Judyrem

We are thinking of going in August to LA to see the Dodgers play, then San Diego to see the Padres play. We would like to be within a few miles of the stadiums. We have been to both cities before, but it was years ago.
Would also like to see the SD Zoo again. DH wants to visit the Reagan library too.
Any ideas of where to stay? I was thinking 4 days LA and 3 days SD.

Surfergirl

For LA Only: If you want to stay close to the stadium, your best bet is somewhere in downtown L.A. If you have tickets in hand, you could then drive or take the subway (Metro) to Union Station and take the free (well, free if you have Dodgers tickets in hand) Dodger Stadium Express from Union Station. That certainly beats the charges for parking at Dodger Stadium, not to mention finding parking and waiting forever to get out of the stadium. Although it's probably not so difficult this year leaving the stadium with all that's been going on.

Not knowing your budget, I'd suggest the Omni Hotel on Olive -- they often have promotions; it's about a block from there to the Walt Disney Concert Theatre, the Music Center, the Metro, and next door to Angel's Flight.

Judyrem

Thanks surfergirl.
I was looking at the downtown area.
That is good info on the subway.

clarkgriswold

DRiving in the LA area is much easier on Sat and Sun if you can schedule that way. Otherwise your Reagan Library drive will have to be carefully planned around traffic hours.

Glendale or Burbank would put you in good position for Dodger Stadium and easy freeway access to Reagan Library. There is an Embassy Suites in Glendale, a Residence Inn and a Holiday Inn in Burbank.

The subway/shuttle bus combo to Dodger stadium can be a good alternative if you're going to a 7pm game or something that would put you in traffic around 5:30pm rush, but the shuttle bus also is slow because of traffic. An afternoon weekend game and driving/parking would be my goal.

maitaitom

Pasadena would also be a good place to stay.

If you don't want to drive to the game, you can take the Gold Line from Pasadena to Union Station and from there you catch The Dodger Stadium Express. I used to love to go to Dodger Stadium growing up, but not for the past ten years since it has become gang central. Over and under for the first F-bomb thrown out by a Dodger fan is about 15 minutes. Of course, now the LAPD is there, so you might be able to root for the opposing team without taking your life in your hands.

http://www.metro.net/around/dodger-stadium-express/

I love Petco Park (and my Padres). The good thing about Petco Park is that the Padres are so boring this year that you can leave about the fourth inning and enjoy the Gaslamp District's cool restaurants and fun bars.

Judyrem

Maitai, what hotel would let us we walk to Petco?
I saw the Omni, but it is just a bit too pricey.
We have our air, now we need our hotel.

maitaitom

A couple of years ago, thanks to a recommendation of my business partner, Tracy and I stayed at The Sofia, a little boutique hotel near the Gaslamp. It was close enough to walk to Petco and the Gaslamp, but was quiet at night since it is not in the heart of all the activity. Weekday prices are quite reasonable. I have sent you a link to enter your dates. Go Pads!!

http://search.iqrez.com/reservations/sofiahotel/

Judyrem

We will be rooting for the Pads. We always root for the "home team". ;-)
I found the Hotel Indigo for $125 a night, so I think we may stay there.
Thanks for the info.
I will need restaurant recs though.

maitaitom

"We always root for the "home team"."

That should keep you safe in L.A. Padre fans don't really care who you root for.

Judyrem

BTW, Maitai, we are staying in the Gaslamps Plaza Suites.
We got a better deal.

My DH has to visit every major league park.
That is his mission in retirement.
I can't wait to see the Zoo again!!!!!