Areas on the west side of Phoenix for baseball and fun

I usually stay on the east side of town, Scottsdale, or even Fountain Hills. I'm looking for a few nights on the west side, just for something different. Will likely get to a spring training game or two and maybe out to White Tank Park. Are there any areas of hotels and restaurants grouped together that you would recommend?

The west side of Phoenix offers a mix of suburban neighborhoods, shopping areas, and access to outdoor recreation like White Tank Mountain Regional Park. While the east side (Scottsdale, Fountain Hills) has more of a resort vibe, the west side has several clusters of hotels and restaurants that are convenient for visitors looking for spring training games and local attractions.

Here are some areas to consider for your stay:

  • Surprise / Bell Road Area: This area has several hotels, including national chains, and is relatively close to Surprise Stadium (home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers spring training). Restaurants and shopping are nearby along Bell Road and the Surprise City Centre area.
  • Goodyear / Estrella Parkway Corridor: Close to Goodyear Ballpark (Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds spring training). Hotels like Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, and Holiday Inn Express are nearby. Plenty of restaurants and casual dining options are available along Estrella Parkway and Litchfield Road.
  • Peoria / Westgate Entertainment District: This area has a higher concentration of restaurants, bars, and hotels, and is convenient if you’re attending spring training at Peoria Sports Complex (Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres). Westgate offers walkable options for casual dining, coffee shops, and nightlife without being too crowded.

Additional tips:

  • For outdoor activities, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is best accessed via the Surprise or Waddell entrances. Staying near these areas can make morning or late afternoon hikes easier.
  • Renting a car is highly recommended, as public transportation is limited and the areas are spread out.
  • If you want a central base for multiple stadiums and west Phoenix attractions, Peoria or Goodyear tend to offer the most hotel options and a variety of restaurants in a walkable or short-drive radius.

In summary, for a combination of spring training, dining, and outdoor activities, the Goodyear/Estrella Parkway corridor, Surprise/Bell Road, or Peoria/Westgate Entertainment District are the top clusters on the west side of Phoenix to consider for a few nights’ stay.


More Phoenix Travel Questions