‘Downtown San Diego’ Theme
Location: Downtown San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter)
Features: Shopping, Restaurants, Nightlife, Performing Arts, Historical Tours
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Gaslamp Quarter, History, Music Attractions, Performing Arts, Top Attractions, Unique Malls, Watch Movies | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter)
Open Daily: 10AM – 6PM (9AM – 3PM on Sundays); Closed on Mondays.
Cost: $5 ($4 for Seniors)
Features: Built in 1850, this was the Home where the idea of a “New San Diego” began. Learn about the vision for a new city held by William Heath Davis and the subsequent development by Alonzo Horton, who is known as the Founder of Downtown San Diego.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Gaslamp Quarter, History | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter)
Guided Tours: 11AM on Saturdays.
Cost: $10 ($8 for Seniors, Students, and Military)
Features: More than 90 Buildings in and around the Gaslamp Quarter are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a tour of their architecture and learn the history of downtown San Diego, including some of its notable residents like Wyatt Earp.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Architecture, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Tours | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Horton Plaza / Core District)
Performances: September through March
Cost: Theatre – $34 and Up ($18 for Students); Ballet – $40 ($20 for Students)
Features: Home to the Progressive San Diego Repertory Theatre and the Contemporary San Diego Ballet
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Horton Plaza / Core, Performing Arts | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter), Balboa Park
Schedule: 10AM on Select Saturdays
Cost: $15 ($8 for Students and Military Members)
Features: Two-Hour Walking Tours Around Notable San Diego Development Areas and Architecture
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Architecture, Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Tours | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter)
Performances: Wednesdays through Sundays
Cost: $36 – $46; ($5 off for Seniors 65+ and Half Off for Ages 29 and Under and Active Military Members)
Features: Popular Theatre for Long-Running Crowd Favorite Musicals
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Gaslamp Quarter, Performing Arts | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Horton Plaza / Core District)
Open Daily: 10AM – 9PM (8PM on Saturdays); 11AM – 7PM on Sundays.
Features: Uniquely Designed Outdoor Shopping Mall in Downtown San Diego; Anchored by Nordstrom and Macy’s; Five Levels of Shopping includes a Food Court, Fine Dining, Movie Theater, and Many Visitor Services.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Architecture, Horton Plaza / Core, Unique Malls, Watch Movies | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Horton Plaza / Core District)
Performances: Year-Round
Cost: Ranges from $15 to $200
Features: Home to One of the Top Opera Companies in the Country; See Pop-Stars in Concert; View Productions from Broadway San Diego, the Classical California Ballet, and Tour Companies from Around the World.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Horton Plaza / Core, Performing Arts, Top Attractions | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Horton Plaza / Core District)
Performances: Year-Round
Cost: Ranges from Free to $70+
Features: View Productions from Broadway San Diego, the Classical California Ballet, and Tour Companies from Around the World in a Brand New Facility.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Horton Plaza / Core, Performing Arts | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (East Village)
Game Times: Generally, Evening Games Start at 7:05PM and Sunday Games Start at 1:05PM (More Details Below)
Cost: Game Tickets Start at $5.
Features: One of the Top Pitching Teams in Baseball; Best Seats in Baseball; Central Location for Restaurants and Nightlife; Behind the Scenes Tours.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: As Seen On TV, East Village, Picnics, Professional Sports, Skyline Views, Souvenirs, Sports Attractions | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (East Village)
Features: Freight Train Yards in San Diego; BNSF; SDIV
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: East Village, Trains | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (East Village)
Open Daily: 10AM – 6PM
Cost: $5
Features: African American History in San Diego; See Slave Papers, Learn about Buffalo Soldiers, Take Black Historical Tours of San Diego.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: East Village, Ethnic Culture, History | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (North Embarcadero)
Open Daily: 9AM – 8PM (9PM during Summer)
Cost: $14 ($8 for Kids ages 6-17 and $11 for Seniors 62+). Parking Costs Extra.
