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San Diego's Embarcadero

A great place to spend the day exploring

Located adjacent to Downtown San Diego along the Big Bay, San Diego's Embarcadero is a testament to the region's colorful maritime history complete with historic ships, museums and harbor tours, as well as a working fishing harbor, cruise ship terminal and plenty of hotels, restaurants and shops.

USS Midway Museum

Arts & Culture Near San Diego, Embarcadero

USS Midway Museum

One don't-miss activity is a visit to the USS Midway Museum, which invites visitors aboard America's longest-serving aircraft carrier to enjoy 35 exhibits and tours exploring its rich 47-year history. Many of the story-telling docents are veterans who served aboard the carrier.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

The floating Maritime Museum of San Diego features one of the finest collections of historic ships in the world, including the Star of India, who at 150+ years old is the oldest active sailing ship. Located in a beautiful waterfront park on Harbor Drive at the G Street Mole in downtown San Diego is an inspiring collection of military heritage artworks dubbed the Greatest Generation Collection. Works include the "USS San Diego (CL-53) Memorial" commemorating the distinguished World War II service of San Diego's namesake cruiser; the black obelisk and bronze sculptures of the "Aircraft Carrier Memorial" honoring all who've served on the Navy's aircraft carriers; the Admiral Sprague bust that presides over the "Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial," a fitting remembrance of one of the most desperate and heroic naval actions in U.S. history; and the "Military Tribute to Bob Hope," which honors the famed entertainer's efforts.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD)

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) operates a downtown expansion in the former 'baggage building' of the active Santa Fe Depot, a Nationally Registered Historic Landmark located across the street from the existing MCASD downtown galleries - look for the Spanish Mission-Colonial Revival-style exterior. Built for the Panama-California Exposition in 1915, the building provides more than 10,500 sq. ft. of new exhibition space for contemporary art.

San Diego County Waterfront Park

San Diego Embarcadero Activities

San Diego County Waterfront Park

Located at 1600 Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive between Grape and Ash streets, the Downtown Waterfront Park is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Picnic on the grassy lawn, let the kids burn off some steam at the modern creative playground, cool off in the interactive splash fountains and enjoy The Bay views.

Cruises Near San Diego Embarcadero

San Diego is the fastest growing cruise port on the U.S. West Coast and homeport for Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America, as well as an embarkation and debarkation port for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ships. Ships docking in San Diego offer exciting itineraries that include the Mexican Riviera, Hawaiian Islands, Pacific Coast, Central America, and the Panama Canal.

  • Flagship Cruises & Events features daily one- and two-hour narrated harbor tours, seasonal whale watching adventures, dinner-dance and Sunday brunch cruises with live entertainment, and excursions to Los Coronados Islands in Mexican waters. Thrill seekers will love their new Patriot Jet Boat, an open-air, turbo-charged machine that flies across the bay and can do 360-degree spins.
  • City Cruises offers three-hour nightly dinner-dance cruises, Sunday champagne brunch cruises, daily one- and two-hour narrated harbor tours, and seasonal whale watching adventures.

Fireworks light up the night sky in San Diego.

San Diego Embarcadero Events

Held annually in November, the three-day San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, the region's largest wine and culinary extravaganza, includes events held in various downtown venues and culminates with the Grand Tasting Event, held at the waterfront Embarcadero Park North. Other major events along the Embarcadero include concerts year-round at the beautiful Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, the outdoor home of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. And don't miss the Port of San Diego's annual Day at the Docks celebration (held in March), the yearly Big Bay Boom 4th of July Celebration, the holiday favorite San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (held in December) and much more. Check the events calendar for more upcoming happenings in San Diego.

The Headquarters at Seaport Village

San Diego Embarcadero Restaurants & Shopping

Seaport Village

This bayside destination offers more than 50 shops featuring art, toys and souvenirs plus casual eateries and fine dining restaurants, many with views of the beautiful bay and harbor. During the summer season and on weekend, you'll also find fun, family-friendly events including live music and activities.

Headquarters at Seaport Village

Through the restoration of San Diego’s Old Police Headquarters, San Diego has reclaimed a majestic urban treasure by offering an extraordinary new experience; a delightful destination where restaurants and specialty boutiques can make a lasting impression.

Carnitas Snack Shack

With panoramic views of the city and San Diego Bay, Carnitas Snack Shack is an amazing spot known for its laid back atmosphere, pork-centric menu and specialty crafted cocktails.

Sally's Fish House & Bar

Sally's Fish House & Bar combines a newly renovated dining room and waterfront patios with stunning panoramic marina views for a relaxing dining experience. Dine al fresco on the newly expanded patios with outdoor fire pits. This unique seafood restaurant implemented a traditional wood fire grilling method to create flavors that add a twist to classic dishes.

Roy's Restaurant

Roy's combines fresh ingredients, European sauces & bold Asian spices. Nowhere else will you find a culinary experience quite like the flavors, textures and colors created at Roy's.

The Fish Market & Top of the Market

The Fish Market serves only the freshest catches from waters near, far and everywhere in between. Their motto is: "Seafood is our passion, freshness is our mission, and quality is our commitment." Top of the Market floats above the bustle with an intimate ambiance, exhibition-style cooking, memory-making views, and–of course–their signature quality seafood.

