Discover Downtown San Diego

A Vibrant and Growing 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.

Embarcadero District

On the west edge of San Diego downtown lies the Embarcadero district, home to the San Diego cruise terminal, the Navy Pier and Seaport Village. Climb aboard to explore the ships at the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum or the Star of India at the San Diego Maritime Museum. If a moving sea vessel is more your flavor, hop on a harbor cruise and explore the San Diego Bay.

Little Italy

If you're looking for some local flavor, immerse yourself in San Diego's of 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. Stop into any one of the many art and design galleries in Little Italy, showcasing artwork by international to local artists and furniture designers.

Around the Bay

Downtown also provides easy access to Point Loma, Harbor Island and Shelter Island, which offers great restaurants and a variety of accommodations. This area features a picturesque marina with excellent sport fishing. Point Loma is known locally as an excellent spot for tide pooling, where low tide brings a magnificent reveal of the underwater reef. And don't miss a trip to the Cabrillo National Monument for a look back at San Diego's nautical history and stunning views of the bay and downtown skyline.

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.

What we Love: Dining at any of the fabulous downtown restaurants, many of them featuring celebrity chefs Lounging at an outside café in Little Italy, people watching while enjoying a cappuccino Taking in a Padres game at Petco Park, or enjoying the game from a rooftop bar at a hotel close by Sipping on craft cocktails at any of the sundrenched rooftop bars Summer concerts and movies along the water's edge

What to Know: Parking can be a bit of challenge Downtown, consider Public Transportation if you want to avoid paying for parking San Diego's downtown is filled with many one-way streets, be sure to look carefully before turning The International Visitor Information Center is located at 1140 North Harbor Drive Public transportation is readily available via bus, trolley and train Many of the main attractions in San Diego are not downtown, however there are many transportation options available to get you where you want to go

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.