Map Florida Spring Training Sites Travel Guide
Introduction
Florida is a popular destination for baseball fans who flock to the state for spring training. But there’s more to Florida than just baseball. This comprehensive travel guide for “Map Florida Spring Training Sites” covers everything from top attractions to hidden gems, outdoor adventures, budget-friendly tips, family-friendly activities, cultural immersion, and adventure sports. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, this guide has something for everyone.
Top Attractions
Walt Disney World
No trip to Florida is complete without a visit to Walt Disney World. This iconic theme park offers something for everyone, from thrilling rides to character meet-and-greets. Don’t miss the nightly fireworks show over Cinderella’s Castle.
Universal Orlando Resort
Another must-visit theme park in Florida is Universal Orlando Resort. With attractions based on popular movies like Harry Potter and Jurassic Park, there’s something for all ages. Be sure to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Everglades National Park
Explore the unique ecosystem of the Everglades National Park. Take an airboat tour to see alligators, turtles, and various bird species. Hike on the Anhinga Trail or take a scenic drive on the Tamiami Trail.
Hidden Gems
St. Augustine
Visit the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine. Explore the historic district, including the Castillo de San Marcos and the Lightner Museum. Take a ghost tour of the city at night for a spooky experience.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Learn about the history of shipwrecks and treasure hunting at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. The museum houses artifacts from a shipwreck that occurred off the coast of Key West in 1622.
Cedar Key
Get away from the hustle and bustle of touristy Florida and visit Cedar Key. This charming fishing village offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful sunsets, fresh seafood, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Food Scene
Key Lime Pie
When in Florida, you must try the famous Key Lime Pie. This sweet and tangy dessert is made with key lime juice and a graham cracker crust.
Seafood
Florida is known for its fresh seafood. From grouper to shrimp to oysters, there’s something for every seafood lover. Be sure to try the famous Florida stone crab claws.
Cuban Sandwich
Sample a traditional Cuban sandwich. This hearty sandwich is made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Attractions
There are plenty of free attractions in Florida, including the beaches, state parks, and museums. Check out the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg on Thursdays after 5 pm for free admission.
Happy Hour Deals
Save money on drinks and appetizers by taking advantage of happy hour deals. Many restaurants and bars offer discounted prices during certain hours of the day.
Public Transportation
Save money on transportation costs by using public transportation. Many cities in Florida offer bus and trolley services that are affordable and convenient.
Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking
Explore Florida’s waterways by kayaking. Rent a kayak and paddle through mangrove tunnels or along the crystal clear springs.
Hiking
Florida offers plenty of hiking opportunities, from the trails in the Everglades to the hills in North Florida. Check out the Florida Trail, a 1,400-mile trail that runs from the Everglades to Pensacola.
Snorkeling
Get up close and personal with Florida’s marine life by snorkeling. Explore the coral reefs and shipwrecks off the coast of the Florida Keys.
Family-Friendly Activities
Legoland Florida
Visit Legoland Florida for a fun-filled day with the family. With rides, shows, and attractions themed around the popular building toy, there’s something for all ages.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Learn about space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. See real rockets and space shuttles, and even meet an astronaut.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see rescued dolphins and sea turtles. Learn about the rehabilitation efforts of the aquarium and how you can help protect marine life.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Explore the unique geological formations at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. This sinkhole is 120 feet deep and contains a miniature rainforest.
Coral Castle
Visit the mysterious Coral Castle, a monument made entirely of coral rock. The castle was built by one man, Ed Leedskalnin, over the course of 28 years.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Watch mermaids swim in the crystal clear springs at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. This unique attraction has been entertaining visitors since 1947.
Natural Wonders
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Swim with manatees in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. This protected area is home to hundreds of manatees during the winter months.
Florida Caverns State Park
Explore the underground world at Florida Caverns State Park. Take a guided tour of the limestone caverns and see stunning formations like stalactites and stalagmites.
Mount Dora
Take a scenic drive to Mount Dora, a charming town in Central Florida. Visit the historic downtown area or take a boat tour of Lake Dora.
Vibrant Nightlife
South Beach
Experience the vibrant nightlife of South Beach in Miami. With clubs, bars, and restaurants open late into the night, there’s always something to do.
Downtown Orlando
Explore the nightlife of downtown Orlando. With a variety of bars, clubs, and music venues, there’s something for everyone.
Ybor City
Visit Ybor City, a historic neighborhood in Tampa known for its nightlife. Check out the bars and clubs on 7th Avenue, or visit the Ybor City State Museum for a history lesson.
Local Markets
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
Shop for fresh produce and handmade goods at the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market. This popular market is open every Saturday from October to May.
Winter Park Farmers’ Market
Visit the Winter Park Farmers’ Market for fresh produce and local crafts. The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm.
Coconut Grove Farmers’ Market
Shop for organic produce and artisanal goods at the Coconut Grove Farmers’ Market in Miami. The market is open every Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm.
Beaches and Mountains
Clearwater Beach
Relax on the white sand beaches of Clearwater Beach. This popular beach offers plenty of water activities, including parasailing and jet skiing.
Destin Beach
Visit the emerald waters of Destin Beach. This family-friendly beach offers soft sand and calm waters.
Mountains of North Florida
Escape the heat and humidity of South Florida by visiting the mountains of North Florida. Hike the trails at Torreya State Park or go tubing on the Ichetucknee River.
Cultural Immersion
Little Havana
Experience the Cuban culture of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Visit the Latin American Art Museum or sample traditional Cuban food at Versailles.
Ringling Museum of Art
Explore the art and culture of Sarasota at the Ringling Museum of Art. The museum features a collection of Baroque art, as well as circus memorabilia.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Visit the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. The museum features works by Rubens, Velázquez, and other European masters, as well as Asian art and contemporary art.
Art and Music Scene
Art Basel Miami Beach
Visit Miami during Art Basel, a week-long art fair that attracts collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world. The fair features contemporary and modern art from over