Little Italy, CA

San Diego

Little Italy
Little Italy
Little Italy
Little Italy
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

Things to do


Little Italy Hotel Deals

The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego
The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego
4 out of 5
1646 Front St, San Diego, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$109 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
$127 total
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Great but not parking included!"

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

The Little Italy Hotel Downtown San Diego
Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown
Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown
2.5 out of 5
San Diego
$147 nightly
The price is $170 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$170 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a 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 helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,964 reviews)
"Everything I expect from Hampton Inn with the exception of the elevator situation. Signs said that elevators are being"

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown
La Pensione Hotel
La Pensione Hotel
3 out of 5
606 West Date Street, San Diego, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$143 nightly
The price is $163 total per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
$163 total
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,735 reviews)
"Amazing location! Very nice people at the front desk!"

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

La Pensione Hotel
Urban Boutique Hotel
Urban Boutique Hotel
3 out of 5
1654 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA
$143 nightly
The price is $163 total per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
$163 total
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,175 reviews)
"Front desk associate Macy super friendly and helpful. She's a 5 star human."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Urban Boutique Hotel
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
3.5 out of 5
2137 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$225 nightly
The price is $260 total per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
$260 total
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Amazing service! Went for the Rock n Roll marathon weekend and our room, the service and everything was beyond perfect."

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1736 State St, San Diego, CA
$122 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Jun 17 to Jun 18
$139 total
Jun 17 - Jun 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"The staff was incredible. The place is very well located - a nice walk to the Convention Center [25min] and close to the shoreline [5min]. Clean and at a reasonable price. The only missing items in the room are a microwave oven and a small desk with a chair."

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Little Italy Inn - Limited Service Apart Hotel
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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