West Coast Tour 2025 - Blog & Photos

From giant Angels hats in Anaheim to driverless taxis in San Francisco, our West Coast Tour had it all—big games, bigger moments, and memories that’ll last a lifetime. Over 10 days, we explored some of the most iconic ballparks in Major League Baseball, soaked up the sun in four unforgettable cities, and shared the journey with an incredible group of baseball lovers.

After arriving into LAX and settling into our first hotel of the trip, the Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Los Angeles, the group celebrated our first night of the tour in full Home Run Travel tradition, at Yard House (their bill splitting technology works an absolute dream!). The following day, most of us were up and out very early due to the jet lag. Most of the group opted to go full tourism mode and jumped on a Sightseeing Tour Bus. All the major sights were ticked off, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills.We eventually settled for some lunch (and beers) in the bustling Original Farmers Market.

Game 1 – Los Angeles Angels vs New York Yankees, Angel Stadium, Anaheim

Our journey began with a smooth Metrolink ride from Union Station to Angel Stadium in Anaheim—an easy 45-minute trip from Downtown LA. We arrived early enough to soak in the atmosphere outside the stadium, take photos under the giant Angels hats, and, in my case, finally find a hat big enough to fit my head.

A few of us were even interviewed by MLB staff for our thoughts on the current state of the game and potentially anything would change or improve—word is the footage might make it to Rob Manfred himself. Naturally, Home Run Travel got a well-earned plug.

Inside, we wandered, grabbed our traditional team balls, and sampled the ballpark fare. The game itself was tight. Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt held the Halos to just four hits over six innings, and although the Angels managed to keep Aaron Judge quiet—intentionally walking him twice—they couldn’t generate any offense. The Yankees edged it 1–0.

And just when we thought the night was over, Disneyland’s fireworks lit up the sky as we exited the stadium. Not a bad way to kick off the tour.

The following day was our first and what later turned out to be our only 'Free Day'. Most of the group opted to head to the Santa Monica area. After a drink on the pier, we made a leisurely stroll to the weird and wonderul, Venice Beach. We enjoyed some rooftop drinks at Hotel Erwin (what a spot!) whilst the sun was shining down, and overall was a thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable day.

The following morning we decided to burn some of the calories off and hiked our way to the Hollywood Sign, only to ruin all the good work with a naughty breakfast at Mel's Diner and Drive-In on the iconic Sunset Strip! A quick freshen up at the hotel and we headed back to Union Station where we utilized the free shuttle buses to take us to Dodger Stadium.

Game 2 – Los Angeles Dodgers vs New York Yankees, Dodger Stadium, LA

The build-up for this one was off the charts. Six MVPs on the field, coast-to-coast powerhouse teams, and two iconic franchises in what was a repeat of the 2024 Fall Classic.

Aaron Judge set the tone early with a towering homer in the first. Shohei Ohtani responded in kind in the bottom half. Then came blasts from Trent Grisham, Austin Wells, and Paul Goldschmidt—all before the third inning was done.

The Yankees jumped ahead 5–1, but the Dodgers clawed their way back thanks to clutch hitting from Freddie Freeman and a second home run from Ohtani. That one cost Ben a new jersey, after boldly promising to buy one if Shohei went deep twice. The Dodgers completed a thrilling 8–5 comeback win, handing Max Fried his first loss of the season.

We watched from the stunning Top Deck as the sun set over Chavez Ravine—easily one of the most spectacular backdrops in baseball. A few of our friends from the MLB UK fan community, Leslie and Zoe, joined us for the night, making it all the more special. One of the best games we’ve ever seen live.

Games 3 & 4 – San Diego Padres vs Pittsburgh Pirates, Petco Park

What should’ve been a simple train ride to San Diego turned into a bit of an epic—two trains, one bus, and a sense of humour later, we arrived at Hotel Indigo, right in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Petco Park was a short stroll away and certainly lived up to the hype. Our Padres superfans John E and Mark treated themselves to a VIP tour: press room, batting cages, dugout access, and even a meet-and-greet with Luis Arraez. Unreal.

The game, however, didn’t go quite as planned for them. Bailey Falter dominated, giving up just two hits, while Dylan Cease struggled. Pirates took it 5–0, with the ageless Andrew McCutchen launching one into the San Diego night.

Sunday was technically a free day—but who could resist another ballgame? Military Appreciation Day at Petco is something else: ceremonies, a Navy band, and even a helicopter flyover. We sat next to a block of young Marines who were itching to celebrate as the Padres finally came alive, however were under strict instructions to look as serious as possible throughout.

Manny Machado went deep, and despite another home run from McCutchen, a huge seventh inning rally—sparked by Arraez and capped off by Machado—sealed the win. As it was a day game, we had time to have a few drinks on our hotA few cold beers and tacos by Seaport Village wrapped up two top-class days in San Diego.

Games 5 & 6 – San Francisco Giants vs San Diego Padres, Oracle Park

Game 5 – Giants 0, Padres 1 (10 innings)

After a short, easy flight to San Francisco, we made a stop for Irish Coffees at the famous Buena Vista before taking a Waymo driverless taxi to the game. Yes, a car with no driver… a surreal but smooth ride.

Thanks to the Levi’s 501 Night deal, we scored tickets for just $5.01 and had fantastic upper-deck views over McCovey Cove. Logan Webb was lights out for the Giants, but a 10th inning sac fly saw the Padres sneak a 1–0 win.

Game 6 – Giants 2, Padres 3 (10 innings)

The next morning featured a cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge and lunch in the beautiful seaside town of Sausalito. That evening, I surprised the group with a VIP tour of Oracle Park—on-field BP, photo ops, the works.

The game started quietly until Heliot Ramos—my new mate—launched a two-run homer to put the Giants ahead. But it all fell apart when closer Camilo Doval walked three in the ninth. The Padres capitalised, and another extra-inning win slipped from San Francisco’s grasp.

Tough result for the home fans among us, but what an experience in one of the most beautiful ballparks in the world.

Game 7 – Seattle Mariners vs Baltimore Orioles, T-Mobile Park

Our final stop took us north to Seattle, where we were greeted by a view of Mount Rainier as we landed—postcard stuff. After a late check-in and some quality late-night pizza near the iconic Gum Wall, we were ready for one last ballgame.

T-Mobile Park is fantastic. The outfield plaza has bars, food trucks, fan zones, and an up-close bullpen experience that had us leaning over the railing. The sun was out, the roof was open, and the game delivered. I managed to miss all three homers—Cal Raleigh, Adley Rutschman, and Gunnar Henderson—during a short wander (classic), and the Orioles clinched the sweep with a 4–3 win.

We ended the night at Gantry Public House with some well-earned drinks and finished things off with barbecue and a next-level dessert at Radiator Whiskey.

Wrapping Up – The Final Day

Our final morning included sightseeing at the Space Needle, ferry rides, and some souvenir shopping before half the group jetted home. The rest extended their trip to Vancouver, Banff and beyond.

Another amazing tour in the books. Seven ballgames. Four cities. Thousands of laughs. And a growing community of baseball fans who keep making these trips so special.

Want to be part of the next adventure? Join us this September for the East Coast Tour, or lock in your place for 2025. Check out the link in our bio to reserve your spot—because the only thing better than watching baseball is doing it with great company.