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Insider’s guide to Washington Nationals Spring Training

Noah Frank | nfrank@wtop.com

March 2, 2015, 3:25 AM

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Here’s everything you need to know to make your Spring Training stay along the Space Coast of Florida an enjoyable one. (Courtesy Micah Backus)
Courtesy Micah Backus
The cheapest way to get to Viera is through the Orlando International Airport, slightly under an hour away. Several carriers offer multiple direct flights each day from Washington area airports. The downside is the family traffic from those visiting Disney World, which can make the return trip through security a chore. If it fits your schedule and budget, you can always fly into the Melbourne International Airport, which is just 15 minutes from Viera. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Airports The cheapest way to get to Viera is through the Orlando International Airport, slightly under an hour away. Several carriers offer multiple direct flights each day from Washington-area airports. The downside is the family traffic from those visiting Disney World, which can make the return trip through security a chore. If it fits your schedule and budget, you can always fly into the Melbourne International Airport, which is just 15 minutes from Viera. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
AP Photo/John Raoux
There are two main hotels in Viera just a couple miles from Space Coast Stadium the Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn. Both are relatively inexpensive and convenient options for baseball fans. If you’d rather stay closer to the water, there are options in both Cocoa Beach to the north and Melbourne to the south. (WTOP/George Wallace)
Hotels There are two main hotels in Viera just a couple miles from Space Coast Stadium: the Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn. Both are relatively inexpensive and convenient options for baseball fans. If you’d rather stay closer to the water, there are options in Cocoa Beach to the north and Melbourne to the south. (WTOP/George Wallace)
WTOP/George Wallace
When to arrive Let’s talk baseball. Spring Training starts early each day, so it’s never a bad idea to get there a couple of hours before the game for the chance to see players before the larger crowds arrive. Batting practice is open and relaxed, giving you a good chance to get close to the action, either behind the dugouts or the bullpens. (WTOP/George Wallace)
WTOP/George Wallace
Thankfully, with the small size of Space Coast Stadium there are no bad seats in the house. The sun travels overhead from left-center field to right field, so you’ll get the most sun sitting on the third-base side, but it generally doesn’t matter. (WTOP/George Wallace)
Where to sit Thankfully, with the small size of Space Coast Stadium (capacity 8,100) there are no bad seats in the house. The sun travels overhead from left-center field to right field, so you’ll get the most sun sitting on the third-base side — but it generally doesn’t matter. (WTOP/George Wallace)
WTOP/George Wallace
Where to stand for autographs One of the most popular spots for fans is along the back chain-link fence behind the Nats bullpen in right field. It’s where players walk between the clubhouse and batting cages, making it one of the highest-traffic spots with direct access. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
AP Photo/David Goldman
Minor League Camp If you want to take a break from the stars you know and get a look at the future, minor-league camp is held in the same facility, just up the road from Space Coast Stadium on a collection of four fields. Every player in the Nats organization not in major-league camp will be there practicing, scrimmaging and playing games against minor-leaguers from other organizations. (WTOP/George Wallace)
WTOP/George Wallace
Which road games to attend Florida Spring Training is far more spread out that Arizona Spring Training, so it’s worth deciding how much driving you’re willing to do to see a road game. Your best bet is a Braves game in Orlando (actually within the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex), which is one of the newer parks and has a great berm on which to take in the game. Port St. Lucie, home to the Mets, is also just about an hour to the south and provides another nice venue to enjoy a game away from Viera. But take note — many star players do not travel to away games until late in camp, so don’t expect to see too many familiar faces on the road early in the spring. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
AP Photo/David Goldman
Restaurants There are some decent dinner options in Viera, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Outside of the chains, Amici’s is an authentic Italian spot popular with locals as well as team staff, while River Rocks is a nice venue for sitting out on the back deck, facing the water and enjoying some seafood. If you make it to Melbourne, the options expand further, including The Firehouse, your best bet for a good steak. (WTOP/George Wallace)
WTOP/George Wallace
Nightlife Viera’s a pretty sleepy little beach town, but you can always grab an adult beverage at World of Beer or down by the water at local dive, the Pineda Inn. If you’re staying in downtown Melbourne, the main drag is full of bars and restaurants well worth the 20-minute drive. If you happen to be down over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the entire main drag downtown shuts down for a massive block party. (www.thebeachresident.com)
www.thebeachresident.com
Where else to visit Sure, you’re in Florida for Spring Training. But even if you don’t already have plans to head to Disney World, there’s plenty else to do along the Space Coast. You’re close to both the Kennedy Space Center and the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, each about a half-hour away from Space Coast Stadium up toward Cape Canaveral. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
AP Photo/John Raoux
Beach You’re in Florida, avoiding cold weather in D.C., so you might as well make some time to go to the beach. The best close options are to the northeast in Cocoa Beach, or to the southeast in Satellite Beach, each close by. (AP Photo)
AP Photo
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The cheapest way to get to Viera is through the Orlando International Airport, slightly under an hour away. Several carriers offer multiple direct flights each day from Washington area airports. The downside is the family traffic from those visiting Disney World, which can make the return trip through security a chore. If it fits your schedule and budget, you can always fly into the Melbourne International Airport, which is just 15 minutes from Viera. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
There are two main hotels in Viera just a couple miles from Space Coast Stadium the Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn. Both are relatively inexpensive and convenient options for baseball fans. If you’d rather stay closer to the water, there are options in both Cocoa Beach to the north and Melbourne to the south. (WTOP/George Wallace)
Thankfully, with the small size of Space Coast Stadium there are no bad seats in the house. The sun travels overhead from left-center field to right field, so you’ll get the most sun sitting on the third-base side, but it generally doesn’t matter. (WTOP/George Wallace)

WASHINGTON — You’ve had enough of the snow, the sleet, the freezing temperatures. You’re ready for it to be baseball season, and you don’t want to wait five more weeks. We feel you.

If you’ve decided to head to Florida for Spring Training, we certainly approve. But there are plenty of things to learn in advance to help make the most of your trip.

Whether you’ve been before or not, we’re here to offer tips on food, travel, nightlife and, of course, baseball, to make your stay as worthwhile as possible. Check out the gallery for an insider’s guide to Nationals Spring Training in Viera, Fla.

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