It’s that time of year – the Major League Baseball season is just around the corner. One of the best vacations for any baseball fan should include the opportunity to watch a game. If you don’t live near the home stadium of your favorite team, it can be a great way to enjoy the delights of the city along with many other attractions. Or, perhaps plan a trip to another city when your team will be visiting so you can root for the players on the road. These are just a few fun vacation ideas for baseball fans.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is home to the Colorado Rockies, with Coors Field the home of the MLB team. Located in the Lower Downtown neighborhood, referred to as LoDo by the locals, it’s a beautiful ballpark with a classic vibe and sweeping views of the Rockies.
Things to Do: In addition to catching a game, visitors can enjoy the city’s top activities and attractions. There are multiple amusement parks, including Elitch Gardens Theme Park. Two parks in one; one side is a water park with tubes, wave pools, and waterslides, while the other hosts over 50 thrill rides, including huge roller coasters like the Mind Eraser coaster. Top museums include the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the Rockies Air and Space Museum, and the Molly Brown House Museum.
Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Red Sox play at one of the most iconic ballparks in the league: Fenway Park. It’s located right in the heart of the city and even attracts some non-baseball fans with its long, rich history. Opened in 1912, it’s the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball.
Things to Do: Before or after a game, you’ll find plenty to do. History buffs can walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which traverses through the most historic neighborhoods in the city, including 16 important sites pertaining to the Revolutionary War. Tours are available of the Samuel Adams Brewery, whale-watching trips can be taken between May and October, and there are a wealth of museums, from the Old State Museum, which displays memorabilia like the vial of tea that was salvaged from the original Tea Party crowd to the Institute of Contemporary Art.
Oakland, California
The Oakland Athletics play their home games at the Oakland Coliseum (currently branded as RingCentral Coliseum). For those who prefer a more casual experience with an energetic crowd that includes many passionate fans who really get into the game, you’ll love it here. Despite being criticized for its age, there’s a fantastic vibe and plenty of tasty cuisines.
Things to Do: In the city itself, Lake Merritt is a tidal lagoon surrounded by parkland that’s an ideal place to stroll, enjoy picnics, or even cruise in traditional Venetian gondolas. The Oakland Zoo is outstanding and popular among kids and adults alike, while museums include the Oakland Museum of California, which tells the story of the Golden State through history, art and natural science exhibits.
Los Angeles, California
Dodger Stadium is the home stadium of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it’s the oldest in the league west of the Mississippi. Opened in 1962, it’s hosted 10 World Series. Located just a few miles from downtown L.A., if you plan to catch a game here, you’ll have a long list of attractions to take advantage of too.
Things to Do: One of the most popular is Disneyland in Anaheim, which is only 28 miles away, but there are many closer options. That includes strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visiting film and TV studios, window shopping along Rodeo Drive, and spending time at the area’s beautiful beaches, including the famous Venice Beach.
Chicago, Illinois
Attending a Cubs game at Wrigley Field in Chicago is a bucket-list experience for most fans. One of the oldest in the league, the first major league game at the park took place back in April 1914. The first Cubs game took place two years later and the team is the only charter National League team to still play in its original city.
Things to Do: While you’re here, enjoy cruises on the lake, shop the Magnificent Mile, explore the Art Institute of Chicago, the world’s top art museum, and have fun at the Navy Pier, which includes an iconic Ferris wheel and other rides along with dining, shopping, and summertime fireworks displays.
Phoenix, Arizona
The home stadium of the Arizona Diamonds is Chase Field. Located on the outskirts of downtown, it was the first in the country to have a retractable roof (keeping the desert heat out during the summer) set over a natural grass playing surface.
Things to Do: In between going to the game, you might check out top attractions such as the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, & Safari Park in Litchfield Park, hike the Superstition Mountains (best enjoyed in the spring when temperatures are still relatively mild), and golfing on some of the best courses in the country.
New York, New York
Yankee Stadium is the home stadium of one of the most famous teams in baseball, the Yankees. It replaced the original where the team played from 1923 to 2008 but replicated its design elements while adding modern amenities.
Things to Do: In addition to enjoying the bucket-list experience of catching a game here, you’ll have New York City’s renowned attractions at your doorstep. That includes Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Broadway shows, and so much more.
Seattle, Washington
The Seattle Mariners play home games at T-Mobile Park in the SoDo neighborhood or the south downtown area. It’s one of the nicest in the league and has a retractable roof to keep fans and players out of the rain. When it’s open, extraordinary views of the city skyline can be enjoyed.
