What’s summer without professional baseball? America’s favorite pastime is surely a crowd-pleaser for both the young and the young at heart. And sure, you could visit an iconic ballpark like Boston’s Fenway Park, but if you want to take part in the all-American tradition in a classic yet less-traveled spot, check out these standout stadiums, where there’s plenty of entertainment, food and fun things to do to keep the whole gang smiling. Without further ado, here are four superlative stadiums to check out this summer.
[See: 10 Cheap Summer Vacation Destinations.]
Coors Field Denver
There is nothing quite like catching a Rockies game at Coors Field in the summertime. The outdoor stadium, located in the Mile High City’s hip LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood, has spectacular Rocky Mountain views. Apart from its striking vistas, Coors Field combines the nostalgic feel of classic ballparks with state-of-the-art technology, creating a modern setting. A new deck offers the best views in the stadium, with a long terrace overlooking the ballpark, downtown Denver and the majestic Rockies. The centerpiece of The Rooftop is the Tavern Ballpark. To celebrate the rooftop’s location, which is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (one mile high), the bar is exactly 52 feet high and 80 inches long, and offers 52 craft beers on tap. Plus, glass garage doors transform the area into open-air space, where fans can enjoy all the sights and sounds of the ballpark.
Once the game is over, consider retreating to The Crawford Hotel, a convenient downtown Denver luxury hotel that combines the historic elements of Union Station’s past with modern touches, such as Nespresso coffee makers and complimentary Wi-Fi access.
[See: 6 Amazing All-American Road Trips to Take This Summer.]
Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, boasts more than 100 years of professional sports teams that attract dedicated fans across the country. At Citizens Bank Park, located in South Philadelphia, baseball fans can catch a Phillies game to remember. Known for the Diamond Club, Ashburn Alley and Broadcast Booth, the park offers plenty of entertainment as well as some of the best fare in the league. After catching a game, take in the city’s historical attractions. Baseball fans will also enjoy a visit to the Franklin Institute, an interactive science museum with a newly remodeled SportsZone exhibit illustrating how science, technology and engineering play into athletics. Best of all, Philadelphia offers a plethora of lodging options, including the newly renovated Hyatt at the Bellevue, with its signature restaurant Nineteen, which offers city skyline views.
Busch Stadium St. Louis
The Cardinals call Busch Stadium home, and a sea of red is ready to welcome visitors at any home game. Besides the spirited stadium, the city itself is also a great place for a trip, and is known for its many attractions, including the Gateway Arch, the St. Louis Zoo, the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Citygarden, an urban oasis boasting modern and contemporary artworks. Best of all, after catching a game, you can check into the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, which offers great views of downtown and the stadium from both the rooms and the 360 Rooftop Bar. The hotel is also mere steps away from Ballpark Village, which is a great place for entertainment, and is home to the Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum.
[See: 6 Last-Minute Summer Escapes for Under $1,000.]
Petco Park San Diego
It’s hard to top the weather in San Diego, with year-round sunshine and average temperatures in the 70s. Set to host the MLB All-Star Game this summer on July 12, San Diego will offer a slew of activities leading up to the game, including the family-friendly FanFest. After rooting for the Padres at Petco Park, explore San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, which houses some of the city’s best restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, theaters and shops. While in town, also be sure to experience quintessential San Diego attractions, such as Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, and don’t forget to sample the city’s fish tacos and craft beer. A good lodging bet is the Omni San Diego Hotel, which is adjacent to Petco Park and boasts its own entrance from the stadium.
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4 Standout Baseball Stadiums to Visit This Summer originally appeared on usnews.com
