Curious about things to do in Seaport Village San Diego?
One of San Diego’s most popular attractions, Seaport Village San Diego is a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, home to more than 50 unique shops and a number of restaurants and tasting rooms.
As San Diego area locals, we visit Seaport Village quite often. It is a nice spot to grab dinner or just take a leisurely stroll along the San Diego waterfront. It is also very close to the Gaslamp Quarter and Petco Park. Whether you are visiting the area on vacation or live nearby, Seaport Village is a must to include on your itinerary.
I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Seaport Village San Diego, plus some helpful information to help make the most of your visit.
Things to Do in Seaport Village San Diego
1. Walk Along the Waterfront
Stretching along the waterfront between the San Diego Convention Center and the cruise ship terminal, downtown San Diego’s Seaport Village and the harborside boardwalk are some of the best places to enjoy the more than 250 days of sunshine each year.
The area features spectacular views of the Coronado Bridge, Coronado Island and boats on the bay. There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view, or you can walk out onto the peninsula for a little exercise.
Adjacent to Seaport Village is The Headquarters, the former San Diego Police headquarters and jail. The Headquarters is now a revitalized entertainment spot with shops and some fabulous places to eat. Kids and teens will love popping into this area!
Walk a little further down the boardwalk and you’ll pass Embarcadero Marina Park and Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, San Diego’s open-air seafood market.
Past that area you’ll see the Embracing Peace statue (also called the Unconditional Surrender statue) a giant public art display depicting the famous photo taken at the end of World War II of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square.
► Travel Insight
This is a great spot for a photo opp, especially if you are traveling with your partner!
Finally, at the far end of the boardwalk you’ll hit the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum and the San Diego Maritime Museum, two fabulous places to visit if you have time during your San Diego vacation!
2. Explore the Shops at Seaport Village
Meandering through the shops is what visiting Seaport Village San Diego is all about! It is one of the most popular things to do in Seaport Village. With more than 50 stores, boutiques, and art galleries – it is the perfect place to buy your San Diego souvenirs or just window shop for fun!
Some of the items you’ll find include jewelry, handmade soaps, home accessories, flags, kites, clothing, hot sauce, books, art work, decorative tiles, sweet treats and more.
One of our favorite places to browse is Captain’s Cove, a shop specializing in nautical-themed home decor. The Bay Company is another great place to find gifts, souvenirs, and sportswear for the entire family.
Around the shops and eateries in Seaport Village are lovely cobblestone pathways bordered by ponds, benches, fountains, and colorful landscaping. It’s a nice spot to let the kids run free, or grab an ice cream cone and enjoy the beautiful setting.
3. Relax by the Koi Pond
Tucked in a quiet corner of Seaport Village is a peaceful little koi pond. It is just steps away from the shops and restaurants, but a peaceful spot to escape the buzz. Have a seat on one of the benches and enjoy watching the ducks and colorful fish swim by.
4. Rent Bikes & More
Located on the waterfront behind the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Wheel Fun Rentals rents electric bikes, specialty cycles, cruiser bicycles, hybrids, multi-passenger bikes, kids bikes and more!
Rent a bike from Wheel Fun Rentals and have fun exploring the area. Riding bikes along the waterfront is one of the most fun things to do in Seaport Village.
5. Embark on a Tour of San Diego
Seaport Village is the starting point to several San Diego tours, as well as Stop D for the Old Town Hop On Hop Off Trolley. (Taking a hop on hop off San Diego Tour is the perfect way to maximize your time and get around, all while learning some cool facts about the city!) You can purchase tickets at Seaport Village and start your tour from there.
► Click here to read more about Exploring San Diego on the Old Town Trolley Hop On Hop Off Tour.
One of the most unique and popular tours is the San Diego SEAL Tour. The SEAL tour departs right from Seaport Village! It takes place on an amphibious vehicle, which means the tour drives around town to see some popular sights before launching into the water for a ride around the harbor.
The San Diego SEAL Tour is fun way to see San Diego from both land and water, and a real thrill for kids when the bus drives right into the harbor!
6. Visit the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room
Locally made, award winning wine by the glass, bottle, and tasting. They have a private patio where you can enjoy a drink outdoors.
7. Dine at One of the Seaport Village San Diego Restaurants
One of the most popular things to do in Seaport Village San Diego is enjoy a great meal. Choose from more than a dozen restaurants, ranging from casual to fine dining.
There are spots to grab a coffee, ice cream, burgers, Mexican, or slice of pizza. Some open early to enjoy a quiet breakfast, others stay open late for cocktails and late night bites.
