If you’ve ever wanted to watch the Toronto Blue Jays up close, in the sun, with a drink in hand and no stadium chaos—Spring Training in Dunedin is one of the best baseball experiences you can have.
After traveling from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, I realized this isn’t just an easy trip—it’s the perfect mix of baseball, beach, and relaxed vacation.
The first time I walked into TD Ballpark, it didn’t feel like a big stadium experience at all. It felt easy. Relaxed. Like baseball the way it’s supposed to be. Within minutes, we had a drink in hand, sunshine on our faces, and were watching the Blue Jays up close—no stress, no chaos, just a really good day.
But the difference between a good trip and an amazing one comes down to how you plan it.
Here’s exactly how to do it right.
Who Is This Trip Perfect For
This trip is ideal if:
- You’re a Blue Jays fan who wants a more up-close, personal experience
- You want to combine baseball with a warm-weather beach getaway
- You prefer an easy, relaxed vacation that’s simple to navigate
It works equally well for couples, girls trips, families, or even solo travel.
When To Go
Spring Training begins mid February and runs until late March, but your experience can feel very different depending on the timing.
Mid-February:
- Fewer crowds
- Easier ticket access
- More prospects and younger players
- Pleasant weather
Average temperatures:
- Highs: 21–22°C (70–72°F)
- Lows: 14°C (57°F)
Mid–Late March:
- More energy and atmosphere
- Busier stadium
- More starting players in the lineup
- Warmer weather
Average temperatures:
- Highs: 24–25°C (mid-70s°F)
- Lows: 13–17°C (mid-50s to low 60s°F)
My recommendation: Go mid-to-late March if you want the full experience.
Getting to Dunedin from Canada
One of the best parts of this trip? It’s surprisingly easy.
We flew from Calgary to Tampa, Florida—and the travel was seamless.
Coming from Calgary, I expected this to feel like a bigger travel day—but it honestly didn’t. Once we landed in Tampa, everything was quick and easy, and within about 30 minutes we were already heading toward palm trees and warm air. It’s one of those trips that feels far, but is surprisingly simple.
Best Airport to Fly Into
The closest airport is:
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- About 30 minutes from Dunedin
- Easy airport to navigate
- Lots of direct flight options from major Canadian cities
Direct Flights from Canada
Depending on where you’re flying from, you can often find direct flights to Tampa from:
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Calgary (seasonal)
- Vancouver (less common, usually 1 stop)
If there’s no direct flight, a quick connection through Toronto or another U.S. city is usually simple.
Getting from the Airport to Dunedin or Clearwater
Once you land, you have two main options:
Rent a Car (Best for flexibility)
- Ideal if you want to explore beaches or nearby areas, there is a lot to explore
- Easy drive (straightforward and quick)
Uber / Taxi (Best for simplicity)
- Around 25–35 minutes
- Great option if you’re staying close to downtown Dunedin
Travel Tips from Canada
- Book early for March travel → Spring Training is popular
- Check exchange rates → helps with budgeting
- Travel insurance is always a good idea
- Bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees if you have one
Where to Stay
Where you stay will completely shape your trip.
Stay in Dunedin
- close to the stadium
- walkable
- relaxed, small-town feel
- Airbnbs
Stay in Clearwater
- more hotel options
- incredible beach
- 15-20 minutes from Dunedin, just a short Uber ride
- slightly busier
- lots of restaurants and beach patios to choose from
What we did: Stayed in Clearwater—and I’d absolutely do it again.
It’s the perfect way to combine a beach vacation with baseball.
After our first game, we went straight back to Clearwater Beach, grabbed a drink, and watched the sunset. That combination—baseball in the afternoon, beach in the evening—is what really makes this trip different from any other baseball experience.
What to Expect at the Stadium
TD Ballpark is very different from a regular MLB stadium—and that’s part of the appeal.
- smaller and more intimate
- easy to navigate
- relaxed atmosphere
No overwhelming crowds. No long lines.
Just baseball, sunshine, and a great vibe.
Pro Tips
- Don’t wait until game day to buy your tickets, they sell out
- Arrive early for batting practice (you can catch balls—fun for kids and adults)
- Go to a couple of games, better chance to see your favourite players
- Remember to check the schedule, we almost went this year when the World Baseball Classic was on
Sample 4-Day Spring Training Itinerary
Day 1:
- Arrive in Tampa
- Check into your hotel in Clearwater or Dunedin
- Dinner by the water
Day 2:
- Morning: Beach time (Clearwater Beach is beautiful)
- Afternoon: Blue Jays game at TD Ballpark
- Evening: Drinks or dinner in downtown Dunedin
Day 3:
- Explore Dunedin shops + waterfront
- Second Blue Jays game (different experience each day)
Day 4:
- Relaxed morning
- Head back to the airport
This balance of baseball & beach is what makes this trip so good.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
- Book tickets earlier for better seats
- Plan for at least three games instead of two
- Add an away game (Grapefruit League teams are all nearby)
- Stay a little longer to enjoy both baseball and beach
- Travel mid-March for warmer beach weather
- Pack smarter
(I’ll be sharing exactly what to pack in my next blog.)
Final Thoughts
This trip surprised me—in the best way. It’s one of the easiest, most enjoyable baseball experiences I’ve had, and one I’d do again without hesitation.
If you’re even thinking about it, start planning. It’s worth it.
I’ll be sharing more MLB travel experiences as I visit new stadiums—so follow along.
Have you experienced Spring Training? I’d love to hear about it.
And if you’re planning your first trip, also read:
“My Experience at Blue Jays Spring Training in Dunedin”
Game Days. City Stays. 
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