Visit the Marina District to uncover San Diego’s upscale bayside lifestyle mixed with maritime history and entertainment. Formerly a warehouse area, today the Marina District has some of the city’s most luxurious properties. Relax at lush parks while watching cruise ships and yachts sail by. Tour first-rate museums, dine on succulent seafood and take a cruise around San Diego Bay.
Travel between attractions by walking and biking parts of the 3-mile-long (4.8-kilometer) Embarcadero promenade. The Embarcadero Marina Park North and Embarcadero Marina Park South epitomize the district’s outdoor and recreational vibe. Enjoy the grassy lawns, picnic tables, fishing piers and bike paths of the two parks. The Bayside Summer Nights concert series held here features performances by jazz bands and the San Diego Symphony.
Shopping enthusiasts can choose from fashion and accessory outlets at Seaport Village open-air retail village. Art galleries, burger bars, delis and seafood restaurants accompany the shops. Admire the sail-inspired design of the San Diego Convention Center, a venue for expositions and trade shows.
Keep children entertained via the art displays, climbing frames and interactive exhibits of The New Children’s Museum. Adjacent Children’s Park has a forest-themed playground, spray fountains and picnic areas.
Learn about the city’s Chinese community at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. The museum hosts events such as dragon boat-making workshops and tai chi classes.
Continue north on the Embarcadero past fishing ports, piers and yacht marinas. Enjoy harbor views and look for war memorials, such as the Unconditional Surrender statue, at Tuna Harbor Park. The USS Midway Museum occupies a celebrated United States aircraft carrier. Peer into the carrier’s sleeping quarters, climb inside plane cockpits, listen to genuine pilot recordings and try flight simulators.
The Marina District forms part of Downtown San Diego and is a short walk from the Gaslamp Quarter. The city’s light rail system has several stops within the district. Get an alternative view of the bay and downtown skyline on cruise tours that depart from Broadway Pier.
