in Scottsdale may mean that you have the opportunity to watch the Diamondbacks play against one or two other teams, but in the spring, 15 teams are playing every day, and while the Diamondbacks are playing here as well, the odds of watching your favorite are much, much higher. Below, we have created a list of each of the teams in alphabetical order and the stadium in which they play.

Baseball Glove

A Is for Arizona Diamondbacks

Although their home stadium in regular season is Chase Field, the Diamondbacks will be based out of Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, located at 7555 N. Pima Road in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

C Is for Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are probably the second most beloved team playing in the Valley (Of course, we love our hometown heroes more!) at Mesa’s Sloan Park, located at 2330 W Rio Salado Parkway. Their stadium was specially built for them, presenting a miniature version of their beloved Wrigley Field stadium.

C Is also for Chicago White Sox

Chicagoans adore the beautiful spring weather in the Valley of the Sun apparently; the Chicago White Sox are also based here, playing from Camelback Ranch-Glendale, located at the Loop 101 & Camelback Road.

C Could Be for Cincinnati Reds

Apparently, the Cactus League loves the letter C, and this 4th team, the Cincinnati Reds, is another popular favorite. Playing from Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S Ballpark Way, just off Yuma Road and Estrella Parkway, their fans are especially to their team and may often be spotted with flags waving from their rental cars.

C Is for the Cleveland Guardians

Formerly the Cleveland Indians and sharing the Goodyear Ballpark with their fellow Ohioans, you know that spring is definitely a happy time for Ohio transplants to the Valley.

A Palate Cleanser

No, the Spring Training alphabet does not end at C; we have 10 more letters to go, but we thought we would take a minute or two to cleanse the palate between courses, perhaps discussing some of the things you can do when not at the baseball field. Our Scottsdale guests may want to explore the nightlife of our western town, checking out the clubs that line the streets after the day’s festivities have come to an end.

Night Life

Wine Girl, 4205 N Scottsdale Road, offers an outdoor patio during that we can promise will be packed during the beautiful days of spring; we Arizonans know the heat is coming, and in these waning days before the season starts, we want to be outside as much as possible. Of course, wine isn’t always the most popular drink for baseball fans, so head to Goldwater Brewery, located at 3608 N Scottsdale Road. Offering an everchanging selection of beers brewed right on the premises, they don’t serve food at the brewery, but they do allow you to bring in your takeout meals, and as they are located in the heart of Old Town, there will be plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Hitting Them Out of the Park

Our next group of players are mostly from the southwestern states, but there are a couple of eastern states to keep you entertained during your unforgettable Spring Training getaway in the Valley of the Sun!

Baseball Hit

C Is for Colorado Rockies

The cornucopia of Cs ends with our neighbors to the north, the Colorado Rockies. And because we believe in being good neighbors, the Rockies share Salt River Fields at Talking Stick with our hometown boys.

K Is for Kansas City Royals

Returning to our regularly scheduled program, this next team is sure to garner a lot of interest thanks to their hometown mates in football winning back-to-back Super Bowls. The Kansas City Royals play at the Surprise Stadium, located at 15850 N Bullard Avenue in the bedroom community of Surprise, Arizona.

L Is for Los Angeles Angels

Our western border neighbors from California are known to appreciate the hometown charms of Tempe Diablo Stadium, their Spring Training home away from home. Located at 2200 W Alameda Drive in Tempe, the stadium has stood in the shadow of A mountain since 1969 and is an integral part of the baseball experience.

L Is for Los Angeles Dodgers

Sharing stadium space with the Chicago White Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers hit their homeruns at the Camelback Ranch-Glendale stadium, located at 10710 W Camelback Road in Phoenix.

M Is for Milwaukee Brewers

Why is it after all these years we can’t see the name Milwaukee without starting to sing the opening lines to Laverne & Shirley? American Family Fields of Phoenix, located at 3805 N 53rd Avenue in Phoenix is where they play, and for their sake, we hope there is no schlimazels (very unlucky person in Yiddish) in the bunch!

