Petco Park tour vs Gaslamp Quarter ghost tour: which is best?

San Diego’s downtown is layered with legends—some celebrated by the roar of the ballpark crowd, some whispered down haunted Victorian hallways after dark. Two of the city’s most unique tours let you see these sides up close: the Petco Park stadium tour takes you behind the scenes at the home of the San Diego Padres, while spooky walking tours of Gaslamp reveals the neighborhood’s haunted past. Whether you’re a baseball buff, history lover or ghost hunter, these tours promise a deep dive into downtown San Diego’s secrets. Here’s a play-by-play (and ghostly lowdown) with all the details and tips you need to knock your downtown day (or night) out of the park.

The lowdown

 

Petco Park Tour

• Behind-the-scenes stadium tour of one of Major League Baseball’s newest and most scenic ballparks
• See the Padres dugout, luxury suites, press box, historic Western Metal Supply Co. building, and the field (when available)
• Discover quirky history, architecture and Padres legends from the local guides
• Plenty of photo stops, with panoramic downtown and bay views from the stadium seats
• Family-friendly, great for sports fans, architecture buffs and San Diego newbies

Gaslamp ghost walking tour

• Guided walking tour (often after dark) through the Gaslamp Quarter’s most haunted historic hotspots
• Hear spooky tales and real-life mysteries connected to hotels, theaters, speakeasies and atmospheric alleyways
• A mix of ghost stories, local folklore, true crime drama and Victorian history, told by costumed guides
• Visit iconic spots like the Horton Grand Hotel, Davis-Horton House, Chinese Laundry and more
• Intimate group sizes, plenty of opportunities for photos, and maybe even a spectral photo-bomber or two
• Best for history lovers, ghost hunters, couples, and night owls looking for a different take on the city

Ok, but which is more impressive?

 

For spectacle, insider access and wow-factor views, the Petco Park Tour strikes out the ghosts. Stepping onto a sunlit field, sitting in the dugout, or gazing out over a Major League stadium with the San Diego skyline and marina glowing beyond is hard to match. Not only are you inside a modern architectural wonder, but you’re also touching the city’s sports heart—where every home run, concert and Gold Glove moment plays out. The Western Metal Supply Co. building’s blend of old and new is particularly jaw-dropping. Whether you care about baseball or not, the sheer size, detail and open-air design of Petco Park is as impressive as stadiums get. You’ll leave feeling like a VIP—and the photos are next-level.

Which one is more fun?

 

Tricky to choose, as these tours are so very different. On the one hand, Petco Park tours offer a ton of excitement: you’ll laugh at wild game-day stories, get hands-on with dugouts and even practice your sportscaster voice in the press box.

The Gaslamp ghost tour, however, is pure entertainment. Guides are theatrical, the stories are spine-tingling, and there’s something thrilling about creeping down mysterious alleys and into haunted hotels by lantern-light. The mix of humor and chills, plus ‘is this place really haunted?’ debates, make the ghost tour ideal for couples, curious explorers, and groups looking for a memorable night out. For daytime energy, Petco prevails; for after-dark thrills, the Gaslamp ghost tour is your ticket.

Best choice for families, couples or friends

 

• For families: the Petco Park Tour is a clear winner for most families. It’s packed with interactive, all-ages fun—kids can imagine themselves on the field, crawl around the dugout and peek into locker rooms. The tour is on foot but not strenuous, and guides know how to bring the ballpark’s history to life for kids and adults alike. The route is stroller-friendly, and there’s plenty of space for everyone to run and play between stops. The Gaslamp walking tour is geared more towards families with older kids or teens who love spooky tales and history. Some stories involve real-life tragedies or mature topics, but the guides share tales with humor and sensitivity.
• For couples: the ghost tour is tailor-made for date night, with its twilight setting, mysterious mood and slow stroll through beautifully lit historic streets. It’s romantic, surprising, and perfect for sharing post-tour cocktails and stories. Petco Park is also a fun option for sporty couples—especially if you’re baseball fans or just love behind-the-scenes experiences.
• For friends: both tours work for groups, but if your crew loves lively banter, photo opps and a memorable ‘only in San Diego’ adventure, Petco Park will entertain everyone, regardless of their sports knowledge. If your group thrives on the dramatic, the macabre, or just urban exploring, Gaslamp’s haunted tour offers laughs, chills, and a closer look at the city's wilder side.

Which tour is better for fidgety kids?

 

Petco Park tour guides are fantastic at engaging energetic kids—let them sit where their favorite players sit, play-act in the press box, or stretch out on the grass in the Park at the Park. There’s room to move, facts to discover and more to see than most ballparks.

What’s the accessibility like?

 

Petco Park Tour

Petco Park is very accessible, with ramps, elevators and wide concourses throughout the stadium. Wheelchair-accessible seating, restrooms and clear signage are standard. If you or someone in your group requires extra accommodations, simply let staff know when booking—they’re used to hosting guests with various mobility or sensory needs.

Gaslamp Quarter ghost tour

Walking tours traverse city sidewalks, some with uneven pavement or slight slopes, but routes are generally manageable for most guests. Let the company know before booking if you have accessibility needs—guides will do their best to adjust the pace and stops. Some historic sites visited (like old basements) may not be ADA accessible.

Where will I find the best photo ops?

 

Petco Park tour

Stand on the field for a legendary shot under stadium lights. Snap skyline selfies from the top deck, or catch a group photo with the Western Metal Supply Co. sign in the background. The views of San Diego Bay from the private suites are iconic, and the Hall of Fame area tells the Padres story in Instagram-perfect displays.

Gaslamp Quarter tour

The ornate Horton Grand Hotel lobby is a must, as are moody nighttime shots outside Victorian mansions or at the glowing lamplit corners of 5th Avenue. Photos with your guide (possibly decked out in top hat and cape) are always fun—don’t forget to capture the group in front of haunted alleyways or vintage speakeasies. Keep an eye out: your next shot might include an, um, uninvited photo-bomber or two.

We’re done and we’d like a drink – any good bars nearby?

 

Near Petco Park

• Half Door Brewing Co.: housed in a Victorian duplex, this brewery is known for creative pints and cozy, homey vibes.
• Noble Experiment: for a real speakeasy, follow the secret door inside Neighborhood Bar for craft cocktails mixed with serious flair.
• Altitude Sky Lounge: rooftop bar atop the Marriott, with stunning views of the city, Coronado Bridge, and the ballpark itself.

In the Gaslamp Quarter

• The Tipsy Crow: classic Gaslamp energy across three floors, with a legendary rotating drink ‘stock market’.
• Prohibition Lounge: another cool speakeasy with roaring ‘20s décor, live jazz and expertly mixed classics.
• Barleymash: a Gaslamp staple with creative cocktails, craft beers and a boisterous nighttime crowd—perfect for celebrating (or calming nerves post-ghost story!).