Your Guide to Making the Most of Spring Training in Florida

Your 2026 Guide to Spring Training in Southwest Florida

Spring Training is officially here, and baseball fans from all over the country are heading to Florida for sunshine, warm weather, and a first look at their favorite teams. Spring Training 2026 runs from late February through March, making this the perfect time to explore everything Southwest Florida has to offer — from beaches and museums to mini golf adventures and delicious local dining.

Whether you're in town for a day, a weekend, or the whole pre‑season, here are some fun, family‑friendly activities to make your Spring Training trip unforgettable.

Tour The Training Facilities

If you're visiting Southwest Florida for Spring Training, there’s no better time to explore the training facilities where your favorite players warm up for the season. These stadiums are buzzing with energy this time of year and often host special events, fan days, and early practice sessions. For more information and the whole lineup of events, visit the official MLB website. 

2026 Spring Training Team Locations:

• Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte
• Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers
• Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers 
• Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota
• Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park in North Port in Sarasota
• Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton
• Toronto Blue Jays at the TD Ballpark in Dunedin
• Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater
• New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa

From autograph opportunities to behind‑the‑scenes glimpses of pre‑season routines, these facilities offer a unique way to experience baseball up close.

Your Spring Training Adventure Starts Here 

Once you’ve checked out your team’s Spring Training facility, it’s time to explore the fun beyond the ballpark. From pirate‑themed mini golf at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf to world‑class museums, waterfront dining, and some of the best beaches in the country, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the excitement going before and after the games. Here are our top picks to help you turn your Spring Training visit into a full‑blown Florida adventure.

Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf— A Must‑Do Spring Training Tradition 

While you’re waiting for the big games — or celebrating after them — Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is the perfect way to add extra fun to your Spring Training trip.

With locations in Bradenton, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Indian Shores, and Madeira Beach, Smugglers Cove is a fan‑favorite stop for families, couples, and baseball groups looking to enjoy the sunshine in a fun, Florida-style setting.

• Enjoy Adventure‑Style Mini Golf with caves, waterfalls, bridges, and pirate ships
• Feed Live Baby Alligators with cane fishing poles.
• Beautifully Landscaped Courses perfect for photos and memory‑making
• Open Daily from 9 AM – 11 PM, making it ideal before or after the games

Whether you're warming up your swing or winding down after a day at the ballpark, Smugglers Cove brings all the Florida fun.

Museums & Attractions

If you've ever been to Florida, you know there are amazing exhibitions all over Southwest Florida. Bradenton, Sarasota, and Fort Myers are just a few cities where you can find art, science, and nature museums that the whole family will enjoy. Here are just a few suggestions for your next visit:

Fort Myers

• Edison and Ford Winter Estates
• IMAG History & Science Center
• Panther National Wildlife Refuge

Sarasota

• The Ringling Museum of Art
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
• Sarasota Jungle Gardens
• Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy

Bradenton

• Manatee Village Historical Park
• The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

St. Petersburg / Largo

• The Dali Museum
• Imagine Museum
• Florida Botanical Gardens

These stops are perfect for rest days between games or for families looking to mix baseball with hands‑on learning and local culture.

Beaches

You can’t visit Florida in the spring without spending time on the beach. With warm breezes, clear skies, and mild temperatures, this is one of the best times of year to enjoy the Gulf Coast.

Some fan‑favorite beaches include:

• Bunche Beach Preserve
• Fort Myers Beach
• Longboat Key
• Siesta Key
• Anna Maria Island 
• Indian Shores
• Madeira Beach
• Treasure Island Beach
• St. Pete Beach
• Clearwater Beach
• Sanibel

 Whether you’re looking for seashells, sunsets, or watersports, there’s a beach for every kind of traveler. 

Try Out a New Restaurant

Spring Training brings visitors from all over, making it the perfect time to explore local dining. From waterfront seafood to laid‑back island vibes, Southwest Florida has something for everyone.

Here are some of our favorites:

• Dry Dock Waterfront Grill — Fresh seafood with beautiful views
• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill (Fort Myers Beach, St. Pete, Sanibel) — Live music, island flavors, and breezy outdoor seating
• Owen’s Fish Camp (Sarasota) — Old Florida charm with Southern sides and fresh catch
• Motorworks Brewing (Bradenton) — Craft beer, great food, and a lively atmosphere — right up the road from the Pirates’ training camp

Be sure to check availability and make reservations when possible — Spring Training is a busy season.

Related Blog: A Guide to Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Plan Your Family Trip to Southwest Florida

Don’t miss a moment of the pre‑season excitement. Check each team’s official schedule for game times, roster updates, and special events.

Then grab your Smugglers Cove coupon and swing by before or after the games to keep the fun going all season long. With five locations across Southwest Florida — all open from 9am to 11pm daily — Smugglers Cove is the perfect addition to your Spring Training adventure.

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