Cabrillo National Monument: History, Trails, and Tide Pools
From its picturesque setting high above San Diego Bay, Cabrillo National Monument tells the story of Spanish exploration in this part of the…
takespace
The iconic Southern California city of San Diego owes a great deal of its fame to its picturesque Pacific coastline. Fortunately, the city’s planners are fully aware of this. Over the years, they’ve developed all types of waterfront attractions and activities to entertain and engage visitors and locals alike.
As a local, I can tell you that there are enough things to do on the San Diego waterfront to fill several days of exploration here in America’s Finest City. From outdoor art installations to museums and family-friendly parks, here are some of the most beloved waterfront highlights to keep in mind when visiting San Diego.
Seaport Village
Spread over 14 acres of prime waterfront real estate along San Diego Bay, the eternally popular Seaport Village is a shopping and dining destination created to look like the city’s bustling harborfront 100 years ago.
There are about 54 shops and 17 dining options here. But that’s not all.
There’s also an expansive tree-filled park circumvented by a peaceful waterfront walkway that offers some of the best views of San Diego Bay — and beyond that Coronado Island — to be had anywhere in downtown San Diego. Locals regularly gather in this greenspace on warm days to enjoy the outdoors and fly kites of all shapes and sizes, which inevitably attracts onlookers.
The carousel at Seaport Village
A special shout-out for family visitors with little ones in tow, don’t miss the historic carousel at Seaport Village.
This colorful kid-pleaser was hand-carved in 1895 and has been running ever since. It features 54 animals and two horse-drawn chariots, offering a bit of fun for kids to break up a day of exploration. Tickets are just $5 a ride.
USS Midway Museum
In addition to all the sun and surf, San Diego is also a place known for its rich military history. One of the best ways to experience this side of San Diego is via a tour of the USS Midway, which is permanently docked in San Diego Bay.
A giant aircraft carrier, the USS Midway was commissioned in 1945 and is named after the 1942 Battle of Midway. Today, this floating museum, which is included with your ticket on our San Diego Waterfront Walking Tour, offers an unforgettable glimpse of daily life on a massive Naval ship.
There are onboard exhibits, displays, and even a few simulated flying rides. This is a great museum for kids and adults with plenty of interactive learning opportunities.
Tuna Harbor Park
Another strategically placed waterfront open space, Tuna Harbor Park is named after the city’s commercial fishing industry, which included being a tuna port.
Today the space is a shady park and walking space adjacent to the USS Midway, offering an excellent place to snap a photograph of the giant aircraft carrier. And like other greenspaces throughout downtown, there’s a variety of unique public art to explore here (more on that next!).
The giant “Embracing Peace” statue
Another stop on our San Diego Waterfront Walking Tour, the city’s 25-foot “Embracing Peace” sculpture, sometimes called “Unconditional Surrender” or simply the kiss statue, represents one of the most iconic images captured during the end of WWII — that of a sailor embracing a woman in Times Square after the surrender of Japan.
This larger-than-life art installation is a popular attraction for visitors who pose for photos at the statue’s base, some even recreating the statue’s embrace for their pictures. By some accounts, this is one of the most photographed locations in the city of San Diego.
Salute to Bob Hope and the Military
Also located in Tuna Harbor Park, the Salute to Bob Hope and the Military is another not-to-miss art installation. And yes, you’ll see it on our tour and learn all about it.
This cluster of bronze sculptures depicts the legendary performer surrounded by a group of soldiers in military uniform attire that is authentic to the time periods when Hope performed for U.S. troops stationed overseas.
USS San Diego Memorial
Located along Harbor Drive in front of Tuna Harbor Park, the USS San Diego Memorial marks another important tribute to the country’s military history.
Created to honor the service of the WWII Navy cruiser USS San Diego, this eye-catching installation is made of several distinct elements including a bas relief sculpture of the USS San Diego, a life-size cast bronze sculpture of a sailor holding his helmet and gazing out over the ocean, and 28-foot high free-standing granite and terra cotta walls.
Waterfront Park
When my son was young, Waterfront Park was a regular part of our summer-fun list.
Located directly across the street from San Diego Bay, this park harkens back to days when a neighborhood fire hydrant would be opened to allow urban kids to frolic in the erupting water. The park’s main feature is a lengthy interactive splash fountain that’s a magnet for all ages during the warm summer months.
But the park is worth visiting year round thanks to its many other features including a playground, themed gardens, and picnic areas.
Colorful mosaic sculptures
An element of Waterfront Park worthy of its own discussion, don’t miss taking in the park’s much-photographed mosaic sculptures.
Titled “Seal,” “Baseball Player #19,” and “Serpent Tree,” the sculptures are located throughout the park including near its south fountains and its playground. The mosaics are part of a broader collection of outdoor art around downtown San Diego created by an impressive roster of international artists.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
The name of this attraction may be somewhat deceiving. The Maritime Museum of San Diego is not a single structure, but rather is made up of four historic vessels that visitors can explore.
The star of the show (pun intended!) is the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship, which dates back to 1863 and began service just five days before Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Other ships that are part of the museum include the PCF 816 Swift Boat, the San Diego Harbor Pilot Boat and the steam ferry Berkely. The Maritime Museum also features a variety of permanent and visiting exhibits with themes often related to maritime history.
The best of San Diego
There are so many different ways to immerse yourself in San Diego’s vibrant waterfront culture with something for nearly every style of traveler. With a little bit of advance research, you can create an itinerary that fills one day or multiple days. Or join our local-led San Diego Waterfront Walking Tour to ensure you don’t miss a thing — and get insider tips on what to see and do on the rest of your visit to San Diego.
Cabrillo National Monument: History, Trails, and Tide Pools
All You Need To Know Before Visiting Balboa Park
To say that Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s top attractions is to put it too simply. Within the park’s 1,200 acres,…
A Local’s Guide on What To Do at San Diego’s Liberty Station
Nestled along the postcard-perfect waterfront of San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood, Liberty Station is a 350-acre mixed-use development with plenty of spots to…