San Diego is a coastal city nestled on the Pacific Ocean in California and renowned for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, gardens and parks. One of these is Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Zoo, which includes a safari park where giraffes, apes, koalas, and many other animals can be spotted. There is also a conservation society involved in the preservation of endangered species. SeaWorld San Diego is located in Mission Bay Park and is an animal theme park with an outdoor aquarium, oceanarium, and a marine mammal park to visit. There is also a good variety of museums to visit, including the USS Midway Museum, described below, and many art galleries. The Cabrillo National Monument is also of interest to visit. The historic lighthouse offers panoramic views, being right across the coast of Mexico, and is a national monument. Scroll below to see more places to go and things to do in Downtown San Diego, California, USA.
1. Climb aboard the world's largest ship at the USS Midway Museum (from USD 32.0)
The historic USS Midway is the world’s longest-serving aircraft carrier and is now a museum. You can enjoy a self-guided audio tour of the ship, including the pilots’ ready rooms, the crew’s sleeping quarters, and 25 aircrafts that have been restored and are on display. Docents can be found throughout the ship to share anecdotes and stories about how important the aircraft carrier was to the US Navy. There are also fun, family-oriented activities, including flight simulators, short films, and music videos.
San Diego: USS Midway Museum Entry Ticket
2. Gaze at the Unconditional Surrender Statue
The Unconditional Surrender Statue is one of many that were sculpted to represent a famous photograph by Albert Eisenstaedt which was taken on August 14, 1945 and titled “V-J Day in Times Square.” It depicts a kissing couple, celebrating the day that World War II was finally over. The statue was originally exhibited in Florida but was moved to the Port of San Diego in 2010. In May 2012 it was dismantled and sent to New Jersey for restoration and is back in place in front of the Midway Aircraft Museum.
Unconditional Surrender Statue
Address: 55 Tuna Lane, San Diego, California, USA
Website: Unconditional Surrender Statue
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Enjoy craft cocktails and exotic meat dishes at The Lion's Share
The Lion’s Share is an iconic restaurant and bar serving craft cocktails, beer, wine, and other spirits and delicious food, all prepared with the best ingredients. They offer tasty and healthy starters including Arugula Salad and Roasted Carrots, tasty meat and fish dishes to share, and what they term their “Feast” which includes everything from Salmon Roulade, Wild Boar, Fried Quail, Elk Loin, to Wild Side Burger. There is also a range of delicious desserts to tempt the palate.
The Lion's Share
Address: 629 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, California, USA
Website: The Lion’s Share
Opening hours: 4pm - 2am (daily)
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4. Shop, dine and enjoy musical entertainment at Seaport Village
Whether it’s retail therapy you are seeking or a good meal and entertainment, Seaport Village has plenty to offer. There are more than 50 different shops and boutiques to browse, 13 unique restaurants and cafes, and loads of outdoor entertainment on offer. Live music events are offered on Sundays at the East Village Gazebo or daily at the West Village Food Court. There is also a fun carousel for the kids and other entertainment to keep the little ones happy.
Seaport Village
Address: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Seaport Village
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
5. Have fun on the spectacular San Diego Seal Tour (from USD 47.0)
The San Diego Seal Tour is a great way to explore San Diego Bay in a colorful amphibious vehicle. Similar to a “duck tour” the vehicle heads onto water and land, starting in Seaport Village and heading down Harbor Drive. Along the way, the tour passes SeaWorld and Vacation Isle. Splash into the water at Ski Beach for a waterborne tour of San Diego Bay and the Quivira Basin Pass. Along the way learn about the history of San Diego and its many fascinating landmarks.
San Diego Seal Tour
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
6. Browse at San Diego Downtown Museum Of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art has two locations in San Diego, exhibiting more than 4,000 works of art. All art on display has been created since 1950. The downtown location is set in the former Santa Fe Depot baggage building, making it a little more historic. The other location is in La Jolla where the museum nestles on 3 acres (1.21 hectares) of oceanfront property. Here visitors can enjoy more than a dozen installations and sculptures within the museum’s grounds. This sculpture garden is popular with families and artists as pencil sketching is permitted here.
San Diego Downtown Museum Of Contemporary Art
Address: 1100 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, California, USA
Website: San Diego Downtown Museum Of Contemporary Art
Opening hours: Thu to Tue: 11am - 5pm (closed on Wed)
Price: Free
7. Have a picnic at Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is a great location for the whole family, with plenty of grassy areas to relax on for a picnic and a variety of fun play equipment for the children. There is also an interactive splash fountain where the kids can have fun splashing and cooling off on warmer days. There are also intimate garden rooms with varying themes to enjoy.
Waterfront Park
Address: 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, California, USA
Website: Waterfront Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Take the kids to The New Children’s Museum
The New Children’s Museum in San Diego has been set up to promote play and art-making as necessary skills for children. It allows the kids to explore creativity, critical thinking, working together, gaining confidence, and solving problems. It is also a whole load of colorful fun for the kids to enjoy. The museum has been honored with the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, given to museums and libraries that make a positive impact on their communities.
The New Children’s Museum
Address: 200 W Island Ave, San Diego, California, USA
Website: The New Children’s Museum
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Fri: 9:30am - 4pm; Sat: 9:30am - 3pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Tue)
Price: Members and children under 1: free; Children 1+ and adults: 14 USD; seniors (65+) and Military with ID: 10 USD
9. Take a walking tour in Little Italy (from USD 125.0)
One of the most chic neighbourhoods in Downtown San Diego, Little Italy offers historic buildings, unique boutiques, and a variety of excellent restaurants. Little Italy was formed by Italian immigrants in the mid-19th century where they made a living at that time with fishing. On a walking tour of this historic neighborhood, visitors can enjoy three of the best wine bars and tasting rooms while partaking in delicious cheeses and Panini.
San Diego Little Italy History and Wine Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
10. Tour the Victorian Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego (from USD 35.0)
Downtown San Diego has a wonderfully rich history and plenty to see and do. However, the Gaslamp Quarter really stands out and is the city’s most fascinating area with beautiful architecture, art galleries, and boutiques. This was originally an infamous sailors’ port but nowadays has more than 200 restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and lounges for evening entertainment and is considered a hip and elite destination in the city. Shop ‘til you drop during the day then party into the night.
1.5-Hour San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour
Enjoy the best of Downtown San Diego, California
Whether learning the history of this beautiful city while sightseeing, visiting museums, famous ships, art galleries and unique attractions, make sure you try out some of the best things to do in Downtown San Diego, California, USA.
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