San Diego, CA

San Diego International Airport

3.8 miles/15 minute drive to Petco Park

WHERE TO STAY?  Hotels Near Pecto Park (all within 1 mile of Petco Park)

Unlimited budget

Omni Hotel  (Connected to Petco Park - just take the Sky Bridge)

San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter

Hotel Solamar

Moderate Budget

Comfort Inn Gaslamp Quarter

Ramada Gaslamp/Convention Center

Days Inn Downtown/Convention Center

Best Western Bayside Inn

Chaser Budget Traveler

Unfortunately, there are no Chasers Budget hotels that we can recommend within a close proximity to Petco Park. You will need to travel at least 3+ miles for the below motels. 

Quality Inn San Diego Naval Base

Super 8 San Diego Circle

WHERE TO PARK?

The Padres offer plenty of street, metered, paid lots and garage parking surrounding Petco Park. Parking fees range from $5 to $35, depending on the proximity to the ballpark and opposing team.  Public transportation options include the Trolley, COASTER train, MTS buses, Ferry and Water Taxi. Our favorite option is to park free at Qualcomm Stadium and then hop on the trolley to Petco. 

Ballpark Chasers Tip: During night games and Sunday day games, you can park for free after 6 pm in metered parking. Usually you can find spots in the area of 14th and G. This is an easy walk to the ballpark as its only about a quarter of a mile away.

WHERE TO EAT?

Located one-half mile from Petco Park is The Tin Fish. They serve a mean fish taco which goes perfect with a 32 ounce beer on their outdoor patio.  Tin Fish has a nice atmosphere and is a Ballpark Chaser favorite. A couple of fun Irish bars close to the ballpark include Henry’s Pub and The Field. If you want a quicker option, try Gaslamp Pizza for amazing pie by the slice. Gaslamp is highly recommended by the locals and we see why. Gaslamp is open late (3am) and just blocks from Petco Field which makes a stop after the game very convenient. 

Ballpark Chaser Hot Spot: Located on 9th and Market right near Petco Park, is a 14,000 sq. ft. sports lounge called East Village Tavern & Bowl.  This fun restaurant and bar has tons of flat screen televisions and 12 bowling lanes to entertain all your friends. Open 7 days a week until 2 am, this is the place to be before or after a Padres game.

Ballpark Chasers Favorite Bar- Stone Brewery Co. 

Once inside Petco Park, head to the Mercado. Located on the main concourse (by section 108), the Mercado is a food lover’s smorgasbord. From seafood, to Mexican food, to barbecue, to Italian food, the Mercado has it all along with gorgeous views of Coronado Island and the San Diego Bay.  Seaside Market and Phil's BBQ are also great options and are both found on the main concourse. Our last recommendation, Gaglione Brothers, is known for their cheesesteaks served on imported Philly rolls.

New Food at Petco Park

Carnitas' Snack Shack - Triple Threat Pork Sandwich on a brioche bun stacked with pulled pork, bacon, pork loin schnitzel, pepperoncini relish and Shack Aioli. Also offered here are Carnitas Tacos, topped with guacamole, pico de gallo and lime.

Baked Bear - yummy ice cream sandwiches! 

Surfin’ California – a burrito filled with grilled steak, grilled shrimp, fries, pico de gallo, jack cheese, avocado slices, and Secret Chipotle Sauce. Find this at Lucha Libre's Gourmet Taco Shop.

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS?

Ballpark Chasers very seldom have difficulty purchasing tickets at the Padres box office before a home game. With that being said, big market teams such as Boston, New York and Chicago will bring out more local fans. Ballpark Chasers recommends pre-purchasing your tickets through the Padres ticket office. 

WHEN TO GO?

We cannot say enough about the weather in San Diego and all of California. Enjoy the sun all season long but don’t forget your sunscreen! Ballpark Chasers recommend late May through July, or whenever you’re able to take a break from your day-to-day routine.

WHAT ELSE TO SEE?

Just 2 miles north of Petco Park is an undiscovered gem for the San Diego sports fan or anyone who has an appreciation for sports. The Hall of Champions Sports Museum is the nation’s largest multi-sports museum specializing in the rich history of San Diego athletics. From locals such as Ted Williams to Tony Gwynn, the Hall of Champions has plenty for the sports enthusiast.

End the day by heading to the water and spending time at the San Diego Harbor. This is a beautiful area to walk, shop, people watch and enjoy amazing seafood. Also, find a harbor cruise for a better look at the San Diego Bay and a chance to see some dolphins. 

Our final recommendation is the USS Midway Museum, located less than two miles from Petco Park. The USS Midway Museum is once in a lifetime opportunity to step aboard a one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers. Visitors to the USS Midway Museum enter a floating city at sea and walk in the footsteps of 225,000 Midway sailors who served. You can easily spend a day here exploring more than 60 exhibits,  29 restored aircraft and two flight simulators. This is a museum that is fun for all ages. 

BALLPARK CHASERS VACATION?

The California area is perfect for seeing more than one ballpark. Ballpark Chasers recommends combining your trip to Petco Park along with one or more of the five ballparks below.

Angel Stadium- 94 miles/1.5 hours

Dodger Stadium – 124 miles/2 hours

Chase Field- 355 miles/5.5 hours

Oakland Coliseum- 487 miles/7.5 hours

Oracle Park-503 miles/8 hours 

If you want to stay within the San Diego area and see Minor League Baseball, head one hour north for Lake Elsinor. The Lake Elsinor Storm is the minor league affiliation (Class A) of the San Diego Padres.