Things to Do, Places to See, Restaurants to Dine
For more San Diego Information, please visit:
https://www.sandiego.org/explore.aspx
At/Around the Hotel
Catch a ride to the iconic Coronado Island on the hotel’s complimentary beach bus every weekend, or take a dip in the heated bayfront pool.
Cycle on scenic bike routes in San Diego during your stay! Enjoy complimentary bike lockers, a bike station, and some of the area’s favorite routes located on the Promenade East level near Gull Street.
San Diego Activities
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is made up of more than 1,000 acres and offers 15 museums, various gardens, arts and international culture associations, as well as the San Diego Zoo.
Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively downtown neighborhood, known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Liberty Public Market
Liberty Public Market first opened in 2016 as San Diego’s first 7-day a week public market located in Point Loma’s historic Liberty Station. Liberty Public Market is located within Liberty Station’s oldest Barrack, which was once home to San Diego’s Naval Training Camp. The bustling market includes hip eateries, bars & specialty food & craft vendors.
Little Italy of San Diego
Little Italy is a neighborhood in Downtown San Diego, California, that was originally a predominantly Italian and Portuguese fishing neighborhood. Chic and pedestrian-friendly, the neighborhood is packed with trendy cocktail bars, brewpubs and restaurants with bustling patios. The weekly Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market draws crowds to its mix of produce, gourmet food and craft stalls, and the green lawns of Waterfront Park have fountains, and offer views of the bay.
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is considered the “birthplace” of California. San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. It was here in 1769, that Father Junipero Serra came to establish the very first mission in a chain of 21 missions that were to be the cornerstone of California's colonization. Conveniently located within walking distance of a major transit center, you can choose to walk to most restaurants, hotels and shops in Old Town. When you want to venture out, there is the trolley, buses, trains and taxis all available on site.
Petco Park
Petco Park is home to the city’s major league baseball team, the San Diego Padres.
San Diego Bay Cruises
Add a boat experience to your San Diego trip and enjoy the best sightseeing on San Diego Bay.
San Diego Zoo
See 12,000 rare and endangered animals at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a vibrant, harbor-side hub showcasing more than 50 shops and eclectic retailers alongside art galleries and cafés.
Trolley Tours
Choose from 1-2 day tours of San Diego from the comforts of a trolley.
Museums
USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum is a historical naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego at the Navy Pier. Tickets are $26 for adults, and $18 for veterans with ID (proof of service required).
Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels. The museum has one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship Star of India. The collection of ships and exhibits are available for public tours, and tickets are $20 for adults, and $15 for military with ID.
Balboa Park Museums
Discover the numerous museums in San Diego’s Balboa Park which include the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the San Diego History Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, and more.
Dining
American Junkie
This popular restaurant is a modern interpretation of the traditional gastro pub. Not only do they serve the expected gastropub fare, but they also have hand-tossed pizza, Impossible burgers, and tacos. The place really comes alive at night, so be prepared for a crowd (a fun crowd, but a crowd nonetheless) and unique cocktails like the Junkie Cup which tastes better than it sounds.
C Level Lounge
Resting on stilts atop San Diego by C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront
overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.
Cucina Urbana
Cucina Urbana combines an exquisite interior design with a menu to match. The homestyle country feel contrasts perfectly with a modernized aura, and the venue uses rustic reds, oranges and yellows to compliment one another throughout the restaurant.
Cafe 21 Gaslamp
This Gaslamp gem draws its inspiration from the culture of Azerbaijan while still having a Californian flare that combines flavors from the west and east. Brunch is the biggest attraction, with small plates so diners can try more than one item; think Mediterranean options like lamb kofta omelets, walnut dill yogurt, feta and sumac and crudite mezze boards.
Gaslamp Burger
San Diego’s ultimate burger bar serves burgers made with an aged blend of grass fed organic ground beef, so you can feel good about the burger you’re eating. They have burgers, dogs, wings, salads, and a huge selection of specialty fries. The BBQ Chicken Fries and Buffalo Chicken Fries are obviously to die for. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Nacho Fries or Greek Fries.
Karina's Cantina Gaslamp
A newer addition to the Gaslamp, Karina’s opened a splashy downtown location in July 2021. Nonetheless, this experienced local group is still specializing in traditional Mexican seafood plates like Karina’s ceviche and its mango jalapeno tuna sashimi.
