Local Attractions

Once home to San Diego's flourishing tuna fishing industry and generations of Italian families who made their living on the sea, Little Italy is a quaint and lively neighborhood filled with patio cafés, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, shops, hotels, and the beautiful Amici Park. 

As the West Coast’s premier entertainment district, guests can immerse themselves in our rich Victorian architecture and history, dine with world-renowned chefs, and dance the night away at nationally-recognized nightlife venues. Tucked tightly into 16 ½ blocks, the Gaslamp Quarter is a walkable urban playground located in Downtown San Diego adjacent to the Convention Center, Petco Park, and Horton Plaza.

Downtown San Diego's Waterfront Park sits across from San Diego Bay and is just steps from Little Italy. You'll find 12 acres of sprawling grassy areas, gardens, grassy knolls, walking paths, and a modern children's playground. Locals especially love playing in the 830-foot-long fountain and wading pool, featuring 31 water jets that arch over the pool.

The 100-acre (40-hectare) Zoo is home to over 4,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 800 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. It is located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park.

This beautiful bayfront shopping, dining, and entertainment complex offers 57 themed shops, restaurants, cafés, tucked around meandering pathways, fountains, lush landscaping and ponds. Along with the neighboring, upscale Headquarters, Seaport Village is a favorite destination among both visitors and locals alike for shopping and dining.

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park known as the cultural gem of San Diego. In addition to lush open lawns, natural green belts, gardens and walking paths, it contains museums, several theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

This state-protected historical park is where the city of San Diego began. Today's Old Town recreates San Diego life during the Mexican and early American periods, 1821-1872. Three original abodes - the Casa de Estudillo, Machado y Stewart and Machado y Silvas Buildings - have been restored and now house museums, shops and restaurants. Old Town San Diego is also home to lively and vibrant Mexican restaurants that just happen to whip up some of the best margaritas in town.

Home to Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres, Petco Park is spectacular in every way, combining the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of San Diego. Innovative design features evoke the timeless traditions of baseball in an intimate setting, with state-of-the-art fan amenities to suit every taste and budget.

With locations in La Jolla and Little Italy, The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, is an art museum focused on the collection, preservation, exhibition, and interpretation of works of art from 1950 to the present.

Housed aboard the longest-serving U.S. Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century, the USS Midway Museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. Go to sea without leaving port and explore more than 60 exhibits with a collection of 29 restored aircraft.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego has one of the world's finest collections of historic ships, including the world's oldest active ship, the Star of India. The collection of ships and exhibits are available for daily public tours.

Featuring a large fleet of private yachts, Flagship Cruises & Events specializes in brunch and dinner cruises, harbor cruises, whale watching tours, and birthday party and wedding cruises all featuring scenic views of San Diego Bay.

Take a 15-minute ride across the bay to Coronado. Once you step off the ferry’s gangplank, you’ll arrive at the Coronado Ferry Landing, a waterfront marketplace teeming with over 25 unique shops and restaurants.

Want to learn more about San Diego? Find the most comprehensive information on the city’s best hotels, restaurants and events.