Lane Field Park Markets

Centrally located on the Embarcadero, this open air food market in Lane Field Park is an ideal place for visitors to try a variety of food and drinks from local vendors, play lawn games and enjoy the San Diego vibe.

Manchester Grand Hyatt Guestroom

Where to Stay at San Diego - Embarcadero Hotels

San Diego's Embarcadero is within walking distance of many downtown hotels. Search for San Diego Embarcadero Hotels & Resorts located near Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive in the downtown neighborhood.

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Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

The heartbeat of every city lives in its downtown, and San Diego is no exception. Located only minutes from the airport, San Diego's thriving urban center offers an abundance of options for accommodations, activities, dining and cultural attractions, all easily accessible by foot, bike, car or public transportation. In the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where modern architecture and Victorian-Age buildings stand side-by-side, you'll discover eclectic galleries, chic boutiques, trendy nightclubs, rooftop bars, gastropubs, craft beer haunts and fine dining restaurants lining the streets.

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Little Italy

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 now a lively neighborhood filled with patio cafés, packed restaurants, craft brew stops, urban wineries, art galleries, sophisticated shops, boutique hotels and the beautiful Amici Park.

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Barrio Logan

For years, the Barrio Logan neighborhood has been one of San Diego's best kept secrets. An epicenter of the city's Mexican-American culture, this neighborhood is quickly becoming a hotspot for cutting-edge art and authentic local culture.

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Point Loma Peninsula

West of downtown San Diego, you'll find Point Loma, Harbor Island and Shelter Island, all of which offer great restaurants, activities, a variety of accommodations and stunning views of San Diego’s skyline.

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San Diego Crew Classic

Mar 28 - Mar 30, 2025

Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs across the United States. Spanning ages 14 – 84, the Crew Classic is a competition for future Olympians as well as for those new to the sport. This event is often a highlight of their competitive rowing careers. The Crew Classic is not only an athletic event with competitors at the peak of physical fitness, but a social gathering for enthusiasts to enjoy great local food, a beer garden with San Diego’s famous local craft breweries, and shopping. The event is held at Mission Bay, just a mile from the Pacific Beach.

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Valentine's Week at The Gondola Company

Feb 13 - Feb 15, 2025

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year at The Gondola Company. Take a St. Valentino Cruise or a St. Valentino Proposal Cruise.

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Liberty Station: From Barracks to Brews

Mar 21, 2024 - ongoing

Calling all new recruits! Join a local guide and get an inside look at what it was like to join the navy. Learn some sailor skills, explore the buildings essential to training, learn fun facts about the recruit experience, and gain an understanding of the history of the Naval Training Center. Cap off the tour with a snack and your very own certificate of “graduation.”

Tour Highlights

Learn important sailor skills without having to drop and give us 20
Explore recruit life by visiting buildings essential to training such as barracks, the mess hall, and other facilities
Using historic photos, we’ll compare the recruit experience with the modern-day visitor’s experience
Celebrate the completion of your “training” by raising a brew (or comperable beverage)

PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE;  CLICK "TICKETS" FOR DETAILS

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Soundscapes of Afghanistan: Tradition Reimagined

Apr 18, 2025

This is the fourth concert of the 2025 Center for World Music concert series Echoes of Time.

Mingei International Museum

Friday, April 18, 2025 | 7:30 PM

Experience an unforgettable evening with Qais Essar, a pioneering Afghan composer and rabab virtuoso who weaves the traditional sounds of the mountainous Hindu Kush region with contemporary global music. The rabab, an instrument first mentioned in Arabic texts of the tenth century, is a plucked lute considered by many to be Afghanistan’s national instrument and a precursor of the sarod, prominent in North Indian classical music . Qais’s music blends Afghan folk, Americana, and other sources, creating a unique soundscape that feels both timeless and boundary-pushing.

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What's Nearby

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Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

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Little Italy

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Barrio Logan

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Point Loma Peninsula

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What's Happening

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San Diego Crew Classic

Mar 28 - Mar 30, 2025
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Valentine's Week at The Gondola Company

Feb 13 - Feb 15, 2025
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Liberty Station: From Barracks to Brews

Mar 21, 2024 - ongoing
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Soundscapes of Afghanistan: Tradition Reimagined

Apr 18, 2025
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Deals just for you

Accommodation

Hotel Deals for AAA/CAA Members

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Apr 22, 2024 - ongoing

IHG® has over 5,500 hotels worldwide, and is pleased to welcome AAA/CAA members with hotel deals and discounts (at participating hotels). In addition to hotel discounts, IHG® Rewards Club...

Accommodation

Stay for Breakfast

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Valid: Jul 22, 2024 - ongoing

No matter how you plan to spend your time in San Diego, make the most of every day with a hearty meal to kick-start your mornings. It’s breakfast for two, on us, for each night you stay, from...

Activity

Show Your Badge & Save at The Zoo or Safari Park!

San Diego Zoo
Valid: Jul 30, 2024 - ongoing

Attendees receive a 10% discount on a San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park  1-Day Pass when conference badge is shown at front gate ticket window. 

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