There’s a reason why Petco Park in San Diego, CA is called “America’s Finest Ballpark”. From the perfect weather to the breathtaking views, there’s so many great places to take a photo while catching a Padres game! I’ve been to 140+ games at Petco over the years, so I’ve learned all the best places to get the perfect photo for your Instagram!
Heading into the ballpark, you can capture a great shot of Petco Park in background while crossing the Harbor Dr. bridge.
Once you get across the bridge, make sure to take a photo with two of the most iconic names in Padres history, Gwynn and Hoffman!
The main entrance into Petco Park is the Home Plate Gate. Once you enter, you’re immediately greeted by the retired Padres numbers:
My favorite spots to capture a photo on the field level are behind home plate (Section 101) and anywhere along the first baseline during pregame. I prefer the first baseline because you are able to get better lighting and the centerfield background is just so beautiful!
One of my favorite hidden gems of the park is on the Toyota Terrace (level 2). Head over to the Budweiser Loft in the Western Metal building out in left field to find the coolest baseball flag! (Note: the Loft is usually open to fans of all ages, but sometimes it may be rented out for company parties.)
Looking for the best spot to take a panoramic photo of the field? Section 300 is the place to be! Since Petco Park is located in downtown San Diego, you’ll see an amazing view of sky rises in the outfield. This is easily my favorite view of the whole park!
One of the cool features of Petco Park is “Park at the Park” which is located behind the outfield wall. It’s the general admission lawn area of the ballpark. Grab your friends, some snacks and a big blanket to watch the game from the grass hill! From statues to a whiffle-ball field and inflatables for the kids on Sundays, you’ll have so many places to choose from for your photos! Here are some of my favorite spots from Park in the Park:
Over by the Gaslamp Gate is the Palm Court Plaza. In the plaza, you can find the Padres Team Store and the Padres Hall of Fame. Right outside of the plaza, there are a couple of big baseballs and gold glove. These give that extra baseball touch to your photos!
Fun Fact: The Trevor Hoffman statue faces the Tony Gwynn statue giving the illusion that Hoffman is pitching to Gwynn!
There’s one non-baseball related spot in the park that I have yet to photograph. It’s the outside of the Wonderland Ocean Pub in Section 309 on the upper deck! It features a cool light up sign that just makes me happy looking at it. The ballpark is like my wonderland in a sense, so it fits right in! As soon as baseball starts up again, this is the first spot I’m heading to in the ballpark!
I hope this photo guide helps you find the perfect spot for a selfie on your next trip to Petco Park! We’d love to see your photos, so make sure to tag @ballparkvibes or #BallparkVibes in your post for a chance to be featured on our Instagram!
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