Exploring Downtown San Diego
san diego skyline at sunset
Where Can I Walk in Downtown San Diego?
Downtown San Diego offers a wide variety of buzzing tourist attractions almost all within walking distance from one another that you can enjoy after your whale watching tour. In the downtown area, you will find yourself amidst the hub of the city with endless activities perfect for a family trip.
One destination fit for sailing lovers is the Maritime Museum which features a world-class collection of sailing ships, steam-powered boats and submarines. The museum is located on the San Diego Bay in front of the Waterfront Park, near the corner of W. Ash Street and N. Harbor Drive. It is also renowned for the ability to restore old ships, among these is the famous 155 year-old Star of India.
san diego harbor
For excellent food, ideal shopping and a beautiful atmosphere, head to Seaport Village located downtown. Hitting the waterfront of San Diego Bay near the Convention Center, Seaport Village is an outdoor, waterfront shopping and dining area. The complex has 54 shops, 13 relaxed eateries, and four fine-dining restaurants. Occasionally, the village also hosts live music and other entertainment events enhancing any family getaway. Kids will love Seaport Village, equipped with a carousel, FROST ME gourmet cupcakes, featured on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, kite flying and a plethora of street entertainers.
Another downtown spot perfect for unwinding and taking in marvelous views of the San Diego Bay, is the new Waterfront Park. It’s an extensive public park, with the historic courthouse at its center, complete with water fountain jets that kids can run through in the Southern California heat. The park also includes reflecting pools, grassy spaces, and top notch play equipment for kids. In the summertime, the park hosts several movies on the lawn, too.
What Can I do for Free in San Diego?
downtown san diego
There are plenty of marvelous destinations along the San Diego coast that cost absolutely nothing and are sure to amplify your experience here.
At Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in America, there are over 65 miles of walking trails. Additionally, the park is home to luscious, botanical gardens and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that will blow you away. Every Sunday, the Spreckles Organ Pavilion hosts free outdoor organ concerts at 2:00 pm, a lovely musical inclusion on the park’s premises. This is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy. Bring a picnic for a perfect Sunday afternoon.
To catch a priceless San Diego sunset, head over to Sunset Cliffs. The jagged cliffs contrast with the contemporary highways and homes beside them. Although breathtaking at any time of day, the evening at the cliffs allow for glorious sunsets of pink and orange against crystal blue waters. The park extends 68 acres along the Pacific Ocean over to Point Loma. Depending on the season, if you station yourself in the right spot, you might also catch a glimpse of gray whales completing their annual migration.
What is there to do in San Diego in the Morning?
Another free activity fit for a Saturday morning excursion is visiting the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. Experience the core of San Diego as a commercial fishing town at this market where chefs and fishmongers gather on the bay for an open-air fish market with instructional demonstrations supporting sustainable fishing and consumption. Head here bright and early to pick up fresh seafood to later prepare for a delicious local dinner.
For a wonderful weekend brunch, Hash House A Go Go reels in many tourists every year leaving them nothing but full and satisfied. The local eatery is hopping on weekend mornings so be sure to get in early for their mouth watering brunch including stacks of belgian waffles, fluffy pancakes and BLT bloody marys.
For a more adventurous start to your day, a morning tandem or solo hang gliding from Torrey Pines Gliderport will give you an experience of a lifetime as you overlook the flawless oceanic views for Blacks’ Beach. Rides last about a half an hour and will be sure to exist as the headliner of you San Diego vacation.
