Every year, Major League Baseball Teams travel to Arizona and Florida to participate in Spring Training. This pre-season ritual, from February through March, allows fans to follow their favorite MLB teams.
For anyone living the snowbird life in Florida or planning a trip to the Sunshine State, you’re in luck. Fifteen MLB teams travel south to compete. Spring Training offers fans a firsthand look at elite talent for a fraction of the cost of the regular season.
This guide will help you journey from north to south Florida through the Gulf Coast stadiums and experience Spring Training to the fullest.
What is MLB Spring Training?
Fans regard Spring Training Baseball as the ultimate pre-season experience. This is an opportunity for teams to refine their skills and watch players compete for a spot on the roster. The season runs for five to six weeks, beginning in February and concluding in late March.
Pitchers and catchers report about a week before the rest of the team. Team connection is another essential part of Spring Training. Baseball, like many sports, often sees significant roster changes. This period allows new players to connect with teammates, understand team dynamics, and settle into their roles.
Why Baseball Fans Love Spring Training?
Fans have the opportunity to watch it all unfold right before their eyes. Fans get to witness the early moments of what could become a winning season.
Price is the biggest perk for Florida snowbirds and people vacationing in Florida. Spring Training games are less expensive than regular-season seats. Small stadiums also give games a more intimate feel and fans a better view of the action.
Where Can I Watch a Spring Training Game?
Fifteen of Major League Baseball’s 30 teams participate in the Florida Grapefruit League. While the other fifteen teams travel west for Arizona’s Cactus League Spring Training. Here are some of the teams spending the spring season in Florida:
- Toronto Blue Jays
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Baltimore Orioles
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- Atlanta Braves
- Detroit Tigers
- Boston Red Sox
- Minnesota Twins
- New York Yankees
- Tampa Bay Rays
Fans of these teams can follow them to cities along both Florida’s Gulf Coast and East Coast, including:
- Dunedin, Florida
- Lakeland, Florida
- Sarasota, Florida
- Fort Myers, Florida
Each stadium delivers its own unique experience, making it difficult to just see one. Fans get to cheer on their favorite MLB team and explore the trademark cities that host them.
5 Must-See Stops for Florida Baseball
A Spring Training road trip is meant to be a grand slam and not a strikeout. To simplify the planning process, here’s a guide to experience all ten Gulf Coast stadiums.
Stop #1 – TD Ball Park & BayCare Ballpark
These two stadiums serve as the Spring Training headquarters for the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies. Located only 16 minutes apart, they provide the ideal first stop on this road trip.
TD Ballpark, nestled in Dunedin, gives Blue Jay fans something to cheer about. Fresh off their 2025 World Series run, expect to witness some elite talent and rising stars in action.
Fans are immediately surrounded by the Jays’ signature royal blue color inside the stadium. From seats and roof covers to the tables, there are decorative touches throughout.
Canadian fans who are far from home can still enjoy dishes like poutine and Labatt Blue while cheering on the Jays.
Next stop is BayCare Ballpark. Located in Clearwater, this stadium combines Gulf Coast beaches with home run action. The Philadelphia Phillies originally made Clearwater their home in 1947. The new stadium opened in 2004.
Inside the ballpark, fans can indulge in a classic cheesesteak sandwich at the Homerun Grille.
Full-time residents of Dunedin Village have a head start on this bucket-list baseball trip. The 55+ community is located just 14 minutes from TD Ballpark and ten minutes from BayCare Ballpark.
Stop #2 – Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium & George M. Steinbrenner Field
Two northeastern teams travel south to Lakeland and Tampa, trading cold weather for Florida sunshine.
Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, fondly known as Tigertown, serves as the Florida home of the Detroit Tigers. As the only team that plays closer to central Florida, the Detroit Tigers have been visiting Lakeland since 1934.
If you’re looking for a change of pace during your road trip, there are plenty of nearby options to explore. Just a 22-minute drive from the stadium, visitors can access premier golf courses such as Big Cypress Golf Club. Golfers can challenge themselves on two PGA-level courses. After you’ve finished your round, stop inside Big Cypress Grill for a bite to eat.
