How to Spend a Day Around Ed Smith Stadium
Turn hours of fun at a Baltimore Orioles Spring Training game into a full day of activities at these nearby restaurants and attractions.
Let’s play ball! It’s Spring Training time again, which means the Baltimore Orioles are back at Ed Smith Stadium and ready to knock it out of the park for the next few months in Sarasota.
But after three or so hours, the game is likely over. However, your fun doesn’t have to be! Here’s how to spend the rest of your day, or evening, in the general area of Ed Smith Stadium.
Catch an Afternoon Game:
Let’s be honest. We know we’re going to indulge at a ball game. The glorious waft of the popcorn smell, the perpetual offer of snacks, the promise of refreshment from a cool drink – it’s too hard to resist. So, start the day off right, by getting a healthy and hearty breakfast nearby. From outdoor patio dining at First Watch for fresh juices and signature breakfast dishes to more fast-casual spots grabbing NY-style bagel sandwiches at 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottleshop's bar, both restaurants are within the Downtown Sarasota district and close to the stadium.

From green spaces to friendly waterways, The Bay Park beckons those looking for a natural escape
From breakfast, warm up those legs by taking a stroll through Downtown Sarasota and across the street to Bayfront Park area right to take in the views of all the boats in the marina and the John Ringling Bridge, or take a short drive north to The Bay Park, just a little further north. This public park is great for kids, with a giant playground and field to play ball on. You may even be able to time it right to catch a free community activity, such as kayaking, yoga, tai chi, nature walking tours, live music and more.
Both parks are about a 10-minute drive to the stadium, so pack and gather the troops to head to the game to grab your seats!

After – hopefully a win – take a break from the sun with a bucket and beer at Evie’s Tavern & Family Golf Center, about 15 minutes away, where you can recap the game with your company while hitting a few balls of your own on their driving range. Any kids can join in, or enjoy the mini golf/putt-putt course and indoor arcade gaming room. Stick around for dinner at the tavern – their wings and pizza are local favorites.

Strolling The Ringling Museum's courtyard and bayfront gardens
If you're looking for something more quiet and chill instead, consider a 15-minute drive in another direction, to The Ringling. There, explore the Circus Museum, revolving art galleries and world-renowned exhibits. Meander over to the massive Ca’ d’Zan mansion, or walk amongst banyan trees, bayfront rose gardens and history abound at this stunning, tranquil property. For dinner, head across the street to Captain Brian's Seafood Market & Restaurant. You'll be hard-pressed to find fresher gulf-caught seafood selections to try during your trip to Florida.
Tired yet? Drive (safely) back to your hotel for a night ‘cap.’ Straight down Tamiami Trail from the museum and restaurant, find a newly renovated, boutique-style hotel, the voco Sarasota. The contemporary (and pet-friendly rooms – in case you decide to bring your dog for the weekend) are adorned with modern amenities and decor while its Offshore Tapas And Wine Bar allows you to snag a local craft draft or glass of wine to top off the night.

Taking in the high-rise views of Sarasota Bay and the city skyline at Embassy Suites
Another close-by option is the Embassy Suites Sarasota, located on the fringes of downtown. The all-suite hotel offers skyline views of Sarasota Bay, plus an outdoor pool, complimentary made-to-order breakfast, a fitness center and an onsite restaurant/bar. Bridges Restaurant is located on the eighth floor with sweeping views of the city and handcrafted cocktails.
Off to another game spring training game tomorrow? Both of these hotels are under 10 minutes away from Ed Smith Stadium.
Catch an Evening Game:
Rise and shine, it’s game day! Until the Orioles play tonight, the world is your oyster. There are few things as American as baseball, except perhaps apple pie. Enjoy both by planning breakfast at Pinecraft, Sarasota's Amish community about a 15-minute drive from the mentioned hotels. Yoder’s is the spot for home-style comfort food at its best. Their breakfast guarantees to fuel your day, from corned beef hash to eggs and grits. Enjoy it all with a side of their famous pie – made from scratch every morning, it’s the perfect complement to a ballgame.
Now get out and explore Sarasota – not too far from the Stadium, of course – with one of the several tours. With an expert in charge, you can enjoy the sights while not stressing about time.

Cycling The Legacy Trail, an 18-mile multi-use recreational trail connecting Sarasota and Venice
Burn off that breakfast with an active tour: Sarasota Bike Tours offers both pedal and electric bikes (E-Choppers) and tours of various lengths. With starting points such as The Legacy Trail, Downtown and Marina Park, you won’t venture too far away from Ed Smith Stadium. Sarasota Suncoast Tours offers exciting walking tours exploring Sarasota's food and drink scene, as well as historical ghost tours. Prefer to rest your legs? Tour the area's waters aboard Sarasota Bay Explorers in search of dolphins, manatees and sea birds.
After you're toured out, make your way out to Lido Key – about a 10-minute drive across the John Ringling Bridge from the downtown area for a bite to eat. The Old Salty Dog is a great waterside spot (especially if jumping off a boat tour at City Island) for refreshing tiki drinks, peel n' eat shrimp, lobster rolls and the Island Tacos. Daiquiri Deck is another happening spot where visitors love to bulk up on favorites like Florida Gator Bites, conch fritters, coconut shrimp and – you guessed it – frozen fruit daiquiris in an open-air setting on St. Armands Circle.

After your tour and lunch, make your way off the key for a 10-minute drive inland toward the stadium. Now's the time to take a load off and recharge to prepare for your game at The Reserve Retreat cafe. Enjoy a late-afternoon pick-me-up coffee or tea while perusing its independent bookstore. Grab some wine or craft beer here as well to stock your hotel room for some post-game celebrations.
Head over to Ed Smith Stadium – a quick five or so minutes away – to catch the first pitch. Feast on traditional ballpark fare or visit the Orioles Fit Grill for lighter food options. After the Orioles (hopefully) knock it out of the park (if they don’t win it’s a shame), toast with a local brew at Sun King Brewery, just a hop, skip and jump down the road. Relive the day, and game, with the crew over Play Hard Lagers or Sunlight Cream Ales. Cheers to another year of a great American pastime.