If you're heading to a game at Petco Park in downtown San Diego, planning your parking ahead of time will make the experience much smoother. With thousands of fans attending each game, nearby lots and garages fill quickly, especially on weekends and opening day.
Here’s a quick guide to the most convenient parking options near Petco Park in 2026.
Editor’s Take
If you go to Padres games regularly, the best strategy is to park a few blocks away and enjoy the walk through downtown. East Village and the Gaslamp Quarter are lively on game days, and walking 10 minutes can easily save you $20–$30 on parking.
Personally, I like parking slightly outside the immediate stadium area and grabbing a drink or bite nearby before heading into the ballpark. It avoids the worst post-game traffic and makes the whole experience feel more like a night out in downtown San Diego rather than just a trip to a parking garage.
image by Conchi Martínez
Official Padres Parking Lots
The closest and most convenient parking options are the official Padres-preferred lots run by ACE Parking. These are typically the first to fill up and should be reserved online before the game when possible.
Popular options include:
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Padres Parkade – Located on 10th Avenue near J Street, one of the closest garages to the ballpark.
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Tailgate Padres Parking Lot – A large open lot where fans can tailgate before the game.
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Petco Parking – Several Padres-preferred parking areas surrounding the stadium.
These official lots usually open 2–4 hours before first pitch and remain open until late evening after games end.
Typical parking prices range from about $15 to $55 depending on proximity and demand.
Nearby Parking Garages
If the official lots are full, there are many downtown garages within walking distance of the stadium.
One of the most popular options is:
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Ace Parking - 6th & K Parkade – Located just a few blocks from Petco Park near the Gaslamp Quarter.
Another convenient garage is:
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Park‑It‑On‑Market – Located on Market Street and within an easy walk to the ballpark.
Additional garages near the Gaslamp Quarter and Convention Center also offer game-day parking and can be reserved through parking apps.
Convention Center & Waterfront Parking
Many fans park at garages near the San Diego waterfront and walk across the pedestrian bridge to the stadium.
A common option is:
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Hilton San Diego Convention Center Parking – Located near Harbor Drive and about a 10-minute walk to the stadium.
The San Diego Convention Center garage is also a large facility often used during Padres games.
Street Parking Near Petco Park
Street parking in downtown San Diego is limited on game days. Many meters are enforced and special event pricing may apply near the stadium. In some cases, meter rates increase during large events like Padres games.
If you’re hoping to find street parking:
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Arrive early (before the evening rush)
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Carefully check signage and time limits
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Expect to walk several blocks to the stadium
image by San Diego Padres Logo - MLB
Best Cheap Parking Near Petco Park
Parking right next to Petco Park can be expensive on game days, but several garages within a short walk offer more affordable options.
One of the best budget options is 6th & K Parkade, located just across the street from the stadium. This garage typically charges a flat rate of around $15 on game days, making it one of the closest inexpensive places to park.
Another popular choice is Park-It-On-Market, a six-level garage about a 10-minute walk from the stadium that also often charges around $15 during Padres games.
Additional lower-cost garages include:
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Horton Plaza Garage – about a 10–12 minute walk
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San Diego Convention Center Garage – large facility across Harbor Drive
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Manchester Grand Hyatt Garage – easy walk across the pedestrian bridge
In general, official Padres parking lots closest to the stadium tend to cost $25–$55 depending on the game, while garages a few blocks away can cost significantly less.
One thing to watch for: the City of San Diego now charges special-event parking meter rates of up to $10 per hour within a half-mile of the stadium during large events like Padres games, so street parking may not be as cheap as it appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is parking at Padres games?
Parking near Petco Park typically costs $15 to $55, depending on the location and demand for the game.
What is the closest parking garage to Petco Park?
The closest garage is the Padres Parkade, located just a short walk from the stadium.
Can you tailgate at Padres games?
Yes, tailgating is allowed at Tailgate Park, one of the official Padres parking lots.
Is there free parking for Padres games?
There is generally no free parking near the stadium, but some fans park farther away or use park-and-ride transit stations.
