Heading to the Port of San Diego before, after, or during your cruise? We think that’s a great choice. We visited the port in January of 2024 and enjoyed our time immensely. The Port of San Diego is super convenient, and the surrounding area is packed with fun stuff to do. Here’s how you can make the most of your time in sunny San Diego.
First, we recommend that you give yourself at least a day or two to explore. Trust us, you won’t regret it. We really enjoyed walking along the Embarcadero. This waterfront promenade is perfect for stretching your legs and soaking in the stunning bay views. There is lots of cool public art, street performers, markets, and some incredible historic ships at the Maritime Museum of San Diego and the USS Midway Museum. Although we were unable to visit the museums when we were there, the views you can see from the Embarcadero are truly stunning. From America’s Living Symbol of Freedom, the USS Midway, to the iconic 25 foot “Embracing Peace” sculpture, (also known as the “kissing statue”) we were left with an undeniable desire to see more. We were disappointed to miss exploring the museums, but it is definitely on the must-do list for our next trip.
Next, head over to Seaport Village, just a short walk from the port. This charming little spot is a mix of quirky shops and great places to eat. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood or just a good old-fashioned ice cream cone, you’ll find something tasty for sure. Of course, I broke my sunglasses AGAIN, and was happy to find a nice vendor with some very inexpensive and stylish options. Also, we really enjoyed shopping for merchandise at the San Diego Surf Co. which has a ton of cool clothes and gifts. Seaport village is a great place to pick up any last-minute items you might need for your cruise or grab some unique souvenirs. If you’re the type of person who likes to plan ahead, check out these links for some great items that’ll help you hit San Diego cruise-ready. sunglasses, neck-fan, sunscreen, and hats.
If you’re up for some nightlife or a bit more exploring, the Gaslamp Quarter is where it’s at. This historic district is buzzing with energy, especially in the evening. Think Victorian-era buildings housing trendy bars, lively clubs, and top-notch restaurants. Some of the highlights for us in the Gaslamp include lunch at Half Door Brewing Company, birthday celebration drinks at the Whiskey House, meandering through the Gaslamp Artisan Market, and enjoying the city’s gorgeous architecture. If you walk through the heart of the Gaslamp, don’t miss taking a peek into the Horton Grand Hotel, originally built in 1887. I kid you not, you’ll leave with goosebumps, as this location is the site of many reported ghost sightings and paranormal activity. Whether you’re looking for a quiet dinner or a night of dancing, Gaslamp has you covered.
For a more laid-back vibe, check out Balboa Park. It’s just a short drive from the port and is filled with lush gardens, interesting museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo. There’s plenty to keep you entertained. We spent almost an entire day at the zoo and didn’t even see it all. We absolutely loved it, and it’s a great spot to walk around and enjoy some nature before your cruise. Check out our blog from our visit to the San Diego Zoo here: (future link)
We cannot stress this enough… Go to Little Italy! There are so many great street-side restaurants and bars. We chose to go to the Little Italy Food Hall, where we enjoyed a delicious quick lunch at Samburgers and Not Not Tacos with food created by one of our favorite YouTubers, Sam The Cooking Guy. (FYI- The tater tots are life changing!)
Although there are several hotels nearby the B Street Pier, we highly recommend staying at the Spring Hill Suites-San Diego Downtown Bayfront. You could literally walk out of the hotel lobby, cross the street with your luggage, and straight over to the cruise terminal entrance! Not only that, but the hotel itself is phenomenal. When we visited in January of 2024, it was very clean, the employees were friendly, and if you’re lucky enough to get a room with a view of the harbor, you’ll be able to see the cruise ships come and go! We decided to splurge on a corner room, and the view was well worth it. Also, in the evening, the rooftop bar is open for you to sit out and enjoy the warm breeze, spectacular sunset. We spent a lot of time up there soaking in the views while enjoying cocktails and small bites. Across the side street from the Spring Hill Suites is the InterContinental Hotel. We don’t know what the rooms are like, but the lobby is beautiful, and the hotel is home to Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. We enjoyed a delicious drink at their gorgeous bar, before having an unforgettable birthday dinner at a corner window overlooking the lights of the Harbor. We couldn’t imagine a more wonderful or convenient place to stay and enjoy while visiting San Diego before or after a cruise. (future link)
When it’s finally time to head to the port, make sure to arrive early. The Port of San Diego is busy, but very well-organized. Getting there ahead of time means less stress and more time to enjoy the process.
So, there you have it! Spend some time exploring San Diego before, after, or during your cruise, and you’ll end your journey with a bunch of awesome memories from one of California’s coolest cities. We hope you enjoy exploring San Diego as much as we did. Happy cruising from Trees and Seas Travel!