Ballpark Enthusiasts: MLB Road Trip 2025 (Northeast)

Saturday Morning and Afternoon

Arrive in New York City, head to Yankees Stadium in the Bronx

The Bronx

Plan to arrive in the Bronx early Saturday morning or to New York City the night before. The Orioles will be in town to play the Yankees at 1:05 this afternoon. I would recommend arriving to the stadium between 10 and 11 am to take the ballpark tour.You can purchase tickets for $25–30 in advance online. The tour will take you through key areas of the stadium, such as Monument Park, the Press Box and the Audi Yankees Club. Keep in mind, parking at the stadium will cost around $35. Before/or after the game, you might want to head to the Yankee Tavern for food and drinks. Baseball enthusiasts, Yankee fans especially, might desire to visit the Bronx Walk of Fame in Pelham Bay Park. Don't forget to save some room for a hot dog at the ballpark, though and another one from the streets in Manhattan later.

Insider Tip: You may want to arrive in New York on Friday night. Because hotels in New York City can be more expensive, you may choose to stay outside of the city in Secaucus, NJ. The American Dream Mall might be a fun place to check out for families especially, before heading to the game or on Friday night if arriving early.

Manhattan

Drive into Manhattan and check into your hotel for the night. I recommend using the app Spothero to book a parking spot in advance. The possibilities for things to do in New York City are endless. If it is your first time in the city or traveling with kids, sightseeing might be your top priority. With so many sights to see in the Big Apple, you can choose just a few ahead of time and plan accordingly. Baseball enthusiasts might want to check out the Baseball Hall of Fame Store on Park Ave. It offers everything from vintage memorabilia to jerseys and autographed items. Adults who find themselves looking for cheaper drinks and an awesome time later that evening, take the subway to Soho and visit one of my all-time favorites, The Iron Horse. If you end up here, you may request a late check-out at the hotel for the next morning. It won't be too hard to find some late-night eats, at least if you don't stay until closing time! Not to worry, the Phillies are playing a night game tomorrow.

Sunday Morning & Afternoon

Drive from New York City to Philadelphia, PA — about 109 miles.

After checking out of your hotel, hit the road for Philadelphia, PA. Ballpark fanatics who check out early enough might want to take a stadium tour of City Field in Queens before leaving New York City. You will have a little more than a two-hour ride ahead and might want to grab a late lunch along the way or brunch before leaving the city. After checking into your hotel, head over to Citizens Bank Park to see the Phillies host their division rival, the New York Mets. If you're on a tighter budget, do some tailgating with the very passionate Phillies fans before the game but don't wear any other team's colors. Tailgating is permitted, but only in specified lots. Check out Xfinity Live! for various food, beverage and entertainment options before or after the game. The Broad Street Bullies pub looked like a fun time when I was at Wrestlemania last April. I can only imagine what it might be like when the Phillies are playing. If you are also interested in taking a ballpark tour, check the Phillies website for more information on availability.

Sunday Night

New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies 7:05, Citizens Bank Park

A Sunday night baseball game will always be one of my favorites no matter what team is playing. There is a certain aura to it. Sit back, relax and watch some great baseball at Citizens Bank Park with some crab fries from Chuckie and Pete's.

Insider Tips: If it's your first time in Philadelphia, do some sightseeing of course before you leave, either before and after the game or early the next morning. "The Rocky Steps" are always fun to take a picture at. The Liberty Bell is likely on your bucket list to see also. I've had a better cheesesteak sandwich in Newport, Rhode Island. But if you've never had one in Philly and eat steak, definitely go to Pat's or Geno's but it's a big debate that I won't get into. Make sure you know how to order, especially if the line is long.

Monday Morning and Afternoon

Drive from Philadelphia, PA to Baltimore, MD — about 99 miles.

The drive from Philadelphia to Baltimore will take around two hours, and the Orioles will host the Rangers at Camden Yards starting at 7:10 pm. You will have enough time to do a variety of things before the game, but be sure to check out the Inner Harbor area after checking into your hotel. The Power Plant is one of my all-time favorite attractions anywhere and offers a variety of food and entertainment in addition to shopping. Don't leave anything for the next day, however or stay out too late, you will have a longer drive ahead tomorrow. Baseball lovers might want to visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum and ballpark enthusiasts will likely want to take a stadium tour at Camden Yards. Information about doing so on game days can be found by clicking Oriole Park at Camden Yards Tours.

Monday Night

Texas Rangers at Baltimore Orioles 7:10, Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Unless you are allergic to shellfish, get some crab cakes at the ballpark. If you aren't already taking a stadium tour, get into the stadium early enough to walk around and see all of it before the game. Oriole Park at Camden Yards has some unique features and monuments not to be missed on Eutaw St. This is one of my favorite stadiums to watch baseball in and a great way to kick off the Summer officially. A win, win, unless of course, the hometown O's lose one to the Rangers.