Le Parfait Paris
This locally-owned patisserie and cafe just developed a new menu called, “Les Nuits Parfaites,” that features French bistro eats like steak frites, smoked salmon tartare, baked brie and a wine selection with pours from France and California. For those with a sweet tooth, a rainbow of French macarons and other pastries are always on display.
Lumi by Akira Back
This rooftop restaurant from world-renowned celebrity chef Akira Back brings Japanese and Peruvian-inspired Nikkei cuisine to San Diego. The food, set in an eye-catching atmosphere with views of downtown and outdoor fire pits, make it a worthwhile stop for brunch or dinner.
Metl Bar Restaurant - Gaslamp
This industry favorite offers a menu of Southern comfort food as well as some of the most skillfully crafted cocktails downtown. The bar is also known for its boozy ice cream concoctions, with creative flavors based on classic drinks.
Meze Greek Fusion
Meze stands out among the Greek and Mediterranean restaurants in the city that are worth mentioning. With vast spaces for large events, it’s a great option for traditional Greek foods done with a California twist.
The Nolen
Perched on the 14th floor of the building, the Nolen has breathtaking views of the downtown skyline. The open-air rooftop bar lures crowds in with its cocktails made with locally-sourced small batch spirits starting at 5 p.m. and ending at midnight.
Osteria Panevino
Osteria Panevino has been serving homestyle Italian dishes in the Gaslamp for 30 years now, with mouthwatering standouts like fresh pasta and ossobuco Milanese are mouthwatering. Gluten free options are available too.
PIZZA NOVA
Casual family, wood-fired pizza, salads and harbor views.
Pushkin Russian Restaurant
Named after the Russian writer Alexander Pushkin and one of the only Russian restaurants in the city, Pushkin impresses with its borscht, pelmeni, caviar (red or black) and Armenian dishes like grilled salad. All of this is best paired with its wide selection of specialty vodkas.
Salvatore's Cucina And Lounge
Salvatore's features delicious and high quality Italian regional cuisine, from antipasti to dolci.
STK San Diego
A steakhouse known across the world, STK’s locations include Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Milan, Miami, New York and more. Aside from its high quality chops and seafood, happy hour specials are also offered during which cocktails, bites and wine are priced at $3, $6 and $9. Themed specials like date night, which comes with a $69 meal for two, and the weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys are definitely worth checking out.
Water Grill - San Diego
Sophisticated seafood restaurant with extensive raw-bar options & a menu updated daily.
Catch a ride to the iconic Coronado Island on the hotel’s complimentary beach bus every weekend, or take a dip in the heated bayfront pool.
Cycle on scenic bike routes in San Diego during your stay! Enjoy complimentary bike lockers, a bike station, and some of the area’s favorite routes located on the Promenade East level near Gull Street.
San Diego Activities
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is made up of more than 1,000 acres and offers 15 museums, various gardens, arts and international culture associations, as well as the San Diego Zoo.
Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively downtown neighborhood, known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Liberty Public Market
Liberty Public Market first opened in 2016 as San Diego’s first 7-day a week public market located in Point Loma’s historic Liberty Station. Liberty Public Market is located within Liberty Station’s oldest Barrack, which was once home to San Diego’s Naval Training Camp. The bustling market includes hip eateries, bars & specialty food & craft vendors.
Little Italy of San Diego
Little Italy is a neighborhood in Downtown San Diego, California, that was originally a predominantly Italian and Portuguese fishing neighborhood. Chic and pedestrian-friendly, the neighborhood is packed with trendy cocktail bars, brewpubs and restaurants with bustling patios. The weekly Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market draws crowds to its mix of produce, gourmet food and craft stalls, and the green lawns of Waterfront Park have fountains, and offer views of the bay.
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is considered the “birthplace” of California. San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. It was here in 1769, that Father Junipero Serra came to establish the very first mission in a chain of 21 missions that were to be the cornerstone of California's colonization. Conveniently located within walking distance of a major transit center, you can choose to walk to most restaurants, hotels and shops in Old Town. When you want to venture out, there is the trolley, buses, trains and taxis all available on site.
Petco Park
Petco Park is home to the city’s major league baseball team, the San Diego Padres.
San Diego Bay Cruises
Add a boat experience to your San Diego trip and enjoy the best sightseeing on San Diego Bay.
San Diego Zoo
See 12,000 rare and endangered animals at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a vibrant, harbor-side hub showcasing more than 50 shops and eclectic retailers alongside art galleries and cafés.
Trolley Tours
Choose from 1-2 day tours of San Diego from the comforts of a trolley.
