Embarcadero
-
Ever since Juan Cabrillo sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542 (see Discovery by Juan Cabrillo (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.
Morning is the least crowded time to visit the Embarcadero.
-
1. San Diego County Administration Center
1. San Diego County Administration CenterDedicated by President F. Roosevelt, the 1936 civic structure looks especially magisterial when flood-lit at night. Enter through the west door and feel free to wander about (see San Diego County Administration Center).
-
2. San Diego Harbor
One of the greatest attractions of the Embarcadero is watching the bustling harbor, as Navy destroyers, aircraft carriers, ferries, cruise ships, and sailboats glide past. Be a part of the action by taking a harbor cruise.
-
3. Maritime Museum
3. Maritime MuseumNautical lovers can marvel at Medea, Star of India, and Berkeley. All three vintage ships have been restored to their former glory (see San Diego Maritime Museum).
-
4. 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.
-
5. Santa Fe Depot
5. Santa Fe DepotThe train cars may be modern, but the atmosphere recalls the stylish days of rail travel. The interiors of the Spanish-Colonial style building are resplendent with burnished oak benches, original tiles, bronze-and-glass chandeliers, and wonderful friezes depicting Native American themes.
-
6. San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum
The 1,000-ft (305-m) USS Midway (see Aircraft Carrier Museum: USS Midway), commissioned in 1945, was once the world’s largest warship. Many docents on board are veterans who served on the carrier.
-
7. Tuna Harbor
7. Tuna HarborSan 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. Even today, some tuna boats remain and the US Tuna Foundation still keeps its offices here.
-
8. Seaport Village
8. Seaport VillageNew England and Spanish design blend eclectically in this waterfront area with brilliant harbor views ( & (see Seaport Village)).
-
9. Embarcadero Marina Park
9. Embarcadero Marina ParkRelax 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 (see Embarcadero Marina Park), and on weekends, entertainers and artists demonstrate their work.
-
10. San Diego Convention Center
The center was designed along nautical lines to complement the water-front location, with its flying buttresses, skylight tubes, and rooftop sails.
Advertisement
-
-
mideon's San Francisco guide
mideon
-
-
Lake Como Aug08
jasmin
-
Barcelona guide
capule
-
Amsterdam guide
bhaims
-
anna's Venice guide
annanz
-
Sydney guide
bekiba
-
HannahGray's Sydney guide
Hannah
-
-
Street SceneStreet Scene is a two-day music festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, featuring a plethora of performances from every type of band imaginable. In 2008 headliners include Beck, The Hives and Hot Chip. Read more
-
Carlsbad Art SplashThe Carlsbad Art Splash festival presents a wide array of chalk street art creations up and down the oceanfront on Armada Drive. Street entertainers do their stuff, there's live music and dozens of... Read more
-
The RaconteursFull throttle US garage rock band The Raconteurs play at the SDSU Open Air Theatre in San Diego as part of a tour on the back of the release of new album, Consolers of the Lonely. Read more
-
MadonnaThe undisputed queen of pop and worldwide superstar Madonna hits the road on her Sticky & Sweet tour. Expect to hear songs from her new album, Hard Candy, at this date at PETCO Park... Read more
![[+]](/images/button-addtoguide.gif)
symbol, to start adding attractions to your
tailor-made travel guide.
If you were signed in, you could write a review here. Register for a free account, or if you're already a member, sign in.