EMBARCADERO
Ever since Juan Cabrillo sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542, much of the city’s life has revolved around its waterfront. Pioneers stepped ashore on its banks; immigrants worked as whalers and fishermen; the US Navy left an indelible mark with its shipyards and warships. Tourism has added another layer to the harbor’s lively atmosphere. The Embarcadero welcomes visitors with its art displays, walkways, nautical museums, harbor cruises, and benches on which to sit and enjoy the uninterrupted harbor activity.
Embarcadero Map
NEED TO KNOW
USS Midway Museum: 910
N. Harbor Dr; 619 544 9600; open 10am–5pm; adm adult $20, child
$10
Santa Fe Depot: 1050
Kettner Blvd
- Flagship Cruises offers 1- and 2-hour narrated tours. There are several departures daily.
- For a quick bite, try Island Deli at 955 Harbor Island Drive. Their fresh sandwiches are good outdoor options.
- Pedicabs are usually available to take you down to Seaport Village.
1. San Diego Harbor
One of the greatest attractions of the Embarcadero is this bustling harbor, where you can watch as Navy destroyers, aircraft carriers, ferries, cruise ships, and sailboats glide past. Be a part of the action by taking a harbor cruise.
The bustling harbor at Embarcadero
2. Seaport Village
New England and Spanish design blend eclectically in this waterfront area (see Seaport Village) with brilliant harbor views.
The waterfront Seaport Village
3. San Diego County Administration Center
Dedicated by President F. Roosevelt, this 1936 civic structure looks especially magisterial at night. Enter through the west door and feel free to wander about.
4. Tuna Harbor
San Diego was once home to the world’s largest tuna fleet, with 200 commercial boats. Portuguese immigrants dominated the trade until the canneries moved to Mexico and Samoa. The US Tuna Foundation still keeps its offices here.
5. USS Midway Museum
The 1,000-ft (305-m) USS Midway, commissioned in 1945, was once the world’s largest warship. Many docents on board are veterans of the carrier.
6. Embarcadero Marina Park
Relax on one of the grassy expanses to enjoy the excellent views of the harbor and Coronado Bridge. Joggers and bicyclists use the paths around the park, and on weekends, entertainers and artists demonstrate their work.
7. San Diego Convention Center
The center was designed to complement the waterfront location, with its flying buttresses, skylight tubes, and rooftop sails.
The San Diego Convention Center building
8. Piers
Glistening cruise ships bound for Mexico and the Panama Canal tie up at B Street Pier. Harbor cruises and ferries to Coronado can be caught nearby.
9. Santa Fe Depot
The train cars may be modern, but the atmosphere recalls the stylish days of rail travel. The interiors of the Spanish-Colonial style building feature burnished oak benches, original tiles, and chandeliers.
10. Maritime Museum of San Diego
Nautical lovers can gaze at San Salvador, Star of India, Berkeley, Medea, and other vintage ships (see Maritime Museum of San Diego) restored to their former glory.
The restored ship, Berkeley
SAN DIEGO AND THE MILITARY
San Diego has had strong military ties ever since the Spanish built the presidio (fortress) in 1769, and the military contributes handsomely to the local economy. Their presence is everywhere: Navy SEALS train at Coronado, three aircraft carriers and warships berth in the harbor, and Marines land amphibious tanks along Camp Pendleton. Ship parades and tours are popular events in San Diego’s September/October Fleet Week.