Features: Oldest Active Ship in the World; National Historic Landmarks; U.S. & Soviet Submarines; Nine Maritime Exhibitions, Ships used in the Movies Amistad & Master and Commander; Sailing Adventures.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: As Seen In Movies, Embarcadero North / Columbia, History, Maritime Attractions, Military Attractions, San Diego Bay Boating, Souvenirs, Top Attractions | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter)
Guided Tours: 11AM on Saturdays. (Reservations Required)
Cost: $5 (Free for Kids 16 and Under)
Features: Visit the West Coast Hangout for Legendary Jazz and Blues Musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Nat King Cole.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Ethnic Culture, Gaslamp Quarter, History, San Diego Tours | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Between North & South Embarcaderos)
Open Daily: 10AM – 9PM (10PM during Summer)
Features: Great Area to Shop for Souvenirs and Unique Gifts, Enjoy the Views of San Diego Harbor, Eat, and People Watch; Ride an Antique Carousel or take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Cultural Gifts, Embarcadero North / Columbia, Embarcadero South / Marina, Gems / Jewelry, Nostalgia, San Diego Bay Boating, Scenic Vistas, Skyline Views, Souvenirs, Unique Malls | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (North Embarcadero)
Open Daily: Entrance Allowed 10AM – 4PM (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Cost: $17 ($9 for Kids ages 6-17 and $13 for Seniors 62+). Parking Costs Extra.
Features: USS Midway – Longest Serving Aircraft Carrier in U.S. Naval History; Over 40 Exhibits, including Fighter Planes; Simulator Rides
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Aviation, Embarcadero North / Columbia, History, Maritime Attractions, Military Attractions, Top Attractions | 1 Comment »
Location: Downtown San Diego (North Embarcadero)
Harbor Tours Start: 10AM – 4:15PM (5:30 PM during Summer).
Cost: $20+ ($10+ for Kids ages 4-12 and $18+ for Seniors 55 and over)
Features: Take a cruise on San Diego Harbor, the most beautiful harbor in America. Enjoy breathtaking views of the downtown San Diego Skyline while passing by Yachts, Sailboats, Naval Warships, and Seals. Whale-watching, Brunch and Dinner Cruises, and Yacht Charters also available.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Embarcadero North / Columbia, Maritime Attractions, Military Attractions, Ocean & Bay Adventures, San Diego Bay Boating, San Diego Tours, Skyline Views, Top Attractions, Wildlife | No Comments »
Locations: Downtown San Diego (Columbia District) & La Jolla (14 Miles North of Downtown)
Open Daily: 11AM – 5PM (7PM on 3rd Thursdays of the Month); Closed Wednesdays
Cost: $10 ($5 for Seniors & Military; Free for Ages 25 and Under)
Features: World Class Contemporary Art Exhibitions, Films, Lectures, and Events.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Art, Embarcadero North / Columbia, La Jolla Area, Watch Movies | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (From the San Diego Convention Center to the Airport)
Open Daily: Always Open
Features: Enjoy the Views of San Diego Harbor and Skyline while walking several miles along the waterfront, visiting world-class attractions, dining at restaurants, shopping in unique stores, looking at artwork, and people watching. You can also ride an Antique Carousel or take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Airport / Harbor Island, Bicycling, Embarcadero North / Columbia, Embarcadero South / Marina, Kids Activities, Maritime Attractions, Point Loma Area, Scenic Vistas, Skyline Views, Top Attractions, Walking / Jogging | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (North Embarcadero)
When: Varies Throughout the Year
Cost: Free To Look
Features: The Most Luxurious Mega Yachts in the World
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Embarcadero North / Columbia, Maritime Attractions, San Diego Bay Boating | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (North Embarcadero)
When: Varies Throughout the Year
Cost: Free To Look
Features: See the World’s Best Known Cruise Ships Depart for Ports-of-Call in Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, South America, Asia, and Australia.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Embarcadero North / Columbia, Maritime Attractions, San Diego Bay Boating | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego
Hours: Generally open 9AM – 5PM during the Summer and 9AM – 4PM during the Winter
Services: Professionally trained staff and volunteers to assist with San Diego vacation plans, brochures, maps, and discount tickets. (Great Deals on SeaWorld 2-Day Tickets and LEGOLAND Adult Tickets. Other tickets are generally $1 – $2 off standard or upgraded admission prices.)
Host: San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau
Printable San Diego Visitor Planning Guide – 175 pages.