There are four upscale restaurants; these are the best restaurants in Seaport Village San Diego!
- Edgewater Grill
- Malibu Farm
- Shorebird Restaurant
- Zytoun Gourmet Mediterranean Restaurant
Each of these Seaport Village San Diego restaurants offer harbor views, and some have outdoor seating.
8. Ride the Seaport Village Carousel
Seaport Village San Diego is home to a beautiful, historic carousel dating back to 1895.
Featuring 54 hand-carved animals and two chariots, the carousel has been delighting both children and adults for decades.
A bit of history:
The carousel was built in 1895 in Brooklyn, NY, by Charles I.D. Looff and had its debut in 1904 at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. In the 1950s, it moved to Pacific Ocean Park in Santa Monica, where it operated for about 20 years before moving to Washington. The carousel was relocated to Portland, Oregon in 1979, where it was part of the Portland City Dedication in 1982.
In 1991, Historic Carousels, Inc., did a complete restoration of the Fair Park Looff for the 1992 AmeriFlora international horticultural exhibition held in Columbus, Ohio. The Looff carousel then made its way to Burbank, CA in 1997, and in 2004 made its final move to San Diego, where it still resides today!
The cost to ride the carousel is $5 per person.
9. See a Concert at The Rady Shell
One of the newest concert venues in Southern California, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park opened in 2021 at this waterfront park. It is the summer home of the San Diego Symphony, but also hosts other live entertainment throughout the year.
10. Meet Surfin’ Santa in Seaport Village
Named one of the ten best Santa sightings by USA Today, every holiday season Santa breaks out his board shorts and favorite Hawaiian shirt to cruise in from San Diego Bay for the Surfin’ Santa celebration at Seaport Village. He arrives on the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year to spread holiday cheer in true Southern California fashion.
Christmastime at Seaport Village also includes special entertainment, shopping and of course pictures with Santa. It’s a season of celebration at Seaport Village, with live music, crafts, holiday décor, menorah lighting, and festive events throughout the holidays!
The promenade also provides an excellent vantage point for watching the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, where hundreds of boats sail through the harbor adorned with festive holiday lights.
► Click here to read more about Christmas in San Diego: Holiday Events & Activities.
Seaport Village San Diego Map
With more than 50 shops and restaurants, there’s a lot to explore at Seaport Village! Here is a map of Seaport Village in San Diego to help you plan your visit.
I know the print is tiny in this picture! You can view the directory or download your own copy of this Seaport Village map here.
Where to Stay at Seaport Village
There are two hotels right on the waterfront, along with numerous other hotels near Seaport Village that are located across the street or within a very short walk!
Here are details on the two Seaport Village San Diego Hotels.
📍Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is a huge, waterfront hotel located adjacent to Seaport Village. It features 1,628 rooms in two high-rise towers, eight restaurants, and two rooftop pools.
- Address: 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101
- Phone: (619) 232-1234
📍 Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina features 1,362 rooms all boasting phenomenal views of the harbor and a tropical pool area. It is located adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center and Seaport Village, and has a private marina.
- Address: 333 W Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
- Phone: (619) 234-1500
Seaport Village San Diego Hours
Seaport Village San Diego is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hours may vary at some shops and restaurants.
Parking at Seaport Village
Seaport Village is located at 849 West Harbor Drive.
There are two parking lots. The larger main lot is located on the west side of Kettner Blvd. and the smaller secondary lot is on the east side of Kettner Blvd.
Standard Rate $8 per hour (or part thereof). No maximum
Discounted Parking Rates:
Receive a discounted parking rate when you spend a minimum of $10 at a Seaport Village business.
Monday – Thursday:
$5 for the first 3 hours or part thereof
$3 every 30 minutes thereafter or part thereof
Friday – Sunday:
$5 for the first 2 hours or part thereof
$3 every 30 minutes thereafter or part thereof
It is not untypical for the lots to fill up on busy weekends. If you are looking for more Seaport Village San Diego parking options, there are more parking lots nearby, as well as metered parking on the street.
Final Thoughts: Is Seaport Village Worth Visiting?
Seaport Village is definitely one of San Diego’s more touristy destinations, but there is a reason it’s popular!
Is Seaport Village worth visiting? That’s a yes for sure! Seaport Village San Diego is family-friendly and has something for everyone to enjoy. You won’t need a whole day like you do for SeaWorld San Diego or the area’s other main attractions, but it is definitely worth an hour or two of your time to explore this lovely year-round waterfront destination.
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