Spring Training is an exciting time for baseball fans, and Arizona is the place to go to get the full experience. Scottsdale houses Salt River Fields and Scottsdale Stadium, both of which play home to MLB teams during Spring Training. While baseball may be the number one priority when you Scottsdale, check out these other fun things to do in between games!
Check Out These 10 Fun Things To Do In Scottsdale During Spring Training
1. HIKE CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN
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One of the most, if not the most, popular hike in the Phoenix area is Camelback Mountain. Its close proximity to the city center and many other attractions make it an easy decision when looking for convenient places to hike during Spring Training. The mountain offers four different trails all with differing degrees of difficulty. For an easy hike, try Bobby’s Rock Trail; for a more strenuous hike, try the Summit Trail (Echo Canyon). From here, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the cityscape below.
2. Visit Taliesin West
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Acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright created this desert wonder in 1937 as his winter home. Today, you can visit the estate and get an inside look at one of this renowned architect’s masterpieces. The giant, outdoor pool and uniquely designed home sit on a hill that overlook much of Phoenix, Camelback Mountain included. Reservations are recommended, as this attraction is popular among locals and tourists alike.
3. Check Out the Railroad Park
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undefinedWhether you’re a locomotion enthusiast or not, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is one of the most unique parks of its kind in the country. Take a ride on a vintage 1950s Allen Herschell carousel or the Paradise and Pacific Railroad. This 30-acre park is located right in Scottsdale, so you can stop in for a visit, a stroll, or to relax in the shade in between Spring Training games. Check out the Railroad Museum and explore the artifacts and memorabilia that brought the railroad industry to life.
4. Hit the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Phoenix
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Not only does Spring Training make the Scottsdale an exciting place to be in February and March, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is another crowd pleaser. All throughout the Scottsdale area, St. Patrick’s Day parties commence, and pubs and restaurants churn out green beer and traditional Irish grub. The real entertainment, though, is in Phoenix at the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire. This salute to Irish music and dance starts at 10 a.m. in Downtown Phoenix and features floats, marching bands, and more. The Fair portion begins at the Irish Cultural Center at Hance Park where 3 stages of live Irish music, food and beverage stands, and a children’s center create the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day experience.
5. Spend the Day at the Ballpark
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You’re in Scottsdale for Spring Training, after all, so why not spend the day watching some quality baseball? Check out the San Francisco Giants as they play in their Spring Training home field of Scottsdale Stadium. Or, see the Arizona Diamondbacks or Colorado Rockies take on opponents in Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Whichever game you catch, you’re sure to see some quality Major League Baseball.
6. Enjoy a Culinary Experience
Every year in March, the best of the best in food, brewing, and wine making convene in the sculpture garden at the Phoenix Art Museum for the Devour Culinary Classic. Watch a bartending competition, dine on food made from the top chefs in Arizona, and have craft beer as you explore the museum’s latest traveling exhibitions. The Devour Culinary Classic has been named the “Best Southwestern Culinary Festival” by the New York Times, so you know it’s bound to be a good time. This event usually sells out, so get your tickets early.
7. Pick Out a New Outfit
Head to Scottsdale’s Fashion Square and stroll through more than 200 stores until you find exactly what you’re looking for. From Banana Republic and Burberry to Brookstone and Crate & Barrel, there’s a store for everyone in the family. Hungry? Check out the food court for some fast food or a sit-down restaurant. The Fashion Square even has a movie theater, so if you’re tired of all that walking around, catch a movie and take a break.
8. Hit the Fairway
Scottsdale is home to some of the best golf courses in the country, so take advantage of them and play a round. Eagle Mountain Golf Club is a beautiful course nestled in the McDowell Mountains. Playing on this course gives you access to some incredible sunrises and sunsets, and well-maintained greens, too. The Starfire Golf Club, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, is a 27-hole course that will challenge the most experienced golfer. After your round, head to the Starfire Grille and enjoy a meal and, of course, and Arnold Palmer.
9. Stroll Through Old Town
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Scottsdale offers blast from the past with its Western style, but don’t let it fool you. Old Town still provides visitors with high-end boutiques, jewelry shops, new restaurants, and museums. Check out the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and walk through its outdoor sculpture garden, explore its five galleries of revolving exhibits, and take in the architecture. Grab dinner at one of the gastropubs or restaurants in Old Town, and finish the night off with a drink at Second Story Liquor Bar. Old Town is the place to go for a great night out while you’re visiting Scottsdale.
10. Explore the Scottsdale Waterfront
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Located along the Arizona Canal, the Scottsdale is the premier destination for high-end shopping and waterfront drinking and dining. In fact, the first weekend of March offers the Crushbrew Craft Beverage Festival. Enjoy craft beers, wines, and cocktails from Arizona, California, and Oregon as you stroll along the waterfront and enjoy warm weather in the winter.
This article was written by Julianne Aiello.