Planning the Perfect Spring Training Trip
February 10, 2026
“Baseball’s best travel secret.”
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Traveling to MLB spring training is one of the most enjoyable and accessible ways to experience professional baseball. Every February and March, Major League Baseball splits its teams into two hubs: the Cactus League in Arizona and the Grapefruit League in Florida. According to MLB.com, both leagues feature 15 teams each, offering fans daily games, smaller ballparks, and rare proximity to players and coaches that simply doesn’t exist during the regular season.
Choosing between Arizona and Florida is the first strategic decision. Arizona’s Cactus League places all stadiums within the greater Phoenix metro area, making it possible to see multiple games in a single day with short drives, according to MLB’s official spring training travel guide. Florida’s Grapefruit League is more spread out across the state — from Tampa and Clearwater on the Gulf Coast to Jupiter and Port St. Lucie on the Atlantic — which requires more driving but pairs baseball with beaches and resort destinations, according to Visit Florida and the Florida Grapefruit League.
Timing and logistics matter. Spring training games typically begin in late February and run through late March, with the most competitive lineups appearing as Opening Day approaches, according to MLB.com. Flights and hotels fill quickly during peak weeks, particularly in Arizona, so booking early often delivers better pricing and location options. Most experienced spring-training travelers recommend renting a car, especially in Arizona, where flexibility allows fans to follow pitching matchups, prospect appearances, and split-squad games, according to travel guidance from AAA and MLB fan resources.
What sets spring training apart is access. Fans can arrive early to watch batting practice, fielding drills, and bullpen sessions, and interactions with players are far more common than during the regular season. According to MLB.com, spring training is intentionally designed to be fan-friendly, emphasizing community access and development rather than spectacle. For baseball fans, it’s part vacation, part behind-the-scenes look at the sport — warm weather, afternoon games, and a reminder that baseball, at its core, is still meant to be enjoyed up close.
