Downtown San Diego, located on the San Diego Bay, is often considered the heart of the city. With shopping centers, museums and fine dining, everyone can find something to do here. The Padres’ PETCO Park construction project in 2004 restored much of Downtown, giving it a renewed liveliness. Following are a few attractions that you must visit while in San Diego:
Gaslamp Quarter
This section of San Diego is named for the street gas lamps that lined the streets of this once quaint town. Roaming the streets, with many restored historic buildings, will help visitors revisit the grandeur of this town. The Gaslamp Quarter is also home to a spirited nightlife, with bars, casinos, dance clubs and sidewalk cafes. One night isn’t enough to enjoy the vibrant nightlife you find here, consider finding accommodations nearby.
Horton Plaza Shopping Center
Not only is Horton Plaza a fantastic shopping center, but it is also an architectural marvel. This multi-level mall houses numerous gift shops and boutiques that are sure to please any shopper. If you need a pick-me-up, stop in some of the great restaurants that also call this mall home.
Seaport Village
Seaport Village has much to do, from enjoying the great weather to riding the carousal and listening to live music shows of street performers. There are more than 50 specialty shops scattered here, along with waterfront restaurants. You can enjoy your meal will watching boats glide gracefully across the bay.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
The Museum of Contemporary Art: San Diego recently expanded, and added the David C. Copley Building and the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Building to its premises. This expansion enables the museum to hold more exhibits and visitors. This museum also has evenings dedicated to art, music and poetry, called TNT (Thursday of the Month). A great time to check this out would be the first Thursday of the month, where attractions include poetry reading, slide jams, DJ lessons, dance, and more.
Firehouse Museum
The Firehouse Museum has a collection of fire engines, antique alarms and steam pumps dating to 1903, and fire hats. Be sure to drop in the gift shop to pick up a copy of your own.
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum is particularly interesting to any boating enthusiasts. There is a huge collection of historic ships in this museum, including the Star of India, the world’s oldest active ship. You may also see a replica of the 18th century Royal Navy frigate, the HMS Surprise.
Chinese Historical Museum
A collection of artifacts from the old Chinatown can be found in the Chinese Historical Museum. You can collect souvenirs for your friends and family at the gift shop here.
Little Italy
Little Italy was once an Italian fishing village in the northwestern end of Downtown, San Diego. Today, however, it is a beautiful neighborhood consisting of Italian restaurants, art galleries, shops and home design stores.
Downtown, San Diego is an extremely unique experience, so take the time to explore it while on vacation. Since San Diego is such a busy tourist city, be sure to look on the internet for affordable accommodations with good deals and packages. A great tip is to make sure your lodgings are close to all the attractions you’re interested in, so you will spend less time on the road, and more time exploring this beautiful city.