San Diego plays ball
The Padres' home opener is April 8 against the San Francisco Giants. Petco Park is located at the intersection of Harbor Dr., Seventh Ave., K St., and Tenth Ave. Schedules and tickets ($5-$40) at www.padres.com or 877/374-2784.
For general San Diego information, visit www.sandiego.org or call 619/236-1212. Or drop by the visitor center at W. Broadway and Harbor.
Parking and transit
Ballpark parking is available at Tenth and J St. ($5 and up). Three San Diego Trolley light-rail stations are near Petco Park: 12th and Imperial (the main transfer station), Gaslamp Quarter (Fifth Ave. and L St.), and Park and Market (good for the Blue Line trains from Mission Valley and Old Town). In addition to regular routes, the trolleys will offer special-event Green Line express service to Petco Park from Mission Valley and Old Town. For San Diego Trolley and bus information, visit www.sdcommute.com or call 800/266-6883 or 619/233-3004.
Dining and shopping
Check for extended hours during ballpark events.
Adaptive Re-Use. A tiny antiques shop where old bank doors mix with martini bar kits from the '50s. Open Fri-Sat and by appointment. 639 J St.; 619/701-2162.
Cafe Noir. 447 Ninth Ave.; 619/235-0075.
Dizzy's. Jazz venue doubling as art gallery. 344 Seventh; 858/270-7467.
Lou & Mickey's. Bistro atmosphere, outdoor dining. Excellent prime steaks and chops. $$$. 224 Fifth; 619/237-4900.
Old World Restaurant. The corned beef grilled reuben is a winner. $; closed Sat-Sun. 452 Eighth Ave.; 619/238-0568.
Ventanas. Spanish and Mexican tapas; entrées like garlicky grilled shrimp brochettes. $$; closed Sun-Mon. 338 Seventh; 619/338-0526.
Lodging
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. From $195. 1 Market Place; www.hyatt.com or 800/633-7313.
Omni San Diego Hotel. From $329. 675 L St.; www.omnihotels.com or 800/843-6664.
