After breakfast we got some souvenirs and then realized we it was pretty chilly outside (56*) and we forgot our hoodies at the hotel. The service was so fast at breakfast that we had time to go back to Brisbane and get our hoodies.
We grabbed our hoodies and then got back to Oracle Park before the rush of fans arrived. There were lots of parking options near and far from the park but we opted to park at a Giants sponsored parking lot about .5 mile from the park. This was a cash only $40 parking lot very close to the bottom of the Bay Bridge. We arrived to park around 11:15AM and got a prime exit spot at the front of the lot. We put on some sunscreen and then had a 12 minute walk to the park.
They had just opened the gates when we arrived and we opted to go to the Giants Team Store to get Chris a Father's Day gift and a Giants shirt. (He was wearing an Astros shirt and with as much hate for the Astros that the MLB has, he thought changing shirts was a good idea. I hate the Giants but he fit right in)!
We then made our way into the stadium and starting climbing the ramp to get to our upper deck seats. We had to stop about every other upward ramp because I was just completely out of breath and very winded. I never imagined I would be walking this slow and be BEHIND Chris but this was the theme of the ENTIRE TRIP! Stupid Covid... I hate you!
I had purchased these tickets from the hospital bed in May. At midnight on May 24th the Giants changed their rules to not require a negative test or proof of vaccination to get into the ballpark. Once I saw this, I started looking for tickets. For several days, the first few games after this change had incredibly high priced seats ($150-200 in the UPPER decks). I looked daily and on May 28th at 3AM when a nurse came to check my vitals I saw a pod of 2 seats on sale for $44/ each instead of the $159 it had been. I didn't even look at the section and just hit "PURCHASE". It tuned out these were incredible seats! One of the best views in the entire stadium and in the shade for the entire game. TIP- Being in the shade in San Francisco is not the same as being in the shade in Houston... good thing we went back to get those hoodies! BUT... We did not get sunburnt, from the game that is!
The National Anthem at the Giants Game!
The Giants first pitch!
The game was exciting with back to back home-runs and even a "splash hit" within the first 2 innings. It was a great experience and the ballpark itself has been placed in my top 5 ballparks, easily. We got lunch around the 5th and 6th innings. I tried the mobile ordering and it was not a bad experience, albeit expensive. I placed the order with my phone and got a text when it was ready. However even when they said it was ready, I still had to wait about 10 minutes to get my food. That surprised me a bit!
After the 7th inning stretch we ventured down to the lower section to walk around "McCovey Cove". This has to be one of the most unique areas of any MLB stadium to which I have ever been. I loved seeing the boats and kayaks waiting around for "splash hits". The crowd was invigorating as the Giants continued to score late into the game as well. We grabbed some souvenirs and enjoyed the last half inning from the bleachers in center field.
"McCovey Cove" in the outfield of the stadium!
TIP- Be sure to check this out when you visit Oracle Park!
A view from the center field bleachers! It would be in the sun the WHOLE TIME but this was honestly not a bad view!
This was an incredible experience and the highlight of our trip for me! I have now been to every MLB stadium except 4... All in California! It really is a shame that Oakland would not cooperate and be in town when we needed them to, but I am incredibly grateful I was able to experience a game in Oracle Park with Chris! Now... to get those other 4!
After the game we drove to the Painted Ladies in west San Francisco. This is a section of houses that inspired the writers of the 1987 TV show, Full House and the newer Fuller House. This was nothing more than a park on a hill overlooking gorgeous Victorian Homes but it was breathtaking! TIP- This is a FREE activity but be forewarned the drive to get there involves VERY steep hills and those steep hills are also near the park and you must park on these same hills. It made for an interesting afternoon. We also saw a dude walking down the street we parked on literally looking into EVERY car looking for things to steal. It was freaky!
This was cool since our kids LOVE Full House and especially Fuller House!
We have seen every episode... At least twice!
We drove to the Golden Gate Bridge and found parking and decided to try and walk the bridge. Having just recovered from Covid, I was not sure if I could make it but I really wanted to as this was an item on my bucket list ever since my family did in early 2000s. I said a prayer and we were on our way. The fog was rolling in as we walked this 1.7 mile bridge and the wind was BRUTAL but we made it all the way to the end of the bridge. Now... To get back to the other side! We had to stop about every 5th pole for me to catch my breath but we made it back in just under 2 hours and just before our parking expired.
I will NEVER forget these 3.39 miles!
We called the kids and then decided to head back towards Brisbane and try and find a a restaurant to have a Father's Day dinner for Chris. We were so tired from the walking and the long day so we just went back to the BJs restaurant we found near San Bruno on the first night. It wasn't San Francisco local fare but it would do!
Chris had a wonderful Father's Day dinner of prime rib, a beer flight and even a HUGE cookie dessert! What a way to end Father's Day! We went back to the hotel and crashed... quiet literally on the bed! We were so tired but knew we needed rest for our drive to Lake Tahoe on the next day!
What an incredible day of celebrating Chris on Father's Day and crossing off another stadium from my Bucket list! We had seen SO MUCH but were still only about 1/3 of the way through our trip!
I think the best is yet to come!
UP NEXT... DAY 4 and Lake Tahoe!
Thanks for following along! We appreciate your support!
God is good... ALL THE TIME!
DID YOU MISS A DAY? Get caught up below:
Do You Know the Way to San Jose- Day 1
Redwoods and Wine Country- Day 2
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