Little Italy, CA

San Diego
Little Italy
In this vibrant enclave of Downtown San Diego find chic bars, boutiques and galleries, a weekly food and handicrafts market and a bayside park.

Laidback and pedestrian-friendly Little Italy is a magnificent showcase of thriving European customs and an innovative drinking and dining scene. Little Italy was once the lifeblood of San Diego’s tuna fishing industry. It attracted immigrant Italian and Portuguese families, many of whom set up business and restaurants. Today their traditions flourish around piazzas and alongside modern bars, cafés and restaurants.

At the heart of the neighborhood is the elegant Piazza della Famiglia, a square framed by pavement cafés. Sit by the piazza’s Little Italy Fountain and watch locals coming and going. Sample delicious gelatos, pizzas, Maine lobster rolls and tacos at the Little Italy Food Hall.

Stroll through the neon-lit Little Italy Landmark Sign to India Street and find authentic Italian restaurants and fast food joints. Note the artwork on the sign’s pillars, which portrays the community’s fishing and culinary heritage. Nearby Kettner Boulevard is the place to hop between brewpubs, delicatessens, wine bars and restaurants owned by celebrity chefs.

Plan your visit on a Saturday for the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market. With over 200 gourmet food, fresh produce and handicraft traders, this is San Diego County’s biggest farmers market. Chefs convene at the Little Italy Wednesday Market to stock up on fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat and fish.

For an insight into the history of the city’s fire department, browse displays of antique rescue equipment and vehicles at the Firehouse Museum. Attend a service at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, notable for its interior frescoes and stained-glass windows.

Make your way to the Waterfront Park to relax on lush lawns, have fun in interactive fountains and enjoy picnics with bay views. Here, the Maritime Museum of San Diego has historic ships and boat tours. Play bocce and attend the Little Italy Summer Film Festival at Amici Park.

Little Italy occupies the northernmost corner of Downtown San Diego. It’s just a 10-minute drive from San Diego International Airport and easy to reach by public buses and trolleys.


Popular places to visit


Little Italy Hotel Deals

Harborview Inn & Suites San Diego Harbor
Harborview Inn & Suites San Diego Harbor
2 out of 5
550 West Grape St, San Diego, CA
The price is $79 per night from Sep 26 to Sep 27
$79
per night
Sep 26 - Sep 27
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park ...
7/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Diss liked homeless"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2023

Harborview Inn & Suites San Diego Harbor
Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown
Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown
2.5 out of 5
1531 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA
The price is $182 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
$182
per night
Oct 8 - Oct 9
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,049 reviews)
"The room/hotel is clean and breakfast was great. From this location you can walk to Little Italy. Directly across the street there is a park, the dock, and restaurants. The only complaint is the elevators. Only one was working at a time, so I had to take the stairs alot. It seems this is a regular ..."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown
La Pensione Hotel
La Pensione Hotel
3 out of 5
606 West Date Street, San Diego, CA
The price is $159 per night from Sep 25 to Sep 26
$159
per night
Sep 25 - Sep 26
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,462 reviews)
"The location is great"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2023

La Pensione Hotel
Urban Boutique Hotel
Urban Boutique Hotel
3 out of 5
1654 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $135 per night from Sep 25 to Sep 26
$135
per night
Sep 25 - Sep 26
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,069 reviews)
"Absolutely love how close we are to Little Italy. Also walking distance to Petco Park. This location is perfect for us!"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Urban Boutique Hotel
Porto Vista Hotel
Porto Vista Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1835 Columbia St, San Diego, CA
The price is $115 per night from Sep 26 to Sep 27
$115
per night
Sep 26 - Sep 27
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Petco Park ...
6/10 (1,002 reviews)
"I really liked the fact that everything was in walking distance. Safe neighborhood!"

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2023

Porto Vista Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
3.5 out of 5
2137 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA
The price is $198 per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
$198
per night
Oct 20 - Oct 21
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Good location nice bar and restaurant No free coffee in the morning"

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Little Italy, CA

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