A Parent’s Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Downtown San Diego

The New York Mets have played the San Diego Padres at Petco Park every year since we moved to California, which means my Long Island-raised husband and toddler have made several trips to the Southern California metropolis. It’s one of our favorite (and most convenient) staycations, and after a few visits, we’ve created a near-perfect itinerary for parents.

Where to Stay

Located in the East Village neighborhood of the city, Petco Park neighbors the historic Gaslamp Quarter. In the past, we’ve stayed at the Pendry San Diego and loved their chic accommodations, proximity to the ballpark, and brunch at Provisional Kitchen. During our most recent trip, however, we decided to get even closer to the stadium. 

Each time we’ve watched a game, I’ve marveled at the accessibility provided to guests at the Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark. With your Omni hotel key, you can head to the second floor and walk across the property’s skybridge and right into the game. Plus, you’ll skip extra-long security lines down below, and after the game, you’ll be in a plush bed within 10 minutes post-game. The hotel pool was another much-appreciated amenity we used just before our son’s naptime. 

There are dining perks for kids who stay at the Omni, too. Now until September 14, kids 10 and under eat free from the Junior Chefs menu for breakfast and lunch, and you’ll get 50 percent off dinner when you purchase one adult entrée. 

Courtesy of Blake Bakkila

Where to Eat

I’d argue that there’s nothing better than two Puesto short rib quesabirria tacos at the game (yes, I know they’re located all over, but they taste even better at Petco), I’ve also seen endlessly long lines for the Cardiff Tri-Tip Nachos. Of course, Petco is home to plenty of quintessential ballpark eats, like hot dogs, popcorn, and Mister Softee soft serve ice cream.

Courtesy of Blake Bakkila

Before night games, we like to pop over to Little Italy, which is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive from most downtown hotels. Barbusa is a family-favorite for Sicilian-style cuisine, and I have vivid dreams about the decadent, cloud-like pesto gnocchi. Adults can also indulge in the restaurant’s signature Busa Espresso Martini, the first-ever oat milk bottled version of the zippy cocktail. Pro tip for parents: For a healthy-ish dessert option, we recently discovered Pop Pops Fabulous Paletas, which offers a glorious range of ice pop flavors and toppings.

Courtesy of Blake Bakkila

What to Do

You can’t visit San Diego without a trip to the zoo. The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is massive, but there’s a clear, manageable loop that takes us about two hours (with several stops to wave at the animals and snap a few photos). Fun fact: The San Diego Zoo is one of two zoos in the country with giant pandas, and the only place you can see them on the West Coast. Early birds can take advantage of a morning walking tour, which gives you an opportunity to see the pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, before the zoo opens to the public.

Now until August, the zoo is open late for Nighttime Zoo, and families can hang out until 8 p.m. and experience live music and entertainment and witness nocturnal animals rarely seen during the day. To see even more animals, you can head to Escondido for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, an 1,800-acre wildlife park with more than 3,000 animals.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with a Padres game. Petco Park is legendary for a reason, and we always have a blast (whether the Mets win or lose). Every Sunday home game, kids can participate in KidsFest, a Nuna-sponsored experience just outside the stadium featuring a playground, bounce houses, face painting, games, and more. Our Disney-obsessed family was particularly impressed by a princess who looked like Belle from Beauty and the Beast, who wore a gold gown with sequined baseball accents and wielded a bedazzled baseball bat. We now fondly refer to her as “BaseBelle.”

There’s no shortage of fun to be had for all ages in San Diego. The next time you go, bring your appetite and energy for a delicious and eventful weekend with littles.