Spring Training in Phoenix: Discover Arizona Beyond the Ballpark

Spring in Arizona means one thing: baseball is back. In late February and March, fans flock to the Valley of the Sun for Cactus League Spring Training, filling stadiums across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Surprise, Goodyear, and Peoria.

While the Cactus League schedule keeps stadiums buzzing nearly every day, many visitors quickly realize something: you don’t travel all the way to Arizona just to sit inside a ballpark.

If you’re flying in for baseball, why not experience the landscapes, history, and culture that make Arizona unforgettable?

With DETOURS American West, you can transform your Spring Training trip into a well-rounded Arizona adventure—whether you have a free morning or are ready to dedicate a full day to exploration.

At a Glance: Spring Training + Arizona Adventures

• Cactus League games run from late February through March
• Ideal desert weather (70s–80s)
• Easy access to scenic landscapes from Phoenix & Scottsdale
• Half-day and full-day guided options available
• Perfect for couples, families, and small groups

Why Spring Training Is the Perfect Time to Explore Arizona

March is one of the most beautiful times of year in the Sonoran Desert.

Cool mornings. Warm afternoons. Crisp sunsets.
Wildflowers begin to bloom. The desert glows at golden hour.

During this time, you have an incredible opportunity to experience Arizona’s legendary landscapes—without the peak summer heat.

During your downtime, you could be:

• Driving along dramatic desert cliffs
• Standing beside a sparkling desert lake
• Exploring historic Western towns
• Learning about Indigenous culture and pioneer history
• Discovering hidden gems locals rarely visit

That’s where DETOURS comes in.

Easy Add-On: A Half-Day City Experience

If you’re attending an evening game, a half-day tour is the perfect way to explore the Valley without disrupting your baseball schedule.

The Private Phoenix & Scottsdale City Half-Day Tour offers a curated introduction to the region’s history, architecture, desert scenery, and cultural roots.

What You’ll Experience

• Historic Old Town Scottsdale
• Downtown Phoenix landmarks
• Historic Biltmore District and Paradise Valley
• Desert mountain backdrops
• Art, architecture, and local culture
• Insight into the area’s Indigenous and Western heritage

Because this is a private tour, it’s flexible and comfortable—ideal for families or baseball fans traveling together. If you have some other stops in mind, we can customize your private city tour to your liking!

Why It Works During Spring Training

• Morning departure = back in time for an afternoon or evening game
• No navigating unfamiliar roads on your own
• Personalized attention and air-conditioned comfort
• A richer understanding of the city you’re visiting

If you’re looking to add a little variety to your Spring Training itinerary, this tour offers a deeper connection to the landscapes, history, and culture of the place hosting America’s favorite pastime.

View Private City Tour

Full-Day Escape: Dedicate a Day to the Legendary Apache Trail

Spring Training games fill nearly every day in March.

But if your itinerary allows you to step away from the stadium for one full day, Arizona offers something extraordinary.

The Apache Trail Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale is a full-day immersive experience through some of the Southwest’s most dramatic desert scenery.

Departing early in the morning and returning in the evening, this tour is not an add-on—it’s a dedicated adventure.

Highlights Include

• The rugged beauty of the Superstition Mountains
• Scenic drive along Arizona’s first Historic Highway
• 90-minute Dolly Steamboat nature cruise on Canyon Lake
• Historic desert towns like Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat
• Stories of mining history, frontier life, and Native American heritage
• Iconic Sonoran Desert landscapes

View Apache Tour

Make it a Private Tour and Add a Kayak Adventure

For travelers looking to add an extra layer of adventure, the Private Apache Trail experience can be enhanced with optional guided or self-guided kayaking excursions on Canyon Lake. Paddling through the calm desert waters offers a completely different perspective of the surrounding cliffs, wildlife, and dramatic Sonoran Desert scenery. Whether you prefer exploring at your own pace or joining a knowledgeable guide who can point out hidden coves and natural features, kayaking on Canyon Lake creates a memorable way to connect with Arizona’s landscape beyond the road.

