Baseball fans know that the season is upon us when spring training starts. Major League Baseball teams spend the spring months in warmer climates, either in Florida or Arizona. The tradition dates back to 1886 in Hot Springs, Arkansas of all places.
The Florida teams, or what’s referred to as the Grapefruit League, have been playing in the state for generations. In fact, St. Petersburg and Tampa have hosted spring training for nearly 90 years.
During a “normal” year, fans would be able to watch these practice games to get a sense of the players and what the upcoming season will be like. It’s also a nice way to vacation around your favorite team.
Looking for more information? Check out A Baseball Fan’s Guide to Spring Training in Florida on AARP.
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Bradenton
The Pittsburgh Pirates practice at LECOM Park, also known as McKechnie Field, in Bradenton. The 1923 stadium is the oldest stadium still used for spring training and the third-oldest in major league baseball. It’s also home to a minor league team.
What to Do
When not attending baseball games, explore Bradenton’s attractions. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is a natural history museum with fossils, a planetarium, and even a manatee habitat.
Robinson Nature Preserve has over 600 acres of mangrove that can be explored on the boardwalk trails or by kayak. Set aside time to visit Anna Maria Island, one of the South’s best beaches.
Where to Stay
Bay Breeze Inn is the closest to the stadium but is on the budget end of the spectrum. Enjoy the Jimmy Buffett-inspired Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound, conveniently between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria.
The Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy is next to the famed sports academy with premium bedding and an incredible restaurant. Bridgewalk, a Landmark Resort, is great if you want to be closer to the beach.
Clearwater
BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater is the part-time residence of the Philadelphia Phillies, the third location in town for the team. The stadium was built in 2004 and is also the home of the minor league team.
What to Do
Travelers can’t miss a visit to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter the Dolphin from the family film Dolphin Tale. St. Petersburg is a short drive to the south, home to the Dali Museum.
Where to Stay
Rest your head at the large rooms at the pet-friendly Sonesta Simply Suites Clearwater or enjoy views of the bay with stylish rooms at The Karol Hotel, St. Petersburg Clearwater.
Named for the famous dolphin at the nearby aquarium, kids are sure to love Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club. If you want to be right on the water, Hotel Cabana Clearwater Beach is just steps away.
Dunedin
The Toronto Blue Jays have long called TD Ballpark in Dunedin their American spring home. The stadium, which has undergone a number of name changes, also hosts a minor league team.
What to Do
Dunedin is known for its Scottish festivities at the annual Highland Games. During the rest of the year, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like boating and fishing.
Honeymoon Island State Park is a popular day trip, along with Caladesi Island State Park. The Dunedin Historical Museum is in an old train depot and has exhibits on the town’s history.
Where to Stay
The Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection is a Jazz Age icon, welcoming visitors for nearly a century with its rooftop bar and steakhouse.
The Best Western Plus Yacht Harbor Inn is down the street with free daily breakfast, a popular restaurant, and waterfront views in guest rooms.
Fort Myers
Fort Myers is home to two major league teams, the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. JetBlue Park, the Red Sox field, has a smaller version of the Green Monster. The Twins play at CenturyLink Sports Complex, along with the minor league team.
What to Do
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is a fascinating museum in the summer homes of two great American men. The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is a wildlife sanctuary and natural history living museum.
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and Mound House educate on the area’s ecology. Sanibel Island is one of the most beautiful beaches around.
Where to Stay
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village (review here) is like a city unto itself with multiple restaurants and waterfront rooms. Hotel Indigo Fort Myers Downtown River District is a modern option set in the former post office.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Myers Near JetBlue Park is the closest to the action, a short distance from the stadium. Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers has modern rooms with water views.
If you’d rather stay at the beach, the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa is the place to be.
Jupiter
Roger Dean Stadium, Credit: Jtesla16/CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Roger Dean Stadium, located north of West Palm Beach was previously the home of the Montréal Expos. Today, the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals share it, along with four minor-league teams.
What to Do
In between games, visit the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, one of Florida’s most unique lighthouses for its red paint. The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary takes in injured or non-releasable animals.
Where to Stay
The Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa offers special rates for baseball fans in their oceanfront rooms. Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place rewards returning guests with discounts.
Lakeland
First opened in 1966, Joker Marchant Stadium, also known as Publix Field, in Lakeland is the spring training facility for the Detroit Tigers.
What to Do
Lakeland is named for its many surrounding bodies of water. Here visitors can tour the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world, constructed between 1938 and 1958.
