Spring training in Florida is in full swing

Only about a week and a half remains until the Major League Baseball season kicks in, but there's plenty of time to take a one-tank trip in Florida to check out your favorite team during spring training.

Aside from catching a first glimpse of some future all-stars, promising prospects and, of course, a fair share of career minor leaguers, spring training is all about relaxing in the Florida sun. We've taken a look at some of the better stadiums in Florida and what each brings to the table.

Atlanta Braves
Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Kissimmee

Champion Stadium is located on the edge of WaltDisney World property in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex just off of I-4. This is one of the premier spring training baseball stadiums in the Grapefruit League, with a huge capacity of 9,500. The stadium features a large concourse, two seating decks and a grass berm area that extends in an L shape from third base to left center field in a Spanish Mission style architecture. The stadium is a stone's throw from the main Disney theme parks, so after a long day at Epcot, swing on over to the stadium and enjoy a ballgame. In the past, the Tampa Bay Rays have hosted a home-away-from-home 3-game series at Champion Stadium, but the team has not renewed the deal since their 2008 World Series season.

Upcoming weekend games: March 27 vs. Washington Nationals, 1:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay Rays
Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte

In 2007, the old Charlotte County Stadium was given a makeover—a $27 million makeover. With its new look came a new team: the Tampa Bay Rays. Fitted with a new winning attitude (and a winning record), it's only appropriate that the Rays upgraded from the admittedly out-of-date St. Petersburg's Al Lang Stadium to the newly renovated Charlotte Sports Park. A 19,000-square-foot boardwalk was built to circle the outfield and a tiki hut was constructed behind center field, lined with deck chairs and high-rise tables. Charlotte's signature outfield boardwalk has reinvented the classic "day on the outfield lawn" feeling of a spring training game.

Florida Marlins/St. Louis Cardinals
Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter

Roger Dean Stadium is located a hop-skip from Florida Atlantic University's Jupiter Honors College campus. It's a traditional style ballpark built in 1998 that doesn't have the modern look to it. The grandstands have no fancy concourses so it's easier to watch the game without distractions. Across from the stadium is an outdoor downtown shopping center, perfect for a post-game beverage. Jupiter is surrounded by beautiful golf courses and it's a short car ride from the ballpark to the beaches.

Upcoming weekend games: March 27 vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 1:05 p.m.; March 28 vs. Houston Astros, 1:05 p.m.

Philadelphia Phillies
Bright House Networks Field, Clearwater

Bright House Networks Field is kind of like the baseball brother of our own football stadium. This modern ballpark opened in 2004 and is considered one of the most comfortable facilities in the Grapefruit League. Its concourse encircles the entire field and encompasses a double-deck for seats and a knoll for grass seating along the outfield. Left field features patio seating that includes Frenchy's tiki bar – always a hit during those mid-afternoon games. The ballpark is next to U.S. 19 and is only a short drive from Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Upcoming weekend games: March 25 vs Houston Astros, 1:05 p.m.; March 28 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates 1:05 p.m.;    March 29 vs. Atlanta Braves, 1:05 p.m.

New York Yankees
George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa

If you never took a trip to old Yankee Stadium, the best you can do, short of building a time machine, is take a trip to Legends Field (we'll never get used to Steinbrenner Field).

The ballpark is built to mimic its big brother up north: the dimensions match its New York counterpart and there's even a mini "Memorial Park" outside the stadium commemorating Yankee greats. Even after spring training ends, the park plays home to the Florida State League's Tampa Yankees, so pinstripes constantly dominate the field.

The ballpark is located right across from the Raymond James Stadium in midtown Tampa, so take Dale Mabry, hop a quick left and you're in the Channelside district of downtown Tampa, where the nightlife at Splitsville, Howl at the Moon and Wet Willies is a great contrast from a long, hot day under the Tampa Bay sun.

Upcoming weekend games: March 2 vs. Baltimore Orioles, 1:05 p.m.; March 3 vs. New York Yankees Future Stars, 1:05 p.m.