This is Arizona at its most cinematic.

Why It’s Worth a Game-Free Day

Many Spring Training visitors attend multiple games during their stay. Setting aside one day for the Apache Trail transforms your trip from a sports weekend into a true Southwest journey.

Baseball may bring you here—but Arizona’s landscapes are what you’ll remember years from now.

And in March, the weather is nearly perfect for it.

View Private Apache Tour

Sample Spring Training + Touring Itinerary

Option 1: Game Day Enhancement

• Morning: Private City Half-Day Tour
• Afternoon: Relax at your hotel
• Evening: Spring Training game

Option 2: Dedicated Desert Adventure

• Full day: Apache Trail Tour
• Next day: Ballpark experience

This balance allows you to enjoy baseball while fully embracing what makes Arizona unique.

Have a Little More Time?

If you’re willing to go further from the stadiums for full days of exploration, Detours offers other popular day tours you can join.

• Sedona – Famous red rock formations, scenic drives, and vibrant arts culture.
• Grand Canyon – One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a must-see for first-time visitors.
• Antelope Canyon – A stunning slot canyon known for its sculpted sandstone walls and dramatic light beams.

Each of these destinations can be experienced as a guided day tour departing from Phoenix or Scottsdale.

Have Even More Time?

If your Spring Training trip allows for an overnight adventure, DETOURS offers immersive multi-day tours that allow you to explore Arizona and the American Southwest more deeply.

These experiences combine iconic destinations, scenic landscapes, and expert storytelling for a truly memorable journey.

Why Choose DETOURS American West?

DETOURS American West is a small, privately owned tour company founded in 2001 with a passion for travel, storytelling, and creating meaningful experiences that go far beyond simply visiting a destination.

DETOURS specializes in:

• Small-group touring for a more personal and comfortable experience
• Professional, knowledgeable, and passionate guides who know exactly where to go and the best way to get there
• Thoughtfully curated routes designed to showcase the most scenic and culturally significant locations
• Safe and comfortable luxury SUVs and custom high-roof touring vans
• Engaging storytelling rooted in Southwestern culture and history

Our tour guides follow a simple philosophy: “You’ll pick up a group of strangers, but you’ll bring back a family.”

Start Your Adventure

It’s a reflection of the welcoming, personal atmosphere guests experience on every tour.

DETOURS American West is top-rated on Tripadvisor, where travelers consistently praise the expertise of our guides and the unforgettable memories created along the way.

Turn Your Spring Training Trip Into a True Arizona Adventure

Baseball may bring you to Phoenix. But Arizona’s desert landscapes, rich history, and cultural depth are what make the trip unforgettable.

Between innings and off-days, step beyond the stadium and discover what makes the Southwest iconic.

Explore the legendary Apache Trail
Discover the culture of Phoenix and Scottsdale

DETOURS American West helps you experience Arizona with intention.

Because the best baseball trips aren’t just about the scoreboard. They’re about the stories you take home.

FAQs: Spring Training in Phoenix

When is Spring Training in Phoenix?

Cactus League Spring Training typically runs from late February through March. View the Cactus League Schedule and plan your DETOURS adventure around the games.

Is March a good time to visit Phoenix?

Yes—March offers some of the most comfortable temperatures of the year, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor tours. It’s also the beginning of the Sonoran Desert’s beautiful wildflower bloom season, when vibrant flowers start to appear across the desert landscape.

How far is the Apache Trail from Phoenix?

The Apache Trail is approximately 2 hours from Phoenix, making it an easy and scenic day trip.

Are DETOURS tours good for families?

Yes. All DETOURS American West tours are family-friendly, offering comfortable transportation, engaging guides, and flexible itineraries that make exploring Arizona enjoyable for travelers of all ages.

Do tours conflict with game schedules?

Morning and half-day options allow plenty of time to return for evening games.