Pitch Perfect Parks

Urban Hike from Cesar Chavez Park to Petco Park in San Diego

Urban hike from Cesar Chavez Park to Petco Park in San Diego

Visit the ballpark and a National Historic Landmark on this 3.75-mile urban jaunt in San Diego. Along the way, enjoy some authentic Mexican fare as well as some craft beer. Although this city walk can begin at any of the parks, we recommend starting at Cesar Chavez Park (3-hour free parking), a waterfront palm-tree-laden gem with perhaps the best views of the 2.1-mile Coronado Bridge. Enjoy the sight of passing ships at the harbor from socially distant picnic tables at the end of the pier.

Head north on Cesar E. Chavez Parkway to Barrio Logan (one of fourteen designated California Cultural Districts), passing under the welcoming sign and entering the art-centric neighborhood. You’ll pass by murals constantly on this walk, but your first samples come as you reach the shops at Mercado del Barrio. There’s lots to enjoy here, but we like Attitude Brewing Company which offers a rotating tap list (we like the double hazy IPA “Legendary” that is a tribute to Kobe Bryant).

Attitude Brewing Company San Diego

Take a right here and after two blocks you reach Chicano Park, a National Historic Landmark with incredible murals under the freeways that also has a skate park. The art here is not only beautiful, but also expansive—this is the largest collection of Chicano murals in the world. You could spend hours here marveling at the artwork. Enjoy the art before heading northwest on Logan Ave (1 block north of National). 

You’ll soon pass Las Cuatro Milpas, a legendary spot dishing up authentic Mexican fare—not to be missed. Continue on Logan, passing more murals and turn left onto Beardsley Street for 2 blocks, returning to National and turn right. Continue on National for 3 blocks, passing local staples Thorn Brewing Co. and Cafe Virtuoso before reaching the railroad and transit station. Turn left here at Imperial, which leads you directly to Petco Park, the home of the Friars since 2004 and one of the coolest parks in all of baseball (full disclosure: this writer is a hometown fan, so he may be a bit biased!). 

undefined

Circle the park in a clockwise direction—the best photo op comes on the cool Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge at the south end, to get complete views of the beautiful modern stadium. At the northern end, there is a limited entrance to the Park at the Park, a greenspace for fans to watch the game from the outfield, and also a mini dog park! Before leaving the grounds, pay respect to one of the most exciting and up-and-coming teams in all of baseball!

Urban Hike to Petco Park in San Diego

Before heading back, check out Half Door Brewing Co., just north of the park on Ninth Street. It’s got outdoor seating to enjoy the ale and snacks, has a view of the stadium, and is also stationed in a really charming wooden clapboard house. Spend some time exploring the Gaslamp district of downtown San Diego, and return to your car on the same streets back and enjoy some final views at the bayfront. Slam Diego!

undefined

To get to Cesar Chavez Park (and lot), take the I-5 S to the Cesar E Chavez Pkwy. exit and head south on Beardsley St. After a quarter mile, at the T-intersection turn left onto Harbor Dr. followed by an immediate right onto Cesar E Chavez Pkwy., which leads you to the park and lot. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  2. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  3. Lake Nacimiento
    Sponsored

    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

    View
  4. A Rose in the Pines

    A crackling fire, a bottle of wine, a bubbling Jacuzzi tub with a waterfall … now the big question: Marvin Gaye tunes or not? In the morning (ahem) it's breakfast in bed and a leis

    View