San Diego Embarcadero Walking Tour
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San Diego Embarcadero Walking Tour

Active
(1 reviews)
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a captivating 90-minute walking tour along San Diego's picturesque Embarcadero, where the city meets the sea. This immersive journey combines stunning waterfront views with rich historical insights, offering a perfect blend of leisure and exploration.

Begin your journey when we meet you at Starbucks at the Hilton Bayfront, and set forth towards The Rady Shell. Revel in the modern architectural marvel of this open-air concert venue and enjoy views of the bay. Continue towards Seaport Village, immersing yourself in unique shops and eateries with stunning bayfront views. Discover the charm of this iconic waterfront marketplace. Marvel at the colossal USS Midway, a floating museum showcasing naval aviation history. Enjoy panoramic views from the flight deck.

This tour will undoubtedly leave you with a profound appreciation for the dynamic blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that defines San Diego's iconic waterfront.

Available options

San Diego Embarcadero Walking Tour

What's included

Small snacks. For example, chips or a granola bar
Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

1

The Embarcadero in San Diego, California, is the area along the San Diego harbor on the east side of San Diego Bay. "Embarcadero" is a Spanish word meaning "boarding place". The Embarcadero sits on property administered by the Port of San Diego, in the Columbia district of downtown San Diego.
The Embarcadero Promenade in San Diego is a vibrant waterfront area along San Diego Bay, offering a mix of attractions, including Seaport Village, the USS Midway Museum, and various restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, all within easy walking distance.

2

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is a state-of-the-art, acoustically engineered, open-air music venue and public park located on the waterfront at Embarcadero Marina Park South, west of the San Diego Convention Center, offering a unique waterfront experience for concerts and events.

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Stop 3

Seaport Village is a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in San Diego, California, offering a unique blend of shops, restaurants, and live entertainment, all with views of San Diego Bay.

4

The Headquarters at Seaport District in San Diego is a historic, open-air lifestyle center, formerly the San Diego Police Headquarters, offering a blend of dining, retail, and entertainment, with a focus on preserving its rich history and architectural styles.

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Stop 5

The USS Midway Museum consists of the aircraft carrier Midway. The ship houses an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California.

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Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South in San Diego are two waterfront parks connected by a promenade, offering green spaces, views of the bay, and amenities like fishing piers and basketball courts, popular for events and relaxation.

7

Tuna Harbor, now Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, is a historic open-air seafood market on the downtown bayfront in San Diego, where visitors can buy fresh, locally-caught seafood directly from fishermen, offering a unique glimpse into the city's fishing heritage.

8

The San Diego-Coronado Bridge, also known as the Coronado Bridge, is a prestressed concrete/steel girder fixed-link bridge connecting San Diego to Coronado Island, featuring a distinctive curve and a vertical clearance of 200 feet to allow ships to pass underneath.

9

Broadway Pier in San Diego, located at the west end of Broadway at N Harbor Drive, is a historical landmark and a modern-day recreational and cultural hub, serving as a cruise ship terminal and offering views of San Diego Bay.

10

Portside Pier is a waterfront dining complex on the North Embarcadero in San Diego, offering four restaurants, a coffee shop, public viewing areas, and dock-and-dine access, all with stunning views of San Diego Bay.

11

The USS San Diego Memorial in San Diego is a public art installation honoring the distinguished service of the USS San Diego (CL-53), a World War II cruiser, and its crew, featuring 28-foot walls of polished carnelian granite and composite terra cotta, a Pacific theater map, and a bronze statue of the crew.

12

The Fish Market in San Diego is a popular, waterfront seafood restaurant and market known for its fresh seafood, casual dining atmosphere, and beautiful views of San Diego Bay, with an option for more formal dining at Top of the Market upstairs.

13

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is a popular attraction on San Diego's waterfront, showcasing a collection of historic ships, including the Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing ship, and offering exhibits and tours that delve into maritime history.