Next on the Florida baseball schedule is George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the Spring Training home of the New York Yankees.
It’s currently the largest stadium in the Grapefruit League with seating for more than 11,000 fans.
Plan and consider the Inside Experience Package. It includes a meet-and-greet with a former Yankees player, a current player, a lunch buffet, and a game ticket.
Stop #3 – LECOM Park & Ed Smith Stadium
Just 25 minutes apart, LECOM Park in Bradenton and Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota create an ideal outing.
LECOM Park stands as one of the oldest stadiums in the Grapefruit League.
This stadium is one of the few remaining venues to feature metal bleacher seating. A classic open-air design runs throughout LECOM Park, offering fans a more classic baseball atmosphere.
Planning ahead is always recommended. On St. Patrick’s Day, the Houston Astros will travel from Palm Beach to face the Pittsburgh Pirates. Put on your finest green attire and celebrate a festive day at the ballpark.
At Ed Smith Stadium, Baltimore Orioles fans will instantly notice intricate Oriole-inspired touches throughout the park. The branding extends well beyond the logo. Keep an eye out for the Oriole bird on gates, fences, and murals.
During the seventh inning stretch, fans won’t want to miss the crab cake sandwich, a flavorful nod to the team’s Baltimore roots. Located just 30 minutes from both stadiums, Camelot Lakes Village and Camelot East Village make it easy for 55+ residents to spend a full day exploring these historic ballparks.
Stop #4 – CoolToday Park & Charlotte Sports Park
As this Gulf Coast road trip winds down, this stop features two southern baseball favorites.
Start at CoolToday Park in North Port. It’s one of the newest stadiums in the Grapefruit League. Home to the Atlanta Braves, this stadium opened in 2019 and showcases features you won’t see at other stadiums.
Thanks to the intentional design, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Choose between traditional stadium seating, relaxing on the expansive berm, or settling into one of the private suite sections. The on-site Tiki Bar & Grill is open year-round, offering fans a taste of Braves Country beyond the season.
The route continues to Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, where the Tampa Bay Rays gear up for the season.
Baseball fans who are feeling restless can take a stroll along the Baseball Boardwalk. Offering an up close and personal view of the bullpen and player warm-ups.
Compared to other stadiums in the league, Charlotte Sports Park provides a more intimate and relaxed fan experience.
Stop #5 – Lee Health Sports Complex & JetBlue Park
Last, but not least, this journey will conclude in Fort Myers, marking the final stop on this Gulf Coast roadtrip. Just ten minutes apart, the two stadiums offer distinct attractions that appeal to fans of all ages.
Lee Health Sports Complex, home of the Minnesota Twins, has a charm all on its own.
The architecture immediately stands out against tropical Fort Myers. Trellises, peaked roofs, and a playful paper airplane fountain reflect the team’s Minnesota roots.
Fans looking to keep the Twins spirit alive and would rather not travel to Minnesota have another option close to home. The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Twins minor league team, play at Lee Health Sports Complex from April through September.
Wrapping up this road trip with a final stop at JetBlue Park, the seasonal home of the Boston Red Sox.
Before heading to your seat, take time to explore the concourse. Fans can enjoy live entertainment and sample from a wide variety of food vendors.
The stadium delivers a lively atmosphere that feels a bit like a Boston farmers’ market. Be sure to try the Fenway Frank, a classic dish straight from Red Sox country.
Staying at places like Blueway RV Park keeps the ballpark within reach. Making it easy to take the whole family out to a ballgame.
Blueway RV Park in Fort Myers, Florida. Tap to expand photos.
Rounding the Bases on Your Gulf Coast Adventure
Transform your Florida snowbird season into something truly memorable. During those cold winter months, don’t just wish for warmer weather. Experience it in Florida’s most popular destinations.
Florida offers endless opportunities for snowbirds. Whether you’re planning your first RV trip or looking toward a long-term stay under sunny skies. Florida provides a wide range of real estate options tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
Consider this your sign. The Gulf Coast baseball road trip you’ve been dreaming of is within reach. Now all you have to do is decide when to start.