<p><strong>Let's start big picture here.</strong><br> Unlike other professional baseball stadiums, often relegated to unsavory far-flung neighborhoods, the San Diego Padres' Petco Park is conveniently located in the heart of downtown with a trolley stop nearby.</p> <p><strong>Anything make this different than other professional ballparks?</strong><br> Petco Park is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening, but the appeal doesn't stop at baseball. The stadium is among the few in the nation with a water view—it's a stone's throw from San Diego Bay—and local craft beer options are stellar. There are more than 40 different varieties poured at stalls and restaurants around the stadium, which include the Stone Brewing Company beer garden on the upper deck. And with more than 50 dining options, Petco Park's culinary appeal stretches far beyond hot dogs. Many local restaurants run operations in the stadium, including Carnitas' Snack Shack, Hodad's, and Phil's BBQ.</p> <p><strong>As stadiums go, is this one hard to get around?</strong><br> Not particularly. It's a large stadium though, so expect all the signage typical of one, and elevators are available throughout.</p> <p><strong>All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?</strong><br> Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the ballpark to discover quirky area attractions, like the four-story Western Metal Supply Co., a historic neighboring building that was incorporated into the construction of the park. The tour also covers Park at the Park, a 2.7-acre recreation area located inside the stadium gates that holds a miniature baseball diamond, lawn seating, and a bronze statue of Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. Check the game schedule ahead of time for special promotions like free giveaways, concerts, and events like Taco Tuesday and BeerFest.</p>
{}