Breakfast Is Served

The Spring Training games starting times tend to be at 11:05 AM or 1:10 PM, so go ahead and sleep in a little later than you normally would, enjoying the soft beds in our I Love Scottsdale retreats, and then head out for a hearty breakfast at any of these Scottsdale restaurants.

Daily Dose Old Town Bar & Grill, 4020 N Scottsdale Road

Open for breakfast every morning at 7 AM sharp, Daily Dose actually has two locations, so if you are heading to Tempe Diablo Stadium to watch the Los Angeles Angels play, you may want to visit their Tempe location, 96 South Rockford Drive #105. Offering a menu filled with classic breakfasts interspersed with some innovative new meals (their peanut butter & jelly waffle isn’t just for kids!) a Bloody Mary or mimosa offers a great way to start out the day’s adventures!

Bloody Mary

Breakfast Club, 4400 N Scottsdale Road

The Breakfast Club offers three locations, the one in Scottsdale that may be closer to your I Love Scottsdale sanctuary and two in Phoenix (2 East Jefferson in downtown and 2502 E Camelback in the Biltmore area). Treating breakfast as a fine dining experience while providing a comfortable and cheerful ambience, they use farm-to-table ingredients that enhance the taste of your favorite breakfast dish. We adore their steak bene and think all the carnivores amongst our guests will too!

Soul Café, 7615 E Pinnacle Peak Road #1

Closed on Mondays, the Soul Café concentrates on serving good food for good people. Their menu offers a culinary tour through the southwest, featuring delicious goodies such as their version of chicken fried steak and eggs, the Crazy Cowboy that add green pork chili to the plate and the classic Chilaquiles that will make your taste buds sing. Breakfast starts at 7:30 AM at the Soul Café.

Back to the Ball Fields

We won’t discuss any lunch restaurants today. You will probably eat and drink your fill at the stadiums you visit each day, and we can assure you that the food served will be delicious and the drinks will be cold and refreshing. Even though summer has not taken hold here in the desert as of yet, the afternoons will be warm and the sun will most likely be shining brightly every day, so don’t forget to hydrate. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and baseball caps may come in handy as well, and who knows? The more intimate surroundings of spring training games may make it easier to have your favorite player sign your ball cap!

O Is for Oakland A’s

If nothing else, our very disjointed alphabet of baseball shows us that Californians love our desert in the spring and the Oakland A’s are our next example. They will hit the fields of Hohokam Stadium in the months of February and March, located at 1235 N Center Street in Mesa.

S Is for San Diego Padres

This last batch of not so rowdy “Spring Breakers” are spring transplants from California as well, the San Diego Padres. Playing from the stylish confines of the Peoria Sports Complex, located at 16101 N 83rd Avenue, they always put on a good show in the desert, perhaps enjoying the more arid climate.

S Is for San Francisco Giants

This baseball alphabet is definitely a little wonky, but the talents shown by players on the San Francisco Giants will make you forgive any discrepancies. We at I Love Scottsdale tend to spend a lot of our time watching the Giants in the spring, because their home stadium is one dear to our hearts, the Scottsdale Stadium. Located at 7408 E Osborn Road, the games are close enough that snarled traffic really isn’t a consideration.

S Is for Seattle Mariners

Sharing space with the San Diego Padres at the Peoria Sports Complex we are guessing that this team especially loves the dryer climate as well as appreciating the sunny days that are all too rare in their hometown.

T Is for Texas Rangers

The alphabet ends at T during Spring Training, and our final Cactus League team shares a home with the Kansas City Royals, calling Surprise Stadium their home base.

A Tour of the Valley

Another thing you can add to the long list of things we love about Spring Training is the way the stadiums are spread out all over the Valley, giving visitors a tour of the town while letting them watch their favorite teams play. Each town offers something different for visitors to explore, so although we have finished our alphabet of teams, there is still more to do during your stay in the Phoenix area, as shown below.

