Top Tampa Bay Rays Travel Packages for 2026

Planning a trip to see the Tampa Bay Rays in 2026 is about more than just baseball. Rays home games offer a chance to combine live MLB action with warm weather, coastal scenery, and the relaxed pace of Florida’s Gulf Coast. For travelers escaping colder climates or looking to pair baseball with a vacation, Tampa Bay delivers one of the most flexible and enjoyable home-game experiences in the league.

With games played at Tropicana Field, Rays home series fit naturally into longer stays that include beaches, waterfront dining, and day trips across the region. Tampa Bay Rays travel packages make it easy to bundle tickets, hotels, and travel into one plan, allowing visitors to focus on enjoying Florida rather than coordinating logistics.

Why a Tampa Bay Rays Trip Is a Perfect Baseball Getaway

A Rays home game feels different from many other MLB trips. Instead of navigating dense city centers or relying on public transit, Tampa Bay travel is built around space, sunshine, and flexibility. Visitors often arrive with plans that extend well beyond the ballpark, using baseball as the anchor for a Florida getaway.

The appeal is simple. Rays games pair well with beach mornings, waterfront dinners, and relaxed evenings. Whether the trip is built around a long weekend or a full week away, Tampa Bay allows travelers to slow down while still enjoying high-level baseball. This balance makes Tampa Bay Rays vacation packages especially attractive for couples, families, and groups looking to blend sports with leisure.

Best Tampa Bay Rays Home Series to Travel For in 2026

Chicago Cubs at Tampa Bay Rays

April 6–8 | Home Opener at Tropicana Field

The Rays’ return to Tropicana Field carries added meaning in 2026 after spending the previous season away from home due to hurricane damage. Opening weekend brings a sense of renewal, with fans eager to see baseball back in St. Petersburg and visitors drawn to the significance of the moment. The presence of the Cubs adds national appeal and a strong traveling contingent.

Early April is an ideal time to visit Florida, offering warm days without peak summer heat. This series works especially well for travelers looking to combine baseball with a relaxed coastal getaway built around the Rays’ return home.

👉 Explore Tampa Bay Rays travel packages for Opening Weekend

New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays

April 10–12 | First Weekend Home Series

A visit from the Yankees immediately raises the intensity at Tropicana Field. As a division rival and one of the league’s biggest draws, this series brings heightened energy to the ballpark and strong demand for tickets throughout the weekend.

For travelers, this matchup offers meaningful baseball early in the season while still benefiting from springtime weather. It’s a strong option for visitors prioritizing Tampa Bay Rays tickets paired with a long weekend in Florida.

👉 View Tampa Bay Rays ticket and hotel packages for Yankees games

San Francisco Giants at Tampa Bay Rays

May 1–3 | Interleague Matchup

Interleague series against San Francisco bring a different rhythm to Rays home games. These matchups attract travelers focused on the destination as much as the opponent, creating a relaxed atmosphere that pairs well with a Florida stay.

Early May offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds around beaches and downtown St. Petersburg. This series fits well into Tampa Bay Rays vacation packages designed around a slower, more flexible trip.

👉 Plan a Tampa Bay Rays vacation package for this series

Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays

May 4–6 | Popular Travel Series

The Blue Jays consistently draw a strong traveling presence in Tampa Bay, creating a lively mix of supporters inside the stadium. This series often feels social and energetic, especially for visitors coming from colder climates.

May is a prime window for Florida travel, and this matchup works well for short getaways centered on Tampa Bay Rays hotel packages near the waterfront or beaches.

👉 Explore Tampa Bay Rays tickets and hotels for Blue Jays games

Washington Nationals at Tampa Bay Rays

June 19–21 | Summer Travel Window

A June series against Washington aligns well with the start of summer travel season. Tropicana Field’s indoor setting provides climate-controlled comfort, allowing visitors to enjoy daytime activities outdoors without worrying about game-time heat.

This series is a good fit for travelers building trips around flexibility, pairing Rays home games with beach time and downtown St. Pete evenings.

👉 View Tampa Bay Rays travel packages for this home series

Seattle Mariners at Tampa Bay Rays

July 10–12 | Mid-Summer Series

Mid-July games bring a steady summer rhythm to Tropicana Field. The Mariners’ visit offers a competitive interleague matchup while Tampa Bay provides a welcome escape from extreme heat thanks to the stadium’s indoor environment.

This series suits travelers looking for Tampa Bay Rays ticket packages that balance baseball with beach-focused itineraries during peak summer months.

👉 Explore Tampa Bay Rays ticket packages for July games

Cleveland Guardians at Tampa Bay Rays

July 25–26 | Short Weekend Series

Shorter weekend series are ideal for travelers planning quick Florida escapes. Late July brings full summer energy to the region, with longer days and active waterfront areas around St. Petersburg.

This matchup works well for visitors prioritizing convenience and simplicity, especially those booking compact Tampa Bay Rays travel packages around a weekend stay.

👉 Plan a Tampa Bay Rays weekend travel package

San Diego Padres at Tampa Bay Rays

August 28–30 | Late-Summer Matchup

Late August series offer a slightly calmer travel pace as summer crowds begin to thin. The Padres’ visit adds interleague intrigue while Tampa Bay’s coastal setting remains a major draw.

