While you’re in San Diego, why not take yourself and your family out to a baseball game? The San Diego Padres (http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com) play throughout the regular season (and hopefully into the World Series) at Petco Park (100 Park Blvd., 619/795-5000) in downtown San Diego.

Few rain-outs mar the Padres’ home season, and in addition to the game, you can view Balboa Park, the cityscape, and San Diego Bay from the lovely and spacious modern stadium. Sit back with a brew or a soda, enjoy the extra leg room, and bask in the perfect spring baseball weather of San Diego.

Petco Park is well situated for fans who prefer to avoid the inevitable parking nightmares and take public transit in to the game. The MTS trolleys and buses have multiple stops within a block or two of the ballpark, and the Coaster rail line offers extra trains on game nights for fans coming in from the North County towns.

If you’re staying in the Gaslamp Quarter, consider just walking over to the stadium from your lodgings. If you must drive, prepare to pay $8–15 for downtown lot parking and $20 for a slot right by the park.