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San Diego's Embarcadero

A great place to spend the day exploring

Located adjacent to Downtown San Diego along the Big Bay, San Diego's Embarcadero is a testament to the region's colorful maritime history complete with historic ships, museums and harbor tours, as well as a working fishing harbor, cruise ship terminal and plenty of hotels, restaurants and shops.

USS Midway Museum

Arts & Culture

USS Midway Museum

One don't-miss activity is a visit to the USS Midway Museum, which invites visitors aboard America's longest-serving aircraft carrier to enjoy 35 exhibits and tours exploring its rich 47-year history. Many of the story-telling docents are veterans who served aboard the carrier.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

The floating Maritime Museum of San Diego features one of the finest collections of historic ships in the world, including the Star of India, who at 150+ years old is the oldest active sailing ship. Located in a beautiful waterfront park on Harbor Drive at the G Street Mole in downtown San Diego is an inspiring collection of military heritage artworks dubbed the Greatest Generation Collection. Works include the "USS San Diego (CL-53) Memorial" commemorating the distinguished World War II service of San Diego's namesake cruiser; the black obelisk and bronze sculptures of the "Aircraft Carrier Memorial" honoring all who've served on the Navy's aircraft carriers; the Admiral Sprague bust that presides over the "Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial," a fitting remembrance of one of the most desperate and heroic naval actions in U.S. history; and the "Military Tribute to Bob Hope," which honors the famed entertainer's efforts.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD)

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) operates a downtown expansion in the former 'baggage building' of the active Santa Fe Depot, a Nationally Registered Historic Landmark located across the street from the existing MCASD downtown galleries - look for the Spanish Mission-Colonial Revival-style exterior. Built for the Panama-California Exposition in 1915, the building provides more than 10,500 sq. ft. of new exhibition space for contemporary art.

San Diego County Waterfront Park

Activities

San Diego County Waterfront Park

Located at 1600 Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive between Grape and Ash streets, the Downtown Waterfront Park is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Picnic on the grassy lawn, let the kids burn off some steam at the modern creative playground, cool off in the interactive splash fountains and enjoy The Bay views.

Cruises

San Diego is the fastest growing cruise port on the U.S. West Coast and homeport for Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America, as well as an embarkation and debarkation port for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ships. Ships docking in San Diego offer exciting itineraries that include the Mexican Riviera, Hawaiian Islands, Pacific Coast, Central America, and the Panama Canal.

  • Flagship Cruises & Events features daily one- and two-hour narrated harbor tours, seasonal whale watching adventures, dinner-dance and Sunday brunch cruises with live entertainment, and excursions to Los Coronados Islands in Mexican waters. Thrill seekers will love their new Patriot Jet Boat, an open-air, turbo-charged machine that flies across the bay and can do 360-degree spins.
  • City Cruises offers three-hour nightly dinner-dance cruises, Sunday champagne brunch cruises, daily one- and two-hour narrated harbor tours, and seasonal whale watching adventures.

Fireworks light up the night sky in San Diego.

Events

Held annually in November, the three-day San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, the region's largest wine and culinary extravaganza, includes events held in various downtown venues and culminates with the Grand Tasting Event, held at the waterfront Embarcadero Park North. Other major events along the Embarcadero include concerts year-round at the beautiful Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, the outdoor home of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. And don't miss the Port of San Diego's annual Day at the Docks celebration (held in March), the yearly Big Bay Boom 4th of July Celebration, the holiday favorite San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (held in December) and much more. Check the events calendar for more upcoming happenings in San Diego.

The Headquarters at Seaport Village

Shopping & Dining

Seaport Village

This bayside destination offers more than 50 shops featuring art, toys and souvenirs plus casual eateries and fine dining restaurants, many with views of the beautiful bay and harbor. During the summer season and on weekend, you'll also find fun, family-friendly events including live music and activities.

Headquarters at Seaport Village

Through the restoration of San Diego’s Old Police Headquarters, San Diego has reclaimed a majestic urban treasure by offering an extraordinary new experience; a delightful destination where restaurants and specialty boutiques can make a lasting impression.

Carnitas Snack Shack

With panoramic views of the city and San Diego Bay, Carnitas Snack Shack is an amazing spot known for its laid back atmosphere, pork-centric menu and specialty crafted cocktails.

Sally's Fish House & Bar

Sally's Fish House & Bar combines a newly renovated dining room and waterfront patios with stunning panoramic marina views for a relaxing dining experience. Dine al fresco on the newly expanded patios with outdoor fire pits. This unique seafood restaurant implemented a traditional wood fire grilling method to create flavors that add a twist to classic dishes.

