San Diego is a city of different flavors and topography. But it is, above all, a city facing the sea. And what better way to enjoy the essence of the city than to take a walking tour along the San Diego coast? The skyline, salt water, gentle breeze, and colorful views lend themselves to a leisurely and engaging ride along the central portion of San Diego Bay.
Probably the easiest place to start your self-guided walking tour is at the foot of Broadway, at the Broadway Pier. A paid parking lot is located one block away, as well as numerous coin meter spaces along Harbor Drive. For those taking public transportation, the San Diego streetcar stops at the Santa Fe railroad station, a couple of blocks away. For those staying in downtown hotels, Broadway Pier is just a short walk away.
North of Broadway Pier
Walking north past the harbor tours, you will get closer to the Cruise Terminal, where the huge international cruise ships call at their ports to San Diego, perhaps one will be in port during their tour. As you continue walking, you will approach Anthony’s Fish Grotto restaurant, a San Diego institution. The dock building actually has a casual take-out counter as well, as well as the more formal and expensive Star of the Sea lounge.
Just past Anthony is the majestic Star of India, a historic high-mast iron ship dating from 1863. This National Historic Landmark is the oldest ship in the world that is still seaworthy and takes a voyage through sea at least once a year. In this area of the Embarcadero are the other three ships that comprise the San Diego Maritime Museum: the Berkeley, a Victorian-era ferry; Medea, a 1904 steam yacht; and the Pilot, a 1914 guide ship. A nominal admission fee is required to board the ships.
At this point, if you look across the bay, you will see the North Island Naval Air Station, where the US Navy transports its large aircraft carriers and fighter jets. Looking back across Harbor Drive, you will see the historic County Administration Building. You will also notice pleasure boats sailing in the bay.
South of Broadway Pier
As you walk south from Broadway Pier, you’ll get closer to Navy Pier, where Navy ships often dock and take free tours to the public. Navy Pier is also the new home of the aircraft carrier museum, Midway. As you keep walking, you will pass several Navy buildings.
Keep going and you will be approaching several small green spaces, as well as the popular Fish Market Restaurant. You may want to take a short break and have a drink and a snack and enjoy the panoramic view. Although not anymore, this area of the coast not long ago used to be home to one of the largest tuna fleets in the world. Most of the commercial boats are gone, but you can still feel the aura of the old fishermen.
Heading further south, you’ll head towards Seaport Village, a popular shopping and restaurant complex on the boardwalk. Here you can explore the dozens of shops, take a ride on the carousel, or just watch the people around you. Seaport Village is also a perfect place to have a relaxing meal at various restaurants and food stalls, including the Harbor House Restaurant.
After your meal, head to the adjacent Embarcadero Marina Park, where you can enjoy the open green space, views of Coronado across the bay, and the marina from the neighboring Hyatt and Marriott towers. Just steps from the two hotels, you’ll find the San Diego Convention Center, with its distinctive “sail” roof.
From here, you’ll likely want to head back to Broadway Pier – you can take the Trolley in front of the Convention Center in downtown San Diego and head back to the Santa Fe Depot, or if you’re still in the mood, take a walk. off the coast of San Diego and enjoy the relaxing views once again.