Insider Tips: Although not related to baseball, The National Aquarium is another attraction in Baltimore that is considered a must-see. The next time I am in town, I will make it a priority to see it myself. Fells Point is nearby and known for its good nightlife in addition to the Inner Harbor or Power Plant.

Tuesday Morning

Drive from Baltimore, MD to Cleveland, OH — approximately 373 miles

Be sure to check out early enough and make the drive from Baltimore to Cleveland. Keep in mind, that the drive should take about six hours without stopping or any traffic.

Insider Tip: If a day game is scheduled, I suggest switching the Cleveland and Cincinnati stops to allow more time for getting to the stadiums. Tuesday would become your travel day instead of Thursday, and even if a day game was scheduled for Thursday in Cleveland, the drive from Cincinnati would be a shorter one.

Tuesday Afternoon & Night

Progressive Field (time of game TBD)

Note for travelers: Check in to your hotel if time allows before the game or arrange a late check-in if necessary.

The Guardians of Cleveland will host the Toronto Blue Jays. If you aren't into ballpark food but like good wings and craft beer, grab some food and beverages at The Barley House. Maybe you are in the mood for Mexican food and a margarita. At Barrio Tacos, you can build your own and then eat it. Both are within walking distance of Progressive Field.

Wednesday Morning and Afternoon

Drive from Cleveland, OH to Cincinnati, OH — approximately 250 miles

Ballpark enthusiasts might decide to take a stadium tour of Progressive Field before leaving Cleveland, but check ahead for availability and times. More information on tours can be found here - Progressive Field Tours.

For what I consider a can't miss attraction if you are in Cleveland or anywhere close, visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I recommend at least 2–3 hours of time when visiting to thoroughly explore it.

The drive from Cleveland to Cincinnati will take around four hours without stops or traffic. Ballpark tours are only available until 1 pm on game days, and ballpark enthusiasts may want to wait for the 11:30 am tour the following morning. Tickets cost $15 and discounts are available for students and seniors. For more information on stadium tours, visit Great American Ball Park Tour.

Wednesday Night

New York Yankees @ Cincinnati Reds 7:10 pm, Great American Ballpark

The Moerlein Lager House in Cincinnati sounds like the perfect pre-game spot before arriving at Great American Ballpark. The hot dog, served with chili and cheese at Great American Ballpark is one of my favorites anywhere. From what I could gather the last time I was in town, the area near and around the stadium was developing into something that looked exciting. It would be hard not to find a good time.

Insider Tip: Mansfield, OH is home to the "Shawshank Prison" where the all-time classic movie The Shawshank Redemption was filmed. It is worth a quick stop along the way if time allows.

Thursday Morning and Afternoon

Drive from Cincinnati, OH to Pittsburgh, PA — approximately 230 miles/

Or Akron, OH - about 120 miles

With no MLB games scheduled within driving distance today, you might decide to get an early start on your travels to Pittsburgh for the Pirates game on Friday night. Thursday morning might also be an excellent opportunity to take a stadium tour of Cincinnati, available at 11:30 am. If you are looking for more baseball to fill in the gap, consider making a stop in Akron to see the Rubberducks play ball. They will host the Harrisburg Senators in Eastern League action at Canal Park beginning at 6:35 pm. For avid fans of American Football, the Hall of Fame is located in nearby Canton and could be worth the time if planned for.

Huntington Park is home to the Guardians Triple-A affiliate, Columbus Clippers. This might also be on your list of things to do today, but unfortunately, the team is playing on the road. Columbus is on your direct route to Pittsburgh, and it might be worth checking with the organization to see if any stadium tours are offered today.

Today might also be an opportunity for returning to Cleveland. Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or Cuyahoga Valley National Park just to the South, if you didn't have time for that previously. Cleveland is not too far off from your direct route to Pittsburgh, and the Guardians will be playing at home. You may decide to use Tuesday as a travel day and head directly to Cincinnati instead and visit Progressive Field for some baseball on Thursday.

Friday Morning and Afternoon

Arrive in Pittsburgh, PA

Diehard baseball fans might want to visit the Clemente Museum, honoring one of the all-time greats and legends of the sport, Roberto Clemente. For ballpark enthusiasts who want to take a tour of PNC Park, the cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children and seniors. Pre-game tours are only available on gamedays at 3 pm when the team plays at night. They likely will not have tours available on a Saturday afternoon with a 4:05 game scheduled, so keep that in mind. For more information on tours, visit PNC Park Tours. This is one that I wouldn't want to miss.

If you have some time to kill on Friday afternoon before the game, I recommend getting some good food and drinks at the Sly Fox Brewery (PGH Highline.) Southern Tier is also nearby and worth mentioning also.

Friday Night

New York Mets at Pittsburgh Pirates 6:40 pm, PNC Park

If this is your last stop, it can be argued that the best was saved for last. If nothing else, baseball lovers will want to soak in the game at PNC Park with its spectacular views. Grab some food from Bucco's inside the park if you are hungry.