Florida spring training vacation: Meet the Mets and Yankees

It’s not too late to trade the New York winter for the sunshine of the Grapefruit League.

For Mets and Yankees fans on Long Island  looking to book a Florida escape, the reward is baseball at its most intimate: autographs, sunshine and seats you’d never score in July. Here’s how to still pull off a perfect spring training getaway this season with direct flights from MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma.

The Mets

Since 1988, the Mets have called Port St. Lucie their spring home. The atmosphere here is quiet and charming, a welcome departure from the hustle of Citi Field.

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.

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.

Clover Park 31 Piazza Dr., Port St. Lucie; 772-871-2115

• Capacity: 7,160
• Tickets: Starting 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. Pro tip: Third baseline seats see the most shade.
• Parking: $15
• Area info: visitstluciefla.com

Getting there

Palm Beach International Airport (1000 James L Turnage Blvd., West Palm Beach; pbia.org; 561-471-7400) is the closest airport to the park. Long Islanders can reach PBI via MacArthur Airport (ISP) with Frontier, JetBlue or Southwest. Frontier offers the lowest round-trip basic fares starting at $249, while Southwest’s rates start around $275 and include a carry-on bag at no extra cost.

Where to stay

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 (555 NE Ocean Blvd., Stuart; marriott.com; 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.

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 (1209 SE Federal Hwy., Stuart; bestwestern.com; 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.

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 (611 20th Pl., Vero Beach; hilton.com; 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; seaspraysurflodge.com; 772-231-5210) offers a more "Old Florida" boutique feel right on the ocean starting at $185 per night.

Where to eat

Visit Berry Fresh Cafe (berryfresh.cafe) for a classic, large-portion breakfast, brunch or lunch, with various locations in Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Jupiter Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach.

For dinner, try the sweet potato crusted snapper or the Jupiter-famous indoroni, or "grown-up mac and cheese" at Little Moir’s Leftovers (451 University Blvd., Jupiter; leftoverscafe.com; 561-627-6030). Conchy Joe’s (3945 NE Indian River Dr., Jensen Beach; conchyjoes.com; 772) 334-1131) offers waterfront dining with a Bahamian vibe and highly rated conch fritters. 

Don't miss Strawberry’s Deli and Ice Cream (11037 S Ocean Dr., Jensen Beach; 772-229-9356) for a scoop of Blue Bell ice cream. Widely 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.

What to do

Port St. Lucie is a premier golf destination, home to the PGA Village (1916 Perfect Dr., Port St. Lucie; pgavillage.com; 800) 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- 462-2525) to enjoy a wooded 18-hole disc golf course and an interpretive nature trail through 44 acres of scrub forest.

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

For a unique history fix, the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum (3300 N. Hwy. A1A, Fort Pierce; navysealmuseum.org; 772-595-5845) sits on the actual training grounds where the first naval "frogmen" practiced during WW II. Orlando’s theme parks are also just two hours from the ballpark.

The Yankees

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.

The stadium, George M. Steinbrenner Field, was built to honor the original Yankee 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.

There are 16 home 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 hours before the first pitch.

George M. Steinbrenner Field 1 Steinbrenner Dr., Tampa; 813-875-7753

• Capacity: 11,026

• Tickets: Starting around $30 at the box office, open weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Online at mlb.com/yankees/tickets/spring-training. Pro tip: The Right Field Terrace offers great social vibes and standing-room views near the bullpen.

• Parking: $20

• Area info: visittampabay.com

Getting there

Tampa International Airport (4100 George J. Bean Pkwy, Tampa; tampaairport.com; 813-870-8700) is just 10 minutes from the stadium. Long Islanders can fly direct from MacArthur via Breeze Airways, Frontier or Southwest. Breeze offers competitive fares often starting at $162 round-trip, while Southwest has fares as low as $250.

Where to stay

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; 813-350-4020) offers a sleek stay with a pool and lounge, with March rates starting around $205 per night.

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

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; 727-461-3222) sits right on the Gulf of Mexico. March is peak season, so expect rates between $300 and $500 per night, but you'll be steps away from the famous Pier 60 sunset celebrations.

Where to eat

Start your day at Oxford Exchange (420 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; oxfordexchange.com; 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; 813-873-7104) for a traditional Cuban sandwich. It’s a favorite for locals and visiting ballplayers alike.

For dinner, the Columbia Restaurant (2117 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa; columbiarestaurant.com; 813-248-4961) in Ybor City is Florida’s 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 Ponte Modern American (1010 Gramercy Lane; pontetampa.com; 813-582-7755) in Midtown, owned by James Beard-nominated chef Chris Ponte and offering world-class steaks and local seafood in a sleek, upscale atmosphere. For a more casual post-game vibe, Riveters Tampa (2301 N. Dale Mabry Hwy; riveterstampa.com; 813-559-1450) is right near the stadium, offering a nostalgic "Rosie the Riveter" theme, fresh-made local meals and a great outdoor patio.

What to do

Tampa is a hub for high-energy entertainment. Spend an off-day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa; buschgardens.com; 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’s best parks, bars and the Florida Aquarium (701 Channelside Dr., Tampa; flaquarium.org; 813-273-4000).

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; thedali.org; 727-823-3767). Like the Mets' home, Orlando’s major attractions are only about 90 minutes to two hours east via I-4.