I love travel and I love baseball, and when those two things combine it makes for one of my favorite kinds of weekends. I have been to every city that hosts an MLB team and caught a game in over half of them. Not every great city has a great park, and not every great park sits in a city worth building a weekend around. This list is where both come together. From the iconic ivy walls of Wrigley Field in Chicago to the unmatched skyline views at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, these five ballparks earned their spots based on the full experience, the stadium, the neighborhood, and the city itself. Whether you are a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a great excuse to explore somewhere new, these are the MLB parks worth planning a weekend around.
Saint Augustine, Florida is somewhere we had always wanted to visit, and when the opportunity finally came, it did not disappoint. Founded in 1565, it is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States, and that history is felt everywhere you go.
We spent the weekend splitting our time between Saint Augustine Beach and the city itself. The beach is classic Florida, wide open and easy to enjoy. The city, on the other hand, feels like stepping into a completely different world, one that predates the United States entirely.
If you are looking for a destination that blends genuine history, great food, and a beach in one compact weekend trip, Saint Augustine belongs on your list.
Headed on a long-haul flight? After logging thousands of miles, including a 15-hour flight from Los Angeles to Brisbane, Australia, we have learned that the right gear makes all the difference. In this post, we are sharing the best travel accessories for long flights, the ones we actually pack and rely on every single time we leave the ground. From the YETI Crossroads Backpack, which keeps everything organized and accessible without ever leaving the overhead bin, to the Apple AirPods Max, which blocks out every crying baby and dinner cart on the plane, every item on this list has been tested on real trips to real places. We also cover clothing tips, compression gear, tech essentials, and a few small items that most people overlook but will wonder how they ever traveled without. This is not a sponsored list. This is what we actually use.
Imagine sitting in a peaceful café by large French windows in Amsterdam, watching the city go by. It’s a busy day yet tranquil. A few moments later, the crowds walking past start to grow from hundreds to thousands. They are loud and talking amongst themselves and none of them come into the café. They line up at McDonald’s and pack into the chain restaurant across the way. Suddenly, as fast as they appeared, they are gone, all returning to the massive cruise ship docked at Amsterdam’s port.
Amsterdam is one of many cities actively pushing back against the cruise industry, and they are not alone. From exploited workers earning less than $2 an hour, to ships that produce more sulfur emissions than a billion cars, to port cities that see little of the money passengers spend, the true cost of cruising is much higher than advertised.
HipCamp is our preferred way to camp, glamp, or connect with nature, and it has completely changed the way we approach outdoor stays. If you are familiar with Airbnb, think of it like that but for camping, mostly on private properties with far more privacy and personality than a traditional campground.
The app is easy to use, the prices are often surprisingly affordable, and the variety of listings is unlike anything else out there. From glamping tents in North Carolina to a tucked-away farm in Vermont, every stay feels unique and intentional. You have direct access to your host, minimal crowds, and experiences you simply cannot find on other booking platforms.
Whether you are an avid camper or someone who has never pitched a tent in your life, HipCamp has something for you. This is my honest, unsponsored review of the app, how it works, and a few of our favorite places so far.
Fiji is one of those places that sounds out of reach to most, or at least at a level of spend that many are not ready to indulge. I was of that same mindset too, always thinking of the movie “The Truman Show,” where Jim Carrey’s character dreams of visiting Fiji. That said, as you may know from reading this blog, that is how the majority of our trips start. Fiji, like so many other amazing places we have seen, is a long stopover in a journey that is the trip. What started as a Google Flights search turned into a beach hut with no electricity, meals cooked from the sea, and a Hilton stay on points, all for less than you might expect. Let me walk you through exactly how we made it happen.
The article lists the best MLB parks for a weekend getaway, emphasizing both the park experience and the surrounding city charm.
PNC Park in Pittsburgh offers stunning views and a vibrant area to explore.
Fenway Park in Boston boasts historic significance and a walkable city, but can be pricey.
Wrigley Field in Chicago has a lively atmosphere, though it’s somewhat removed from major hotels.
Petco Park in San Diego features great local food and weather, making it a worthwhile visit.
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.
Nationals Park (Washington, D.C.)
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.
Petco Park in San Diego, California
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.
Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois – Photo by Amanda M.
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.
Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts
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.
PNC Park Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
FAQ
What is the best MLB park for a weekend getaway? A: PNC Park in Pittsburgh is our top pick.
The ballpark has the best views in baseball, and Pittsburgh is one of the most underrated weekend cities in the United States.
What MLB parks are best for first-time visitors?
Fenway Park in Boston and Wrigley Field in Chicago are the two most iconic and historic parks in baseball, making them essential visits for any first-time MLB traveler.
Is Petco Park worth visiting for a weekend trip?
Yes. Petco Park is one of the most well-designed modern stadiums in baseball, and San Diego’s weather, food scene, and beaches make it a fantastic weekend destination.
What is the best MLB park on the East Coast for a weekend trip?
PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Fenway Park in Boston, and Nationals Park in Washington D.C. are all strong East Coast options, each offering a very different city experience alongside the game.
Is Washington D.C. a good city to visit for an MLB weekend?
Absolutely. While Nationals Park is not the flashiest stadium on this list, Washington D.C. is a fantastic summer city with world class monuments, museums, and a great food scene in the Navy Yard neighborhood around the park.
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