Welcome to sunny Southern California! Everywhere you turn there is something to see and do in this popular coastal city. If you are searching for attractions and things to do in San Diego Bay, then this is the complete guide for you. Let us get into everything you can do in the San Diego Bay area so you can start planning an incredible itinerary.
The waterfront is one of the most recognizable and active locations in the entire county. Whether you want to step aboard massive naval aircraft carriers, ride commuter ferries across the open channel, or simply sit on the grass and watch luxury sailboats glide by, the bay offers an amazing variety of activities. Planning your day around the harbor ensures your travel party experiences the true nautical culture of the city without spending hours stuck in highway traffic.
- Walk the Embarcadero and Waterfront Park
- Explore Seaport Village for Shopping and Dining
- Set Sail Through History at the Maritime Museum
- Climb Aboard History at the USS Midway Museum
- Take a Scenic Harbor Cruise
- Ride the Coronado Island Commuter Ferry
- Enjoy Water Sports and Kayaking
- Tuna Harbor Park and The Kissing Statue
- Enjoying the Views from Harbor Island
- Stay in a Waterfront Vacation Rental
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Waterfront
Walk the Embarcadero and Waterfront Park
Your adventure begins at the Embarcadero, a wide paved boardwalk lined with palm trees, historical public art, and fantastic views of the ocean. As you stroll down the path, you will come upon the San Diego County Waterfront Park. This spot is well known for its massive public lawn, interactive spray fountains, and clear sightlines of the ships.
Consider packing a lunch to sit on the grass and people watch in the warm sunshine. If you are visiting with family, young children will absolutely love playing in the shallow water features of the park on a warm afternoon. It is a fun and completely free way to enjoy the scenery. The flat pathways make it incredibly easy to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs, ensuring that everyone in your group can participate in the fresh air.
Explore Seaport Village for Shopping and Dining
Just down the Embarcadero is Seaport Village. Come here to check out an assortment of charming cobblestone streets, specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants located right on the water. You can easily pick up local handmade souvenirs, beachwear, and art to remember your trip. Kids always enjoy taking a ride on the historic hand-carved carousel located right in the center of the village or watching the staff make fresh treats at the local fudge shop.
When you start getting a little hungry, why not grab a massive fish taco from Puesto at the Headquarters? They serve their meals hot on freshly made corn tortillas. There is also the Edgewater Grill for some casual seafood options and clear views of the Coronado Bridge. Beyond the food, you will often find live street performers entertaining the crowds and locals flying enormous kites on the adjacent grassy hills.
Set Sail Through History at the Maritime Museum
Learn the deep history of naval vessels at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The museum is composed of a massive fleet of historic ships that welcome you to step aboard and be transported back in time. The Star of India ship is the world’s oldest active sailing ship. It is a real treat to walk through the heavy wooden decks and imagine life at sea during the nineteenth century.
You can also climb down into original submarines from the Cold War era and walk through the incredibly tight living quarters. The museum even features a full scale replica of a Spanish galleon called the San Salvador. The sheer scale of these ships is impressive up close, and the educational plaques provide great insights into how these complex machines navigated the oceans long before modern computers existed.
Climb Aboard History at the USS Midway Museum
In just a short ten minute walk from the Maritime Museum, you will find the famous USS Midway Museum. This retired aircraft carrier is one of the top attractions in the state and has been transformed into a massive, interactive museum. Start at the top flight deck, where you can see the downtown skyline from a whole different perspective alongside a collection of beautifully restored military aircraft.
Make your way below the deck where there are exhibits that explain what life was like for the thousands of sailors stationed aboard this floating city. You can walk through the cramped sleeping quarters, the massive engine rooms, and the busy mess halls. There are also several historic helicopters and jet fighters that you can physically sit inside, making it an incredibly engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Take a Scenic Harbor Cruise
One of the best ways to experience the full scale of the waterfront is by getting out on the water. Multiple touring companies offer narrated harbor cruises that depart directly from the downtown docks near the Broadway Pier. These large, multiple level boats take passengers on one hour or two hour loops around the channel.
You will pass directly under the massive Coronado Bridge and get very close views of the active naval bases located across the water. The boat captains provide excellent historical commentary over the loudspeakers, pointing out local landmarks and sharing stories about the military history of the region. If you visit during the winter months, you can even book specialized whale watching tours that venture further out past Point Loma to look for migrating gray whales.
Ride the Coronado Island Commuter Ferry
If you want to get out on the water without booking a formal tour, the Coronado Island commuter ferry is a fantastic and highly affordable alternative. The ferry departs from the downtown piers and drops passengers off at the Coronado Ferry Landing on the other side of the bay. The ride only takes about fifteen minutes, but it provides stunning, unobstructed views of the city skyline from the middle of the channel.