Casino Arizona, 524 N 92nd Street in Scottsdale

Gambling is legal on the reservation and Casino Arizona may offer a way to recoup some of your vacation expenses! Located just minutes away from Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, we don’t have to tell you what kind of fun you can have while gambling, we just need to tell you it’s there.

Arizona Broadway Theater, 7701 W Paradise Lane in Peoria

After the games at the Peoria Sports Complex, you may want to check out the performances at Arizona Broadway Theater. Offering Broadway style musicals, a restaurant, and an expansive drink menu, your night on the town will have you singing all the way home.

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Parkway

The sun will be shining, the animals will be lively, and although it may interfere with a game or two, a visit to the Phoenix Zoo will be a memorable one.

Lions

Sloan Park, 2330 Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa

There are plenty of fun things to do in Mesa, including antiquing, dining, and exploring local museums, but honestly? Sloan Park is an adventure you won’t want to skip!

Just the Beginning

The lists above are just a small part of the fun you can have during your Spring Training adventures in the Valley of the Sun, but don’t forget about the comfortable adventures you can enjoy in our I Love Scottsdale vacation sanctuaries! Luxurious, comfortable, and often featuring crystal clear pools in the backyards, coming home to us will be a highlight of your vacation. Reserve your favorite today!

Looking for things to do while you stay in one of our luxurious homes? Well, there are TONS of activities, events, and celebrations in Scottsdale during the spring season. Trust us, you and your guest will never run out of events in Scottsdale while you stay in our vibrant community this spring.

Phoenix Scottish Games

Feel like you have just stepped into Edinburgh or Aberdeen with the Phoenix Scottish Games on March 3rd to 5th! You can feel like you are in the Highlands of Scotland, frolicking through the tall weeds and the rolling hills as you watch the athletes take on huge feats, like throwing logs and races. Plus, you can absorb some of the best Scottish cultures, like listening to live Celtic music from local bands, watching talented Highland dancers tap along to trad music, taking your kids to participate in the children’s activities, and visiting the genealogy area to see if you are a Scot at heart and in your blood!

Indian Fair and Market

Another cool cultural event that can teach you about another big ethnic group is the Indian Fair and Market on the same weekend, between March 4th and 5th. We recommend heading to Central Avenue during these bustling and fun-filled two days to admire the local artists’ sculptures and paintings, intricate beadwork and baskets, and pueblo carvings that feature traditional Native American designs.

Melrose Street Fair

The same weekend on March 4th, you can continue your weekend full of fun and activities by heading to Melrose District to wander down Melrose Avenue and check out the live music, farmers market with fresh produce, and yummy food trucks featuring lunch, drinks, and snacks from local restaurants and vendors.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Luck of the Irish, eh? We think so too! If you want to feel like you have crossed over the water to the Emerald Isle and landed in Dublin or Galway for the day, then check out the St. Patrick’s Day festivities on Central Avenue on March 11th. Head to the Faire and parade to watch the traditional Irish dancers, sample dishes like stew and steamed cabbage, and have a few pints of Guinness! Make sure they pour it right, though — look for the ‘foamy head’ on every point you have!

Scottsdale Arts Festival

Another fun event to check out this upcoming spring season is the Scottsdale Arts Festival between March 10th and 12th at the Scottsdale Civic Center Park. Head here to check out almost 200 artists from all over the United States and Canada. You can also tune in to the live music to really get the party going and experience good vibes with your guests and those in the local community.

The Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival

Are you a fan of big pores and strong beers? If so, head to the Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival in Tumbleweed Park to taste some of the best IPAs, strong porter, hearty stouts, and jerky or barbecue to help line your stomach! Trust us, after the complimentary VIP access and 4-5 free drinks, you are going to need something BIG to keep you on your feet all day long!

Arizona Bike Week This Spring in Scottsdale

Riding motorcycles is a huge part of the culture in Arizona, and Scottsdale in particular. We recommend heading to the Arizona Bike Week between March 29th and April 2nd to check out the intricate motorbikes, talk to local motorcycle groups, listen to live music from local Scottsdale bands, have a few drinks at the Handlebar Saloon, and grab some food from the local vendors.