The Florida Air Museum covers the history of flight from the moon landing to Howard Hughes. The Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre dates back to 1948 and features first-run films. Legoland Resort is also here.
Where to Stay
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lakeland and Home2 Suites By Hilton Lakeland are both convenient to the stadium with large rooms to spread out in.
Westgate River Ranch is a fun glamping resort with multiple options like luxury teepees, cabins, safari tents, and Conestoga wagons.
North Port
After decades at Walt Disney World‘s Wide World of Sports complex, the Atlanta Braves made the move in 2019 to the purpose-built CoolToday Park in North Port, set between Bradenton and Fort Myers. It has its own tiki bar and lawn for fans to relax on.
What to Do
Warm Mineral Springs is a thermal underwater spring that remains 85 degrees year-round, perfect for swimming.
The sprawling Deer Prairie Creek Preserve has trails for hiking and horseback riding, along with fishing and birding. This area is also home to golf courses.
Where to Stay
Because the facility is so new, there are not many options for hotels near CoolToday Park. Warm Mineral Springs Motel is close by, reminiscent of the vintage roadside motels. Hampton Inn & Suites North Port is a newer option with daily breakfast.
Port Charlotte
Charlotte Sports Park in nearby Port Charlotte was built in 1987 for the Texas Rangers but is now home to the Tampa Bay Rays. It also hosts a minor league team and concerts.
What to Do
Explore the nearly 400 acres of plant and wildlife at the Tippecanoe Environmental Park. It’s a great place for spotting reptiles in particular.
Port Charlotte also has other outdoor recreation including kayak rentals, guided fishing trips, and boating charters.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Port Charlotte is not far from the Peace River and nearby golf courses. The perks at Sleep Inn & Suites Port Charlotte-Punta Gorda include free breakfast and WiFi.
Port St. Lucie
New York Mets spend their spring at Clover Park, built in 1988 in Port St. Lucie. The stadium can hold over 7,000 fans for major league, minor league, and college games.
What to Do
Spend time in the great outdoors at Savannas Preserve State Park, a marshy wetland with hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Wander the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, which has acres of bromeliads, bamboo, and cacti.
Where to Stay
Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort Port St Lucie and Hilton Garden Inn at PGA Village are both across the street from the stadium near a golf complex.
Sarasota
Sarasota is home to Ed Smith Stadium, the spring facility for the Baltimore Orioles. When the team isn’t in town, the park plays host to youth sports leagues, food drives, and blood drives.
What to Do
The city has more to offer than just beaches and baseball. When you’re there, don’t miss the sprawling Ringling Museums, which includes an art museum, circus museum, and historic mansion.
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens have plentiful species of plants, including an orchid house, as well as an art museum. MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a research-based aquarium with over 100 species of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and manatees.
Where to Stay
Art Ovation Hotel is inspired by the local art scene with art exhibits and a rooftop bar. Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club takes its decor inspiration from the coastal communities.
Tampa
The New York Yankees have long called Steinbrenner Field in Tampa their seasonal home. Named for the team’s famous former owner, the stadium holds 11,000 fans. It’s also near the Buccaneers stadium.
What to Do
Busch Gardens Tampa is a family favorite for its wildlife attractions as well as roller coasters. All ages can also enjoy The Florida Aquarium with its sea creatures, bird habitat, and even lemurs.
Learn about Tampa of the past in the historic Ybor City neighborhood. The Henry B. Plant Museum and Tampa Bay History Center also cover the rise from a cigar-making town to a thriving metropolis.
Where to Stay
The Epicurean Hotel (review here) is a culinary-themed hotel with in-house restaurants and cooking classes. The Current Hotel has waterfront views, a pool, fitness center, and WiFi.
Hotel Alba near Westshore Plaza Mall has an airport shuttle, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
West Palm Beach
Fitteam Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is another shared stadium, built with state-of-the-art facilities in West Palm Beach in 2017. The Houston Astros and Washington Nationals spend the spring here, along with two minor league teams.
What to Do
Visitors can tour the Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers and Whitehall that have made Palm Beach a playground for the rich and famous.
West Palm Beach also has an incredible art scene that can be seen at the Norton Museum of Art and the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden.
If that’s not enough, spend time with the animals at the Palm Beach Zoo or walking amongst the flowers at the Mounts Botanical Gardens.
Where to Stay
Stay in the budget-friendly rooms close to the stadium at the Courtyard by Marriott West Palm Beach or Springhill Suites by Marriott West Palm Beach.
For a taste of the Palm Beach-style luxury, book a room at the White Elephant Palm Beach, a new boutique hotel with stylish details.
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