Baseball & Softball

The San Diego Padres play April through September at downtown's $474-million PETCO Park. Mired in litigation and revelations of influence peddling that drove a city council member from office, the 42,000-seat ballpark finally opened in 2004 to enthusiastic acclaim from San Diegans and out-of-town fans alike. A total of seven historic buildings were incorporated into the stadium, most prominently the Western Metal Supply building, a four-story brick structure dating to 1909 that now sprouts left field bleachers from one side.

The ballpark isn't the first to offer sushi alongside the usual franks and fries, but you'll find plenty of dining options, notably La Cocina, a Mexican food court with grilled ahi sandwiches and Rubio's fish tacos, and Pacific Wok, where you can munch on spring rolls and Asian salads. The local barbecue stand is run by former Padres pitcher Randy Jones. PETCO parking is limited, and costly -- for a space within a couple blocks of the facility, expect to pay at least $17. Less expensive lots are found around the Santa Fe depot at Kettner Blvd. and Broadway -- a 15-minute walk from the ballpark. Better yet, take the San Diego Trolley, with three stops right outside the park. For schedules, information, and tickets, call tel. 877/374-2784 or 619/795-5000, or visit their website.

The highlight of many San Diegans' summer is the racy softball event known as the World Championship Over-the-Line Tournament, held on Fiesta Island in Mission Bay on the second and third weekends of July.

Boating Events

San Diego has probably played host to the America's Cup for the last time, but several other boating events of interest are held here. Check with the San Diego Association of Yacht Clubs (tel. 619/282-5050) for information on races and other boating to-dos. Yearly happenings include America's Schooner Cup, held every March or April (tel. 619/222-1214), and the Annual San Diego Crew Classic, held on Mission Bay the first weekend in April (tel. 619/225-0300). The Crew Classic rowing competition draws teams from throughout the United States and Canada. The Wooden Boat Festival is held on Shelter Island every June over Father's Day weekend (tel. 619/222-9051). Approximately 90 boats -- from rowboats to schooners -- participate in the festival, which features nautical displays, food, music, and crafts.

Fishing Tournaments

Enthusiasts will want to attend the Day at the Docks event, held at the San Diego Sportfishing Landing, at Harbor Drive and Scott Street, in Point Loma, every April. For more information, call tel. 619/234-8793.

Football

It's very possible that 2008 could be the last season San Diego's professional football team, the Chargers, play here. The franchise has been shopping for another city (including other cities within the county), since failing to generate interest -- and lots of city funding -- for an audacious plan to create a huge urban village around a new stadium in Mission Valley. With San Diego on the verge of bankruptcy, it's unlikely the city will commit to a sweetheart deal like that which the Padres received for their downtown stadium. For now, the Chargers (tel. 877/242-7437) play at Qualcomm Stadium ("The Q"), 9449 Friars Rd., Mission Valley. The season runs from August to December. The Chargers Express bus (tel. 619/685-4900 for information) costs $10 round-trip and picks up passengers at several locations throughout the city, beginning 2 hours before the game; the stadium is also easily reached via the San Diego Trolley.

Golf Tournaments

One of the country's biggest golf tournaments, the Buick Invitational, takes place in late January at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla (tel. 800/888-2842 or 619/281-4653). The eyes of the golf world will focus on San Diego again in 2008 when the U.S. Open is played on Torrey Pines' south course, June 9-15. The prestigious Open is the country's national championship and one of its oldest tournaments (tel. 800/698-0661).

Horse Racing & Shows

Live thoroughbred racing takes place at the Del Mar Race Track (tel. 858/755-1141 for information and racing schedules) from mid-July to early September. Post time for the nine-race program is 2pm (except for Fri, when it's 4pm; 3:30pm on the final three Fri); there's no racing on Tuesdays. Admission to the clubhouse is $10, including program; stretch run seating is $6 with program and includes infield access; and reserved seats are $5 to $15. The infield area has a jungle gym where kids can play or watch exhibition shows put on by BMX riders and skateboarders; party crowds are lured by post-race concerts by major artists and other special events. Satellite wagering is available at the fairgrounds' Surfside Race Place (tel. 858/755-1167).

The Del Mar National Horse Show takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from late April to early May. Olympic-caliber and national championship riders participate. For information, call tel. 858/792-4288 or 858/755-1161, or check the San Diego Fair website.