{"id":588516,"date":"2026-02-23T16:00:43","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T16:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/588516\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T16:00:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T16:00:43","slug":"florida-spring-training-vacation-meet-the-mets-and-yankees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/588516\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida Spring Training Vacation: Meet The Mets And Yankees"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s not too late to trade the New York winter for the sunshine of the Grapefruit League.<\/p>\n

For Mets and Yankees fans on Long Island\u00a0 looking to book a Florida escape, the reward is baseball at its most intimate: autographs, sunshine and seats you\u2019d never score in July.\u00a0Here\u2019s how to still pull off a perfect spring training getaway this season with direct flights from MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/<\/p>\n

The Mets<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

New York Mets player Marcus Semien works out during spring training. Credit: Newsday\/Alejandra Villa Loarca<\/p>\n

Since 1988, the Mets have called Port St.\u00a0Lucie their spring home. The atmosphere here is quiet and charming, a welcome departure from the hustle of Citi Field.<\/p>\n

Formerly known as First Data Field, the stadium was renamed Clover Park following a major renovation in 2020. It features a popular party deck in right field and a general admission “berm” perfect for families and picnics.<\/p>\n

There are 16 home games between Feb. 21 and March 21, all but four of which begin at 1:10 p.m. Gates open 1 hour and 40 minutes before the first pitch for the general public.<\/p>\n

\"Clover<\/p>\n

Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, where Mets spring training camp occurs. Credit: Randee Daddona<\/p>\n

Clover Park 31 Piazza Dr., Port St. Lucie;\u00a0772-871-2115<\/p>\n

Capacity:\u00a07,160Tickets:\u00a0Starting around $30 at the stadium box office, open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Online at mlb.com\/mets\/tickets\/spring-training<\/a>. Pro tip: Third baseline seats see the most shade.Parking: $15Area info:\u00a0visitstluciefla.com<\/a> \"New<\/p>\n

New York Mets players Mark Vientos, left, and Brett Baty during a spring training workout. Credit: Newsday\/Alejandra Villa Loarca<\/p>\n

Getting there<\/p>\n

Palm Beach International Airport (1000 James L Turnage Blvd., West Palm Beach;\u00a0pbia.org<\/a>;\u00a0561-471-7400) is the closest airport to the park. Long Islanders can reach PBI via MacArthur Airport (ISP) with Frontier<\/a>, JetBlue<\/a> or Southwest<\/a>. Frontier offers the lowest round-trip basic fares starting at $249, while Southwest\u2019s rates start around $275 and include a carry-on bag at no extra cost.<\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/p>\n

For those who want a true Florida vacation between games, Hutchinson Island is the premier choice, located about an hour north of Palm Beach International Airport and a scenic 25-minute drive to the ballpark. Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort & Beach Villas\u00a0(555 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart; marriott.com<\/a>; 772-225-3700) offers a mix of hotel rooms and beach villas, along with an 18-hole golf course and a private marina, with March stays starting around $269 per night.<\/p>\n

\"Vero<\/p>\n

Vero Beach in Florida offers travelers plenty of sea and sun. Credit: Getty Images\/iStockphoto<\/p>\n

Located just south of Port St. Lucie, Stuart is known as the “sailfish capital of the world” and features a charming, walkable downtown with shops and restaurants. The Best Western Downtown Stuart\u00a0(1209 SE Federal Hwy., Stuart; bestwestern.com<\/a>; 772-287-6200) is a reliable, centrally located option that puts you minutes away from the Roosevelt Bridge and local waterfront dining. Prices start around $200 per night.<\/p>\n

If you don’t mind a 30- to 40-minute drive north to the stadium, Vero Beach offers a quieter, more upscale atmosphere and some of the best value for your stay. Hampton Inn & Suites Vero Beach Downtown\u00a0(611 20th Pl., Vero Beach; hilton.com<\/a>; 772-774-4010) is a modern, consistent choice near the Miracle Mile shopping district with rates as low as $169 per night. The Seaspray Surf Lodge (965 E. Causeway Blvd., Vero Beach;\u00a0seaspraysurflodge.com<\/a>; 772-231-5210) offers a more “Old Florida” boutique feel\u00a0right on the ocean starting at $185 per night.<\/p>\n

Where to eat<\/p>\n

Visit Berry Fresh Cafe\u00a0(berryfresh.cafe<\/a>) for a classic, large-portion\u00a0breakfast, brunch or lunch,\u00a0with various locations in Port St. Lucie, Stuart,\u00a0Jupiter Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach.<\/p>\n

