Discover the delights of Downtown San Diego with a visit to the East Village neighborhood. This is downtown’s largest area, with an architectural landscape of high-rise residences, reclaimed warehouses and Victorian homes. East Village was once an uninspiring industrial zone with a seedy reputation. Since the 1990s, artists, creative chefs and designers have contributed to today’s youthful and energetic ambiance.
Between March and October, sports fans come to watch the San Diego Padres baseball team at Petco Park. Purchase a hot dog, sit in the stands and celebrate home runs and strikes. Big-name music acts, such as Foo Fighters and Metallica, also perform here. Cross the nautical-themed Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge from the stadium to the San Diego Convention Center.
Relax beneath the brilliant sunshine and set up a picnic on the grassy lawns of Park at the Park. The park has a gastropub, views into Petco Park and a children’s playground. Join a pick-up game of Wiffle ball and look for Mr. Padre,a statue of baseball legend Tony Gwynn.
Visit the sleek San Diego Central Library, which features an art gallery, baseball research center and reading rooms. Guided tours highlight the library’s art and domed architecture. Marvel at the panoramic city and bay views from the rooftop terrace. Attend concerts, musicals and theater productions performed by students of San Diego City College at the Saville Theatre.
Craft beer bars, ethnic restaurants and trendy coffee shops housed inside revamped warehouses typify the area’s food and drink scene. The Quartyard container park has art exhibits, a beer garden, pop-up markets and live music. Shop for locally made clothing, limited edition sneakers and brand-name items at fashion outlets.
East Village covers over 100 blocks between Balboa Park and the Marina District. The city’s light rail system travels along the neighborhood’s section of Park Boulevard. Use the hop-on, hop-off Old Town Trolley for a fun way to get around this and other areas of Downtown San Diego.
