Picture this: you're sitting in the Arizona sun, watching your favorite MLB players warm up just a few feet away, close enough to hear the crack of the bat and catch a foul ball. No massive crowds, no nosebleed seats. Just pure baseball in one of the most beautiful settings in the country. That's the magic of Cactus League Spring Training, and 2026 is shaping up to be another incredible season.
If you're planning to make the trip, you're setting yourself up for an experience that combines America's favorite pastime with desert sunshine, world-class dining, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes spring training special. However, the best accommodations fill up fast, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
What to Expect: This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Cactus League Spring Training 2026, from understanding the schedule and stadium locations to choosing the perfect vacation rental that puts you right in the heart of the action.
Understanding Cactus League Spring Training
Cactus League Spring Training brings 15 Major League Baseball teams to the Phoenix metro area every February and March. Unlike regular-season games played in massive stadiums across the country, spring training happens in smaller, intimate ballparks where you can watch players prepare for the upcoming season. The atmosphere is relaxed, the tickets are affordable, and the access to players is unmatched.
The 2026 season typically runs from mid-February through late March, with teams playing nearly every day. Some games start early, which is perfect for catching an afternoon doubleheader before heading out to explore Arizona's dining scene or natural attractions. Most teams play around 30 games during spring training, giving you plenty of opportunities to see multiple matchups.
What makes the Cactus League special is the proximity. All 10 stadiums are situated within a 50-mile radius of downtown Phoenix, concentrated in cities such as Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, and Surprise. You can easily catch two games in one day if you plan it right. The stadiums themselves are designed for the spring training experience. Smaller capacities mean better sightlines, and many offer lawn seating where you can spread out a blanket and soak up the sun.
Why Location Matters for Your Spring Training Trip
Choosing where to stay during Cactus League isn't just about finding a bed. Your location determines how much time you spend driving versus enjoying the experience. The Phoenix metro area is sprawling, and while traffic isn't terrible by big-city standards, you don't want to waste an hour each way getting to and from games.
Scottsdale sits on the eastern side of the valley. It hosts two stadiums: Scottsdale Stadium (spring training home to the San Francisco Giants) and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (shared by the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies). Staying in Scottsdale puts you near Old Town's restaurants and nightlife, plus easy access to hiking trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Between games, explore Pinnacle Peak Park for stunning valley views, or visit Chaparral Park's dog-friendly lakefront paths. The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt offers miles of bike and walking trails through nature, while Vista del Camino Park provides a hidden gem with lakes and disc golf courses.
Tempe and Mesa anchor the southeast valley. Tempe Diablo Stadium hosts the Los Angeles Angels, while Sloan Park in Mesa is where the Chicago Cubs train. Mesa also features HoHoKam Stadium, home of the Oakland Athletics. These cities offer a laid-back vibe with plenty of local breweries, casual dining spots, and family-friendly attractions. Staying here provides quick access to multiple stadiums and places you close to Arizona State University's campus in Tempe.
The West Valley includes Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, and Surprise. Camelback Ranch (shared by the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers) sits in Glendale, while Peoria Sports Complex hosts the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. Goodyear Ballpark is home to the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians, and Surprise Stadium welcomes the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers.
The Vacation Rental Advantage
Hotels have their place, but for spring training, a vacation rental offers advantages that transform your trip from good to exceptional.
Space matters. Most hotel rooms cram everyone into a single room with two beds. A vacation rental gives you separate bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and common areas where your group can spread out. After a long day at the ballpark, having room to breathe matters.
Full kitchens change the game. Spring training means early starts and long days. Being able to brew your own coffee, make breakfast before heading out, and prep snacks for the game saves time and money. Plus, if you catch a late game and want to grab takeout on the way home, you have a real dining table and kitchen to enjoy it properly.
Privacy and flexibility seal the deal. No thin walls with noisy neighbors. No housekeeping knocking at 9 AM. No lobby full of strangers. You set your own schedule, control your environment, and create the exact experience you want.
What Our Properties Offer
We specialize in vacation rentals designed for groups attending Cactus League Spring Training. Our properties are strategically located near major stadiums, with most offering 15-30 minute drives to multiple ballparks.
Every property includes a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, cookware, and dining space. Most homes feature outdoor spaces perfect for Arizona's spring weather, including patios with seating, some equipped with grills, and a few with pools for cooling off after a hot afternoon at the ballpark.
Living areas are designed for groups. Comfortable seating, large TVs for watching game recaps or catching other spring training matchups, and spaces where everyone can gather without feeling cramped. We handle the details that make a difference: fast WiFi, washers and dryers, and parking for multiple vehicles.
Book Your Spring Training Rental Today
The best properties book quickly once schedules are released and serious fans start planning their trips. If you're committed to attending spring training next year, now's the time to secure your stay.
Call the CT Brothers at (623) 263-7091 or reach out through our contact page to discuss your spring training plans. We'll walk you through available properties, answer your questions about locations and amenities, and help you book a rental that sets up your trip for success.
