Your Destination Guide to San Diego

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© Port of San Diego

Ocean breezes, the sounds of seagulls calling and footsteps on wooden planks, massive cruise ships and historic sailing vessels in sight… a walk down the Embarcadero on a warm day encompasses everything San Diego.

Best known as the port for cruise ships entering the city, the Embarcadero is also a seaside center of entertainment. Land lovers can spend an afternoon walking along the water, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of a seafront village and touring the numerous docked boats which have been converted into museums, while mariner types can hop one of the area’s many tour boats for a more intimate look at the San Diego Bay. The street vendors and sculptures crafted by local artists and seafood restaurants lining the waterfront walkway provide extra entertainment.

Embarcadero Attractions

San Diego Maritime Museum: The San Diego Maritime Museum is dedicated to restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels, and hosts one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships. Tickets to the museum include guided tours of the Star of India, the world’s oldest ship; the H.M.S. Surprise, a replica of an 18th century Royal Navy vessel; the Berkeley, a century-old ship and California State Historical Landmark; and the B-39 Soviet Submarine. Visitors are also privy to tours of the Californian, which sails the coast of California annually, and the Medea, once owned by the British, Norwegian and French Navies before finally settling in San Diego, when these ships are docked in the Bay.

The U.S.S. Midway: This floating city encapsulates 50 years of marine history. Sixty exhibits, 25 aircraft carriers, bunkers and flight simulators offer a glimpse into the lives of sailors at sea. Self-guided tours provide guests with information on each of the exhibits, although guests can also opt for tours by museum docents, some of whom are former sailors. Many touring the Embarcadero for the day choose to eat lunch on the ship, whose outdoor seating provides a view of the Embarcadero and Downtown San Diego.

Harbor Cruises on The Hornblower: Embarcadero-goers who are feeling a little landlocked can hop aboard one of the Hornblower cruises for a glimpse of the city of San Diego from the Bay. The Hornblower offers harbor cruises, whale and dolphin watching, and dinner cruises daily.

The Coronado Ferry: Every hour, the Coronado Ferry embarks on a 15-minute trip from the Embarcadero to scenic Coronado Island. Admission is free during commute hours to promote an eco-friendly way for Coronado residents to travel to downtown, and bicycles and Segways are allowed on the ferry for those looking to spend an afternoon cruising Coronado Island. During the short yet leisurely trip passengers enjoy the stunning view of the San Diego skyline from the water as well as the impressive Coronado Bridge, whose shapely curves are an architectural feat.

Public Art: As if the shimmering water, blue skies, and impressive ships docked in the Bay were not enough, sculptures line the Embarcadero for added charm. The Port of San Diego sponsors local artists to participate in the Public Art Program, which places large, modern sculptures along the Embarcadero’s pedestrian promenade. The contest opens each year and 30 artists are chosen as winners: their pieces of art remain on display for a year before being sold to private collectors to make way for the next year’s winners.

Seaport Village: Nestled next to Downtown and the Embarcadero, Seaport Village provides artisan goods for shoppers and a shady place to rest after a long day of exploring the Embarcadero. Shops and live music make this little gem next to the water come alive.

- Amanda Jones

Header Photo: © vrysxy

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