Tempe Festival of the Arts

As you can tell, Arizona is no stranger to arts and culture. There are endless art exhibitions, galleries, live music, and demonstrations. One of our favorite events that incorporate local artists and world-renowned artists is the Tempe Festival of the Arts, held at Mill Avenue District in March and April. We love coming here and checking out the original artwork, sipping on a few glasses of red wine from the nearby wineries and food vendors, and listening to the live entertainment.

Phoenix Film Festival

Last but not least, the Phoenix Film Festival, held between March 23rd and April 2nd at Harkins Scottsdale 101, is one of the top events of the entire year! This non-profit event is great for artists, filmmakers, and everyone in between! Ranked as one of the ‘25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World’, the Phoenix Film Festival features films and short screenplays that are groundbreaking in the industry.

Enjoy our Accommodations and Spring Events in Scottsdale

Sounds like the best vacation, doesn’t it? We think so too! Plus, you can stay at one of our modern, luxurious, and spacious properties from I Love Scottsdale to enhance your stay. After a long day of attending events and exploring the nearby Scottsdale area, you can head back home and kick back, relax, and get a great night of sleep.

Scottsdale, Arizona, is consistently one of the most visited spots in the entire United States all year round. Especially during the summer months, tourism in Scottsdale rises tenfold due to its proximity to the nearby desert, hiking trails, cultural events, foodie scene, and eccentric vibe! Plus, the year-round sunny weather and hot temperatures have a lot to do with the people who flock here during the rainy and snowy season in their hometown.

But what if you want to escape the crowds? If you are trying to avoid the lines of people on the hiking trails and the never-ending queues to try and get into a restaurant at night, then consider heading to Scottsdale and the surrounding areas during the fall season. You can still expect great weather, long days, and sunny spells during your time here — just with half of the people!

If you head here during September or October, you can even have BETTER weather than you do in the summer! In the summer, the temperatures get into the triple digits — in the fall, you can expect sunny skies and 80 degrees every single day. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Plus, there are tons of things to do in Scottsdale at the communities here during the fall season. You can enjoy outdoor events, indoor attractions, cultural sights, and mouth-watering restaurants and bars that are great for tourists.

Arizona State Fair

The Arizona State Fair is an annual event held every year during October at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. This yearly event has been a huge hit for over 10 years, bringing people in from all over the world. You can bring your kids here to enjoy rides on the carnival, games, rides, and animal petting that will really make your vacation one that they will never forget. And who can forget the greasy, yummy, and filling carnival food? We recommend filing up on cake, ice cream, and hot dogs while walking around the expansive carnival during a brisk Fall evening!

Phoenix Pride Festival

If you are coming to Scottsdale during the fall season, the nearby Phoenix Pride Festival on October 15th-16th is one of the best events that you can attend. Located at Steele Indian School Park, this fun-loving and vibrant festival is great for those who want to meet other people, dance, sing, and just have a great time. Enjoy watching one, or all, of the 150 performances located over 6 stages, dance areas, art expeditions, and food trucks to keep you full during an entire day of celebrations.

Scottsdale Zombie Crawl

This Halloween-themed event is a must-go for those who come to Scottsdale and the Phoenix area during the end of October. Located at Social Tap Scottsdale, this Halloween pub crawl is a great excuse to celebrate the holiday, dress up in a funky outfit, and check out all of the nearby pubs and bars. I mean, you can do this on your own during a non-themed night — but isn’t going around and drinking pints and pints of beer dressed up as your favorite cartoon just SO much more fun? We think so too!

Scottsdale Whiskey Festival

To continue the drinking festivities, we recommend doing the Scottsdale Whiskey Festival if you come to this sunny and outdoor-centric town during the month of October. The whiskey festival is a fun way for you and your partner or adult friends to sip on some carefully crafted cocktails, explore the local whiskey selection from nearby distilleries, and try something different on a potentially rainy or cold day during the fall season in Scottsdale.

