The 5 Best MLB Parks for a Weekend Getaway (And the Cities That Make Them Worth It)

SHARE THIS STORY

I love travel (hence the travel blog) but I also love baseball. This is the time of year I start thinking about those two combining. I have been to every city that hosts MLB games, and I have been to a game in over half of them. Some cities have a great charm for a weekend visit but don’t have the most appealing or easy to get to park. Others have nicer parks, but the city is not one I would put on my weekend getaway list. The top five below combines both.

Here is the countdown.

5) Nationals Park (Washington, D.C.) 

Nationals Park is located in the Navy Yard neighborhood along the Anacostia waterfront, on the southeast side of the city. The area around the park has grown a lot since the park opened in 2008. The park itself may not have the big “wow” factor that the next four on the list do, but it is a very good park in a city that is fantastic for a weekend getaway.

4) Petco Park (San Diego, California) 

Petco Park is in the East Village neighborhood of downtown San Diego, just a short walk from the Gaslamp Quarter. It opened in 2004 and fits in well with the city and the neighborhood. San Diego is a fun city with lots of amazing food options and great neighborhood beaches. The park is also known for its great food selection and local beers.

3) Wrigley Field (Chicago, Illinois) 

Wrigley Field is the second oldest ballpark in MLB, opening in 1914, and is located in the Wrigleyville neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side. The park itself would be high on any list of parks to visit, but it is Wrigleyville and Chicago itself that brings it to number three on this list. Wrigleyville has a fun game day atmosphere, with lots of activities around the park both pre and postgame. Wrigley Field may have come in second on park alone, but I moved it to three because Wrigleyville is a bit away from most of the great hotels Chicago has to offer, and you will need to take the L train or an Uber if you do not stay in Wrigleyville.

2) Fenway Park (Boston, Massachusetts) 

Fenway Park is the oldest MLB stadium and sits in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston. There are countless bars and restaurants in the immediate area around the park. Boston is a small and very walkable city, making it a top pick for a summer weekend visit. Fenway is historic, charming, and filled with modern amenities. Fenway and Boston could easily be number one, but Boston can be such an expensive city.

1) PNC Park (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

 When anyone asks me “what is your favorite ballpark,” I tell them PNC Park without having to think about it. I also feel Pittsburgh is one of the most underrated midsize cities in the United States. The park and the backdrop are picture perfect. The area around the park is full of things to do, eat, and drink. Located on the North Shore of the Allegheny River, directly across from downtown Pittsburgh, the views of the downtown skyline and the Roberto Clemente Bridge from inside the park are considered the best in baseball. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic on game days, making it a pedestrian walkway that becomes part of the pregame experience. Getting there is easy by foot over the bridge from downtown or by water taxi.

FAQ