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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Seaport Village San
Diego
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Located
along a prime stretch of waterfront that spreads out across
14 acres, connecting both sides of the San Diego Harbor
is Seaport Village, a unique San Diego shopping, dinning
and recreation experience.
Designed to reflect New England clapboard and Spanish
Mission architectural styles of early California, the
three bustling shopping areas that make up the Village
provides the right setting for grabbing lunch or dinner,
browsing for trinkets, or just wanting to enjoy the
beautiful San Diego waterfront with its endless photo
opportunities.
Four miles of pathway, including a ¼-mile boardwalk
with sweeping bay views and fresh ocean breezes, winds
its way past more than 70 specialty shops and restaurants
including everything from a kite store and swing emporium
to a shop devoted to old nautical and pirate themed
swag and a of course–a surf shop.
Snack bars and restaurants--many with harbor views--can
also be found, ranging from surf and turf to burgers
and pizza. A few eateries open early for breakfast,
and many have extended nighttime hours, especially in
summer.
There are also horse and carriage rides,
and at the center of the Village is an 1895 Looff carousel,
with its 54 hand-carved and hand-painted animals including
horses, a giraffe, dragon, elephant, and a dog. Tickets
are only two dollars to ride the carousel. Frequent
public entertainment are always a side attraction at
Seaport Village and visitors will often encounter strolling
clowns, balloon sculptors, mimes, minstrels, and magicians
wandering throughout the village to entertain adults
and children.
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Seaport Village San Diego |
Because San Diego’s weather is nearly perfect year
round, any season is a great time to visit. However, if
you happen to visit San Diego in late November or early
December, you can catch Surfing Santa's arrival and even
have your picture taken with the jolly ole soul on his
giant wave. Also, every year in April, be sure to catch
the Seaport Buskers Fest, featuring a wide array of street
performers.
Seaport Village is conveniently located and is within
walking distance of several hotels, the San Diego Convention
Center, the San Diego Trolley and other nearby areas worth
exploring.
One of those being the USS Midway, a real life floating
tribute to American military history where visitors can
view first-hand what life was like on this massive superstructure,
exploring the galley, bridge, berthing spaces, hangar
deck, and flight deck. Admission includes a self-guided
audio tour. Docents, many of whom served on the USS Midway,
are on board during the day to talk about the ship and
to make the experience even more educational and interesting
for visitors of all ages.
Next to the USS midway is the San Diego Maritime Museum.
After paying a modest admission fee, visitors will embark
on a fascinating journey through nautical history exploring
several ships, ferries and sailing vessels, as well as
a both a US and Soviet submarine. One of the ships showcased
at the museum is the Star of India. Built in 1863, it
is the world’s oldest actively sailed, square-rigged
ship. Guests are free to wander each ship at their leisure,
walking the passageways that lead to the captain's cabins,
or stepping into the crew’s cramped quarters, experiencing
what it may have been like to have lived and worked on
these magnificent treasures of the sea-faring age.
After a day of walking, a fun way to get around San Diego
is via the San Diego Ferry. Just steps from the museum,
the ferry departs from the Broadway Pier commercial boat
area and takes just 20 minutes to reach The Ferry Landing
Place on nearby Coronado Island.
The Marketplace boasts a collection of unique shops and
eateries to grab a quick bite or pick up a nautical trinket
to commemorate your trip.
Visitors can also rent bicycles or surreys to pedal along
winding waterfront bike paths that lead to places such
as Tidelands Park, Spreckels Park, or Silver Strand Beach.
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San Diego Skyline from Seaport Village |
Seaport Village's Shops |
This can be the start of a great day trip
for the entire family. Bring a picnic lunch and head off
to Glorietta Bay Park for a day of outdoor fun and adventure.
But don’t fret if you forgot to pack a basket, as
dozens of small cafes dot the main road making it easy
to pick up a sandwich and something cool to drink.
To end your day, a fun treat for eats
is the 94th Aero Squadron, located on the edge of Montgomery
Field Airport. Housed in a replica of a World War I French
farmhouse, this restaurant is especially well known for
its upfront view of the airport, extensive brunch menu,
and kid-friendly menu choices. You can even grab a table
with headphones and listen to the FAA control tower while
dining.
San Diego Seaport Village and its surrounding
attractions are located just 2-3 hours depending on traffic
from Los Angels, and just a short 80 miles from south
Orange County.
Seaport Village's shops are open 10am to
9pm daily. Parking is easily accessible with two hours free
with purchase validation.
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