Things to Do: Of course, you’ll find many other things to do throughout Seattle, including a visit to Pikes Place Market, where you can watch the famous fishmongers who toss the fresh catch of the day back-and-forth while cracking jokes with the audience. Take a spin on the Great Wheel along the waterfront for some of the best views around, ride the elevator to the top of the Space Needle, go underground in Pioneer Square, and explore the Seattle Aquarium.
Atlanta, Georgia
Truist Park is the home of the Atlanta Braves. Located about 10 miles northwest of downtown in the unincorporated community of Cumberland, it has air conditioning on every level to ensure fans stay cool during the hot, humid summers. There are many unique features too, like the large kid-friendly area with a zip-line and numerous baseball-themed activities and games.
Things to Do: After cheering on your team, check out the Georgia Aquarium (the world’s largest with whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, beluga whales, penguins, piranhas, and more), tour the World of Coca-Cola, and hike Stone Mountain, just a 30-minute drive away.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, Citizens Bank Park is the home of the Philadelphia Phillies. It opened in 2004 and is known for its great atmosphere for catching a game.
Things to Do: The city itself is particularly known for its historical attractions, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. Visitors can also watch living history demonstrations in Valley Forge National Historical Park and enjoy plenty of modern delights too. Just a few include the Philadelphia Museum of Art (including the famous steps climbed by “Rocky”), Franklin Square with miniature golf, carousel rides, horses, and a playground, and enjoy many tasty eats like the city’s signature Phillie sandwich.
San Francisco, California
Oracle Park is the home of the San Francisco Giants and it’s often raved about for its stunning views of San Francisco Bay. Combined with its excellent concessions and fabulous vibe, it’s one of the best stadiums for catching a game.
Things to Do: Located just southeast of the SoMa neighborhood, before or after the game, you can explore Fisherman’s Wharf, ride a cable car, and visit Golden Gate Park with its many attractions like the California Academy of Sciences, the De Young Museum, and the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. Of course, you’ll have to walk or bike the iconic Golden Gate Bridge – don’t miss one of the best vantage points for a photo either, Baker Beach.
Baltimore, Maryland
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, most often referred to as simply Camden Yards is the home field of the Baltimore Orioles. You’ll find all of the classic baseball favorites along with some unique foods and those that have a Maryland twist, like Stuggy’s hot dogs topped with mac and cheese and crab meat and Maryland crab cakes. The great hot dog race on the big screen is always popular, where you’ll declare your allegiance to ketchup, mustard, or relish.
Things to Do: The stadium is just a few blocks from the Inner Harbor, where you’ll find the Maryland Science Center, an observatory and planetarium, along with the National Aquarium that features dolphins, electric eels, and giant turtles. Don’t miss the Top of the World Observation Level for sweeping views of the city.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Target Field is the home of the Minneapolis Twins. Soon after its opening in 2010, ESPN The Magazine ranked it as the number one baseball stadium experience in North America. It was also called the most authentic urban park to be built in over a decade, with fans raving about the great atmosphere, fantastic seats, and delicious food which includes highlights like chicken adobo tacos and soul food bowls with hot toffee nuts and Cajun corn.
Things to Do: After the game, enjoy the outdoors by visiting the Chain of Lakes, with miles of paved paths that run along the lake shores for walking and biking. Canoeing, kayaking, and boating are all popular too. The Mill City Museum, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Mall of America are just a few of the other options.
Washington, D.C.
Nationals Park is where the Washington Nationals play home games. Set along the Anacostia River in the Navy Yard neighborhood, it’s one of the best in the country. From the upper deck, you can even catch a glimpse of the Capitol Building.
Things to Do: Of course, you’ll need weeks or even months to take in all of the attractions in the nation’s capital, like the Smithsonian Museums, which includes 17 museums and galleries focused on everything from natural and American history to space exploration.
St. Petersburg, Florida
Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg has been the home of the Tampa Bay Rays since the team’s inaugural season in 1998. The dome-covered stadium is air-conditioned so in addition to the game, you’ll enjoy a respite from the stifling heat and humidity during the summer.
Things to Do: The city itself offers many attractions, both indoors and out, including the Salvador Dali Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete Beach with its pristine powder sugar-like sands, and Fort De Sota Park, which includes five interconnected islands, diverse habitat for wildlife, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for kayaking.