Roy's Restaurant

Roy's combines fresh ingredients, European sauces & bold Asian spices. Nowhere else will you find a culinary experience quite like the flavors, textures and colors created at Roy's.

The Fish Market & Top of the Market

The Fish Market serves only the freshest catches from waters near, far and everywhere in between. Their motto is: "Seafood is our passion, freshness is our mission, and quality is our commitment." Top of the Market floats above the bustle with an intimate ambiance, exhibition-style cooking, memory-making views, and–of course–their signature quality seafood.

Lane Field Park Markets

Centrally located on the Embarcadero, this open air food market in Lane Field Park is an ideal place for visitors to try a variety of food and drinks from local vendors, play lawn games and enjoy the San Diego vibe.

Manchester Grand Hyatt Guestroom

Where to Stay

San Diego's Embarcadero is within walking distance of many downtown hotels. Search for Hotels & Resort located near Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive in the downtown neighborhood.

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Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

The heartbeat of every city lives in its downtown, and San Diego is no exception. Located only minutes from the airport, San Diego's thriving urban center offers an abundance of options for accommodations, activities, dining and cultural attractions, all easily accessible by foot, bike, car or public transportation. In the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where modern architecture and Victorian-Age buildings stand side-by-side, you'll discover eclectic galleries, chic boutiques, trendy nightclubs, rooftop bars, gastropubs, craft beer haunts and fine dining restaurants lining the streets.

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Little Italy

Once home to San Diego's flourishing tuna fishing industry and generations of Italian families who made their living on the sea, Little Italy is now a lively neighborhood filled with patio cafés, packed restaurants, craft brew stops, urban wineries, art galleries, sophisticated shops, boutique hotels and the beautiful Amici Park.

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Barrio Logan

For years, the Barrio Logan neighborhood has been one of San Diego's best kept secrets. An epicenter of the city's Mexican-American culture, this neighborhood is quickly becoming a hotspot for cutting-edge art and authentic local culture.

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Point Loma Peninsula

West of downtown San Diego, you'll find Point Loma, Harbor Island and Shelter Island, all of which offer great restaurants, activities, a variety of accommodations and stunning views of San Diego’s skyline.

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Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2024

The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District and Coronado Ferry Landing. The impeccably choreographed display will last approximately 18 minutes.

Come down to the bay and enjoy the biggest fireworks show in San Diego!

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Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024

A highly-anticipated 7+ stage, 80+ bands, 3-day music, culinary and arts festival will descend upon the stunning waterfront of downtown San Diego all along the Embarcadero. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village and plenty of local flavors. Wonderfront festival’s re-entry policy encourages festival-goers to customize their weekend experience and truly integrates the city into the fabric of the festival.

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La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 18, 2024

The La Jolla Half Marathon is one of America's most picturesque and beautiful point-to-point races. Starting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the course follows a scenic coastal route before reaching the challenging climb to the summit of Torrey Pines State Park. The course then rolls atop Torrey Pines mesa, continues down through residential La Jolla Shores, and finishes at La Jolla Cove.

For those interested in a shorter option, the La Jolla Shores 5K offers a mostly downhill course and features some of the most scenic views of the last 3.1 miles of the half marathon course.

 
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Annual Over The Line Tournament

Jul 13 - Jul 21, 2024

The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) is calling all players, beach-goers, and sports enthusiasts to the biggest summer event in San Diego!

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What's Nearby

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Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

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Little Italy

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Barrio Logan

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Point Loma Peninsula

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What's Happening

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Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2024
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Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024
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La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 18, 2024
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Annual Over The Line Tournament

Jul 13 - Jul 21, 2024
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Team Building

Discounted Chills for Badge-Wielding Thrills

Haunted San Diego Ghost & History Tours
Valid: Sep 29, 2023 - ongoing

Whispers of the past echo through the dimly lit streets of San Diego, beckoning you to venture into the spectral realm with Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours. Your convention badge, dear delegate, is not...

Accommodation

AAA Member Rate

Pacific Terrace Hotel
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

As the only Four Diamond Hotel on the beach in San Diego (we've earned the distinction every year since 2007) we'd love to welcome you! AAA Members are able to take advantage of discounts up to 15%...

Accommodation

Vacay Your Way!

The Dana on Mission Bay
Valid: Sep 25, 2023 - ongoing

Escape to your dream getaway on Mission Bay! Design your perfect Vacation Package by handpicking the ideal guestroom and customizing it with our extraordinary add-on options. Whether you're looking...

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