Baseball, sunshine and famous attractions await those who visit the Sunshine State during the winter months
When the dog days of winter arrive and much of the country battles bitter chill and biting winds, the state of Florida shines, as it so often does.
During the months of February and March, Florida is the epicenter of optimism as 15 Major League Baseball teams descend upon the Sunshine State for Spring Training.
A tradition that dates back more than 100 years, Spring Training is an irresistible destination for baseball enthusiasts. Since 2000, more than 34 million fans have visited Florida Grapefruit League Spring Training games and more than 1.5 million fans attend games annually throughout the state.
Which is no surprise. Few things can cure the winter doldrums more than enjoying a beer and a baseball game in a sunny Florida ballpark. Here are some of the top Spring Training destinations in Florida:
MLB Spring Training Facilities
Jupiter (St. Louis Cardinals/Miami Marlins)
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter is home to both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins during Spring Training. With its pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere, Jupiter is a lovely seaside town that provides an ideal backdrop for America’s pastime. Hike or bike Jupiter’s many park and beach trails, paddle a kayak along the Loxahatchee River or climb the Jupiter Lighthouse for the view.
Bradenton (Pittsburgh Pirates)
The Spring Training ballpark and minor league complex in Bradenton has been home to the Pirates since 1969. LECOM Park, which opened in 1923 and was rebuilt most recently in 2016, is one of the oldest ballparks used for Spring Training. Bradenton sports an old Florida history with its collection of restored historic buildings from Manatee County’s pioneer past. Bradenton is also home to a vibrant downtown, riverwalk and is nearby stunning Gulf Coast beaches of Anna Maria Island.
Clearwater (Philadelphia Phillies)
Spectacular BayCare Ballpark was built in 2004 and is considered one of the finest Spring Training ballparks in the country. The park features a 360-degree main concourse open to the playing field, party suites and a tiki pavilion. After cheering on the Phillies, visitors can enjoy Clearwater’s picturesque beaches or explore the lively downtown area, brimming with shops, restaurants and entertainment options.
West Palm Beach (Houston Astros/Washington Nationals)
The 160-acre The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches complex is the Spring Training home to the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals. The complex features a fan-friendly 8,000 seat stadium as its centerpiece and has six practice fields per team. The island of Palm Beach is home to famous resorts, exquisite mansions and historic landmarks, including Henry Flagler’s former residence, the Flagler Museum. Guests can also create memories when they get up close to 1,000-plus animals as they drive through Lion Country Safari or meet animals of the tropics at the Palm Beach Zoo.
Lakeland (Detroit Tigers)
The Detroit Tigers have been training in Lakeland (AKA Tiger Town), located less than an hour southwest of Orlando, for more than 70 years. This partnership between the team and its spring training city is the longest-standing relationship of its kind in Major League Baseball. Lakeland is home to the largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world along with more than 500 lakes in the area provide virtually unlimited watersports opportunities.
Port Charlotte (Tampa Bay Rays)
The Tampa Bay Rays train just a few hours south of their hometown in Port Charlotte. Recipient of the USA Today 2014 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Spring Training Facility, Charlotte Sports Park is a state-of-the-art facility with a baseball boardwalk ringing the outfield and a family-friendly kids play area. Port Charlotte also has more than 165 miles of waterways, providing access to Charlotte Harbor, the Gulf of Mexico and miles of natural shoreline. Golfers also love this area because seven of the 21 golf courses in Charlotte County reside in Port Charlotte.
Fort Myers (Boston Red Sox/Minnesota Twins)
Fort Myers, hosting both the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park and the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium, offers a delightful mix of baseball action and natural beauty. Visitors can revel in the excitement of baseball games and explore the area’s idyllic beaches and outdoor activities like fishing or boating. Downtown Fort Myers is filled with historic buildings worth exploring, like the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Sarasota (Baltimore Orioles)
Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota is renowned for its beautiful beaches and serves as the spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers and some of its top attractions include Siesta Key Beach, Marie Selby Gardens and Lido Key, one of Florida’s most scenic beaches.
Tampa (New York Yankees)
Tampa, a city with a rich baseball history, hosts the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Apart from witnessing the Yankees’ training sessions and learning about this storied franchise throughout the stadium, visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant culture, explore the historic Ybor City, or embark on a thrilling adventure at Busch Gardens, which is home to some of Florida’s best roller coasters and thrill rides.
Don’t Miss These Spring Training Parks
Coming off a recent World Series victory in 2021, the Atlanta Braves call North Port their spring home. Visitors can enjoy the excitement at CoolToday park which offers fans a chance to see the action in an intimate setting. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, the Toronto Blue Jays play in the recently-renovated TD Ballpark located just minutes from historic Tarpon Springs, Clearwater and Greater Tampa Bay area attractions. Spend your morning at some of the most unspoiled beaches in Florida, then “come on out and meet the Mets” in Port St. Lucie at Clover Park. Home to NY Mets for more than 35 years, this park shares the same field dimensions of Shea Stadium, the one-time home of this iconic franchise.
Famous Attractions for Spring Training
One of the biggest advantages Florida’s Spring Training has over other states is its close proximity to popular destinations and all parks are less than 1-hour from gorgeous beaches. When visitors want a break from the baseball action, Florida offers an array of popular attractions to explore.
Just a short drive away from the baseball action resides several world-famous Orlando theme parks. Families can easily combine their love for baseball with a visit to these iconic attractions, creating cherished memories for everyone involved.
With baseball parks and fabulous attractions across the state, fans can enjoy the National Pastime and an endless array of good times regardless of where they choose to play in Florida.
Florida still has plenty of other great destinations and activities for sports and tournaments, so be sure to Download the Florida Sports Guide for FREE and Subscribe to Sports Planning Guide