Google Map
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Embarcadero North / Columbia, Visitor Centers | No Comments »
AMTRAK offers four train stations in San Diego County. All are located near the coastline and major tourist attractions. They all provide service for AMTRAK’s Pacific Surfliner. Details on the AMTRAK Stations, including Google Maps, and what to expect on the beautiful ride to San Diego are noted below.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Embarcadero North / Columbia, North County Coastal, Old Town, Traffic / Transit / Taxi, Trains | No Comments »
Greyhound offers five full service stations throughout San Diego County, including access to the beaches, international border, and major tourist attractions. Details on the Greyhound Stations, including Google Maps, other transit services, and nearby attractions are noted below.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: East County, Embarcadero North / Columbia, North County Coastal, North County Inland, South Bay, Traffic / Transit / Taxi | No Comments »
A pedicab is a three or four wheeled bicycle carriage usually powered by a college student, many of whom are visiting from overseas. The pedicabs can generally carry two to four guests. They are a great option for getting around the crowded Gaslamp Quarter and East Village streets on weekend evenings. They are also a good choice to take to the San Diego Padres baseball games at Petco Park. You will see them around the downtown area and at major events. Cost depends on the number of passengers and generally ranges from $15 – $30 for a mile ride. You can also call one of the pedicab companies listed below to arrange for a tour.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Downtown San Diego, Fun Rentals, Traffic / Transit / Taxi | No Comments »
A Segway is a personal transport vehicle. As long as you can stand comfortably, your motorized Segway will take you around town at about 6 – 9 mph. You can take a guided tour on Segways around San Diego or rent them for your own use. Listed below are the local Segway companies and the tours they offer.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Coronado, Downtown San Diego, Fun Rentals, La Jolla Area, Old Town, San Diego Tours, Traffic / Transit / Taxi | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (North Embarcadero)
Hours: Year-Round
Cost: Free
Features: A National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military; Over 30 Large Pieces of Art Along the San Diego Waterfront
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Art, Embarcadero North / Columbia | No Comments »
Location: Balboa Park, Downtown along San Diego Bay, Coronado, Oceanside
Open Daily: Each Location is Open Year-Round but offer Different Hours
Cost: $20+ per Hour for Surreys and $10+ per Hour for Bicycles.
Features: Bicycle and Surrey Rentals for the Whole Family. Surreys can seat up to 6 Adults and 2 Small Children.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Balboa Park, Bicycling, Coronado, Embarcadero North / Columbia, Embarcadero South / Marina, Fun Rentals, Oceanside | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Little Italy)
Hours: Thursday and Friday 10AM – 2PM; Saturday and Sunday 10AM – 4PM
Cost: $3 (Free for Kids).
Features: Firehouse Full of Old Fire Engines, including an 1841 Rumsey Hand Pumper; Listen to Stories from Firefighters.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: History, Kids Activities, Little Italy, Nostalgia | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Little Italy), Old Town
Open Daily: 8:30AM – 5PM
Cost: $49 and Up
Features: Two-Seat Fun Car Rental That Tells the Story of San Diego While You Tour the Town
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Fun Rentals, Little Italy, Old Town, Point Loma Area, San Diego Tours | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Marina District)
Open Daily: 10AM – 4PM (Times May Vary by Occasion); Closed Wednesdays
Cost: $10 ($5 for Seniors 65+). Parking Costs Extra.
Features: This Leading-Edge, Interactive Children’s Museum Encourages Kids of All Ages to Think, Play, and Create.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Cold Weather, Embarcadero South / Marina, Kids Activities, Unique Malls | No Comments »
Locations: Downtown San Diego (Marina District); Mission Bay (7 miles / 10 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego); and Coronado (6 miles / 15 Minutes South of Downtown San Diego)
Features: Sailing Tours; Fishing Trips; Wakeboard Instruction; Power Boat Rides on San Diego Bay; Rentals for Boats, Jet-Skis, Kayaks, and Canoes.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Coronado, Embarcadero South / Marina, Fishing, Fun Rentals, Mission Bay Area, Mission Bay Boating, Ocean & Bay Adventures, San Diego Bay Boating, San Diego Tours | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Marina District)
Tours: 2nd Saturday of Each Month at 11AM. Cost: $2. Self-Guided Tours Also Available.
Farmers Market: Sunday Mornings from 9AM – 12PM
Features: Tour the Original Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and Hawaiian Communities in Downtown San Diego; Pick-up Unique Items at the Asian Bazaar and Farmers Market.
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Architecture, Cultural Gifts, Embarcadero South / Marina, Ethnic Culture, Farming, Gems / Jewelry, History, San Diego Tours | No Comments »
Location: Downtown San Diego (Marina District)
Open Daily: 10:30AM – 4PM (Opens at 12PM on Sundays); Closed on Mondays.
Cost: $2
Features: Chinese Artifacts left by those who came to San Diego in the mid-to-late 19th Century to work in Gold Mines, build Railroads, and fish for Tuna; Chinese Garden with Koi Pond; Exhibitions
(Read insider details…)
Related Themes: Embarcadero South / Marina, Ethnic Culture, Flower Gardens, History | No Comments »
