Downtown San Diego

A vibrant urban paradise.

The heart of every city lives in its downtown, and San Diego is no exception. Located only minutes from the airport, San Diego's thriving downtown districts offer a plethora of options for accommodations, activities, dining and cultural attractions, all accessible by foot or by trolley. Modern and historic buildings stand side-by-side, in the downtown historic Gaslamp District, housing shops and boutiques, trendy nightclubs, rooftop bars and fine dining restaurants.

During the day, families can enjoy various cultural attractions, like The New Children's Museum, or take in a baseball game at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, or catch a ride on the trolley to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. With plenty choices to eat, shop and explore, families can enjoy a true California urban safari in San Diego's downtown district.

After dark, the area transforms into a sophisticated playground for adults. With an endless variety of posh night clubs, sizzling music venues and sky-high rooftop bars, you are bound for an adventurous and memorable night on the town.

On the west edge of San Diego downtown lies 3 miles of the Embarcadero district. Meaning "the landing place" in Spanish, the Embarcadero boardwalk hugs the east side of San Diego Bay, and is home to the San Diego cruise terminal, the Navy Pier and Seaport Village. Climb aboard to explore the ships at the USS Midway Museum, the Star of India, or the Maritime Museum of San Diego. If a moving sea vessel is more your flavor, hop on a harbor cruise and explore the San Diego Bay. For fun on land, visit Seaport Village to grab a bite or pick up a one-of-a-kind gift.

If you're looking for some local flavor, immerse yourself in San Diego's Little Italy district, just north of the downtown. Grab an espresso and biscotti from a local café, or dine alfresco with a plate of hand-made pasta and a glass of Chianti. To walk off that authentic Italian meal, stop into any one of the many art and design galleries in Little Italy, showcasing artwork by international to local artists and furniture designers.

With an array of hotels, attractions, restaurants and cultural venues close by, San Diego's Downtown is a great spot to base your San Diego vacation.

Where to Stay in San Diego’s Downtown

Downtown San Diego is host to every type of accommodation imaginable and to suit any traveler’s budget. From large-scale international hotels offering every amenity and service, to quaint boutique hotels that exude local flavor, to charming inns and intimate bed and breakfasts, you’ll feel right at home at any of the lodging options in this urban California destination.

Browse the list of lodging options below to find your perfect stay in downtown San Diego:

San Diego Nightlife - Bars and Nightclubs from San Diego CVB on Vimeo.

Culinary Delights in Downtown San Diego Restaurants

Downtown San Diego is a veritable foodie’s paradise, with plenty of options for every type of cuisine you can imagine. Many of San Diego’s downtown restaurants feature celebrity chefs, farm-to-table options, and fresh catches of the day. From the freshest seafood and sushi, authentic Italian, Mexican or Thai, to New American and California cuisine, if you crave it, you’ll find in downtown San Diego. 

Find your perfect meal in San Diego’s downtown from a list of restaurants below and then plan your San Diego itinerary.

San Diego Nightlife - Bars and Nightclubs from San Diego CVB on Vimeo.

Activities and Things to Do Downtown

San Diego’s distinct downtown neighborhoods offer a diverse variety of activities for every visitor, from families to sophisticated urbanites, with plenty to see, discover and indulge. With the legendary Gaslamp Quarter nestled in its core, San Diego’s downtown sits next to the beautiful San Diego Bay, offering scenic views of the water as you walk through the bustling urban streets of this clean, friendly and accessible downtown district. From museums and bayside boardwalk communities, to posh nightclubs and high-profile restaurants, all accessible on foot, trolley, train or cab, you won’t be short of things to do during your stay.

