Chasing Baseball Dreams Under The Desert Sun: Our Arizona Adventure
Enjoying retirement, baseball and the best of Scottsdale, Arizona
I’d been looking forward to this trip for years — maybe even two decades. And this wasn’t just any getaway: It was our first adventure as a retired couple. The kickoff was to tackle a major bucket-list goal by visiting all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. At the top of the list? An Arizona Diamondbacks game at Chase Field.
Why Plan A Vacation Around Baseball Stadiums?
Baseball has always been part of my story. As a kid in Southeast Michigan, I would spend afternoons at my grandparents’ house, listening to the Detroit Tigers on the radio with Ernie Harwell and Paul Carey painting vivid pictures of every pitch. My grandpa and I would soak up the sun and breeze from his patio, the sounds and smells of summer forever imprinted on my memory.
But chasing down every MLB stadium is about more than nostalgia. Diane and I realized, despite traveling all over the U.S., including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix and Orlando, we hadn’t experienced the heart of Americana. Visiting stadiums isn’t just about the game; it’s about discovering the soul of cities. This journey is our way of diving deeper into the country we love.
Home Base: Scottsdale Villa Mirage, a Hilton Vacation Club
We stayed at the Scottsdale Villa Mirage, a Hilton Vacation Club in a spacious 1-Bedroom Suite stay and it felt like a home run. Here’s why:
- Location, location, location: Northern Scottsdale puts you 30 minutes from both Chase Field and Camelback Mountain, and mere minutes from top-notch restaurants.
- Exceptional service: The concierge mapped out shopping, dining, hiking and more.
- Roomy and modern: Our condo was huge, with closets so big we joked about sleeping in them.
- Sun-soaked pool area: Cabana-lined and inviting, with plenty of space to relax.
- Morning rituals: Diane became obsessed with the water aerobics class, so much so that we planned our mornings around it.
The Chase Field Baseball Stadium Experience
There’s a childlike thrill that hits the second I walk into a baseball stadium and see that bright green field. Chase Field was no exception. Sure, the stadium’s unique and packed with features, but the real magic was in realizing that we’re actually here, beginning our stadium tour dream. I was a little choked up sitting in those seats and feeling grateful for this opportunity. It was Diane’s shared enthusiasm and our good fortune that brought us to this moment.
Our two-hour stadium tour was only $18 per person and with just five in our group, we saw everything — the press box, TV broadcast booth and dugout. We even got to step onto the field. As much as I love art museums, the history of this place had me hooked. I could have stayed all day.
The game? Pure excitement. The Diamondbacks crushed it, winning 14-4 with over half their hits going for extra bases. The fans were a loyal, upbeat crowd cheering every player and staying positive even when things didn’t go their way. And the pre-game scene outside is a must-see: Bars and restaurants line the street, giving off serious mini-Wrigleyville vibes.
Chase Field is a marvel. The retractable dome shuts out the desert heat, keeping things a pleasant 75 degrees instead of 110. It’s the only stadium with a pool and hot tub you can rent (complete with lifeguard!) and features affordable treats, including $5 hot dogs and beers, plus quirky bites like chimichurri tri-tip sandwiches. Families can even bring in their own food. We loved every minute.
Beyond The Ballpark: Scottsdale & Phoenix Highlights
You could spend weeks in this area and still miss out on gems. Scottsdale is a foodie haven (hello, happy hours!), and the hiking and desert landscapes are spectacular. Here are a few of our favorite spots near the Scottsdale Villa Mirage, a Hilton Vacation Club:
- Pinnacle Peak is our go-to for hiking. It’s a manageable 4.1-mile out-and-back trail with breathtaking views. For more of a challenge, check out Camelback Mountain via Cholla Trail or Piestewa Peak Summit Trail.
- For groceries, there’s a Trader Joe’s right by the resort with great prices and fresh options.
- Nearby restaurant favorites include Fat Ox, The Americano and Buck & Rider.
Final Thoughts On Our Scottsdale, Arizona Baseball Adventure
This trip was the dream start to our retirement adventures. Baseball, desert sun and unforgettable food along with plenty of gratitude for the freedom to explore. If you’re on the fence about a stadium tour, or just looking for the perfect Scottsdale base, I can’t recommend it enough. Here’s to the next ballpark — and memories still to come.
Read “3 Road Trips To Celebrate Your Retirement” to explore more exciting destinations to add to your carefree travel plans.
Key Takeaways
- Scottsdale Villa Mirage, a Hilton Vacation Club, offers spacious rooms, attentive service, and easy access to Chase Field, Pinnacle Peak and top Scottsdale restaurants.
- Catch a game at Chase Field and enjoy its retractable roof, family-friendly amenities like a pool and hot tub, budget-friendly concessions and lively pre-game atmosphere.
- Enjoy top local dining: savor Italian dishes at Fat Ox, unwind at The Americano’s happy hour and indulge in fresh seafood at Buck & Rider.
- Explore the stunning Arizona landscape on trails like Pinnacle Peak, Echo Canyon, Cholla and Piestewa Peak, offering scenic vistas and adventure for all activity levels.
- Celebrate retirement through memorable baseball tours, culinary discoveries and desert excursions — cherishing each moment and the sense of freedom it brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What makes Scottsdale Villa Mirage, a Hilton Vacation Club a top choice for Scottsdale travel?
A. Scottsdale Villa Mirage, a Hilton Vacation Club offers spacious accommodations, attentive service and proximity to baseball stadium tours and desert vacation adventures.
Q. Why is Chase Field recommended for baseball fan trips?
A. Chase Field in Phoenix is famous for its retractable roof, innovative stadium features like its rentable pool and hot tub, family-friendly policies and affordable concessions.
Q. What are the best local restaurants to try during a Scottsdale vacation?
A. Scottsdale restaurants offer an incredible foodie travel experience. Top picks include Fat Ox, The Americano by Beau MacMillan and Buck & Rider.
Q. What are some tips for making the most of retirement travel and bucket list adventures?
A. Embrace the freedom to explore new experiences. Choose a home base like Scottsdale Villa Mirage, a Hilton Vacation Club for convenience, comfort and access to local highlights.
