Where to Walk Along San Diego's Waterfront

Bookended by the Pacific Highway on one side and Harbor Drive on the other, what was once a vast parking lot is now a vibrant meeting place called San Diego Waterfront Park. Decades in the planning stages, this huge, 12-acre green space that some call San Diego’s front porch finally opened to a cheerful, much anticipated reception four years ago.

The concept behind the building of this park was to create a space where San Diegans and out-of-towners could congregate, share quality time, be active and revel in the uncompromising views of the city’s harbor front. In order to make the locals feel personally invested in the project and encourage visitor-ship, the nearly 50 million dollar price tag was entirely absorbed by the county’s general fund which designates the park as public land.

Among the other zones within the park, you’ll find areas custom-built for the younger ones with cool obstacle courses, modern jungle-gyms, a rock wall, steep slides and even skateboards mounted on springs. There are Garden Rooms that feature an array of flowering plants, carved out paths, places to sit and watch the world go by and areas suitable for holding public and private events like weddings, outdoor concerts and holiday celebrations. In fact, much of the park has been designed to accommodate all sorts of events among its many civic greens, plazas and picnic areas. Overlooking this modern facility is the historic San Diego County Administration Center that was officially dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938.

Though certainly one of the most popular spots to visit in and around San Diego’s waterfront, it is one of many options to explore in this picturesque city. Seaport Village, a shopping and dining complex adjacent to San Diego Bay in the city’s downtown district, lures its fair share of visitors with its more than 50 retail shops, numerous eateries and a Sunday concert series where area bands rock out by the seaside.

North Harbor Drive’s boardwalk is where you’ll see a year round public art series entitled ‘Urban Trees’ where sculptors and mixed media artists express facets of San Diego by incorporating their artistic vision into the form of a tree.

Why limit your views of San Diego to ground level? The Manchester Grand Hyatt’s rooftop bar, The Top of the Hyatt, is where this radiant city really unfurls before you. Enjoy an impressive selection of domestic and imported brews, excellent cocktails and light fare while drinking in the most dramatic views in the city.

There is a natural pull towards the water in San Diego as it is home to some of Southern California’s most stunning beaches, the home to the largest naval base in the United States and a great place to catch a wave and some of the best fish tacos around. With these recommendations, you’ll enjoy your time in this classic port town in true SoCal fashion.