Visit Downtown San Diego to experience the lively urban center of one of California’s most-loved beach cities. Here a flourishing arts scene blends with sophisticated dining, energetic nightlife and waterfront adventures. Tour the many districts of Downtown San Diego to experience the city away from its sun-drenched beaches.
Once a seedy red-light area, today the historic Gaslamp Quarter is known for boutiques, galleries, rooftop bars and taprooms. See cartoon sketches at the Chuck Jones Gallery and retrace local history at the Gaslamp Museum, housed in the 170-year-old William Heath Davis House. Catch shows at Balboa Theatre, Spreckels Theatre and leafy Horton Plaza Park. Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day events and the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade take place in this quarter.
Head to the East Village to watch a San Diego Padres baseball match at Petco Park. Columbia’s business district has excellent art and live music. Attend ballets and operas at San Diego Civic Theatre and touring Broadway musicals at Copley Symphony Hall. Peruse exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and SDSU Downtown Gallery.
Columbia’s western border marks the start of the energetic Embarcadero bayside promenade. Relax at pretty green spaces such as Tuna Harbor Park and Waterfront Park. Delve into maritime history aboard ships and aircraft at the Maritime Museum of San Diego and USS Midway Museum.
Stroll along the Embarcadero to upscale Marina District. Enjoy biking, fishing and picnicking at Embarcadero Marina ParkNorth and Embarcadero Marina Park South. Find interactive family-friendly fun at The New Children’s Museum. Go on a shopping spree at Seaport Village.
Celebrity chefs compete with microbreweries and traditional Italian restaurants in Little Italy. Shop for fresh produce at Saturday’s Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market. Victorian homes dominate the landscape of Cortez Hill, a gateway to sprawling Balboa Park.
A light rail system provides access to the districts and attractions of Downtown San Diego. Travel around on foot or use the hop-on, hop-off Old Town Trolley.