You can even bring your bicycles on board for free. Once you reach the island side, you can rent surrey bikes, browse the local art galleries, or enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants before catching the return boat back to the city.
Enjoy Water Sports and Kayaking
For those who prefer a more active approach to exploring the San Diego Bay area, renting your own watercraft is highly recommended. The areas around Harbor Island and Shelter Island offer very calm, protected waters that are perfect for beginners. You can rent single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and stand up paddleboards by the hour.
Paddling around the marinas allows you to see luxury yachts up close and personal. It is also very common to spot California sea lions swimming right next to your board or sunbathing on the empty boat slips. You will also see an abundance of local bird species like pelicans and blue herons resting on the docks. It is a fantastic physical workout and a peaceful way to connect with the local marine environment.
Tuna Harbor Park and The Kissing Statue
Located right next to the USS Midway, Tuna Harbor Park is a beautiful green space that pays tribute to the military history of the region. The centerpiece of the park is the Unconditional Surrender statue, commonly known as the kissing statue. This massive twenty five foot tall monument recreates the famous photograph taken in Times Square at the end of World War II.
It is one of the most popular photo spots in the entire county. Just steps away, you will also find the Bob Hope Memorial, which honors the comedian’s dedication to entertaining troops overseas. Walking through this park provides a quiet, reflective space to appreciate the deep naval roots of the city.
Enjoying the Views from Harbor Island
Harbor Island is a narrow peninsula located right across from the international airport, and it offers some of the most spectacular, unobstructed views of the downtown skyline. It is a fantastic destination if you want to take a long, uninterrupted walk along a paved path without the heavy foot traffic found near the major museums.
The island features several upscale restaurants with massive glass windows that look directly out onto the water. At night, the reflection of the city lights shimmering across the surface of the water is truly a sight to see. Many locals bring lawn chairs and blankets to the grassy parks on Harbor Island just to watch the boats sail past the city backdrop in the evening.
Stay in a Waterfront Vacation Rental
With so much to see and do along the waterfront, you are going to need a comfortable and convenient place to relax after a full day of exploring. That is where our local team comes in. Choose from a selection of premium properties with spectacular views. With centrally located homes, you will never be too far from the excitement of the city. Each property comes with its own coastal charm and plenty of amenities to make your stay feel like a true retreat.
Our homes often include gourmet kitchens, modern furnishings, updated appliances, and spacious interiors. No one will be cramped for space. Enjoy communal living areas and multiple bedrooms where everyone can have a space of their own. Picture waking up to beautiful views just outside your window. You brew a cup of coffee made just the way you like it inside your full kitchen and walk onto your private patio to get some fresh air. You will be inspired to start planning out another day of adventure. We provide expert San Diego property management to ensure your stay is flawless and perfectly maintained from check-in to departure.
Come experience the energetic waterfront for yourself. If you are into history, taking in the view, shopping, eating, or pure relaxation, you are sure to find an activity you love. After such a packed itinerary, securing premium San Diego vacation rentals is the best way to recharge for more local adventures. Booking exclusive family rentals in San Diego gives your travel group the premium space they deserve.
We invite you to contact our local team to discuss your travel dates and secure your property today. If you need more itinerary ideas, you can review our suggestions for sightseeing journeys across San Diego or find out where to enjoy casual dining options near the water. We even have great guides for celebrating special occasions like Father’s Day or planning a quiet afternoon to explore the San Diego Botanical Gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Waterfront
Is it free to walk around the San Diego Bay waterfront?
Yes! Walking the Embarcadero, visiting the Waterfront Park, and strolling through Seaport Village are completely free activities. You only pay for parking, food, and specific museum admission tickets.
How long does it take to tour the USS Midway Museum?
The USS Midway is massive and features dozens of exhibits across multiple decks. Most visitors spend between three and four hours exploring the aircraft carrier, listening to the audio tour, and watching the short documentary films.
Are dogs allowed at the Waterfront Park?
Dogs are generally allowed on the paved pathways of the Embarcadero as long as they are kept on a leash. However, pets are restricted from entering the interactive fountain areas and specific grassy zones within the official park boundaries.
What is the best time of day to take a harbor cruise?
Taking a late afternoon or sunset cruise provides the most spectacular lighting for photography. The temperatures drop significantly on the water as the sun goes down, so packing a light sweater or jacket is highly recommended.
Where is the best place to park when visiting the bay?
There are several paid lots located near the USS Midway and Seaport Village. During busy summer weekends, utilizing public transit like the trolley system to reach the downtown stations is a great way to avoid the stress of hunting for a parking space.
Written by Kimberly Jackson
Founder & Owner
A native San Diegan with over 16 years of real estate and management experience, Kim is dedicated to making the vacation rental process stress-free and financially beneficial for her clients. When she isn’t securing bookings, you can find this powerhouse single mom surfing with her three sons, boxing, hiking, playing beach volleyball or supporting local businesses.
