How to Spend Your Sunny Spring Break in Arizona
Spring Break in Arizona is THE BOMB. It is referred to as one of the best Spring Break desinations in the USA. If you’re willing to forego the beach for the pool, along with quaint towns, spring training, and lots of cactus- this is the place for you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that I do benefit from, at no cost to you.
Who Am I? Why Should You Listen to Me?
My name is Danielle, and I have lived in Arizona for 10 years now. I am a Midwest transplant from Wisconsin, so I fully understand the need to leave the cold for Spring Break.
Because I’ve been exploring the desert and all it has to offer for 10 years, I think I’m the best gal for the job. Let me tell you more about Spring Break in Arizona.
Spring Break in Arizona
Everyone’s Spring Break comes at different times, it generally it is within the first few weeks of March. I’m sure you’re wondering what the weather is like in Arizona during this time- you don’t want to travel from cold to somewhere that is also cold! The daily lows are between 47-52 and highs between 73-79, sometimes into the 80s. Us locals LOVE this weather. Not too hot, not too cold. You can do anything you want at any time of the day. Convinced to spend Spring Break in Arizona yet?
1. Things To Do
The things you want to do while on Spring Break in Arizona will definitely dictate how long you should stay and when you should visit, so I thought we’d start there! Whether you choose to be outdoorsy, enjoy the city life, or a mix of both- you will have a blast.
Spring Training
Did you know the only two states that host Spring Training are Arizona and Florida? No wonder, the weather is amazing in both. Arizona hosts the Cactus League. You can view the schedule HERE, but common teams people come to watch include The Cubs, The Brewers, The Rockies, The Angels, The Diamondbacks, and the Rangers. There are 15 total teams that play here. Spring Training games are affordable for everyone. You don’t even have to like baseball- liking alcohol and fun snacks and sunshie will suffice, haha. There are 10 stadiums, but I added the most popular ones below.
Visit Downtown Areas
Definitely enjoy the city while you spend Spring Break in Arizona. Options include Downtown Phoenix, Downtown Scottsdale, and Downtown Tempe. You probably won’t have time for all of them- so let me tell you some main features of each of them!
→Downtown Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix. It’s new, it’s large in space. Like any Downtown area, there are cute and unique restaurants and bars, and hidden speakeasies. This is also where sports stadiums are. It’s always a good time! Because it is spread out, you may need to uber or use other transportation multiple times for a day in the city.
→Downtown Scottsdale
Downtown Scottsdale has an old western vibe because it was the end destination to the historic Pony Express- yes, it was real. Everything is walkable, which is nice. It’s a hot spot for brunch and for night life. Any restaurant type you can imagine is here and they’re all amazing. There are of course plenty of souvenir shops you need to check out too. Most first-time visitors come here at least once.
→Downtown Tempe
Downtown Tempe is the hub of Arizona State University. Tempe is a college town through and through. Downtown Tempe, or as we call it “Mill Avenue” is the party street. There are bars galore. It’s also close to Tempe Beach Park, which is a manmade lakeside park with amazing festivals throughout the spring time.
Go For a Hike
Arizona locals LOVE the outdoors. Most of them, haha. I sure do. There are so many amazing local hikes that you can take when you spend Spring Break in Arizona. It’s great exercise, a good source of Vitamin D, and you get to enjoy the views. Saguaro cacti are so unique too. Here are photos of a few of my favorites and locations below so you can see what is nearby your lodging.
Hiking Near Phoenix
Best Hikes in Phoenix For Visitors
Hikes in the Superstition Mountains (a bit more east but WORTH IT)
Don’t have any hiking boots? Here are a very highly rated and affordable pair with a minimal break-in period.
See The Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is AMAZING. I have been there at least 10 times. It is so beautiful. It has to be one of the largest and coolest botanical gardens in the country. It’s so unique too with all of the desert plants. I HIGHLY recommend going if you’re visiting. It’s perfectly located on the Scottsdale-Phoenix-Tempe border, centrally located for wherever you are staying. Definitely stay for sunset. This is the perfect thing to add to your itinerary for Spring Break in Arizona.
Take a Trip To Northern Arizona
It’s very common for people visiting Phoenix to want to take a day trip (or 2 day trip) to one of the amazing places in the North part of the state- like Sedona and The Grand Canyon. For good reason! If you haven’t seen them- you need to. I’ve been to Sedona 25 times since I’ve lived in Arizona and it never gets old. Same for The Grand Canyon.
If you’re spending Spring Break in Arizona (primarily the Phoenix area), I suggest one action-packed day trip where you can be back by night. This way you don’t have to book a separate hotel and you can stay in the same place in Phoenix the whole time. Makes it more simple!
If you want to maximize your time exploring and minimize drive time, spend the whole day in Sedona. If you want to book a hotel up north and be up there for 2 days, split time between Sedona and The Grand Canyon. Keep in mind, these areas are 10-15 degrees colder than Phoenix.
Read More About Sedona & The Grand Canyon
2. Places to Eat
When I visit somewhere new, I have to go check out unique restaurants. I don’t travel just to eat at chains- duh! Arizona has so many amazing restaurants for you to check out. Downtown Scottsdale, Downtown Tempe, and Downtown Gilbert are my absolute favorites.
While spending Spring Break in Arizona, I highly suggest checking out Downtown Gilbert. It’s overlooked, but AMAZING. So many places you can visit at once. If I could only recommend 3 places, this is what they would be-
1. Backyard Taco – Completely underrated mom & pop authentic mexican.
2. Postinos – A moody wine cafe with the world’s best bruschetta
3. Joe’s Real BBQ – Charming family-friendly restaurant in the heart of Downtown Gilbert
3. Where To Stay
Wondering where you should stay for your Spring Break in Arizona trip? It depends on how many people you’re bringing with you. Whether you’re with 1 person, a group of friends, or your family. Also you have to decide if you want to go budget, middle of the road, or luxury. Let me break down some options for you!
Budget Stays
There are so many places to stay on a budget. I recommend Downtown Tempe, as it’ll be much cheaper than Downtown Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale. I highly suggest The Canopy Tempe, it runs from $130-250, usually on the lower end. You can also split an AirBNB with multiple friends too for your Spring Break in Arizona trip! In this post, I’m just talking about hotels.
Mid-Budget Stays
For mid-budget stays, I recommed Hotel Valley Ho. It’s mid-century, colorful, fun, and close to Downtown Scottsdale. Really, it’s in Downtown Scottsdale. You won’t regret this. Prices average around $300. Definitely a spring break getaway you won’t forget!
Luxury Stays
If you have the budget to splurge, I suggest The Scott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. The lobby area transports you from the desert to some tropical getaway. The Canal Club – the bar inside – is famous around the valley. Perfect romantic getaway, or girls getaway.
Final Thoughts About Spring Break in Arizona
No matter who you come with, how long you choose to stay, or where you want to stay- you will have an amazing time on Spring Break in Arizona. It’s warm, sunny, there’s wildflowers, beautiful hotels, good hikes, and fun restaurants. I hope this post helps condense things for you. I love this state, and I want you to enjoy it.
