Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach: Your Spring Training Home Base

By Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau on Jan. 13, 2026

Spring Training FAQs

When winter starts dragging on and baseball season feels far away, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach offers a smarter way to do Spring Training in a warm winter destination.

Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte—home of Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training—sits in the center of Florida’s Grapefruit League, making our area the ideal home base for a full week (or more) of games.

Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training Game, pitcher throwing the ball Rays games are the easiest to catch, but with the entire league at your fingertips, you can build your trip around your favorite team (or teams) instead of being tied to a single stadium.

From Punta Gorda, Englewood, or any of our communities, you have easy access to:

Atlanta Braves: 24 minutes to CoolToday Park – North Port
Boston Red Sox: 50 minutes to JetBlue Park, and Minnesota Twins: 1 hour to Hammond Stadium – Fort Myers
Baltimore Orioles: 57 minutes to Ed Smith Stadium – Sarasota
Pittsburgh Pirates: 1 hour to LECOM Park – Bradenton

Day trips open the door to Yankees, Blue Jays, Tigers, and Phillies games to the north, or Mets, Marlins, Cardinals, Astros, and Nationals matchups to the east.

When the game ends, your day doesn’t: amazing dining, fun outdoor activities, historic downtown Punta Gorda, and Englewood Beach sunsets are all just minutes away.

Spring Training in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach isn’t about squeezing in a game or two, it’s about building a trip around baseball and actually having the time to enjoy the games and your downtime.

See you soon!

Spring Training FAQs

When does 2026 Florida Spring Training start and how long does it last?

Spring Training dates for the 15 Grapefruit League teams in Florida in 2026 generally run February 20 or 21 through March 20 or 21, 2026. Exact dates for specific teams can be found on their sites.

Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training is scheduled February 21 through March 21, 2026.

What is the best week to visit for Spring Training?

Early to mid-March offers the best mix of full lineups, good weather, and complete schedules.

Come a little early for Spring Break fun!

Is traveling to Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach for Spring Training worth it?

Yes! Spring Training offers smaller crowds, closer views of the players, and a relaxed atmosphere you can't find during regular season games in huge stadiums and Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach offers amazing dining, lots of outdoor activities, and art and culture to occupy your downtime...or just head to the beach!

Find your perfect beach when you're here for Spring Training...or anytime!

What time should you arrive for Spring Training games?

Arriving 30–60 minutes before the first pitch allows ample time for parking, concessions, pre-game activity, and settling in.

Are Spring Training games family friendly?

Yes! Most Spring Training games are quieter and more leisurely, perfect for families. There's even a kids play area at the Charlotte Sports Park, in case the littles get restless during the game.

Find more fun stuff to do with kids when you're here for Spring Training

When is the National Netherlands baseball team playing the Rays in Port Charlotte?

The Netherlands baseball team will be taking on the Tampa Bay Rays on March 4, 2026 at 1:05 pm, at the Charlotte Sports Park in preparation for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Why stay in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach for Spring Training?

Punta Gorda/Englewood provides central access to multiple teams’ stadiums, in addition to beaches, dining, and downtime full of fun activities between games.

Find your perfect stay for Spring Training

Which Major League Baseall teams are in the Florida Grapefruit League?

The Grapefruit League Teams are: Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and New York Yankees

Author

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau

The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau was established in 1997. The Visitor & Convention Bureau supports local businesses by promoting Charlotte County as a premiere travel destination, domestically and internationally, to consumers, meeting planners, travel trade and sports-rights holders.
We advocate for and promote Charlotte County as a warm, welcoming, and beautiful destination with positive economic growth and a focus on the preservation of natural resources to build a sustainable future for visitors and residents alike.
Learn more on our About Us Page and visit our Events Page to stay up to date on happenings in the area.
Blog content is created and reviewed by our amazing staff, (locals of course!). Through our posts we share those “in the know” tips, the “where the locals go” info, and the “places not to miss” to inspire travelers to visit. We share our knowledge by highlighting activities and events, the area’s unique natural appeal, and our prioritizing of conservation, sustainability, and accessibility. Our social media, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube in particular, focus on all there is to do, see, and eat in the area. Social posts and videos are created and shared by the VCB, by visitors, and sometimes by sponsored travel writers (always disclosed).
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast is Florida’s premier ecotourism destination, free from crowds and off the beaten path yet still offering the comfort and amenities discerning travelers seek. Our location on Charlotte Harbor means endless miles of natural shoreline and outdoor assets like beaches, nature preserves, and waterways of all kinds. Visitors can find unlimited outdoor pursuits like sailing, boating, world-class fishing, paddling, birding, biking, dining and arts. Come find out why “Our Best Side is Outside℠.”