30 Fun Things to Do in Downtown San Diego
- Walk the Embarcadero.
- Visit the USS Midway Museum.
- Board the Maritime Museum of San Diego Ships.
- Snap a Photo with Unconditional Surrender.
- Browse Seaport Village and The Headquarters.
- Sightsee from San Diego Bay Tours.
- Take the Ferry to Coronado Island.
- Play at Waterfront Park.
How do I spend a day in downtown San Diego?
- Where to Stay in San Diego.
- Things to Do in San Diego: Get the San Diego Pass.
- One Day in San Diego: Balboa Park.
- Visit a Local Brewery in San Diego.
- Eat Delicious Vegan Meals.
- San Diego in a Day: Gaslamp Quarter.
- Check Out Local Cafes.
- Watch the Sunset in San Diego.
Can you walk around downtown San Diego?
Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 10 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Downtown San Diego is a living tribute to history and revitalization.
What is considered downtown San Diego?
Downtown San Diego encompasses eight different neighborhoods: Gaslamp, East Village, Columbia, Marina, Cortez, Little Italy, Horton Plaza, and Core. These neighborhoods are the center of our business, arts, and entertainment communities.
What is the main strip in San Diego?
Kettner Boulevard is one of the most popular streets in San Diego, better known as the main thoroughfare of Little Italy.
Is downtown San Diego worth visiting?
The odds are that if visiting Downtown San Diego, you’ll pass through it anyway. It is the best area in town for dancing and nightlife, but there are also over 100 boutiques and 200 restaurants.
How can I spend the perfect day in San Diego?
Summary of One Day in San Diego Itinerary
- Breakfast at Café 222.
- Check out the USS Midway Museum.
- Spot seals and sea lions at La Jolla Cove.
- Go on a guided tour of La Jolla.
- Hit the beach or go shopping.
- Lunch at Urban Plates.
- Stroll around the Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo.
- Hit a few museums or botanical garden.
Is it easy to walk around San Diego?
It’s easy to spend an hour or a day out in nature here. Run by the San Diego Park System, Mission Trails is crisscrossed by more than 6 miles of trails. Some trails are steep and long, but if you’re looking for an easy, pleasant walk, you have a couple of wonderful options.
Is San Diego safe to walk around?
Statistics indicate that San Diego’s crime rate is lower than the national average and is one of the safest large cities in the country. The most recent report from SANDAG describes San Diego as an overall low-risk city in terms of crime.
How far is Gaslamp District from the beach?
Yes, the driving distance between Ocean Beach to Gaslamp Quarter Station is 8 miles. It takes approximately 10 min to drive from Ocean Beach to Gaslamp Quarter Station.
What is the best month to visit San Diego?
The best times to visit San Diego are March through May and September through November. You can find some great deals on travel rates during the low seasons in comparison to the peak summer season.
What is there to do at night in San Diego?
20 Things To Do In San Diego At Night
- 1- Spend The Evening At Balboa Park.
- 3- Take The City Lights Night Tour.
- 4- Cruise The Harbour.
- 5- Stroll Through The Gaslamp Quarter.
- 6- Go On A Brewery Tour.
- 8- Visit The Nighttime Zoo.
- 10- Wander Around Seaport Village.
- 11- Attend The Theatre Or Ballet.
Is parking free in San Diego?
Parking in San Diego
On-street meters are normally enforced from 8AM to 6PM, Mon-Sat. Meter parking is $0.25 per 12/15 minutes. Parking is free outside these hours. Vehicles cannot park on-street for more than 72 hours.
Is Gaslamp Quarter worth visiting?
The atmosphere of the gaslamp district is really fun and it is a great place to spend the day walkinng and exploring. It has an almost vintage quality to it which is different than any place I’ve seen. Lots of really cool architecture as well, which makes it a great place for pictures.
What is Gaslamp Quarter known for?
The Gaslamp Quarter’s colorful history, combined with its modern-day, world-class boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, is what makes this urban district unlike any other.
Where should I go out in San Diego?
Best Nightlife in San Diego
- FLUXX. Gaslamp Quarter. Photo courtesy of FLUXX.
- Belly Up Tavern. Del Mar.
- Oxford Social Club. Gaslamp Quarter.
- Rooftop by STK. Gaslamp Quarter.
- The Grass Skirt. Pacific Beach.
- Moonshine Flats. Gaslamp Quarter.
- Prohibition. Gaslamp Quarter.
- Polite Provisions. East San Diego County.
Is it safe to stay in downtown San Diego?
As a whole, San Diego is a safe city and boasts a crime rate that is 15 percent lower than the national average. But, as with any city, there are a few areas that you may want to avoid. University Heights, City Heights, National City, as well as parts of downtown, can be a bit seedy, especially at night.
How long do you need to see San Diego?
How long do you need for a visit to San Diego? America’s Finest City is full of food, culture, outdoor adventures, and endless unique neighborhoods to explore. We recommend staying at least three days and nights, but even then, there’s always more to do and see!
Should I go to San Diego or Los Angeles?
In general, I would suggest San Diego if you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation if lots of diverse things to do. Alternatively, I would choose Los Angeles if you want to explore iconic sites, learn about Hollywood and dive into the diverse culinary scene.
Is 1 day enough in San Diego?
Wondering if you can enjoy San Diego in one day? You can with this short and sweet itinerary! If you’re short on time, one day in San Diego is enough to see the city’s best bits. Whether you’re arriving on a cruise or at one beginning (or end!) of a California road trip, it’s worth visiting San Diego for a day or two.
Do you have to pay to go to Balboa Park?
The Balboa Park grounds are open 24 hours a day with no admission fee; this includes outdoor gardens and some attractions. The Botanical Building is free, however hours of operation may vary.