5 to Try in Downtown San Diego

1. The Embarcadero
   San Diego’s Embarcadero not only offers views of the bay, but is home to two great museums as well: The USS Midway and the Maritime Museum of San Diego,  Along the boardwalk, take in the whimsical installation of Urban Trees sculptures that line the waterfront. If you looking for fresh seafood, stop into one of the many great seafood restaurants and order the fresh catch of the day. During the holiday season, the Embarcadero lights up with annual festivities like the Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade in December, where world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, line down Harbor Drive following a procession of balloons; or make plans to see the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, where the bay comes alive with lights adorning ships and vessels that float on the water.
2. Little Italy
   Located in the northern tip of downtown, San Diego’s Little Italy is the oldest continuous neighborhood business district in the city. Explore the streets of this vibrant and lively neighborhood, filled with authentic Italian cafés and restaurants. Discover the piazzas that house local art galleries, boutiques and design showrooms showcasing one-of-a-kind artwork, gifts and furniture. Sit out at one of the many street-side cafes for a fresh cup of espresso, or indulge yourself with an authentic Italian dish at one of the many restaurants. For art lovers, make plans each spring to attend ArtWalk, a festival for local, national and international to present their work in booths that line the streets of Little Italy. Pick up an original piece of art for your home, or enjoy street food and a myriad of art activities for the family.
3. PETCO Park
   San Diego comes alive during baseball season when Downtown’s streets, restaurants and bars bustle with enthusiastic Padres fans. PETCO Park is a not-to-be missed attraction, with its striking architecture and outdoor park area. Festivities continue when the team is away, when select games are shown on the big screen behind the stadium. The park is a great place to take in a quintessential San Diego experience, and an inexpensive but enjoyable day for the whole family. 
4. Shopping
   Seaport Village sits on the southern tip of Harbor Drive boasting oceanfront view and charming shops presenting unique, nautically inspired gifts. A great place to take a relaxing stroll and pick up a souvenir for someone back home or a keepsake to remember your time in San Diego. For serious shoppers looking for the latest fashions, head to the maze-like multi-story outdoor mall, Horton Plaza. Or stop into the many boutiques along the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter.
5. Downtown Nightlife
   After dark, San Diego’s downtown sizzles with excitement as locals and visitors step out in style. From fine dining, plays, musicals, concerts and dancing, downtown San Diego offers all access for sophisticates in search of a good time. And everything is accessible on foot, or if you’re traveling in a pair of stilettos, hop on a pedi cab and go from restaurant to club, then back to your hotel. Catch a Broadway or off-Broadway show at one of the great theaters, or enjoy a signature cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars. For annual street festivities, make plans to spend Halloween, Mardi Gras or St. Patrick’s Day celebrating in the Gaslamp Quarter’s annual block parties.

These are just a few of the things you can do in Downtown San Diego. Browse the articles and listings below for more things to do during your visit and begin planning your San Diego itinerary.

Upcoming Downtown Events

Excitement and celebration never ends in San Diego’s downtown district. This California metropolis hosts a colorful variety of events throughout the year. From ShamROCK, the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration west of the Mississippi, to a bona fide Cajun Mardi Gras celebration, to the festive San Diego Bay Parade of Lights for the Holidays, downtown San Diego sure knows how to have fun!

On any given evening, downtown’s many live music and theater venues take center stage with concerts, performances, musicals and plays.  For sports fans, don’t miss taking in a Padres baseball game at PETCO Park, or enjoy a Chargers game at any of the bustling sports bars in the city. Or attend a sophisticated gala or special event at the Museum of Contemporary Art or The New Children’s Museum.

Getting to Downtown San Diego

From the North:
Take California I-5 South, exit on Front Street and continue south to Broadway.

From the South:
Take California I-5 FWY north to Sixth Avenue, following Sixth Avenue South off the exit ramp to Broadway.

From the East:
Take the 94 freeway west until it ends and turns into F Street. Follow F street west into the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter and downtown.

Public Transportation:
Most of San Diego’s public transportation options run through downtown allowing you to get there from almost anywhere. Plenty of express buses get you there even quicker. The Coaster and Amtrak trains also stop at downtown’s Santa Fe Station.