Playgrounds, a not-so-secret speakeasy, 10-inch hot dogs, and carafes of sparkling rosé—this is our guide to experiencing the perfect day at Dodger Stadium. Here are all the tips and tricks you need to know to masterfully navigate through Chavez Ravine including where to park and what to eat.
When and How to Get to Dodger Stadium
Give yourself time to get into the stadium—plus the earlier you get inside, the more fun you can have before the first pitch. Doors usually open about two hours before the game starts, and My Dodgers members can arrive three hours before gametime. Be sure to check the times, though, as there is no early entry for any game that begins before 1:30 p.m.
Parking passes are available for purchase day of at the gate, but savvy fans know to buy in advance online for the discount. Preferred parking, which is closer but more expensive, is only available online.
Plan your trip before you leave, making sure the gate you’re entering is close to your seats on the official parking map. Routing the most direct path to the proper gate will save you time in traffic. There’s additional general parking through Dodger Stadium that’s a bit more remote over on lots 13 and 14, but it does require a bit of a walk uphill.
Another avenue is to take the free, dedicated bus line, the Dodger Stadium Express, from Union Station. Buses run every ten minutes starting two and a half hours before the game and drop passengers at the Center Field and Top Deck entrances. Return service runs for 45 minutes after the final out in the last inning. There’s also a rideshare drop-off at Gate A.
What to Do Inside Dodger Stadium
Early visitors can walk around and really start to experience all the stadium has to offer, starting with the secret bars and memorabilia walls. Pose with one of the many photo op statues sprinkled throughout the park, from giant bobbleheads and an enormous World Series ring to the bright blue fire truck you can climb aboard.
Don’t miss the Jackie Robinson statue in the outfield plaza near center field or the wall of additional Dodger legends with jerseys and photos from Steve Garvey, Fernando Valenzuela, Kirk Gibson, Orel Hershiser, and more.
Super fans will adore watching batting practice (which usually kicks off a few hours before the game) or snagging prime views of pitchers warming up at the bull pen, which is constructed perfectly for onlookers to catch all the action.
What to Bring to Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium has a strict clear-bag policy, meaning all bags, unless clear, are not allowed on the property. Clear bags cannot be larger than 12’’ x 12’’ x 6” and any non-clear bags must be smaller than 5’’ x 8’’ x 2’’ or you will be asked to put them back into your car. Diaper and medical bags are permitted for infants and medically necessary items, but both are subject to search.
Due to the clear-bag policy, guests of Dodger Stadium are allowed to bring in their own food, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks. Drinks must be factory-sealed and less than one liter, with no glass or thermoses allowed. Empty, reusable water bottles are also permitted and there are water refill stations located across the premises.
What to Do with Kids at Dodger Stadium
There is plenty of space for kids to stretch and explore at the stadium with four separate climbing structures and playgrounds located at left field plaza, left reserve 23–27, right field plaza and reserve 22–28. There’s also a cushioned logo and little circular top chairs tucked away at centerfield turf, but you need tickets to that area to participate.
Fan service stations offer free, “1st Dodger Game” buttons for anyone’s first game, while supplies last.
Children under the age of 3 can enter the stadium for free, but must sit on their guardian’s lap while seated. And there’s also an air-conditioned nursing lounge at center field under the left pavilion.
Perhaps one of the more magical offerings at Dodger Stadium is the “Run the Bases” games. On special Sunday afternoon games, kids from 5 to 14 have the opportunity to run the bases on the field after the end of the game. All you have to do is line up outside of centerfield entry and wait in line—the kids will be escorted onto the field for one run and then exited through the left field concourse. Check the website for participating days.
What to Eat at Dodger Stadium
The food offerings at Dodger Stadium are so extensive and beloved that foodie fans have created their own “Taste of Ravine” t-shirts. If you’re looking for the classic experience, start with a Dodger Dog. This 10-inch hot dog has been around for over 60 years and is a Los Angeles baseball staple along with the garlic fries and the tomato-infused michelada. Top this off with an upside down baseball hat filled with soft serve, and you’ve ticked off the must-eats on every fan’s list.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you have a lot of options. Every year the culinary staff adds delicious new dishes that are worth the ticket price alone. 2025 saw the addition of the Chicken Katsu Club, available at Field 8: The double-decker sandwich consists of breaded chicken patties, lettuce, tomato, applewood bacon, avocado spread, and mayo on buttered Texas toast.
Additional delicacies include the Slugger (a jalapeño cheddar cheese sausage covered with a white cheese sauce and tortilla strips, and served with fries) and the Gindaco Umami Takoyaki, complete with Kewpie mayo and bonito flakes. Find it near Field 45.
What to Drink in Dodger Stadium
There are drink stands sprinkled throughout the ballpark where you can purchase a beer, cocktail, or the aforementioned michelada. However, the beverage team and Dodger Stadium has really upped their spirits and libations game in the past few years. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting options such as sake, soju bottles (and cocktails), beer bats, and wine. In 2023, the stadium even started selling a 40 oz. carafe of wine that you can take directly to your seats.
Tucked beneath the Left Field Pavilion, the Gold Glove Bar is a private cocktail lounge offering a prime view of the Dodgers’ bullpen. Entry is first-come, first-served, and once it hits capacity, you’ll need to wait for a spot to open up. Pro tip: Arrive early to enjoy a pregame drink like the Dodgers Paloma, complete with a spicy Tajín rim.
There’s also the not-so-secret speakeasy—also known as Tommy’s Bar for Tommy Lasorda—that can hold up to 99 guests. Built under the right-field pavilion with a ground-level view of the visitor’s bullpen, this cute spot makes a great pregame location. The menu offers charcuterie and hummus platters and the Chu-Hi Highball nikaido shochu, made with yuzu juice and club soda. Getting inside can be a little tricky as you can only secure a spot with an online reservation through a season-ticket holder using points gathered from past stadium purchases.
Nonalcoholic drinks are also readily available throughout the stadium including coffee, tea, energy drinks, sodas, and hot chocolate. Keep in mind that all alcohol sales halt at the end of the 7th inning.
Take a Tour of Dodger Stadium
Bask in Dodgers history and enjoy behind-the-scenes access with a wide range of tours. The classic 75-minute Stadium Tour is available every day, all year long, and takes you through the Dodgers dugout, Vin Scully Press Box, and the Hardware Gallery, which features a dazzling display of the team's awards and World Series trophies.
Or choose from a long list of specialty tours, from the 45-minute Pregame Tour (watch warm-ups before home games), a Legends Tour (like those dedicated to Jackie Robinson or Fernando Valenzuela), or even walks through the stadium’s thoughtfully curated gardens.
For the ultimate fan experience, sign up for the Take to the Field Tour, a thrilling experience that lasts about two to three hours. You’ll get the chance to hit, pitch, and catch right out on the field.
If you just want to sneak a peek at the massive stadium on a non-game day, the official Dodger Stadium Store and upper deck are both open and free to peruse from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but be sure to check the times and hours before you go.