We didn’t set out to follow the Toronto Blue Jays through an entire season — we just wanted a little sunshine and some Spring Training baseball in Dunedin, Florida.
It was supposed to be a simple getaway: warm air, cold drinks, and the easy rhythm of preseason baseball.
But somewhere during that first game, something shifted.
One weekend turned into another — new cities, new ballparks, new memories — and before we knew it, we had planned our entire year around baseball. From the beaches of Clearwater to the heart of Minneapolis, from a scorching summer day in Detroit to the electric buzz of Toronto in October, we realized we were unintentionally following the Jays all the way to the World Series.
Standing inside Rogers Centre for Game 1, surrounded by 40,000 fans chanting in unison, it hit us:
This wasn’t just a series of trips anymore.
It had become our tradition.
Following the Blue Jays Across the Season
We started the 2025 baseball season in the Florida sunshine, watching the Blue Jays take the field in Dunedin for Spring Training.
At the time, it felt like the beginning of another fun baseball trip — palms swaying, sea breeze in the air, and the intimate hum of a smaller stadium.
What we didn’t know was that this would become the starting line of a season-long journey.
We began building long weekends around game days — layering in neighborhoods to explore, restaurants to try, and ballparks to check off our MLB bucket list.
By the end of the year, we found ourselves standing in Rogers Centre for the World Series, realizing we had followed the team all the way from spring training to the biggest stage in baseball.
Why Dunedin Is the Perfect Spring Training Town
Dunedin is a charming Gulf Coast town that feels like it was made for baseball fans.
We arrived by Uber from Clearwater Beach and instantly loved the lively, walkable downtown — lined with cute shops, local breweries, and great restaurants, all within easy reach of TD Ballpark, the Blue Jays’ spring training home.
The stadium holds about 5,000 fans, which makes the experience feel incredibly intimate. You can hear the crack of the bat, the thud of the catcher’s mitt, and every cheer from the crowd.
Tickets were easy to get and reasonably priced. We sat behind the dugout — always one of my favorite places — but honestly, there isn’t a bad seat in the park.
Spring training in Florida can get hot quickly, especially away from the water. I was very happy I brought a hat that day.
Sitting in the sunshine with a cold drink, watching baseball, and hearing the game up close is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon.
The park also has a great area for kids, and it’s easy to grab food, water, or a cold beer. Prices were a bit high — something the friendly staff even joked about. Many were retirees simply enjoying being part of the game-day atmosphere, which added to the charm.
Looking back, that first game in Dunedin was more than just a spring training trip — it was the beginning of something much bigger.
Quick Tips for Dunedin & TD Ballpark
- Arrive early to explore the concourse
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen — the sun gets hot fast
- Every seat has a great view (behind the dugout is a bonus)
- Downtown is walkable — pair the game with a brewery visit
Who We Are
We’re a sports-loving couple who plan most of our travel around games — especially baseball.
What started as catching a few games has turned into a bucket list mission: to visit every MLB ballpark in North America.
We pair game days with great stays, great food, and intentional itineraries.
Why We Follow the Blue Jays (and the Giants)
Being Canadian, following the Blue Jays comes naturally — but we’ll admit, we’re a two-team household: the Jays and the San Francisco Giants.
Baseball has always been part of our story.
I grew up with it — my dad loved it, my brother played, and we never missed a chance to visit a ballpark on vacation.
My husband is an even bigger fan. He pitched at a high level until a rotator cuff injury, and as a kid, he and his brother would huddle around the radio to listen to games.
It’s more than a sport to us — it’s something woven into our lives.
How We Plan It
- Start with the MLB schedule and our calendar
- Layer in concerts, events, and other sports
- Check flights (timing, duration, and cost matter)
- Choose hotels based on walkability or transit access
- Build in neighborhoods, restaurants, and experiences
Spring Training Base: Clearwater Beach
We stayed in Clearwater Beach, about a 30-minute drive from Dunedin, and fell in love instantly.
The beach has the softest white sand I’ve ever seen, stretching for miles along the Gulf of Mexico. The area is filled with lively restaurants, outdoor patios, and a beautiful boardwalk.
February can be cooler than expected — pack layers! I made the mistake of only bringing summer clothes.
Where We Stayed
AC Hotel Clearwater Beach, but there are so many great hotels and resorts to choose from.
- Short walk to the beach
- Beach chairs and towels provided
- Balcony overlooking a canal (perfect for morning coffee)
- Great pool and fitness center
- Ideal location
Eats We Loved
- Coco’s Crush Bar — live music and dancing
- Hogan’s Hangout — fun, lively, great music
- Sandbar (Opal Sands) — the crab BLT is a must
Bonus Sports Stop
We also made a stop in Tampa to watch the Lightning play the Calgary Flames — the perfect add-on to a baseball weekend.
June in Minneapolis: Target Field Weekender
From Florida, our journey continued to Minneapolis for a three-game series against the Twins.
Minneapolis is clean, modern, and unique — much of the downtown is connected through indoor skyways (similar to Calgary’s Plus 15), making it easy to navigate.
Target Field sits right in downtown, surrounded by high-rise buildings that create an incredible skyline backdrop.
Detroit Surprised Me — Here’s Why
Comerica Park helped us check another stadium off the list — and Detroit surprised me the most.
We stayed downtown near the stadium, with plenty of restaurants and great energy around us.
The weather ranged from humid to blazing hot — bring a hat and water, shade can be limited.
We loved:
- Tin Roof
- Old Shillelagh (try the corned beef & sauerkraut egg rolls!)
What makes Comerica Park unforgettable are the tiger statues — massive, detailed, and everywhere. They add personality and make the stadium feel completely unique.
The Full Circle Moment: Toronto World Series Game 1
By October, the energy across Canada was electric — but nothing compared to Toronto.
The entire city was buzzing with Blue Jays pride. Everywhere you looked, people were wearing jerseys, and hope filled the air.
Walking into Rogers Centre felt surreal.
After following the team all season, we were here — for Game 1 of the World Series.
The chants, the energy, the national anthem — it was overwhelming in the best way.
And when that game-winning home run was hit, the stadium erupted.
It was a moment we will never forget.
Game Days. City Stays.
For us, it’s not just about baseball.
It’s about the cities, the people, the food, and the experiences.
We choose hotels intentionally. We explore neighborhoods. Sometimes it’s a couple’s trip, sometimes girls’ trips, and sometimes we escape to the mountains to reset.
What You’ll Find Here
- Weekend game-day itineraries
- Hotel recommendations near stadiums
- Stadium experience reviews
- What to pack and wear
- Girls’ getaway guides
- Mountain escape inspiration
What to Pack for Spring Training & Summer Games
- Lightweight layers
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Stadium-approved bag
- Refillable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season started in the Florida sunshine and ended under the lights in Toronto.
Somewhere in between, we realized we weren’t just attending games.
We were building a tradition.
And we’re just getting started.
Game Days. City Stays. 
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