14

The "Star of India," the world's oldest active sailing ship, is a prominent fixture of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, a historic ship built in 1863, and is a popular attraction for visitors.

What's not included

Tour Guide Gratuity is not included.

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We meet in front of the The Hilton Bayfront Starbucks Location.

Important notes

Admission to attractions along the tour route is not included, although guests are encouraged after the tour.

About San Diego

San Diego is known for its mild year-round climate, extensive beaches, and beautiful parks. It's a vibrant city that offers a mix of urban attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, making it a popular destination for travelers of all kinds.

Top Attractions

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world, known for its extensive collection of animals and beautiful landscaping. It's a must-visit for animal lovers and families.

Zoo 4-6 hours Expensive (around $60 for adults, $48 for children)

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park that houses museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. It's a great place to spend a day exploring art, history, and nature.

Park Half day to full day Free (some attractions require admission fees)

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a beautiful coastal area known for its sea caves, tide pools, and marine life. It's a popular spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and whale watching.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some activities require fees)

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum is a historic aircraft carrier that has been converted into a museum. Visitors can explore the ship's decks, hangars, and exhibits, and even take a simulated flight in a fighter jet.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate (around $26 for adults, $12 for children)

Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic neighborhood known for its Victorian-era buildings, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. It's a great place to explore the city's history and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere.

Historical 2-4 hours Free (some attractions require fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish Tacos

A San Diego specialty, fish tacos are made with fresh, locally caught fish, usually served with cabbage slaw and a creamy sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Gluten-free options available

Burrata

A creamy, rich Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream, often served with bread and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Birria Tacos

A Mexican dish made with slow-cooked, spiced meat, usually served with corn tortillas and consommé for dipping.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Avocado Toast

A popular breakfast and brunch dish made with toasted bread, mashed avocado, and various toppings.

Breakfast/Brunch Vegetarian, Vegan options available

Popular Activities

Surfing Kayaking Hiking Beachcombing Picnicking Spas Museums Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

March to May and September to November

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It's ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-24°C 59-75°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (Pacific Standard Time, PST) or GMT-7 (Pacific Daylight Time, PDT) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

San Diego is generally a safe city, with low crime rates compared to other major cities in the United States. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • • Use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and avoid unmarked taxis.
  • • Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, especially in your car or when using public transportation.

Getting there

By air
  • San Diego International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from downtown
By train

San Diego Santa Fe Depot

By bus

Greyhound Station, San Diego Metro Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

The MTS bus system covers the entire city and is affordable and reliable. Buses are a good option for getting around, especially during off-peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gaslamp Quarter La Jolla Little Italy Pacific Beach Hillcrest

Day trips

Coronado Island
6 miles (10 km) from downtown • Half day to full day

Coronado Island is a beautiful beach town known for its historic Hotel del Coronado, sandy beaches, and scenic views. It's a great place to relax, enjoy the sun, and explore the island's history.

Tijuana
20 miles (32 km) from downtown • Full day

Tijuana is a vibrant border city known for its Mexican cuisine, nightlife, and cultural attractions. It's a great place to experience authentic Mexican culture and enjoy its culinary scene.

Temecula Valley Wine Country
60 miles (97 km) from downtown • Full day

Temecula Valley Wine Country is a picturesque region known for its wineries, vineyards, and scenic views. It's a great place to spend a day tasting wine, enjoying the countryside, and relaxing.

Festivals

Comic-Con International • July San Diego International Film Festival • October San Diego Street Food Festival • June

Pro tips

  • Visit Balboa Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
  • Explore the city's beaches and coastal areas, such as La Jolla Cove and Coronado Island, for stunning views and unique experiences.
  • Try San Diego's famous fish tacos and craft beer at local restaurants and breweries.
  • Take a guided tour of the USS Midway Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at this historic aircraft carrier.
  • Visit during the off-peak season (December to February) for fewer crowds and lower prices.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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