East Village

East Village is a hotspot for attractions! Great for nightlife, the Gaslamp, Comic Con, PETCO Park, Balboa Park & the Convention Center! Walk to local breweries & cafés.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
East Village
Overview
Go Pass & Save
Things to Do
Popular Activities
Nightlife
Breweries
Featured Hotel
Know Before You Go
Stay
Similar Neighborhoods

Highlights

East Village
Stay
Petco Park
Tips
Overview
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Be in the Center of it All in East Village

Inside Petco Park, the Western Metal Supply Co in East VillageEast Village Sings

As the largest neighborhood in Downtown San Diego, East Village is a great place for tourists to explore. The area features more than 700 establishments, including eateries, bars, breweries with tasting rooms, art galleries, shops, and so much more.

Individuality is on full display here, as this quirky neighborhood emphasizes self-expression as a core tenet, just next to the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego Bay. Despite its individualistic leanings, East Village is also quite community-centered, which makes it ideal for families to discover together.

The downtown neighborhood, which was once home to little more than vacant properties and warehouses, is spread out over 130 blocks in downtown San Diego. With the creation of Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres, the area underwent a revitalization, not only was the ballpark created but many high-rise condos and high-end apartments were built and it transformed it into the gem it is today. East Village is now a center of activity, for both residents as well as visitors to San Diego.

If you're planning a visit soon, this guide offers a few of the many highlights that you absolutely must check out on your trip.

East Village
Why you'll love East Village
East Village is a hotspot for attractions! Great for nightlife, the Gaslamp, Comic Con, PETCO Park, Balboa Park & the Convention Center! Walk to local breweries & cafés.

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Whale Watching by Hornblower Cruises
Whale Watching Cruise
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Local Tips
What is a Go City San Diego pass?

The Go City San Diego pass allows visitors to experience more attractions while simultaneously saving money.

With the pass, you can visit San Diego’s top attractions like the San Diego Zoo or LEGOLAND, all while saving up to 55% off on admissions. Plus, the pass gives you the ability to skip the line when visiting select attractions.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra

Things to Do

Balboa Park
Balboa Park
Convention Center
Convention Center
Petco Park
Petco Park

Things to Do, Parties & Festivals

San Diego is perhaps best known for its amazing weather, which means there is something fun to see and do all year long. East Village is no exception, as there are a number of events and activities taking place throughout the year.

East Village Opening Day Block Party

The East Village Opening Day Block Party kicks off the spring season with live bands, DJs, and fun games suited to the whole family. Plenty of good eats are also available thanks to the many food trucks on-site, while you can quench your thirst at the microbrew beer garden. The event also heralds the start of the major league baseball season and welcomes back the San Diego Padres.

Beer, Beer and more Beer

East Village has become a beer mecca with many breweries throughout this downtown neighborhood. Check out our entire section below that highlights a few of our favorite beer establishments.

Shopping in East Village

East Village is known for its funky boutiques shops that are spread throughout the neighborhood. While strolling the streets be sure to check out some of these unique shops. There is also nearby Seaport Village in the Embarcadero where you find a bigger array of shops.

Local Tips
Kill Two Birds with One Stone
Check out an East Village brewery or tasting room before you go see the San Diego Padres in Petco Park.

Balboa Park

For outdoor recreation, Balboa Park is a must and only less than 1 mile from East Village. Home to the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park also features many open areas and walking trails, perfect for exploring. The park is also home to many great museums, attractions, and dining establishments, so you can easily make a day of your visit.

Consider purchasing a Go San Diego Card, this card will get you into over 50 attractions and activities, including the San Diego Zoo, many museums in balboa Park and even SeaWorld San Diego, for one low price. You can get an additional discount if you purchase the Go San Diego Card through us.

Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is another great outdoor location in neighboring downtown Harborview District. The interactive fountains allow kids to cool down after a day in the sun, while the gardens introduce visitors to view native plant species in their natural habitat. Pack a picnic for your day out, as there are ample spaces for lounging throughout the park. There is even a music festival in Waterfront Park, CRSSD Festival is every year in the spring.

San Diego's Central Library

San Diego's Central Library is more than just a place to indulge your love of the written word. Along with the amazing selection of reading materials, this library is also well known for its expansive collection of art. Feel free to take part in a self-guided or group tour of the library itself, as well as learning more about the art and architecture.

Popular Activities

San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise
$36 per person
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The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
Learn More
PETCO Park Tour
PETCO Park Tour
$22 per person
Buy Now
The San Diego Maritime Museum
The San Diego Maritime Museum
Discounts Available
Learn More

Nightlife

While day time dining is plentiful in East Village, there are also plenty of things to do after dark. Bars and clubs in the neighborhood run the gamut from local dives to upscale cocktail lounges. Nightlife is also easily accessible via cab or rideshare, so you can safely and conveniently make your way around the city as you explore its exciting nightlife offerings:

Noble Experiment

The craft cocktails at Noble Experiment are only rivaled by its peculiar ambiance. Part old-timey speakeasy and part underground catacombs, this establishment offers a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Bartenders there will even design your own personal cocktail based on your specific tastes.

Bootlegger

If you want some of the tastiest bar food around to go with your brew, Bootlegger has just what you need. The menu features a good selection of small plates, including fried pickle chips, ahi poke, and wings. Brunch dishes include stuffed French toast, eggs benedict, and nacho plates.

ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

Thanks to the amazing views all over the city, San Diego is home to many rooftop bars. ALTITUDE Sky Lounge is among the most treasured, thanks to its amazing panoramic view. Weekly happy hours offer great specials, including premium well cocktails.

El Dorado Cocktail Lounge

If you prefer your cocktails in a western-themed bar, El Dorado Cocktail Lounge features a variety of delicious drinks in a fun, laidback environment. Signature drinks include Smoke Signal, Central Perk, and Oaxacan Sunset, all of which are available at a discount during their happy hour, which runs from open to 9 pm every day.

The Tipsy Crow

In the neighboring Gaslamp Quarter, The Tipsy Crow offers three levels of entertainment to guests. The pub-like main room is perfect for catching a game with your friends, while the underground features music performances, comedians, and more. There is also the upstairs lounge, which is suited to private gatherings and celebrations.

Prohibition Lounge

Harkening back to the days of speakeasies, Prohibition Lounge, also in the Gaslamp Quarter, offers a fun 20s vibe, complete with Great Gatsby-inspired dress codes on Friday and Saturday nights. Cocktails are the real star of the show here, all of which are made with quality liquors and other ingredients, including fresh fruits, herbs, and smoked bitters.

Featured Activity

Front of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum provides history of aircraft built in California. The museum includes over 60 exhibits with restored aircraft and tours of the carrier.
Learn More

Breweries

Lovers of all types of craft beer have found a home in East Village. This area is well-known for housing a wide selection of breweries, which showcase the enterprising minds behind San Diego's thriving craft beer industry.

While this San Diego is home to more than 150 craft beer breweries and accompanying tasting rooms, here are a few must-visit destinations in are near East Village:

Mission Brewery

As a winner of numerous awards for its amazing craft beer selection, Mission Brewery provides tours so that guests can get a feel for the beer-making process. Both kids and dogs are welcome here, and you can even reserve some space for private events while you're in town. Their beer selection includes lagers, blondes, IPAs, ambers, and German wheat beers.

Half Door Brewery

Half Door Brewery recreates an Irish pub atmosphere, which offers a warm and welcoming environment to guests. Brewmasters take great pride in creating new beer recipes, such as pale ales, IPAs, stouts, red ales, Belgians, and barleywines. They also feature brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, including Scotch eggs, fish and chips, and pork belly hash, just to name a few tasty dishes.

