Seaport Village

The Basics

Seaport Village is a classic San Diego attraction. Dine at the postcard-worthy San Diego Pier Cafe—perched on stilts above the water—for views and photo opps. Nearby, the historic hand-carved carousel entertains both kids and adults. And you’ll often find a range of activities, from free concerts to workshops. Seaport Village is a popular stop on walking and GoCar excursions. For a different perspective of the waterfront, cruise by on a boat tour of the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Validation for the Seaport Village parking lot is available with purchase.

• Seaport Village is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Located along North Harbor Drive, Seaport Village is about 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the international airport, and a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the cruise ship terminal. A boardwalk connects Seaport Village to a convention center and many hotels, making it easy to explore the area on foot or bicycle. Alternatively, take the San Diego trolley, or join a tour that includes transport.

When to Get There

San Diego’s idyllic weather makes the waterfront enjoyable year-round, but Seaport Village is especially popular during annual events like the spring Busker Fest and Holidays by the Bay. Check the Seaport Village website for concerts, talks, and other events.

The Busker Festival at Seaport Village

While street performers can be found along the waterfront in any season, Seaport Village comes alive one weekend each spring with everything from unicyclist jugglers to sword-swallowing magicians. Family-friendly by day, the free festival switches to 18 and up for the Saturday night Buskers After Dark—an evening of entertainment, food, and drinks.

Ways to explore

Seaport Village is a classic San Diego attraction that many visitors pass by on boat tours. These range from champagne buffet brunch excursions, to afternoon sailing trips, to nighttime city lights tours. Thrillseekers often prefer jet boat adventures, and luxury adventures enjoy private sailing experiences. To discover Seaport Village from the land, there are lots of options, including GoCar tours, e-bike adventures, Segway tours, and scooter tours. It’s also possible to explore local landmarks on hop-on hop-off trolley tours, or to use a smartphone for a self-guided audio walking tour.

Accessibility

Seaport Village is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, cash, camera, refillable water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable footwear, light layered clothing, hat

Not allowed

Littering, flying drones without permission

Amenities

Restrooms, restaurants, shops, parking

Address 

Seaport Village is located along San Diego Bay near downtown and the Embarcadero, around a 3-mile (5-kilometer) drive from the airport. It’s easily accessible by car and public transportation and is often included in waterfront sightseeing routes.

Driving

From downtown San Diego or San Diego International Airport, follow signs toward the Embarcadero and Harbor Drive. Paid parking is available, but parking lots can get busy, especially on weekends.

Public transportation

Public transportation is an efficient way to get to Seaport Village. Just take the San Diego Trolley’s Green Line to the Seaport Village trolley stop, which is a short walk away.

Best times to visit

Mornings are a good time to visit to avoid crowds, and sunset is a beautiful time for waterfront dining and photo opps.

Best days to visit

Come Monday through Thursday to avoid weekend crowds.

Best months to visit

March through May and September through November offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

Special events

December is an atmospheric time to visit, with decorations, snow flurries, and a chance to have breakfast with Santa at Malibu Farm.