9 Best Things to Do in Downtown San Diego, California
You’ll find much more than beaches and sunshine in San Diego, California. Aside from having what some consider to be the best climate in the United States, Downtown San Diego is a vibrant cultural hub where historic Spanish-influenced architecture stands next to gleaming modern high-rises. Here are the best attractions in or near Downtown San Diego.
Balboa Park
Park
No visit to San Diego is complete without a trip to this urban oasis. Home to many of the city’s main attractions, Balboa Park combines museum complex with themed gardens to create an enchanting Southern California landscape. Just a short walk or trolley ride from Downtown, the park has hosted many international exhibitions and is one of the largest urban green spaces in the entire country. Many of the park’s attractions, such as the Desert Cactus Garden and the Zoro Garden, are free to the public.
Spanish Village Art Center
Art Gallery
Seaport Village
Shopping Mall
A prominent shopping area located on the Pacific Ocean, Seaport Village has 14 acres (five hectares) of fine dining, unique stores and live musical waterfront entertainment. Its centerpieces include an antique hand-painted carousel from 1895 and a long waterfront boardwalk offering unparalleled sunset views.
Japanese Friendship Garden
Park
Little Italy
Historical Landmark
USS Midway Museum
Museum
This aircraft carrier, the largest ship in the world when it was christened in 1945, is permanently harbored in San Diego and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. It really is the perfect day out, with visitors free to explore the ship’s living quarters, ready rooms, flight control towers, brig and many aircraft. Enjoy!
Gaslamp Quarter
Historical Landmark
San Diego Museum of Man
Museum
Located in one of the most stunning buildings in Balboa Park, this anthropological museum hosts exhibits ranging from Ancient Egyptian mummies to artefacts from the original peoples of San Diego, the Kumeyaay American Indians. The museum is also home to the California Tower, a 200ft (61m) structure that makes for a great vantage point.
San Diego Zoo
Zoo