For dinner, try the sweet potato crusted snapper or the Jupiter-famous indoroni,\u00a0or “grown-up mac and cheese” at Little Moir\u2019s Leftovers (451 University Blvd., Jupiter;\u00a0leftoverscafe.com<\/a>;\u00a0561-627-6030). Conchy Joe\u2019s\u00a0(3945 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach; conchyjoes.com<\/a>; 772) 334-1131) offers waterfront dining with a Bahamian vibe and highly rated\u00a0conch fritters.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Don’t miss\u00a0Strawberry\u2019s Deli and Ice Cream\u00a0(11037 S Ocean Dr., Jensen Beach; 772-229-9356) for a scoop of Blue Bell ice cream.\u00a0Widely renowned as some of the best in the country, this cult-favorite brand is a true Southern staple that isn’t sold in Northeast stores.<\/p>\n

What to do \"Head<\/p>\n

Head to Fort Pierce for nature trails, ocean views and more. Credit: UCG\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images\/Jeff Greenberg<\/p>\n

Port St. Lucie is a premier golf destination, home to the PGA Village (1916 Perfect Dr., Port St. Lucie;\u00a0pgavillage.com<\/a>;\u00a0800) 800-4653), which features 54 holes of championship golf open to the public. For a calming break from the diamond, head to the Gordy Road Recreation Area (3650 Gordy Rd., Fort Pierce; 772-\u00a0462-2525) to enjoy a wooded 18-hole disc golf course and an interpretive nature trail through 44 acres of scrub forest.<\/p>\n

For those looking to explore the Indian River Lagoon,\u00a0Salty Water Sports (saltyswatersports.com<\/a>) has convenient locations in Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach and Port St. Lucie.\u00a0Adventurers can rent jet skis, kayaks\u00a0and paddleboards, or book a professional dolphin tour or a relaxing sunset cruise.<\/p>\n

For a unique history fix, the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum\u00a0(3300 N. Hwy. A1A, Fort Pierce; navysealmuseum.org<\/a>; 772-595-5845) sits on the actual training grounds where the first naval “frogmen” practiced during WW II. Orlando\u2019s theme parks are also just two hours from the ballpark.<\/p>\n

\"\"\/<\/p>\n

The Yankees<\/p>\n

Since 1996, the Yankees have held spring training in Tampa, bringing the prestige of the Bronx to the Gulf Coast. The atmosphere here is high-energy and professional, designed to mirror the “Yankee way” in every detail.<\/p>\n

The stadium, George M. Steinbrenner Field, was built to honor the original\u00a0Yankee Stadium, featuring the iconic white frieze and exact field dimensions. Following significant renovations, it now offers a 360-degree concourse, luxury cabanas and the Monument Garden, which honors legendary Pinstripe greats.<\/p>\n

There are 16\u00a0home games between Feb. 21 and March 22. Most day games begin at 1:05 p.m., with three night games starting at 6:35 p.m. Gates open two\u00a0hours before the first pitch.<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

New York Yankees Aaron Judge takes the field during a spring training game against the Houston Astros at George M. Steinbrenner Field in March 2025. Credit: Newsday\/Thomas A. Ferrara<\/p>\n

George M. Steinbrenner Field 1 Steinbrenner Dr., Tampa; 813-875-7753<\/p>\n

Capacity:\u00a011,026 <\/p>\n

Tickets: Starting around\u00a0$30\u00a0at the box office, open weekdays 10 a.m. to 5\u00a0p.m.; Online at mlb.com\/yankees\/tickets\/spring-training<\/a>. Pro tip:\u00a0The Right Field Terrace\u00a0offers great social vibes and standing-room views near the bullpen.<\/p>\n

Parking: $20<\/p>\n

Area info: visittampabay.com<\/a>Getting there \"An<\/p>\n

An airliner lands at Tampa International Airport. Credit: AP\/Gene J. Puskar<\/p>\n

Tampa International Airport (4100 George J. Bean Pkwy, Tampa; tampaairport.com<\/a>; 813-870-8700) is just 10 minutes from the stadium. Long Islanders can fly direct from MacArthur\u00a0via Breeze Airways<\/a>, Frontier<\/a>\u00a0or Southwest<\/a>. Breeze offers competitive fares often starting at $162\u00a0round-trip, while Southwest has fares as low as $250.<\/p>\n

