Ultimate Guide to Seaport Village
San Diego, known as America’s finest city, is a year-round waterfront destination. With many days of sunshine, this southern California haven attracts visitors from across the globe yearning for ocean air, sandy feet and access to vitamin D 365 days a year. Situated in the southwest corner of the United States, San Diego is filled with people living active lifestyles, spending time outside and enjoying the salty sea air. Whether it’s the Pacific Ocean or the bay front, locals and visitors flock to the water. Although the coastline sees its fair share of action, downtown San Diego’s Seaport Village is a hub for locals and travelers alike. Throughout the year, thousands stroll along the San Diego Bay taking in the sights. Be it a beautiful exercise route, trendy retail shop, caricature drawing, or tourist souvenir you’re looking for – Seaport Village has it all!
Sea It All
San Diego SEAL Tours depart right from Seaport Village, offering you the perfect opportunity to Sea It All. Experience the best of San Diego by both land and sea in one incredible tour. Don’t miss this unique adventure that showcases the city’s vibrant streets and picturesque harbor. Book your tour today and get ready to explore every corner of America’s Finest City!
Endless Views of San Diego Activity
Situated on the shoreline of San Diego Bay, Seaport Village is a destination in itself for any traveler to California. Nestled between the home of Comic Con, San Diego’s Convention Center, and the maritime mystique of the USS Midway, Seaport Village sees hundreds of visitors daily. At any point of the day, you can catch runners and walkers training on the boardwalk between the village and the bay. Dusk draws guests for nightly views of nature’s sunset spectacular with views of Coronado Island and even later into the evening as the lights of the USS Midway gleam above the deck in the traditional red, white and blue.
Shop and Dine Along the Water
Filled with fun activities for all ages, food for all palates and stores for all shoppers, Seaport Village offers an indoor/outdoor playground all year round. There are over 50 unique shops and more than 10 casual and fine dining eateries to choose from. Tourist trinkets and apparel can be found at shops like Best of San Diego. Gifts for those at home can come from the Magic Shop, Kite Flite, The Mugger, For Bare Feet or pick up specialty artwork and jewelry creations from Indian Trails Gallery. If you’re in the market for a unique hot or cold cup to hold your liquid needs, check out Tervis. Themed with everything from sports to beach to animals and more, this store is wall-to-wall cups and lids for even the pickiest of guests. And for those who like a bit of bite with their meal, check out Hot Lick’s hot sauce shop. From a hint of spice to the blow your face off heat of ghost pepper creations, this shop houses hot sauce flavors from across the globe to meet the needs of those with saucier palates.
Seaport Village has its share of dining options from fine waterfront dining at Harbor House to fish tacos overlooking the bay at Marion’s. Grab your morning breakfast at Buster’s Beach House & Longboard Bar and watch as the boats in the marina wake up from their daily slumber. Check out Wetzel’s Pretzels for a sweet or salty snack of pretzels or cookies. If it’s a sweet-filled afternoon you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. There are cookies to be found at Seaport Cookie Company, fudge of all flavors at Seaport Coffee & Fudge and don’t forget the option of a Vermont sponsored brain freeze at Ben and Jerry’s. The newest addition to the delicious lineup is Frost Me Gourmet Cupcakes. Season nine champions of The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, at Frost Me you can find gourmet cupcake creations to meet every sweet tooth’s desire.
Live Entertainment and Artists
The Embarcadero and boardwalk in front of Seaport Village are constantly filled with street performers of all kinds. There’s a Marine veteran with colorful birds of all sizes waiting to show off his talented parrots. The boardwalk is the place to come if you want your fortune read, caricature drawn, are interested in magic or want to try your hand at stone stacking. On the corner, in front of Wetzel’s Pretzels, you’ll find a rock artist. He regularly designs art creations by stacking one natural stone atop another just beside the bay. Watch as he channels eastern arts in order to create his masterpieces and if you think you want to give it a shot, all you have to do is ask.
