San Diego is a beautiful vibrant city with lots to do and see all year round. This time of the year, is my personal favorite— baseball season. That means nice sunny skies, rival visitors, and a lot of great food & beer. Making plans to visit another stadium can be a little worrisome though. You have a lot to cover to make sure you get the most out of your visit. So fear not, we’ve covered a whole lot of ground in this ‘Ultimate Visitors Guide’ and we hope it’ll get you through your San Diego trip as it did for us. You can find everything from where to stay, eat, drink, and overall just enjoy Petco Park. Just remember, you won’t be the only one at the park sporting a Dodgers, Giants, Rockies, Diamondbacks, you get the point…jersey.

If there’s one hotel you HAVE to stay at when visiting Petco Park it’s definitely the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Literally just one block away, you can feel the energy of the park from your room. What also makes staying here so enjoyable, they offer a special package specially for the game. It’s called the Triple Play Baseball Package. Included in the package is a one-night stay in a luxurious studio room or suite, which by the way are beautifully arranged.

Also included:
• Home Run amenity featuring two of San Diego’s best craft beers, paired with peanuts and Cracker Jacks ($46 value)
• $30 dining credit to the property’s signature Maryjane’s for pre-gaming
• $25 credit at Hard Rock Hotel’s Float or 207 bars

If you ask me, there’s really no other perfect way to pre-game than some peanuts and beer. If you’re saving your stomach for some stadium food though, this also makes for a very satisfying night-cap after the game. To check for availability follow this link.

Hard Rock San Diego is also a great place to stay if you wanna be close to the nightlife in San Diego. You won’t skip a beat whether you choose to stay in or go out. Mostly because you can enjoy the nightlife straight from the hotel. Nightclub & Bar 207 is where you can enjoy beer, wine, and hard-to-find, ultra-premium spirits. 

Another reason to stay is undoubtedly their rooftop pool. Float is Hard Rock’s Rooftop Bar, which by the way was voted best rooftop bar in San Diego. If poolside cabanas and lounge seating is your thing, you’ll wanna be here. Especially during their epic Day Club & Night Swim parties.

Would you believe me if I said there’s not a bad seat in the house? I mean, I haven’t really sat in them all, but trust me— there really isn’t. Gorgeous views from almost any angle in the park. Sure, you can sit behind home plate and call it a wrap, but no matter where you are it’s as equally enjoyable as the next section over. Nevertheless, you’ll get the best view from seats in the Dugout Club, Field Box, or Premier Club sections. For this guide we sat in section 116 along third base which was shaded (upper rows). Remember though, sitting in the upper 300 sections provide a great birds-eye view of all the action. There’s no love lost up there, I can guarantee you. I would even argue the views are better from up there, but it’s all about your own perspective.

One thing to keep in mind when visiting the ball park, as with any ball park, is that they’re huge. A lot of ground to cover means there’s a lot to see. As is the case with Petco Park, whether it’s inside or out. If you’re staying near the ballpark, it makes it easier to explore all the offerings that are walking distance to your room. For example, I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel and walked passed a tons of bars and restaurants. Prior to the gates opening at the park, I went to the Stone Brewing Tap Room enjoyed a beer, and casually walked into the stadium afterwards.

So once you’re in the stadium, there’s a few things you’re gonna really wanna see. Of course, batting practice is always one of those things. And left field is where you’re gonna wanna be. Just make sure to bring your glove. One unique feature about the park is the Western Metal Supply Co. building. Petco Park was built around the already existing establishment and so why not make it useful. Inside is a bar and some amazing views of the park.

If you’re with the kids, Park at the Park is as the name suggests. A huge park filled with trees, a picnic area, and even it’s own baseball diamond. For those restless moments of uninterested kids at the game, this is a prime location.

Photos will always be a great memory to look back on when you’re visiting, so why not get one with “Mr. Padre”. The Tony Gwynn statue located just beyond the outfield in ‘Tony Gwynn Plaza’ is where you can take a little history back home with a photo.

Coming into a new ballpark that you’ve never been to, you might wanna know a little something about the team. You know, in case you strike up a conversation with a Padres fan. It doesn’t hurt to know who might be on the field the day of, so here’s a foul proof rundown of who to know. Starting with their ‘star player’ Will Meyers who is currently batting .300, but as of recent has been placed on the 10-day DL. New on the roster is the World Series hero and one time All-Star game MVP Eric Hosmer hitting .297 on the season. Some last season call-ups that are now on the roster include left fielder Jose Pirela, and their next potential all-star Christian Villanueva. Don’t blink during a Villanueva at-bat, he has 9 Home Runs, 20 RBI’s, and a .265 hitting average. In the pitching department, pitchers like Joey Lucchesi, Tyson Ross, Clayton Richard, and Brad Hand are most likely pitchers you’ll see on the field or hear about. Regardless of ERA that is.

Finally, my favorite part about any baseball stadium. Finding what to eat! A true adventure at Petco Park is figuring out what. Just as exciting and satisfying as the game itself. While there’s so much to choose from the options are endless, and fit for just about any budget. Here’s a quick run down of some of the more popular choices at the park:

• Pizza And Beer – Pizza Port
• Cardiff Crack Nachos – Seaside Market
• Pulled Pork Sandwich – Phil’s Bbq
• 1/2-pound Slugger Dog – Randy Jones Bbq
• Ice Cream Sandwich – Baked Bear
• Double Bacon Cheeseburger – Hodad’s
• Surfin’ California – Lucha Libre
• TJ Dog – The Patio In Left Field
• Sushi – Zenbu Sushi

New in 2018 are two local favorites Buona Forchetta and Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill. For those unfamiliar, Buona Forchetta has been opened since 2013 in the South Park neighborhood of San Diego. With a new concept located on the field level of Petco Park— serving their Neapolitan style pizza, and new thick-crust Roman style pizza. The new Petco Park location will feature a wine selection consisting of a wide variety of California and Italian varietals.

If you want more of a beer and fish taco experience, definitely check out Blue Water Seafood. Their reputation of fresh & local seafood is unmatched in San Diego, having been around since 2004. Located on the Field Level at section 117 offering fresh fish tacos and sandwiches. A second location on the Toyota Terrace at section 220 offers a more expanded menu that includes plates, clam chowder, and poke.

If you wanna take my word for it, order one of these two things for ultimate gastro joy. First, the loaded tri-tip nachos which were featured in this year’s MLB Food Fest. Nachos topped with tri-tip, cheese sauce, sour cream, BBQ sauce, and green onions. I’ve had nachos like this before, and it instantly sent me back to that moment. If it’s your first time, it definitely won’t be your last. Find the Sea Side Tri-Tip kiosks selling both its famous BBQ tri-tip sandwich and these delicious tri-tip nachos in sections 112 & 129.

Ultimately, my favorite item at the park (so far) had to have been the Loaded Carnitas Tots from Carnitas Snack Shack. And just like the name suggests, tots, carnitas, chipotle bbq, pico de gallo, and Chicharon dust. These were seriously magical, and I’ll be having them again when I go back. The tots stayed hot and crispy even when sitting in a lavish amount of carnitas. All the flavors were on point. Tender and crispy carnitas, all perfectly marinated. Definitely a treat when enjoyed with a beer. Find the Carnita’s Snack Shack in section 128 & 228.