Things to do in Scottsdale at the Annual Farm Festival and Market

Last but not least, we have the annual farm festival and market that is held in nearby Phoenix. You can check out the local vendors, browse nearby products, and taste some local produce and organic food from the nearby farms. There is no better way to meet the locals, get some of the freshest food in the area, and find some herbal medicines and soaps for your toiletry collection!

Accommodation in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale and the surrounding areas are always popular hotbeds for tourists during the summer months. You have popular hiking trails, great weather, sunny skies, and cool culture. But sometimes, the summer months can become overrun with other like-minded tourists who want to see all that his outdoor-centric town has to offer. What is the solution?

Heading here during the fall months not only can help save you money in terms of travel and accommodation, but it can help prevent you from fighting for space with the thousands of tourists. Instead of crowded hiking trails, overbooked restaurants, and festivals with people packed in like sardines, you can really kick back, relax, and chill out in the beautiful weather.

We recommend using I Love Scottsdale to find the best accommodation for your needs. Whether you’re coming here with your best friends, extended family, partner, or kids, you can find a luxurious house, apartment, or condominium that will suit your preferences.

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a popular year-round vacation destination— for many reasons! Of course, you have the incredible desert landscape, red rocks, hot weather, and sun almost every day of the year. But you also have cultural attractions, historical monuments, friendly locals, tasty restaurants, outdoor activities, and holiday celebrations that make it one of the most desirable places to go during time off work or school. 

For the summer months, bring your family here to enjoy the outdoor and indoor things to do. If you run into a rare rainy day, you can enjoy the local museums, cinemas, restaurants, and local shops that offer kids’ toys and vintage items that are great for adults and children alike. Plus, since it is nice out almost every single day, you can always find things to do outside, like hiking, kayaking, biking, kayaking, and much more!  

Let’s see the best family-friendly Scottsdale summer activities to do in this outdoor-centric town in Arizona — it will soon become one of your favorite destination spots for future vacations! 

Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona

What should you do during your family-friendly getaway in Scottsdale, Arizona? Well, fortunately for you and your kids, there are tons of things to do!  

Accommodation in Scottsdale, Arizona

You and your family need a place to stay that is relaxing, stress-free, comfortable, and luxurious. Have a place in mind? No? Well, we do! I Love Scottsdale offers luxurious accommodations that are suitable for families of various sizes.  

This rental property company provides incredible, hands-on service that ensures you will never want for anything, and it’s right next to all of these Scottsdale summer activities. Whether you need extra amenities, a different check-in time, or a bigger home, the concierge and customer service personnel here can ensure you will have a stress-free and exciting trip.  

Plus, every single accommodation option offered by this rental property company has luxurious amenities that will make you never want to leave. Featuring outdoor hot tubs, backyard pools, backyard barbeque areas, stainless steel kitchen appliances, comfortable beds, and en-suite bedrooms, every person will love spending quality time with their family in this home. 

Also, every accommodation offered has a prime location that is close to nearby amenities and outdoor trails without being too crowded. You can enjoy getting away from the tourist hubbub while still being within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and attractions.  

Guests can choose between accommodation options in Arcadia, Cave Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe based on their needs. If you want to bring your entire extended family on your holiday with you, you can even browse massive 6-bedroom homes that have plenty of space for you and all of your cousins, aunts, and uncles or, if you would rather have this be an intimate holiday, the 2-bedroom houses in Scottsdale are perfect for a relaxing family holiday.  

Some of the most relaxing choices for guests browsing accommodation options include the Cave Creek Santa Fe Ranch for six guests, the Scottsdale Southwest Serenity for 12 guests, the Scottsdale Elegant Oasis for six guests, or the Scottsdale Sweet Escape with an outdoor pool for ten guests. No matter which one you choose, all of these accommodation options have modern amenities, luxurious touches, and close proximity to everything Scottsdale has to offer. Browse I Love Scottsdale to find accommodations to make the vacation one that you will never forget!  