Where to stay \"Tourists<\/p>\n

Tourists bustle along Clearwater Beach in Florida. Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images<\/p>\n

For those seeking a modern urban stay, the Westshore District is adjacent to the airport and stadium. The AC Hotel by Marriott Tampa Airport (4020 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa; marriott.com<\/a>; 813-350-4020) offers a sleek stay\u00a0with a pool and lounge, with March rates starting around $205 per night.<\/p>\n

For a mix of history and nightlife, stay in Ybor City. Hotel Haya (1412 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa; hotelhaya.com<\/a>; 813-462-9515) is a boutique hotel that captures the district\u2019s Cuban and Italian heritage. It’s\u00a0a 15-minute drive to the park, with rates starting near $240.<\/p>\n

If you prefer the beach, Clearwater Beach is roughly 45 minutes west of the stadium. The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa (400 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater; hilton.com<\/a>; 727-461-3222) sits right on the Gulf of Mexico. March is peak season, so expect rates\u00a0between $300 and $500\u00a0per night, but you’ll be steps away from the famous Pier 60 sunset celebrations.<\/p>\n

Where to eat \"Grab<\/p>\n

Grab a bite on Seventh Avenue in Tampa. Credit: Randee Daddona<\/p>\n

Start your day at Oxford Exchange (420 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; oxfordexchange.com<\/a>; 813-253-0222) for a sophisticated brunch in a restored 1891 stable that also houses a bookstore. For a true Tampa staple, visit West Tampa Sandwich Shop (3904 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa; westtampasandwichshoprestaurant.com<\/a>; 813-873-7104) for a traditional Cuban sandwich. It\u2019s a favorite for locals and visiting ballplayers alike.<\/p>\n

For dinner, the Columbia Restaurant (2117 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa; columbiarestaurant.com<\/a>; 813-248-4961) in Ybor City is Florida\u2019s oldest restaurant; be sure to order the “1905 Salad” prepared tableside. If you’re celebrating a big win, skip the impossible wait at Bern’s and head to\u00a0Ponte Modern American (1010 Gramercy Lane; pontetampa.com<\/a>; 813-582-7755) in Midtown, owned by James Beard-nominated chef Chris Ponte and offering\u00a0world-class steaks and local seafood in a sleek, upscale atmosphere. For a more casual post-game vibe, Riveters Tampa (2301 N.\u00a0Dale Mabry Hwy; riveterstampa.com<\/a>; 813-559-1450) is right near the stadium, offering a nostalgic “Rosie the Riveter” theme, fresh-made local meals and a great outdoor patio.<\/p>\n

What to do \"People<\/p>\n

People take advantage of a beautiful spring morning as they walk and jog along the Riverwalk in Tampa. Credit: AP\/Chris O’Meara<\/p>\n

Tampa is a hub for high-energy entertainment. Spend an off-day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa;\u00a0buschgardens.com<\/a>; 813-884-4386), which combines world-class roller coasters with a massive zoo. For a more relaxed afternoon, walk or bike the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile path connecting downtown\u2019s best parks, bars and the Florida Aquarium (701 Channelside Dr., Tampa;\u00a0flaquarium.org<\/a>;\u00a0813-273-4000).<\/p>\n

History buffs should explore Ybor City via the free TECO Line Streetcar to see roosters roaming the streets and cigar rollers at work. If you want to get on the water, take the Cross Bay Ferry over to St. Petersburg for the afternoon to visit the Dali Museum (1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg;\u00a0thedali.org<\/a>; 727-823-3767). Like the Mets’ home, Orlando\u2019s major attractions are only about 90 minutes to two hours east via I-4.<\/p>\n

Newsday travel reporter Carissa Kellman uncovers adventures, bites and hidden spots on Long Island and beyond, with the same drive that once kept her courtside at high school sports games.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It\u2019s not too late to trade the New York winter for the sunshine of the Grapefruit League. For…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":588517,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2396],"tags":[5,76780,101,4,1690,61,2548,4203,7507],"class_list":{"0":"post-588516","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-new-york-mets","8":"tag-baseball","9":"tag-florida-travel","10":"tag-mets","11":"tag-mlb","12":"tag-new-york","13":"tag-new-york-mets","14":"tag-newyork","15":"tag-newyorkmets","16":"tag-travel"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@mlb\/116120783726390744","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/588516","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=588516"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/588516\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/588517"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=588516"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=588516"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=588516"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}