Seaport Village

Seaport Village offers a unique local San Diego experience complete with shopping, dining, and live entertainment, all overlooking the beautiful San Diego Bay in the Embarcadero.
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.
Seaport Village
Shopping on the Water
What to Expect
Bundle & Save
Where to Eat
Family Fun
How to Get There
Helpful Tips
Stay Nearby

Highlights

Shopping
Restaurants
Parking
Tips
Shopping
Restaurants
Parking
Tips

Shopping on the Water at Seaport Village

Seaport Village Sign and Harbor House RestaurantThe Beautiful Bayfront Seaport Village

Situated on the water at the Embarcadero in Downtown San Diego, Seaport Village San Diego is unlike any of the area’s other shopping destinations! This amazing complex has unique shops, restaurants, live entertainment, and more, all with an incredible view on the San Diego Bay.

Seaport Village features a unique design and layout when compared to other malls in San Diego. It looks like a classic waterfront village and has nautical accents. It’s a great place for photo ops in addition to all of the shopping and other fun activities the area has to offer.

If you’re staying in Downtown San Diego or even just visiting for the day, this charming village is a must-visit!

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Seaport Village.

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What to Expect at Seaport Village

Bayside Boardwalk next to Seaport Village
Bayside Boardwalk next to Seaport Village

If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs from your trip to San Diego, Seaport Village is the place you’ll want to explore. Most of the stores here cater to tourists and have a laid-back vibe that is reflective of Southern California culture.

While you won’t find many name-brand clothing options at this shopping center, there are independent boutiques where you’ll find items like graphic T-shirts, swimwear, hats, sunglasses, and more. There’s even a Harley-Davidson store, where you can find clothing and other merchandise from the beloved motorcycle brand.

If you’re looking for handcrafted gifts, Seaport Village is an amazing place to find them! Some of the unique items you’ll find here include handmade kites, eco-friendly bamboo products, wind chimes, home decor, and more. There’s enough here to really satisfy your artistic spirit.

If you’re traveling with your family or children, there are multiple toy stores at Seaport Village to entertain the entire family.

Seaport Village also has plenty of shops where you can buy local snacks and drinks. These include Hot Licks for hot sauce, the Something Sweet Shop for candies and retro sodas, and the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room for bottles of wine to take home.

Because of Seaport Village’s relatively small size, it is very easy to navigate and find the stores you are looking for. Many of the stores feel very intimate, and you might even meet the artists or business owners behind the products you are buying.

If you’re looking for local finds and an authentically San Diego experience, Seaport Village is a great stop to consider.

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Restaurants at Seaport Village

Mr. Moto Pizza, a Great Place to Get a Beer
Mr. Moto Pizza, a Great Place to Get a Beer

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 here. Many of the restaurants in Seaport Village are outposts of popular local chains, so you’ll get a real taste of San Diego while eating here.

You’ll find plenty of fun and casual snacks to munch on while exploring Seaport Village. There are national chains like Ben & Jerry’s and Wetzel’s Pretzels, but you’ll also find local favorites like Spill The Beans Bagels, Mr. Moto Pizza, Crack Taco and the San Diego Burger Co.

Adults visiting Seaport Village might want to grab an alcoholic beverage in between shopping excursions, and there are plenty of places where you can do that in Seaport Village. Some of these places include Mike Hess Brewing, Margarita’s Kitchen & Cantina, Puesto At The Headquarters and San Pasqual Winery.

Seaport Village is also home to several upscale restaurants that are perfect for a big family dinner or a date night. Many of these restaurants have stunning views of the San Diego Bay and Coronado Island as well as being amazing places to watch the sunset. These include iconic restaurants like Puesto At The Headquarters, Malibu Farm, Edgewater Grill, and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood.

San Diego has some amazing seafood on offer and Seaport Village is also a great place to find a number of great options for selections from the sea.

Family Fun at Seaport Village

Pond Inside of Seaport Village
Pond Inside of Seaport Village

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.

Many of the shops at Seaport Village are very appealing to children just because they are so unique. In particular, kids tend to love the retro candy store and toy store. 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.

Local Tips
Create Unforgettable Moments
Seaport Village has pleasures for the whole family. You can ride round and round on our world class carousel or have your family immortalized by our resident caricature artist.

Local toy store 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 then. This is one of just 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.

If you are visiting Seaport Village 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. During this celebration, Santa surfs into San Diego Bay, followed by a parade and live music!

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Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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How to Get to Seaport Village & Where to Park

Free Parking
Free Parking
Lot Parking
Lot Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

Seaport Village is Next to San Diego Bay
Seaport Village is Next to San Diego Bay

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.

If you’re driving, 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. There are no cashiers or valet parking.

Seaport Village is located right off Interstate 5, which makes it a quick drive from many popular areas nearby like Balboa Park, La Jolla, Old Town or Coronado Island. Seaport Village is only 3 miles away from the San Diego airport making it a great destination to relax after a flight.

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.

Multiple tour buses and trolleys stop at Seaport Village as well! These tours can be a fun and easy way to see many of San Diego’s top attractions in one day. If you don't want to get on a tour bus but would like to see some of the popular attractions in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Museum or PETCO Park are great options as they are both walking distance from Seaport Village.

If you are staying in a Downtown San Diego neighborhood like the Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy, walking is also a very convenient way to get to Seaport Village. If you’re traveling without a car in San Diego, rates for Uber, Lyft, and other local rideshare companies are also quite reasonable and are an easy way to get to Seaport Village.

Know Before You Go and Tips

Seaport Village in the Embarcadero of San Diego
Seaport Village in the Embarcadero of San Diego

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! Here are a few 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.

You can also expect to do plenty of walking while you are here, so you’ll want to wear a comfortable set of shoes.

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.

Restrooms, ATMS and Other Facilities

There are restrooms and ATMs located throughout Seaport Village for your convenience. There is also a management office where you can go to get directions or ask any questions you may have.

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.

However, this development is not slated to start until 2025 or later, and Seaport Village should continue to be open during this time period.

Avoid the Crowds

Because Seaport Village is such a popular attraction, you can expect to see large crowds here. It can get especially crowded 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 crowds, visit during a weekday, when things are a bit more laid-back. It’s also important to note that if you are planning on eating at one of the more upscale restaurants like Edgewater Grill, you may want to make a reservation to avoid wait times.

Don’t Miss the Incredible Bay Views

One of the reasons why many people visit Seaport Village is for incredible views of the San Diego skyline while being located on the San Diego waterfront.

While there are plenty of incredible places to see these views, 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.

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