Seaport Village

Seaport Village isn’t just a shopping destination - it’s also a popular place to go out to eat!

Both locals and tourists alike enjoy the mix of casual and upscale dining options. Many of the restaurants in Seaport Village are outposts of popular local chains, so you’ll get a real taste of San Diego with every meal.

It’s also home to several upscale restaurants that are perfect for a big family dinner or a romantic date night. Many of these restaurants have stunning views of the San Diego Bay and Coronado Island just beyond. Generally facing to the west, they also just happen to be amazing places to watch the sunset.

From casual snack spots to more intimate sit-down restaurants and bars, you’ve got your pick between some excellent locations to grab a meal or drink! Here are a few of my favorite places to eat and have a drink around Seaport Village.

Outside Seating at Puesto at the Headquarters in Seaport Village

Puesto at The Headquarters

Puesto at The Headquarters is one of my top choices I’d recommend you try if award winning authentic Mexican favorites with a modern twist sounds like your style. An iconic staple of Seaport Village’s dining scene, I love the tacos with their locally sourced ingredients and handmade non-GMO organic tortilla. My wife loves the margaritas.

And we both love the floor to ceiling windows that span the two story space that look out on the restaurant's outdoor seating.

Mike Hess Brewing in Seaport Village

If you ask me, there’s nothing better than having a drink right off the bay - and it’s even better if I can get great food too!

Mike Hess Brewing has two locations in Seaport Village. The tasting room is a good place to stop if you just want a drink, but if you ask me, you’ll want to head to the location on the boardwalk. Their Cali taco is my favorite, piled with carne asada, mexican cheese, poblano chili, a tasty sauce and mashed potatoes.

It’s a little hidden, but take a tip from a longtime local and be sure to head to the upstairs deck at the brewpub. The deck has amazing views of the San Diego Bay!

The Cheesecake Factory in Seaport Village

When I’m dining with a big group - especially when I’m with my family - there’s nothing quite like the convenience of having a varied menu to choose from. And if there’s one thing The Cheesecake Factory at Seaport Village is known for, it’s having a huge menu with everything from burgers to pasta, chicken entrees, burritos, and of course dessert!

Plus, the Seaport Village location has a great atmosphere that manages to feel both inviting and upscale while still being a more budget-friendly option.

Pier Cafe in Seaport Village Embarcadero

Seaport Village is a great place to spend time with family during your San Diego vacation. While this area is very kid-friendly, there are also plenty of activities that adults will enjoy as well.

Kid-Friendly Stores

You’ll find lots of unique stores at Seaport Village that really appeal to kids.

The toy store Gepettos has educational items you won’t find on Amazon, and the retro candy store Something Sweet Shop is as fun for my kids to discover new candies as it is for me to feel nostalgic about the sweets I ate growing up.

Activities, Live Entertainment & More!

There are many art galleries in Seaport Village that host classes, which can be a very fun activity for adults and kids to do together.

Seaport Village also hosts live entertainment throughout the year. You can expect a rotating selection of live music as well as dancers, acrobats, and other live performers. The performances are great for both kids and adults.

Gepetto’s hosts free storytime for kids during the day, and Funny Features offers customized caricature drawings that kids love.

One of Seaport Village’s most recognizable landmarks is the historic carousel. The pieces were hand-carved in the late 19th century and have been preserved since that time. This is one of only a few classic carousels from this era that are still in operation, so it’s a must-visit for both families and history buffs alike!

Seasonal Fun

There are lots of ways to celebrate Christmas and other wintertime holidays all throughout San Diego, and many of them can be found at Seaport Village.

If you’re visiting during the holidays, be sure to check the local calendar to find out what events they have planned. The area is known for organizing family-friendly events during this time of year, including light displays, live Christmas music, and Santa meet-and-greets.

Some of the holiday events even have some southern California flair, like the Surfin’ Santa sighting, which I love as a surfer myself. During this celebration, Santa surfs into San Diego Bay, followed by a parade and live music!

Not far off of Interstate 5, Seaport Village is located at the Embarcadero in the heart of Downtown San Diego, so it’s very easy to get to from most places in the San Diego area.

