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The Embarcadero

4.7 (14 reviews)
Open Open 24 hours

The Embarcadero Photos

Recommended Reviews - The Embarcadero

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Ultima M.

Nice place to walk and enjoy the view Pet friendly The Embarcadero is a busy cruise-ship hub, known for seafood and souvenir shops at Seaport Village. The Headquarters, an old police command post, is now home to trendy eateries and boutiques. Nearby, flight simulators, restored planes and life-at-sea exhibits are the draws at the USS Midway Museum, a former naval aircraft carrier. Waterfront Park and the 2 Embarcadero Marina parks have grassy lawns and ocean

A boat sails into the sunset at the Harbor/Embarcadero 08/21/2021
Ona R.

It's not my first time coming here but it's my first time experiencing a lot more than I ever have at the Harbor/Embarcadero. On August 21, 2021, my friend and I finally booked our ride on the Patriot jet boat and that experience did not disappoint. This was our late birthday gifts to ourselves. We had a blast at 50 miles an hours or plus on the speed boat, touring the harbor, doing twist and getting wet and throwing our hands up in the air with all kinds of excitement like on this water roller coaster!!! I have been in San Diego over 20+ years and have never done their jet boat ride and I can't wait to come back and experience this time and time again with friends or family or just because. It's a thrilling 30 minute ride and worth it!!! I love walking down the Embarcadero... the smell of the hotdogs wrapped in bacon are just captivating with the fresh fruit on the side. I still need to try this TJ style hot dog and get some elote!!!!!! There's several stations set up here in there with collectibles representing San Diego, hats, jewelry all kinds of interesting things that people are selling along that nice trip that is nestled by the Harbor. Near the restrooms towards the center of the Harbor, by the Carnitas shack there's an outside bar and when the night falls the DJ was out there doing his thing turning it up people were dancing, laughing and just having a really good time. I'm not a dancer but my friend is but that didn't stop me from shaking and moving in my chair. And one can never forget the view is extraordinary. As a sunset it left this glistening liner glow in the middle of the water. It was so cool to offer couples an opportunity to take their pictures of this beautiful view. At night it's a bit chilly but it's so worth it to come out and wre-experience what San Diego has to offer.

Alisa J.

Cool area by the water with lots of boats and some gift shops right by the Midway. Fun little touristy area.

San Diego view from a cruise ship
Dari P.

This is the area along the harbor. I came on a cruise ship. We berthed next to the Iowa. You can book a harbor tour here. Very scenic area.

Cruise ship
Ann L.

I've had the pleasure of leisurely walks and early morning runs here when in town for conferences, and was thrilled to be back recently at a time when the trees were in bloom. Being a midwesterner, I had to look up what the beautiful purple flowering trees were, and per Google, they are Jacaranda trees. So gorgeous! There are a ton of historic ships here including the Midway, which is now a museum. I've never been able to do a tour since the hours are 10-4 which doesn't work with conference schedules, but it looks impressive from the outside! The path along the bay is peaceful in the morning, but you'll have the company of other runners and people walking their dogs, so it feels very safe. Afternoons are busier, but not insanely crowded. There are a ton of vendors along the path in designated areas selling everything from home made food items, shirts and hats to tarot card readings. There are also a lot of bricks and mortar restaurants and shops in Seaport Village which is along the path. There are a few parks as well with some nice trees if you're looking for a break in the shade.

The Midway
Joseph W.

It's always nice to visit the harbor. Gets crowded during the weekends. Nice view of harbor and the boats located in the harbor.

View of the Bayside at the Embarcadero from a visiting cruise ship alongside the B St Cruise Ship Terminal
Lawrence C.

The Bayside/Harborside at the Embarcadero is one of the jewels of San Diego. This area, along Harbor Drive, extends from the north, just before the airport and the US Coast Guard Station, to the southern end by the Hilton. It encompasses Waterfront Park, Broadway Pier, Midway, Tuna Harbor Park w Unconditional Surrender statue, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero Marina North & South parks, and the promenade alongside the mega yacht slips. The entire are is under the jurisdiction of the Port of San Diego, which supervises all activities fronting The Port of San Diego, which is the fourth largest of the 11 ports in California. Broadway Pier, as a central core, along with the Midway and Waterfront Park, sit on scenic San Diego Bay along San Diego's North Embarcadero, a major tourist mecca. A monumental temporary public art exhibit is now on display on the waterfront of San Diego Bay. There are numerous public art displays, including "Our Silences," by the Mexican artist Rivelino. This is a monumental temporary public art exhibit now on display on the waterfront of San Diego Bay. There is a large collection of U.S. military heritage art in Tuna Harbor Park, on the shore of San Diego Bay. This commemorates a generation of Americans who grew during the Great Depression, went on to fight in World War II and later helped build and shape the post-war America we know today. The spirit of those men and women is felt here. Some notable examples are: Homecoming, Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial & Admiral Sprague Bust, Unconditional Surrender, and the Bob Hope Tribute. The San Diego Unified Port District, as administrator of the Trust, does an excellent job of protecting the Tidelands Trust resources by providing economic vitality and community benefit through a balanced approach to maritime industry, tourism, water and land recreation, environmental stewardship and public safety. What a joy to be here, walking the Embarcadero, and taking in all the sights, sounds, smells, and vibrancy of the San Diego Bayside.

