7 Best Things to Do near the Cruise Port

The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is a popular stop for anyone interested in San Diego history, the Navy, aircrafts, or ships, but just about anyone will find the displays truly impressive. Here, you can board a real aircraft carrier that was involved in one of the biggest battles of World War II, which now sits in San Diego’s own Embarcadero.

As both an educational and entertaining museum, this is a great spot for families. Kids will enjoy getting a hands-on and up-close look at different aircrafts, the majority of which were built right in Southern California. Older visitors will find there is a lot to learn about San Diego’s naval history.

In addition to the aircrafts on display, the museum also features its own theater and flight simulators. Admission to the USS Midway Museum is part of the All-inclusive Go City San Diego Pass, so make sure to pick one up in advance of your travels.

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is best known for its extensive history and vibrant nightlife, but there are fun activities available all throughout the day.

For starters, you can always get a great meal in the Gaslamp Quarter. Try out one of the local restaurants, or go on a neighborhood-wide taste test with the Brothels, Bites and Booze: San Diego Gaslamp Walking Tour.

Once you’re all fueled up, stop by Petco Park, home of the Padres. Catch a game, tour the park, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from the stadium.

Don’t forget about the excellent museums in the Gaslamp Quarter. These include The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, where local history is brought to life, and The New Children’s Museum, which is an interactive art exhibit for kids. Each of these activities are applicable for admission discounts through the Go City San Diego Pass.

Looking for the perfect spot to fulfill all your shopping and dining needs? Look no further than Seaport Village, which is a waterfront shopping complex with dozens of different stores. Here, you’ll find everything from surfing gear and memorabilia, to sweet shops, to souvenirs, and much more.

Many of the stores inside Seaport Village are locally-owned businesses, so you can feel good about supporting the over 70 different storefronts located around the complex. You’re sure to find something truly unique to take home!

Don’t forget about Seaport Village’s dining options either. You can eat right along the bay, or enjoy more casual options including burgers, pizza, and seafood.

The Embarcadero is a sprawling, bustling area of bay coastline that encomapsses much more than just Seaport Village and the USS Midway Museum. In addition to these attractions, you can also spend the day in Waterfront Park or either of the two Marina parks, as well as immerse yourself in local culture and maritime history.

Water sports are especially popular just offshore, and even more so if you make use of the Go City San Diego Pass to save on gear rentals. Try your hand at sportfishing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding, or go on a harbor cruise. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to have a fun-filled day, whether you’re alone or with the family.

If you’re looking for Italian food, you can’t do much better than Little Italy without hopping in a plane and actually going to Italy. Here, you’ll enjoy authentic meals that have been imbued with local flavor. Find a restaurant that has perfected the classics, or try something completely unique; it’s all up to you.

Little Italy offers dining options that range from relaxed and casual to more fine dining, so there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes. In addition to sit-down restaurants, you’ll also find cafes, quick bites, bars, and breweries throughout the neighborhood.

Food isn’t the only thing Little Italy has to offer. Round out the evening with a visit to the Music Box which routinely hosts events with live entertainment or the Waterfront Bar & Grill that boasts to be one of the oldest bars in San Diego.

Balboa Park is a huge, 1,200-acre park that houses some of San Diego’s premier attractions. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a sunny day walking the paths and enjoying the gardens, and with so much to do, you can easily spend more than a few hours seeing the best of what San Diego has to offer.

Balboa Park is perhaps most notable for its dozens of museums. These include standouts such as the Museum of Us, Fleet Science Center, San Diego Natural History Museum, and many more. These museums are great for the family, and they can entertain and engage kids and adults alike.

Other excellent Balboa Park attractions include the Japanese Friendship Garden and the ever-popular San Diego Zoo. If you want an affordable way to visit multiple museums and attractions during your stay, don’t forget to bundle admission together with the Go City San Diego pass and use code GVSD5OFF to save even more!

Point Loma has some rocky beaches that are perfect for surfing and other water activities, but another of its big draws is its extensive list of seafood restaurants. Enjoy fresh, locally-caught fish and shellfish all while enjoying a picturesque view of the bay as you dine.

There are dozens of different spots to get a bite to eat in Point Loma, so let your stomach be your guide. Are you craving fresh-caught bay shrimp, crab cakes, or something more adventurous like pickled squid? No matter what you’re looking for, you’re certain to find it here.