Arriving by Car

If you’re driving, the address for your GPS is 849 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. You’ll find Seaport Village at the end of Pacific Highway, just south of West Harbor Drive and just west of Kettner Blvd.

For parking, there is a large lot that you can park in for a small fee. The parking fee is discounted if you make a purchase in Seaport Village. Know that there are no cashiers or valet parking.

Surfliner Train Waiting at the Santa Fe Train Depot in Downtown San Diego

Getting There Without a Car

If you’re taking one of San Diego’s many public transportation options, it’s also very easy to get to Seaport Village!

The Green Line of the San Diego Trolley stops right outside of Seaport Village and connects with many nearby neighborhoods in San Diego. This is a very quick and affordable way to get to Seaport Village, especially if you are not renting a car.

If you are staying further away in the North County area, the Coaster commuter train and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner both stop at nearby Santa Fe Depot.

Rates for Uber, Lyft, and other local rideshare companies are also quite reasonable and are an easy way to get to Seaport Village.

Visiting Seaport Village is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon when visiting San Diego, with family, for a date night or for no reason at all!

I must have been to Seaport Village dozens of times with my family over the years so I have quite a few things I think you should know and tips to make sure you have a fantastic experience.

The Mall is Mostly Outdoors

Seaport Village is an outdoor mall, so you will need to dress according to the weather when visiting. With San Diego’s consistently warm weather, this usually means wearing comfortable clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. However, San Diego does get rain occasionally in the winter and spring, so be sure to check the forecast.

I also suggest that you wear comfortable shoes, which leads me into my second tip.

Enjoying the Outdoor Lounge at the Intercontinential San Diego

It’s a Very Walkable Area

You can also expect to do plenty of walking during your visit in Seaport Village and throughout the area. Located along the San Diego Bay, walking or even running up the waterway to take in the views is a real treat I’d recommend.

If you are staying in a Downtown San Diego neighborhood like the Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy, chances are you can also walk to Seaport Village if your hotel is close enough.

The 4-star InterContinental San Diego, one of my favorite hotels near the bay, is only about half a mile away and an excellent choice for a hotel near Seaport Village.

Looking into Petco Park from the Omni San Diego Hotel

Explore the Neighborhood and What’s Nearby

Seaport Village is located in the Embarcadero neighborhood on the San Diego waterfront. The area is close to many top area attractions like PETCO Park, the San Diego Convention Center and USS Midway Museum.

Within a short drive you can visit Balboa Park, home to many museums, trails and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Beaches are not far as well, including those at Coronado Island, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing or just spending time with family.

Consider getting the Go City San Diego pass with our discount code GVSD5OFF to pay less on admission to the best attractions, San Diego activities and museums in Downtown San Diego and at tons of other popular attractions around the city.

Restrooms, ATMS and Other Facilities

There are restrooms and ATMs located throughout Seaport Village for your convenience. There is also a management office for questions and directions.

Redevelopment Ahead in 2025

The city of San Diego is planning to redevelop the Embarcadero neighborhood in the next decade, which includes Seaport Village. You may see signage about this during your trip.

The new development is slated to start in 2025 or later, and Seaport Village should continue to be open during this time period.

Harry Potter Wizards & Witches at Comic-Con San Diego 2022

Avoid the Crowds

Because Seaport Village is such a popular attraction, you can expect to see large crowds. It can be especially busy on the weekends or when events like Comic-Con San Diego are happening nearby at the San Diego Convention Center.

If you want to avoid the busiest times, visit during a weekday, when things are a bit more laid-back. I’d also suggest that if you are planning on eating at one of the more upscale restaurants like Edgewater Grill, make a reservation to avoid long wait times.

Don’t Miss the Incredible Bay Views

Between the San Diego skyline and the Bay’s waterfront, it’s no surprise that many people visit Seaport Village for the views.

While there are plenty of incredible places to see these views, in my opinion one of the best is from Embarcadero Marina Park, which is next to Seaport Village. This is an amazing place for photo ops, especially during the sunset.