10 Barrel Brewing

The lively environment within 10 Barrel Brewing personifies the founders' view on life; drink great beer while having fun times with good friends. They put a lot of thought and effort into developing their highly diverse beer selection, which includes IPAs, lagers, wheat ales, sours, and many others. They also feature a line of delicious canned cocktails, including classics like Moscow Mule, Margarita, and Bloody Mary.

Border X Brewing

In neighboring Barrio Logan Border X Brewing is a Mexican spin on classic craft brews, Border X Brewing incorporates classic craft beer ingredients with a variety of intense flavors and spices. Check out their Gran Jefe, which has slight banana and clover flavors for a unique taste experience. There is also the Horchata Golden Stout, which features hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

Ballast Point Little Italy

Nestled in the middle of San Diego's scenic Little Italy neighborhood, Ballast Point Little Italy features many tasty brews and menu items, within a fun and casual environment. Kids are more than welcome at this brewery thanks to its family-friendly vibe. Sample some of Ballast Point's classic craft beers or try out a new experimental brew to delight your taste buds.

Featured Hotel
Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Outside the Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Balboa Park
Balboa Park
Boutique
Boutique
Near Bay
Near Bay
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
Make memories in San Diego when you stay at Hotel Indigo San Diego-Gaslamp Quarter. This hotel fits perfectly in this historic district, with charm and comfort.
Prices Starting at $134
Check Availability

Know Before You Go & Tips

Ballpark
Ballpark
Cafes
Cafes
Pedicab
Pedicab
Shopping
Shopping
Walkable
Walkable

Restaurants

The many amazing dining establishments situated throughout this neighborhood illustrates its diverse nature. There is something for every taste and palate, whether you're looking for fine dining or are after a more casual experience. No matter where you end up, you can rest assured of tasty, wholesome dishes and a relaxing ambiance.

BASIC Bar/Pizza

Don't let the name fool you; BASIC Bar/Pizza is anything but ordinary. The building itself was converted from a former warehouse, in keeping with East Village's theme of urban renewal. The menu features tasty thin-crust pizza prepared in a brick oven, as well as a sizable drink list, including wine, beer, and cocktails.

Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine

If you're a lover of fresh seafood, Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine has much to offer. Along with the many fresh catches on the menu, this esteemed dining establishment also utilizes the freshest seasonal ingredients for the freshest flavors possible. Enjoy a cold plate to begin your meal, such as lobster carpaccio, and move onto an exquisite entree, like pan-roasted lamb striploin with kale salad and a side of cornbread with honey brown butter.

Soleil @K

Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, the menu at Soleil @k finds its inspiration in California's iconic wine country. You love the modern look and feel of the interior, as well as the outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying the beautiful San Diego sunshine. The menu features breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, including eggs benedict, rustic burgers, and grilled salmon.

Werewolf American Pub

For an experience you won't soon forget, Werewolf American Pub has much to offer when it comes to menu and ambiance. The atmosphere is fun and funky, featuring a blend of industrial elements and a quirky pub vibe. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while also featuring a late-night menu of fried goodies after 11 pm.

Bud & Rob’s New Orleans Bistro

The East Village even offers authentic Cajun cooking at Bud & Rob’s New Orleans Bistro. Guests can look forward to an amazing selection of Cajun and Creole dishes, including po' boy sandwiches, gumbo, blackened catfish, and crawfish etouffee.

East Village
is Famous For:
Baseball
Baseball
Breweries
Breweries
Nightlife
Nightlife
Sidewalk Cafés
Sidewalk Cafés
Known For:
Comic Con
Comic Con
Convention Center
Convention Center
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter
Walkable
Walkable
This Month's Forecast
55°F / 73°F
Partly Cloudy in April
May
58°F / 70°F
Partly Cloudy in May
Jun
62°F / 76°F
Partly Cloudy in June
Jul
66°F / 81°F
Sunny in July

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4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
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4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
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