PETCO Park

100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego’s PETCO Park has activities in and around the stadium, providing fun for everyone! Catch a game or take the famous kid-friendly PETCO Park Tour!

By Todd Sarouhan

Last Updated on
Apr 28, 2021

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

PETCO Park

History of PETCO Park

Get Your Tickets

How to Catch a Game

Activities for the Kids

Highlights

History of PETCO Park in San Diego

Inside Petco Park, the Western Metal Supply Co in East Village

At East Village in downtown San Diego, PETCO Park has been home to the San Diego Padres since 2004. It's known as 'The World's Best Ballpark in America's Finest City,' and with good reason.

We actually feature going to see the Padres as one of our Most Fun Things to Do in San Diego!

At a cost of $450 million, this architectural marvel was constructed around the historic Metal Supply Company building which was built in 1909 and now serves as the left field foul pole some 336 feet from home plate.

The historical building was completely renovated inside and out to bring it up to today’s seismic and structural code. Suites were added, a public restaurant, seating over the field for great left field views, bleachers on the rooftop deck and a ground floor team store!

Main Entrance at Petco Park

The Metal Supply Company wasn’t the only historical building that was impacted by the construction of PETCO Park. The field’s famous park-within-a-park grassy area just beyond the right field side of center field wall required some heavy lifting of a historic three-million-pound masonry building.

The Showley Brothers Candy Factory, built in 1924, was moved a block east where it underwent a complete preservation and restoration project to make a little extra space for a game day picnic with the family.

The spectacular exterior is covered with Indian sandstone and stucco, while the maze of white painted steel around the ballpark provides a stunning contrast with the 42,445 dark blue seats.

Couple it with the spectacular views of San Diego's famous skyline, from the ballpark, and it may just be the most beautiful place in all of Southern California.

View from the Lawn Area at Petco Park

PETCO Park was also designed to be family-friendly. Events and activities are designed with kids in mind - from stadium tours to Saturday Kids Fest. To top it off, there is Gallagher Park, a 2.8-acre green space perfect for family picnics.

Whether a baseball fan coming to the park to catch a San Diego Padres game or another PETCO Park event, the stadium is a San Diego attraction you won’t want to miss, this cool activity is featured in the Best 15 Things to do in San Diego at night .

Popular Hotels Nearby

Popular Hotels

Price

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

$189

$170

$850

Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

$134

Check Price

Get Your Tickets to PETCO Park

Petco Park Stadium from the Park in the Park

Regular Admission Information

If you’re looking to catch a San Diego Padres game, there are a wide range of ticket and seating options, so you are sure to find a package that suits you. It's always best to reserve your seats early, as variable pricing means that prices will vary closer to the event. Prices also vary depending on the Padres' opponents.

Regular admission Padres tickets include special pricing discounts for seniors, military personnel, and discounted group rates too!

If you are interested in taking the tour, it's $22 for adults and $19 for kids. Anyone under 36" tall gets in for free!

Save with the Go City San Diego Pass!

Save BIG on the PETCO Park Tour with a Go City San Diego All-Inclusive Pass! Get a Southern California style look behind the scenes in the wonderful world of baseball. When you arrive, you will enjoy free entry, as well as access to the dugouts and the Press Box.

Combine your purchase with our additional discount to save even more! Use the All-Inclusive Go City San Diego Pass to take a downtown San Diego tour on the same day to save up to 55% during your trip.

This is a deal you cannot pass up! Also a good idea would be if you check Most Fun Things to do in San Diego.

How to Catch a Padres Game at PETCO Park

Family Enjoying a Padres Game at Petco Park

The Major League Baseball season typically starts in March and ends in October, with each of the 30 teams playing up to 60 games. The Padres play around 30 games at PETCO Park each season, and the roar of the home fans always creates an unbeatable atmosphere!

For the best view to see a Padres game, you should choose seats in Sections 107-113, on the first base side, near the Padres dugout. In Sections 108-112 behind the visitors' dugout, you'll also be close to the action on the third base side!

Toyota Terrace seats on the second tier, have a great view, and plenty of shade to beat the summer heat. Or you can watch the action from the front row close to the team dugouts. Here is where you will see the game from the same perspective as the players!

Although, you can't forget the best seats in the house: If you're an ultimate Padres fan, Field Box VIP tickets are unbeatable! There are so many seating options at this amazing ballpark; you will not be disappointed.

Petco Park and the Surrounding Downtown Buildings

After the Padres game, leave enough time to explore the lively Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of San Diego. Take time to check out the museums and cultural attractions during the day. Maybe you prefer the buzzing nightlife; regardless, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Events Held at San Diego's PETCO Park

PETCO Park Tour

Most days, it is possible to take a fascinating 80-minute guided tour of the stadium, in English or Spanish. Tours set off at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm, from the Western Metal Building ticket window on 7th Avenue.

Tours may differ slightly, depending on what else is happening in the Stadium. You will cover around 1.5 miles, and highlights typically include visits to:

PETCO Park tours make a perfect field trip for individuals and families, youth, sports groups, corporate days-outs, and seniors. Tours are accessible for wheelchair users and baby strollers.

Looking into Petco Park from the Omni San Diego Hotel

Attend a Concert to Remember at PETCO Park

In 2019, the fabulous Sycuan Stage in Gallagher Square was unveiled. With an area of 2.8 acres and seating up to 6000, it's San Diego's most famous outdoor concert venue.

