San Diego Padres, Omni Hotel & Petco Park
San Diego Padres play in 42,000-seat PETCO Park located
downtown near the Convention Center and the bay.
San Diego Padres invited us downtown – and we gladly accepted. In a city like San Diego, it’s easy to have a great travel experience without really leaving home.
The first time my husband and I went to a San Diego Padres game, we discovered that – while we apparently weren’t paying attention – downtown San Diego had become an exciting destination with a chic urban vibe.
We live in La Jolla, a community within the city of San Diego that is best known for ocean views and beautiful beaches. The San Diego Padres play baseball in PETCO Park on the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter and about 20 minutes from our front door. I was aware that the Gaslamp had been transformed into a hotbed of nightlife and dining options, but I didn’t realize that numerous restaurants and good hotels had opened all around PETCO Park in the East Village.
The Omni San Diego Hotel is located on the edge of the Gaslamp
Quarter and connected to PETCO Park by a skybridge.
San Diego Padres and the Omni Hotel
We opted to stay at the Omni San Diego Hotel because it’s connected to PETCO Park by a sleek skybridge. Hey, if you’re doing downtown – why not go The Full Monty? (Random piece of information: the world premiere of that musical took place at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre June 1, 2000.)
The whole experience exceeded our expectations. Our room at the Omni had a great view of San Diego Bay, the Convention Center with its sail-like roof, and the iconic bridge that reaches across the bay to Coronado. We also watched San Diego’s popular red trolleys glide by on a route that connects the Mexican border with numerous places within the city. The hotel’s attractive pool and Jacuzzi area were directly below our window. I wasn’t surprised to learn – given the convenience of the location and the facilities – that most visiting teams stay here.
Some of San Diego’s best craft beer is sold at PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres.
San Diego Padres home stadium
PETCO Park – built in 2004 - was also much nicer than I expected. The food options didn’t begin to reflect San Diego’s enthusiasm for healthy eating, but I loved that our thriving craft beer scene was well represented. The Western Metal Building, a historic brick warehouse beloved by San Diegans, was preserved and included in the park. Just outside PETCO’s outfield fence, Park at the Park is a 2.7 acre grassy oasis where families can affordably watch the game, play games or enjoy a picnic. Everywhere we looked, friendly hosts were on hand to answer questions and give directions.
It was a memorable evening. The San Diego Padres were tied at the end of nine innings. We staying in the ball park until the 14th inning, then walked back across the bridge and watched the game on TV until they won – finally – after 17 innings.
I can’t promise the San Diego Padres will put on a marathon performance while you’re in town – but I do think you’ll like PETCO Park, the Omni San Diego Hotel, and exploring downtown San Diego.
So come. Have an authentic - not touristy - travel experience. Meet local San Diegans and enjoy an extremely good craft beer.
The lighting for night games at San Diego’s PETCO Park is equivalent
to 58 million candles and uses more than a million watts of electricity.
Play ball!
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Category: Southern California
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