Downtown San Diego offers an incredible mix of waterfront views, historic sites, and family-friendly attractions that make it perfect for visitors of all ages. Whether you're interested in maritime history, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, you'll find plenty to explore within walking distance of the beautiful San Diego Bay. And as a bonus, the city's year-round pleasant weather makes it easy to spend entire days exploring the downtown area on foot.
USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village
The USS Midway Museum is one of downtown San Diego's most impressive attractions, offering visitors the chance to explore a real aircraft carrier that served in the Navy for 47 years. This floating museum features more than 30 restored aircraft and countless interactive exhibits that bring naval aviation history to life. You can walk the flight deck, sit in pilot seats, and experience flight simulators that show what it's like to land on a carrier.
The museum's audio tour, narrated by former Midway sailors, adds personal stories that make the experience even more engaging. Kids especially love climbing into cockpits and exploring the ship's maze-like interior. The flight deck provides stunning views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline, making it perfect for photos.
Just a short walk away, Seaport Village offers a relaxing contrast to the museum's high-energy exhibits. This waterfront shopping and dining complex features more than 70 shops and restaurants. Street performers often entertain visitors, and the gentle bay breezes make it an ideal spot to rest between attractions. Seaport Village is free to explore and it pairs perfectly with your museum visit.
Maritime History and Scenic Views on the Embarcadero
The Embarcadero waterfront area extends for miles along San Diego Bay, offering some of the city's best walking paths and harbor views. The Maritime Museum of San Diego houses an impressive collection of historic vessels that tell the story of seafaring life.
The museum's crown jewel is the Star of India, a beautifully restored 1863 merchant vessel that's the world's oldest active sailing ship. You can explore multiple decks and learn about life aboard merchant ships during the Age of Sail. The museum also features a Soviet-era submarine, a steam yacht, and several other vessels that span different eras of maritime history.
Between museum visits, take time to stroll along the harbor walkway and discover free attractions like Tuna Harbor Park, where you can watch fishing boats bring in their daily catch. The Bob Hope Memorial and various waterfront sculptures add artistic touches to your walk. The Embarcadero also offers excellent views of Coronado Island and the iconic Coronado Bridge, especially beautiful during sunset hours.
Explore San Diego Bay by Boat
San Diego Bay's calm waters and year-round pleasant weather make it perfect for sightseeing cruises. The Best of the Bay cruise through City Cruises offers a relaxing way to see downtown San Diego attractions from a completely different perspective.
During the two-hour narrated cruise, you'll sail past the downtown skyline, under the impressive Coronado Bridge, and around the bay to spot sea lions lounging on buoys and docks. The cruise provides excellent photo opportunities of the USS Midway from the water, as well as views of military ships and luxury yachts. On clear days, you can see all the way to Mexico.
The cruise requires reservations, so plan ahead to secure your preferred departure time. The covered boat provides shade and comfortable seating, making it enjoyable even on warmer days.
Stroll Through Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter
These two lively neighborhoods offer free entertainment and showcase different sides of San Diego's character. Little Italy, located just north of downtown, has transformed from a fishing community into a trendy area filled with Italian restaurants, craft beer shops, and art galleries. The weekly Saturday farmers market brings locals and visitors together to browse fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.
The neighborhood's tree-lined streets feature public art installations and outdoor dining patios perfect for people-watching. You'll find everything from casual coffee shops to upscale Italian eateries, making it an ideal spot for meal breaks between attraction visits.
The Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego's National Historic District, preserves Victorian-era architecture while housing modern restaurants, bars, and shops. Walking through its 16.5 blocks feels like stepping back in time, thanks to the restored buildings and distinctive gaslamp-style street lighting. Look for the historic Gaslamp signage that marks the district's boundaries and tells the story of this once-rough frontier town.
Both neighborhoods offer excellent dining options and comfortable places to rest between more active attractions. A map to attractions in downtown San Diego shows these areas are easily walkable from major sites like the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village.
Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Though technically located in La Jolla rather than downtown, Birch Aquarium at Scripps makes an excellent waterfront addition to your San Diego adventure and comes included with San Diego CityPASS® tickets. The aquarium sits on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, providing both fascinating marine exhibits and breathtaking coastal views.
The aquarium specializes in Pacific marine life, with particular strength in its seahorse exhibits, interactive tide pool displays, and impressive shark habitats. The Living Reef exhibit showcases colorful tropical fish in a massive tank that feels like snorkeling in the tropics. Kids love the hands-on discovery stations where they can touch sea stars and learn about ocean conservation.
After exploring the aquarium, consider combining your visit with a walk along nearby La Jolla Shores beach or the coastal trails. The scenic drive between downtown and the aquarium also offers beautiful ocean views and glimpses of San Diego's diverse neighborhoods.
Save on Downtown San Diego's Top Attractions With CityPASS®
Exploring downtown San Diego attractions becomes much more affordable and convenient with San Diego CityPASS® tickets. Your ticket includes admission to the USS Midway Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, and a Best of the Bay cruise, plus your choice of additional attractions.
San Diego CityPASS® tickets save you up to compared to purchasing individual admission tickets, and they remain valid for nine consecutive days from first use. This flexibility means you can explore at your own pace without feeling rushed to cram everything into a single day. You don't need to choose your attractions in advance. Simply present your ticket at any included location when you're ready to visit.
The mobile ticket option makes it even easier to explore spontaneously. Whether you want to start with maritime history, take a relaxing harbor cruise, or dive into marine science, San Diego CityPASS® tickets give you the freedom to create your perfect San Diego adventure while saving money on the city's most popular attractions.