San Diego’s first pitch

San Diego plays ball

The Padres’ home opener is April 8 against the San FranciscoGiants. 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 or877/374-2784.

For general San Diego information, visit www.sandiego.org or call619/236-1212. Or drop by the visitor center at W. Broadway andHarbor.

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 Linetrains from Mission Valley and Old Town). In addition to regularroutes, the trolleys will offer special-event Green Line expressservice to Petco Park from Mission Valley and Old Town. For SanDiego Trolley and bus information, visit www.sdcommute.com or call800/266-6883 or 619/233-3004.

Dining and shopping

Check for extended hours during ballpark events.

Adaptive Re-Use. A tiny antiques shop where old bank doorsmix with martini bar kits from the ’50s. Open Fri-Sat and byappointment. 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 awinner. $; closed Sat-Sun. 452 Eighth Ave.; 619/238-0568.

Ventanas. Spanish and Mexican tapas; entrées likegarlicky grilled shrimp brochettes. $$; closed Sun-Mon. 338Seventh; 619/338-0526.

Lodging

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. From $195. 1 Market Place;www.hyatt.com or800/633-7313.

Omni San Diego Hotel. From $329. 675 L St.; www.omnihotels.com or800/843-6664.