Your Insider’s 2-Day Spring Training Guide to Mesa

Plan a Mesa Spring Training getaway with local tips on ballparks, food, desert trails, Downtown Mesa stops, and the best ways to make the most of game day.

Itinerary Summary

Trip length: 2 days

Vibe: Spring Training baseball with local eats and a Sonoran Desert reset

Home base zones: Sloan Park area, Hohokam Stadium area, Downtown Mesa, Usery Mountain Regional Park, Salt River near Phon D. Sutton, Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

Best for: fans who want big-league energy, smaller-city ease and time outside the parks

Know Before You Go

Bring: a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Ballparks and desert trails both feel brighter than you expect.

Timing: I build in buffer time around games. Gates, parking and concessions move fast, but the lines still happen.

Desert etiquette: I stay on trail, pack out trash and keep my distance from wildlife, including the Salt River horses.

Shoes: closed-toe for hikes and the river path. Sand and loose rock show up in both places.

Photo tip: murals and stadium scenes pop in late afternoon light. I keep my camera ready after the final out.

Day 1

Morning

I start my morning at Steadfast Diner. This classic diner sits among an urban farm, offering tons of farm-to-table dishes. Don't skip the buttermilk pancakes!

From there, I head to AZ Dingers for morning batting practice. It’s a high-tech, low-key way to warm up for the day. I like showing up right when they open so I can get a few rounds in before the mid-morning crowd rolls through.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, I head to one ballpark for a Spring Training game. I check the schedule a few days ahead and pick the matchup I’m most excited about. Most games start at 1:05 p.m., which keeps the day predictable and gives me time to settle in before first pitch.Whether I’m at Sloan Park or Hohokam Stadium, the setup feels close to the action in a way you don’t get during the regular season. I like to show up a little early, find shade if I can, and grab something to eat before the lines build.For food, I skip the usual stadium staples because Mesa’s Spring Training parks take their menus a step further.

Sloan Park does walking tacos that hit harder than you expect: quick, messy, and perfect between innings.

Hohokam Stadium goes even bolder with The Hound Dog, a peanut-butter-and-jelly hot dog topped with banana chips. It sounds wild until you try it, but that’s the point.A tip: you can bring in your own unsealed bottles of water to both Sloan Park and Hohokam Stadium. It's important to stay hydrated! The sun creeps up fast, even in early spring.

Evening

After the game, I head into Downtown Mesa and walk the side streets. The murals aren’t always obvious, so I take it slow and look around corners and alleyways.

Dinner is at Phantom Fox Beer Co, with food from Goat & Ram inside. Both are reliable without feeling crowded. I usually sit at the bar, ask what’s new on tap and unwind from the day.

Day 2

Morning

I’m up before sunrise and driving to Usery Mountain Regional Park. If I’m feeling steady and want a bit of climb, I take the Wind Cave Trail. If I want something easier on the legs, I choose the Merkle Trail. Either way, it’s quiet at dawn, and this time of year the wildflowers surprise you in spots you’d normally walk past without a second look.

Post-hike, I head to What’s Crackin Cafe for brunch. The eggs benedict is the move. It’s busy on weekends, but the turnover is quick.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, I slow things down at the Salt River near Phon D Sutton. I walk the riverbank and keep an eye out for the wild horses. They show up when they feel like it, so I treat it like a bonus, not a guarantee.

A short drive away, Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch offers afternoon horseback rides. Riding near the Bulldog Cliffs is one of the cleaner ways to see the desert without having to cover much ground on foot. If you’re going in peak season, call ahead — rides fill earlier than you’d expect.

Evening

I wrap up the trip back in Downtown Mesa for an early dinner. Depending on the mood, I rotate between Main Burger, Worth Takeaway, or Burritoholics. All three are solid, quick, and conveniently placed for the rest of the night.


From there, I walk to Bridge Comedy Theater for improv. Shows run tight and stay lighthearted, which fits well after a full two days.

When the show ends, I grab a dessert from AZ Chimney Cakes next door, then finish the night at Taroko Sports. It’s a Taiwanese baseball-themed arcade,, and it’s an easy way to round out a Spring Training trip without sitting through another inning.

FAQ

What time do Spring Training games usually start?
Most games begin at 1:05 p.m. I like to arrive 30–45 minutes early to find shade, grab food, and settle in before first pitch.
Which stadium should I go to?
It depends on your home team. Hohokam Stadium is the Spring Training home of the Athletics, and it has a laid-back, classic ballpark feel. Sloan Park is home to the Chicago Cubs and draws bigger crowds, especially when Midwest fans show up in force. I check the schedule, pick the matchup I want, and build the day around that.
What should I eat at the ballpark?
Sloan Park leans into bold, ballpark-meets-border flavors. I start with the classic Chicago dog, since it’s the park’s signature nod to the Cubs. If I want something heavier, the carne asada elote fries are the play—big, messy, and easy to share. Walking tacos are a fan favorite for a reason, and the bison burger with hatch green chiles is one of the more unique items you’ll find at any Spring Training venue. At Hohokam Stadium, the standout is the Elvis-style Hound Dog: a hot dog topped with peanut butter, jelly, banana chips, and a little sparkle. It sounds wild, but that’s part of the fun. The stadium also partners with local Mesa breweries for rotating craft beer options, which pairs well with the warm afternoon games. If you want something cold, the Italian ice served in a souvenir mini helmet is an easy win. And of course, you can still find all the classic ballpark staples—pretzels, nachos, and straightforward stadium dogs.
How do I stay comfortable during the game?
I bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Shade moves throughout the afternoon, so early arrivals get the best spots. If sitting on the lawn, blankets are a major plus. Visitors can even bring in one factory-sealed water bottle per person to both stadiums too.
Is parking straightforward?
Yes. Both Sloan Park and Hohokam Stadium have clear signage and steady flow. I follow staff direction and stick to official lots to avoid backtracking. Do note, parking is cash-only at Hohokam Stadium, and card-only at Sloan Park.

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