This year warm up to the idea of spending your Memorial Day weekend in sunny Scottsdale. The summer season will be here before you know it so waste no time in planning for your Memorial Day travels. Scottsdale is a great location to spend your holiday and set up a new family tradition with many exciting activities and attractions in the area. Take a look at how you can spend Scottsdale Memorial Day with us this year:

Hit Up a Pool Party

When it’s Memorial Day the temperatures will already be rising here in Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area. One popular activity that many Scottsdale residents love to partake in is attending the many pool parties located at the resorts in the area. Stay in the privacy of our luxury vacation rentals while spending a few hours in their massive pools with live DJs and musical artists. Enjoy the best of both worlds with this top-level entertainment.

Book a Vacation Rental with a Pool Here!

Go Shopping

Retail therapy is always a great idea when you visit Scottsdale. The city features many high-end shopping areas where you can find the best brands. Check out the Scottsdale Fashion Square for multiple levels of big-name stores. Scottsdale Quarters offers some outdoor shopping with designed trends and additional shops. Find the perfect swimming suit for your Memorial Day BBQ.

Enjoy the Arizona Boardwalk

One of the more recent additions to Scottsdale in recent years is the Arizona Boardwalk located just off Interstate 101. Here you can find the massive OdySea Aquarium which features thousands of underwater animals and fish in incredible habitats. Special tanks let you even dive into the water in special diving gear so you can swim with rays and sharks. After your underwater fun, you can step inside the Butterfly Wonderland. This atrium features all kinds of unique butterflies; step inside and walk around as they flutter around you. Pangea Land of Dinosaurs lets you take a step into prehistoric times and walk around dinosaur exhibits. The Arizona Boardwalk is the perfect location for kids to have all the fun for Memorial Day weekend!

Explore the Sonoran Desert

Have your own outdoor adventure with the Sonoran Desert which is practically in the backyard of Scottsdale. This vast desert features various hiking trails to explore by foot or mountain bike. You can even enjoy a guided tour with Stellar Adventures. You can also visit the McDowell Mountain Preserve for additional trails up summits or try out horseback riding. We recommend exploring the park during the early hours of the day as the temperature is already hot around Memorial Day.

Hit the Fairways

One of the most popular pastimes in Scottsdale is golf. Arizona features clear skies most days of the year allowing you to spend every day of your vacation on the golf course. Local golf courses include favorites such as Scottsdale Silverado Golf Course and Scottsdale National Golf Course. Each place features lush green fairways and plenty of space around you. Relax at the clubhouse or restaurant after your game. You will not find better weather for golf than Scottsdale.

Explore Old Town Scottsdale

For all of the finest restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots in Scottsdale look no further than Old Town. This historic area of Scottsdale is known to be a living area for late-night fun. Enjoy your weekend with a stop inside one of the many restaurants and bars. Winery tasting rooms allow you to try out Arizona-produced wine. During the day you can explore the many art galleries and boutiques too. Old Town Scottsdale has all of the fun you want for Scottsdale Memorial Day.

Enjoy a Scottsdale Memorial Day BBQ

One of the best ways to spend your Memorial Day weekend is with family and a huge BBQ. Luckily most of our rentals in our listing of properties feature gas BBQ grills and huge outdoor spaces. Our rentals allow you to host the entire family under a single roof. Outside, you can find amenities to complement the grilling pits such as swimming pools, hot tubs, grass or turf areas, and extended patio decks. Inside has plenty of features too with gourmet kitchens that come stocked with everything you need for the BBQ. Rest easy that night after you are full with soft beds and fine linens in each bedroom. These properties are located all around Scottsdale keeping you close to the many attractions and activities in the area. Now that is the best way to stay in Scottsdale!

Book Today for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day will be here before you know it so make sure to reserve one of our vacation rentals today. Our properties are sure to be reserved quickly so time is of the essence. Come see how Scottsdale was meant to be experienced.

Contact Us Today!