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Review Highlights - The Embarcadero

There are also a lot of bricks and mortar restaurants and shops in Seaport Village which is along the path.

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Little Italy

Little Italy

4.4(341 reviews)
0.4 miLittle Italy

The wife and I came here in 2018 and liked it so much that we returned. Thus, I decided to update…read moremy review. This time in 2025, I avoided food poisoning and did not go back to the restaurant that made me deathly ill in 2018. It is still open and still serves gelato. My impression this time was much more favorable. There are so many restaurants to choose from, it is hard to imagine how we made our choices last time. It's a pizza lover's dream. I think you could eat pizza at a different restaurant every day for half a year. There are cute little shops and food stores that sell Italian foods and pasta. The Little Italy is quite large, I think larger than the one in NYC, so you can spend a lot of time walking, eating and drinking, and people watching.

Little Italy was *truly* the perfect spot to stay as first-time visitors to San Diego. We were…read morecentral to so much by staying in the La Pensione. The farmer's market was right outside on Saturday, and there were dozens of top-tier restaurants and bars within short walking distance. I'm so glad we stayed in this neighborhood over Gaslamp, as that was on my radar too but sounded like it may have been too wild. We didn't have a car, so parking wasn't a problem, and public transportation was close by. It was also easy to call for a Lyft. I also appreciated how close it was to the airport. I'd absolutely stay in Little Italy again in the future if the price permits!

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Little Italy
Little Italy
Little Italy

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Coronado Island - Hotel del Coronado

Coronado Island

4.5(143 reviews)
1.8 mi

It's been decades since I've been back to Coronado Island. When I drive over the beautiful bridge…read moreand enter the Island, the first thing I tend to notice is how clean, crisp and well kept everything is. The heritage, the history and that 1888 old town feels is super captivating. The restaurants and shops are always fun to explore. Tons to offer from boutiques to bargains and local eats to treats, there is something for everyone! Additionally, the walkability to "ALL the things" is convenient, beneficial and easy. Indulged in lobster roll from Lobster West which was so delicious & had a feature favorite (coconut/chocolate) ice cream from MooTime Creamery! On most of my San Diego visits, I always make a trip to the beach. This one makes a memorial impression. It's so sophisticated, peaceful and pleasant! Plus, it's unique fun finds of some stunning special sea shells is a reminder of its iconic charm. It's just truly a pleasure to come here even if it's just to simply watch the waves of the bay at ALL times of the day! Don't miss out on visiting the stunning Hotel del Coronado. If you are a non guest, you still have options. You can choose to walk thru the property OR you have the option to purchase a "Day Pass" via ResortPass (check their website site) for access to the pool, beach daybeds, and cabanas. There's also options for dinning & drinking as well without having any hotel reservations. Enjoy!

When I was a teenager, I read a long book series that was set in Coronado Island, so it was really…read morecool to see the place in real life 20 years later. The beach was gorgeous with palm trees lining the path to it. The Hotel Del was really neat to see. We also drove past a couple of famous folk's houses. The main area looked pretty as well. I wish I could've spent more time on the island, but it was a lovely first glimpse.

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Coronado Island - Sunset

Sunset

Coronado Island - Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado

Coronado Island - Sunset

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Sunset

Green Flash

Green Flash

4.4(12 reviews)
5.9 mi

Green Flash is a meteorological optical phenomena that you can see during sunset or sunrise. It is…read morevery rare to be able to see. Given the right conditions, you can see a distinct green spot above the sun's upper limb, that usually only lasts for no longer than two seconds. It is even more rare, the green flash can resemble a green ray shooting up from the sunset or sunrise point. This sculpture is the work of Malcolm Jones and is dedicated to that phenomenon, but it in no way aids you of viewing. You will find it on the Mission Beach boardwalk. The piece is made of a solid cast acrylic archway that is supported by two concrete pillars. There is also a bronze plaque describing the green flash phenomenon located on the sculpture and another title plaque. It was made in 2002 and is in fair shape, especially considering its age. Some has put stickers on it and the plaques are show signs of corrosion. It is unique and I actually learned something new in the process. It definitely sticks out. I have come to the terms that I will probably not ever see a green flash. It takes masterful planning, precise timing, and patience. I have 2 of the 3 (you can figure out which one I am missing). Parking here is simple. There is a free parking lot right by it. You can park, get out and talk a closer look. Well, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. So, you may want to consider making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. The beach, a park, and an amusement park are in walking distance if you are looking for ideas.

I walked under this on my way to Mission Beach in San Diego and wondered what it was. It looked…read morelike something out of the 1970s!!! What is the Green Flash?? Well, it happens at sunrise or sunset, right before the sun drops out of view or starts to appear, it is said that a green flash appears for about 2 seconds. So this SoCal local flavor arch is a tribute to those 2 seconds!! Don't blink or you might miss it, literally, lol!!!!!

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Green Flash
Green Flash
Green Flash

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The Embarcadero - localflavor - Updated May 2026

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