Imagine the electricity in the night air as music legends such as Metallica, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and the Eagles rock the spectacular stage!

Gallagher Square has also provided a magical setting for an evening of classical music with the world-renowned San Diego Symphony Orchestra.

Monster Truck Doing a Wheelie at Monster Jam in Petco Park

Sporting Events for Sports Lovers

This magnificent Stadium offers access to many sports aside from baseball. PETCO Park hosts a wide range of other sports such as soccer, rugby sevens, golf tournaments and even Monster Jam! Tennis fans will remember that it was the venue of the 2013 Davis Cup!

TV Shows Filmed at PETCO Park

The Stadium partnered with Paramount and producer/writer Dan Fogelman to create the TV series Pitch (2016 -2017), about the first woman to be a major league player. The ballpark's home plate, as well as left and right field shots, were all filmed on the pitch.

Dog Days

Your dog is a part of your family, so it's right they are involved in your family day out! PETCO Park's unique 'Dog Days of Summer' events welcome up to 500 dogs with their families! Bring your best friend along, let them have fun, and share your excitement while you enjoy watching the Padres face the Dodgers!

If you’re coming through San Diego with your dog and looking for the best places to stay with your furry friend, check out our ‘Best Pet Friendly Hotels in San Diego’ article where we share our favorites near the ballpark and throughout the entire area!

Fun Activities for the Kids

View of the Field at a Padres Game at Petco Park

A visit to PETCO Park makes for a fabulous family day out. A live baseball game is so unique that your kids will never forget it! We have even listed going to a San Diego Padres Baseball game as one of our 26 Fun Things to Do in San Diego.

Plus, there are lots of other ways to make the day even more fun!

Kids Fest

On Sundays, before home games, enjoy 2.5 hours of fun activities for kids Here, the kids will enjoy everything from bouncy castles to face-painting, all courtesy of Chick-fil-A.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park, a stunning 1,200-acre open space in the heart of San Diego, and is home to the Japanese Friendship Garden, theatres, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

If your kids love animals, do not miss the opportunity to visit! They will never forget seeing their favorites animals live and up close, instead of through a screen!

Nearby Activities for Children

Head to San Diego Bay, where you will find even more kid-friendly attractions. The Waterfront Park offers lots of great activities.

The New Children's Museum is dedicated to "inspiring children through art and creativity," so expect some artwork opportunities!

Or, for the ultimate in natural open-air thrills, treat the whole family to a whale-watching trip - a truly extraordinary experience.

The Hardest Park

Petco has been known as an extremely pitcher friendly park since the walls are farther of the batters mound that most other parks in the country.

San Diego Activities Around PETCO Park

The lively Gaslamp Quarter is full of great restaurants, cafes, and ice-cream parlors - perfect for strolling around and enjoying the buzzing cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Visit PETCO with Go City Pass!

Experience PETCO Park Tour

Whether you are a die hard, or a casual baseball fan, the PETCO Park tour has something for you. With your Go City Pass, you can visit all the restricted areas of the ballpark. The interactive tour takes you through press row, the dugout and much more.

Buy Now

Where can you purchase a Go City San Diego pass?

It's best to purchase your Go City San Diego pass in advance to maximize your savings!

Combine Go Visit San Diego's exclusive 5% discount with the Go San Diego pass' already great deals and save big! To get our exclusive discount click on the "Buy Now" link and use the code GVSD5OFF to start staving.

Directions and Parking for PETCO Park in San Diego

EV Charging

Lot Parking

Street Parking

Directions to the Park

Directions to PETCO Park are the following:

I-5 North, exit Imperial Ave
I-5 South, exit 10th Ave
Hwy 163 South, exit 10th Ave.
From the East, take - 94 West to F St., and turn left on 14th Ave.
From the South, take - 5 North to B St., left on 10th Ave or 5 North, exit J St.

Also, you can access PETCO Park by public transport using bus routes. There are several that come within walking distance to the Stadium. Check with the transportation website for more information.

Parking Information

There are 30,000 parking spaces within 20 minutes' walking distance of the Stadium. Parking typically costs between $10 and $35. The nearer you are to PETCO Park, the more it costs to park, but by booking in advance, you may be able to take advantage of discounted rates.

Parking at the Convention Center can be a good option with spaces costing $10-$15. Or why not park further away and enjoy a stroll through Little Italy or Balboa Park? If you are attending an evening event, keep in mind that parking near PETCO is free after 6 pm.

A Few Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip to PETCO Park

Disabled Accessibility

No Smoking

Public Transportation

Restrooms

Stroller Accessible

Trash Cans Available

Arrive at the Stadium Early

PETCO Park opens 90 minutes before the start of the game. Whether attending a day game, night game or even an exhibition game, crowds can be large. Make special note of the Padre’s opponent as teams with large fan bases like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers or San Francisco Giants can lead to extra time needed to get into the stadium.

Arrive in plenty of time, and you will get the chance to see the teams warming-up and feel the excitement build up.

Gallagher Square also opens 2.5 hours before the game, so you can have the opportunity to enjoy the 2.8 acres of open space, and let the kids enjoy the play areas before you take your seats.

Bring a Banner to Support the Padres

You can bring a banner to support the Padres! The banner must be smaller than 8' by 10'. What better way to show your support for San Diego's baseball team?

Service Animals Only

ADA Service animals are welcome, but pets are not allowed in the Stadium for everyone's safety and convenience unless the event you are attending is marked ‘dog-friendly’. Please make sure your service animal is wearing its proper attire.