Local Seafood From the Docks to Your Home
On Saturdays, you’ll find the excitement of the Fish Market just west of Seaport Village. Fishing boats are docked from the wee hours of the morning as vendors fill the pier with the daily catch. Get there early for the best pick of the lot. Noted by a chalkboard showcasing daily specials and types of fish available, vendors line their tables with fresh fish like tuna and salmon, shellfish of all kinds and even the specialty delicacy of sea urchin. By mid-afternoon the pier is emptied of all remnants of this seafood market until the next Saturday morning when it all begins again.
The Headquarters of Seaport Village
Adjacent to Seaport Village you’ll find The Headquarters. The restored old police headquarters has been turned into a tourist destination offering a new experience for all visitors. Here you’ll find restaurants like Puesto, Eddie V’s, The Cheesecake Factory and Seasons 52 turning out delicious dishes daily. Geppetto’s boutique toy shop attracts all ages with nostalgic toys and games, today’s newest items and even the trending anxiety crushing coloring books for adults. A cheese shop and chocolate shop mingle with the likes of Starbucks, Seaside Paper & Home and Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery in the outdoor plaza shopping structure. Summer nights include movies in the plaza and other evening activities while the holiday season finds a giant ornamented Christmas tree highlighting ways to help others during the season.
Local Events and Festivals
San Diego weather yields an outdoor playground annually. Come in February, June, September or December and you’ll find life happening on the waterfront. If you’re around in September, join the locals to get your “pirate on” at Landlubber’s Day or head on down at the end of November when our Surfin’ Santa makes a visit to kick off the holiday season. Take in a magic show, fly a kite, purchase your next favorite article of clothing, share a meal with friends or just kick back with a fish taco and an ice cream and keep a look out for seals as you enjoy the sunshine at Seaport Village.
Tickets - Select Your Journey
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Splash into San Diego and Sea It All with our Ultimate SEAL Tour! Journey through both the city streets and the sparkling bay in our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles, which are Coast Guard-approved for safety and fun. This unique, one-of-a-kind tour allows you to truly see it all—from San Diego’s hidden gems on land to a spectacular splash into the water for a different perspective.
Book your ticket now and embark on an unforgettable adventure where the city’s vibrant life meets the tranquility of the sea.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Embarcadero
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets
- Splash down for a cruise through the waters of San Diego Bay
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket)
- 4.5-star review rating
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Old Town Trolley Tours: As you explore the scenic coastal landscape, you’ll learn why San Diego is called “America’s Finest City.” Since 1989, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided sightseeing tours highlighting the best of San Diego.
SEAL Tour: Splash into San Diego’s most unique sightseeing adventure! Both tour bus and boat, the San Diego SEAL Tour journeys through San Diego by land AND sea. Our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles are Coast Guard approved, ensuring you a safe, one of a kind experience.
- Old Town Trolley Tours:
- 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
- Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops
- FREE discount coupons ($30 value)
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
- FREE map brochure with day planner
- SEAL Tour:
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- SEAL Tour departs from Seaport Village
- State-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard certified Hydra-Terra vehicles
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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SEE THE WHALEY HOUSE BY DAY & NIGHT
Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.
Evening Guided Tour*: Crossover to the dark side of San Diego history in California’s Oldest Town and let us enchant you with spirited tales of the past.
- Daytime Self-Guided Tour:
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
- Evening Guided Tour:
- As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Discovery Channel.
- Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions.
- Approximately 30-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
- Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
- Tour tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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Ghosts & Gravestones
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Dying to Take a Ride on the Dark Side? Travel back in time with us and learn of the spirits of the notorious wild characters like Gunslingers, Gamblers and Ladies of the Night who lived and died in San Diego. It is possible that their spirits live on in the dark recesses of our historic buildings and neighborhoods.
- Hop aboard the Trolley of the Doomed
- Join our spirited & entertaining tour built on stories, history, mystery and legends
- Travel back and hear about the spirits of characters who lived & died in San Diego
- Hear stories of how Pioneer Park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down
- Journey through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery
- Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO AT NIGHT
San Diego sparkles at night, and what better way to see it than with Old Town Trolley Tours! Hop aboard our trolley for a picturesque evening you won’t forget.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Old Town Market
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Approximately 1 hour and 40 minute tour
- See San Diego’s famous sights illuminated at night
- Take in romantic views of the city and cruise past notable landmarks
- Highlights include The Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado’s Ferry Landing, USS Midway and more
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