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POINT OF INTEREST

Petco Park

100 Park Blvd., San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92101

In downtown San Diego's East Village, Petco Park is best known for being the home of the Padres. This modern stadium—which was built in 2004—features open-air concourses and beautiful views of the city skyline. Visitors come here for baseball games and behind-the-scenes tours, as well as to attend concerts and events throughout the year.

The basics

With its prime downtown location, Petco Park is easy to visit during your time in San Diego. Several sightseeing tours provide views of the stadium, including waterfront Segway tours, independent GoCar tours, and panoramic city tours. To go to a baseball game, you can purchase San Diego Padres’ tickets on the official team website. Or book a guided stadium tour to see the dugout, press box, and other places that are usually off-limits to the public.

Things to know before you go

  • Petco Park is a must for baseball fans visiting San Diego.

  • Bags are inspected upon entry; hard-sided coolers, metal-frame backpacks, and large bags cannot be brought into the park.

  • Outside beverages are not permitted inside the park except for sealed bottled water less than 1 liter, and soft-sided single juice or milk containers for children.

  • All ballpark entry points are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

Petco Park is located between 7th Avenue, 10th Avenue, J Street, and Park Boulevard, on the southern edge of the Gaslamp Quarter. Parking is expensive and can be difficult, so try to walk or take public transport, including the Trolley, the Coaster, and several city buses such as lines 12 and 901.

When to get there

The Major League Baseball season runs from roughly early April to early October, followed by the postseason, which extends through October. The Park at the Park opens 2.5 hours before game time via the Gaslamp and East Village gates; all other entries open 90 minutes before game time. Guided tours usually take place daily except on game days and other select dates.

Park at the Park

If you’d rather sprawl on the grass during a game instead of sitting with the masses in the stadium, head to Park at the Park, a 2.7-acre (1.1-hectare) green space. It’s inside the ballpark gates but outside the outfield, providing a more relaxing experience and partial views of the game plus all the action on an enormous screen. You still need a game ticket, but you can bring in food if it’s wrapped. This is a great option for families!

How long are the Petco Park tours?

Petco Park tours last around 80 minutes, but giving yourself around two hours at the park is a good idea. If you haven't pre-purchased tickets, arrive early—Petco Park tickets go on sale 30 minutes before the start of each tour and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is there a dress code for visiting Petco Park?

No, there isn't a dress code for visiting Petco Park, though the unspoken rule to wear a shirt and shoes still applies. Many people coming to the park wear San Diego Padres gear to show their support for the home team, but this is certainly not a requirement.

Can you take photos on a tour of Petco Park?

Yes, you can take photos on a tour of Pedro Park. You'll be able to get unobstructed views of the field from the Western Metal Building and get shots of behind-the-scenes spots at the park. However, you'll need permission in advance to take photos for commercial use.

Are there restrooms at Petco Park?

Yes, there are restrooms at Petco Park. Along with standard men's and women's facilities, Petco Park also has family restrooms specifically suited for families, guests with disabilities, and others needing a standalone, non-stall toilet. Family restrooms are located in sections 109, 202, 219, 310, and 311.

Are Petco Park tours wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Petco Park tours are wheelchair accessible. However, you'll need to bring your own wheelchair as wheelchairs are unavailable to borrow or rent. The park has wheelchair lifts throughout the facilities. Games are also wheelchair-friendly, with free escort service for wheelchair users to get to their seats.

Where do Petco Park tours begin?

Petco Park tours begin at the ticket windows of the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building. This 1909 landmark building was integrated into Petco Park's design when the ballpark was constructed, saving it from demolition. The building is at 215 Tony Gwynn Dr., just off K Street.

Ways to explore

With its prime downtown location, Petco Park is easy to visit during your time in San Diego. Several sightseeing tours stop here, including waterfront Segway tours, independent GoCar tours, and panoramic city tours. To go to a baseball game, purchase San Diego Padres’ tickets on the official team website. Or, book a guided stadium tour to see the dugout, press box, and other places that are usually off-limits to the public. Other options include hop-on, hop-off bus tours that stop nearby, scooter tours, e-bike tours, and brunch cruises to see the stadium from afar.

Accessibility

The venue is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and designated seating areas for wheelchair-users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reusable water bottle (empty on entry), sunscreen, hat, small bag

What to wear

Casual layered clothing, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Large bags, alcoholic drinks, glass containers, selfie sticks

Amenities

Restaurants, Wi-Fi, restrooms

Address 

Petco Park is located on the edge of downtown San Diego, between 7th Avenue, 10th Avenue, J Street, and Park Boulevard, on the southern boundary of the Gaslamp Quarter. You can arrive by car, trolley, bus, or guided tour.

Driving

From San Diego International Airport, follow Airport Terminal Road to N Harbor Drive, then continue to 10th Avenue. It’s only around 15 minutes to get to Petco Park, but rideshares may be an easier option on busy game days.

Public transportation

From downtown San Diego, it’s a quick trip on the bus. Take the #901 from Broadway & 3rd Avenue to 10 Avenue & Park Bl (Petco Park).

Best times to visit

If you’re visiting for a game, arrive as soon as the gates open to see the stadium and grab snacks before the crowds build.

Best days to visit

Tuesday and Wednesday games tend to be less crowded than the ever-popular weekend games.

Best months to visit

Baseball season runs from around early April to early October, before the postseason starts.

Special events

Petco Park hosts concerts, themed game nights, food festivals and community events throughout the year, such as the Holiday Wonderland in December.

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