SDFoodies Guide to the Best MLB Ballpark: Petco Park
Sponsored by San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
Have you had the chance to hit up a Padres game this year? If not, you’re missing out! After beating the Dodgers last year, to make it to the National League Championship Series, the hype is stronger than ever over at Petco Park . And fun fact, Petco Park, located in the heart of downtown San Diego, was named best MLB ballpark by USA Today in 2023!
If you get the chance to head over to a Padres game this season, we definitely recommend taking the MTS to ensure you get there safe and sound! The San Diego MTS plays a vital role in reducing congestion in the San Diego area!
Best MLB Ballpark: Petco Park
Best MLB Ballpark: Petco Park
Petco Park has consistently been ranked high on the best MLB stadiums- often being recognized for its scenic views, amenities, and overall fan experience. Being in the heart of downtown San Diego provides the park with stunning views of the city skyline and the bay — if you happen to see a night game, try and catch a glimpse of the sunset… it’s honestly breathtaking!
We’ve also noticed the energy of the Padres has sky rocketed over the past few years — with top players such as Juan Soto, Manny Machado, and Fernando Tatis Jr. — they’re bound to have a monumental season again… hopefully including Tatis, this round!
We personally love Petco Park for all of its foodie fun! We can’t get enough of all the options around the park, including some of San Diego‘s top restaurants!
SDFoodies’ favorite Bites
Seaside Market: Cardiff Crack Nachos
The focus point of this dish is Seaside Market’s famous Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip! It is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful beef — dose it with some melted cheese, sour cream, bbq sauce, and green onions… it’s heaven in a basket!
Barrio Dogg: El Xolito
A TJ style all beef hot dog, nuzzled into a fluffy artisan roll and topped with both traditional and non traditional fixings! Chris really liked the non traditional fixings including the fresh jalapeño, cilantro, grilled onions, salsa verde and sriracha aioli. It’s as if a hot dog and taco we’re morphed into one! YUM!
Din Tai Fung: Chocolate Bao Buns
Din Tai Fung has so many of their traditional offerings here at the ballpark, but Ashley really enjoys their chocolate bao buns as her sweet treat! The warm chocolate gushes out the second you rip the bun apart and the bun is steamed to perfection — you really can’t go wrong!
Getting There: The San Diego MTS Trolley System
If you’re not familiar with the Trolley system, it consists of three main lines: the UC San Diego Blue Line, the Orange Line, and the Green Line. Each line serves different areas of San Diego County. The best part is that the Trolley offers direct service to Petco Park no matter where you’re travelling from!
UC San Diego Blue Line: The UC San Diego Blue Line runs from the US-Mexico border at the San Ysidro Transit Center all the way north to UTC, with service to downtown San Diego. The key stations along the UC San Diego Blue Line in South Bay include San Ysidro Transit Center, H Street Transit Center, Palomar Street, and Barrio Logan. Coming from La Jolla or North San Diego? Key stations include UTC Transit Center, Nobel Drive, Balboa Avenue, Tecolote Road, and Old Town Transit Center.For the Padres Game, be sure to get off at 12th & Imperial!
Orange Line: The Orange Line operates between downtown San Diego and eastern neighborhoods, reaching as far as the city of El Cajon. It shares tracks with the UC San Diego Blue Line in downtown San Diego but then splits off to serve different areas. The notable stations along the Orange Line include El Cajon Transit Center, Grossmont Transit Center, Spring Street, and Euclid Avenue. For the Padres Game, be sure to get off at 12th & Imperial!
Green Line: The Green Line runs from harborside of downtown San Diego and extends east to the city of Santee. It also shares tracks with the UC San Diego Blue Line in downtown San Diego before branching out. The Green Line stops at significant locations such as Santa Fe Depot (downtown), Seaport Village, Convention Center, Fashion Valley Transit Center, and Santee Town Center. For the Padres Game, be sure to get off at Gaslamp!
We take the Green Line straight from Fenton Parkway - It’s always fun to watch all the Padres fans shuttle in the Trolley together. It can be quite the time, especially on the way back, whether we win or lose. It’s a little crowded sometimes, so definitely be sure to pre-load your fare using the PRONTO App before you head to the game!