This series is well suited for travelers looking to enjoy Florida before fall, pairing Rays home games with quieter beaches and relaxed evenings.

👉 View Tampa Bay Rays vacation packages for late summer

Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays

September 18–19 | Final Home Series

The final home series of the season carries a reflective tone, with fans taking in Tropicana Field one last time before the postseason. A visit from Boston adds weight to the closing games, often drawing strong attendance and attention.

September travel benefits from warm weather, fewer crowds, and a slower pace, making this an appealing option for visitors closing out the season with Tampa Bay Rays travel packages.

👉 Explore Tampa Bay Rays tickets and hotel packages for the final home games

Where to Stay Near Tropicana Field and Why Location Matters

Choosing where to stay plays a major role in shaping a Tampa Bay Rays trip. Unlike compact downtown stadiums, Tropicana Field rewards travelers who think in terms of neighborhoods rather than blocks.

Staying in St. Petersburg keeps visitors closest to the ballpark. Hotels downtown or near the waterfront allow for shorter drives on game days and easy access to restaurants and bars before and after games. This option works well for travelers prioritizing convenience around Rays home games.

Others prefer staying closer to the beaches in areas like Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach. While this adds a drive to Tropicana Field, it turns the trip into a true beach vacation with baseball built in. For many travelers booking Tampa Bay Rays hotel packages, this tradeoff is part of the appeal.

Where to Eat & Drink Before and After a Rays Game

Game days in Tampa Bay often start well before first pitch. Many visitors spend the afternoon near the waterfront before heading to Tropicana Field, making dining part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

Popular pre-game spots include Ferg’s Sports Bar, located directly across from the stadium and known for its game-day energy. Downtown St. Pete also offers a wide mix of casual restaurants and breweries that fit naturally into a Rays itinerary.

After the game, travelers often return downtown or head toward the water for a more relaxed evening. The lack of rush and congestion compared to larger markets allows the night to unfold at an easy pace, especially for visitors staying nearby.

Getting to Tampa Bay: Airports, Transportation, and Rentals

Most visitors arrive through Tampa International Airport, which offers the widest range of flights and easy access to the region. Some travelers also use St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, depending on routing and accommodations.

Unlike many MLB cities, Tampa Bay travel often works best with a rental car. Distances between beaches, hotels, and Tropicana Field are manageable, and driving adds flexibility for exploring the area. For travelers booking Tampa Bay Rays travel packages, transportation planning is often built into the overall itinerary to keep things simple.

Things to Do Beyond the Game: Beaches, Clearwater, and St. Pete

One of the biggest advantages of a Rays home series trip is how easily baseball fits into a broader vacation. Gulf Coast beaches are a short drive away, offering white sand, calm water, and sunsets that pair well with evening games.

St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront, art scene, and museums provide plenty to explore between games. Clearwater Beach remains a favorite for visitors looking to dedicate full days to the coast, while still returning in time for baseball at night.

This combination of beach access and baseball flexibility is what sets Tampa Bay Rays vacation packages apart from traditional MLB travel.

Why Tampa Bay Rays Travel Packages Make Planning Easier

Planning a Rays trip independently can mean juggling flights, hotels in different neighborhoods, rental cars, and game tickets. Travel packages simplify that process by bringing everything together into one coordinated plan.

By bundling Tampa Bay Rays tickets, hotels, and travel elements, packages help visitors avoid common missteps like staying too far from the areas they want to explore or underestimating driving time on game days. This is especially valuable for travelers unfamiliar with the Tampa Bay layout.

Packages also offer flexibility. Trips can be built around single games, full series, or longer Florida stays, making them suitable for couples, families, and groups alike.

Tampa Bay Rays Travel Packages FAQ

When is the best time to book Tampa Bay Rays travel packages for 2026?
As early as possible. Popular home series and peak travel seasons can impact hotel availability and pricing.

Do Tampa Bay Rays travel packages include flights?
Yes. Elite Sports Tours offers packages that can include flights, hotels, and Rays tickets.

Are Tampa Bay Rays travel packages good for longer vacations?
Absolutely. Tampa Bay is ideal for trips that extend beyond baseball, especially for visitors combining games with beach time.

What seating options are available at Tropicana Field?
Packages include seating options across multiple sections. Specific seating preferences can be accommodated when available.

Are Tampa Bay Rays vacation packages suitable for groups or couples?
Yes. Packages can be customized for groups, couples, and travelers coming from different cities.

2026 Tampa Bay Rays Home Games

Tampa Bay Rays home games offer one of the most flexible baseball travel experiences in Major League Baseball. With warm weather, accessible beaches, and a relaxed pace, Rays home series are easy to build into trips that feel like vacations first and baseball second.

Tampa Bay Rays travel packages help turn those plans into reality by simplifying logistics and letting visitors focus on enjoying Florida and live baseball.

Looking to Follow the Rays on the Road in 2026?

If you’re interested in seeing the Tampa Bay Rays in other cities and ballparks, our guide to Tampa Bay Rays road trips highlights the best away series to travel for and destinations worth building a trip around.

👉 Explore Tampa Bay Rays road trips for 2026