Museums
USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum is a historical naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego at the Navy Pier. Tickets are $26 for adults, and $18 for veterans with ID (proof of service required).
Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels. The museum has one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship Star of India. The collection of ships and exhibits are available for public tours, and tickets are $20 for adults, and $15 for military with ID.
Balboa Park Museums
Discover the numerous museums in San Diego’s Balboa Park which include the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the San Diego History Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, and more.
Dining
American Junkie
This popular restaurant is a modern interpretation of the traditional gastro pub. Not only do they serve the expected gastropub fare, but they also have hand-tossed pizza, Impossible burgers, and tacos. The place really comes alive at night, so be prepared for a crowd (a fun crowd, but a crowd nonetheless) and unique cocktails like the Junkie Cup which tastes better than it sounds.
C Level Lounge
Resting on stilts atop San Diego by C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront
overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.
Cucina Urbana
Cucina Urbana combines an exquisite interior design with a menu to match. The homestyle country feel contrasts perfectly with a modernized aura, and the venue uses rustic reds, oranges and yellows to compliment one another throughout the restaurant.
Cafe 21 Gaslamp
This Gaslamp gem draws its inspiration from the culture of Azerbaijan while still having a Californian flare that combines flavors from the west and east. Brunch is the biggest attraction, with small plates so diners can try more than one item; think Mediterranean options like lamb kofta omelets, walnut dill yogurt, feta and sumac and crudite mezze boards.
Gaslamp Burger
San Diego’s ultimate burger bar serves burgers made with an aged blend of grass fed organic ground beef, so you can feel good about the burger you’re eating. They have burgers, dogs, wings, salads, and a huge selection of specialty fries. The BBQ Chicken Fries and Buffalo Chicken Fries are obviously to die for. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Nacho Fries or Greek Fries.
Karina's Cantina Gaslamp
A newer addition to the Gaslamp, Karina’s opened a splashy downtown location in July 2021. Nonetheless, this experienced local group is still specializing in traditional Mexican seafood plates like Karina’s ceviche and its mango jalapeno tuna sashimi.
Le Parfait Paris
This locally-owned patisserie and cafe just developed a new menu called, “Les Nuits Parfaites,” that features French bistro eats like steak frites, smoked salmon tartare, baked brie and a wine selection with pours from France and California. For those with a sweet tooth, a rainbow of French macarons and other pastries are always on display.
Lumi by Akira Back
This rooftop restaurant from world-renowned celebrity chef Akira Back brings Japanese and Peruvian-inspired Nikkei cuisine to San Diego. The food, set in an eye-catching atmosphere with views of downtown and outdoor fire pits, make it a worthwhile stop for brunch or dinner.
Metl Bar Restaurant - Gaslamp
This industry favorite offers a menu of Southern comfort food as well as some of the most skillfully crafted cocktails downtown. The bar is also known for its boozy ice cream concoctions, with creative flavors based on classic drinks.
Meze Greek Fusion
Meze stands out among the Greek and Mediterranean restaurants in the city that are worth mentioning. With vast spaces for large events, it’s a great option for traditional Greek foods done with a California twist.
The Nolen
Perched on the 14th floor of the building, the Nolen has breathtaking views of the downtown skyline. The open-air rooftop bar lures crowds in with its cocktails made with locally-sourced small batch spirits starting at 5 p.m. and ending at midnight.
Osteria Panevino
Osteria Panevino has been serving homestyle Italian dishes in the Gaslamp for 30 years now, with mouthwatering standouts like fresh pasta and ossobuco Milanese are mouthwatering. Gluten free options are available too.
PIZZA NOVA
Casual family, wood-fired pizza, salads and harbor views.
Pushkin Russian Restaurant
Named after the Russian writer Alexander Pushkin and one of the only Russian restaurants in the city, Pushkin impresses with its borscht, pelmeni, caviar (red or black) and Armenian dishes like grilled salad. All of this is best paired with its wide selection of specialty vodkas.
Salvatore's Cucina And Lounge
Salvatore's features delicious and high quality Italian regional cuisine, from antipasti to dolci.
STK San Diego
A steakhouse known across the world, STK’s locations include Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Milan, Miami, New York and more. Aside from its high quality chops and seafood, happy hour specials are also offered during which cocktails, bites and wine are priced at $3, $6 and $9. Themed specials like date night, which comes with a $69 meal for two, and the weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys are definitely worth checking out.
Water Grill - San Diego
Sophisticated seafood restaurant with extensive raw-bar options & a menu updated daily.
