San Diego's Embarcadero

A great place to spend the day exploring
Star of India sailboat at Maritime Museum along San Diego's Embarcadero

Embarcadero Highlights

Arts & Culture Near San Diego, Embarcadero

USS Midway Museum during the day time on San Diego Bay

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 Embarcadero Activities

Waterfront Park in the Embarcadero during the day time

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.

San Diego Embarcadero Events

Rady Shell at Jacobs Park just after sunset

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.

San Diego Embarcadero Restaurants & Shopping

Seaport Village during the day time

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.

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