Curious if there is anything of interest outside of Dodgers Stadium if we were to head there early before a game? Restaurants, hot dog stands, sports stores? We typically see games in Seattle where the street is closed by the stadium with venders and restaurants along the way and wondering if there is anything similar.
Dodger Stadium is a bit different from many newer ballparks in that the surrounding area is not a fully pedestrianized street with rows of vendors and restaurants. However, there are still a few options to enjoy before heading inside:
Immediately outside the stadium, there is a small plaza area where you can find official team merchandise and food stands. These include Dodgers apparel shops, snack stands with classic stadium fare, and occasional special event vendors on game days.
If you arrive early and want more substantial dining or a local atmosphere, nearby neighborhoods such as Elysian Valley (a short drive) or Echo Park and Chinatown are worth considering. These are 5–15 minutes away by car, and have local restaurants and cafes where you can grab a meal before heading to the game.
Unlike Seattle’s ballparks, there isn’t a street closure with a festival-style promenade directly outside, so if you want that type of experience, plan to arrive early and stroll the plaza, or consider parking nearby and checking out a local eatery before entering.
Overall, while Dodgers Stadium doesn’t have a street festival atmosphere right outside, arriving early gives you a chance to check out official vendors, grab classic ballpark food, and soak in the excitement of the plaza before the game starts.