Downtown San Diego is not your average rustling city. During the day the scene is somewhat sedated, uncrowded, relaxed and relatively safe. The archtecrure is comprised of victorian buildings from its heyday in 1980 but after two decades of gentrification there are also many modern spaces such as the outdoor mall, Horton Plaza, Petco Park and the Convention Center. Downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter now rivals SeaWorld and the Zoo as one of the areas top attractions for visitors. When you're ready to start exploring, Broadway Street hosts an array of cafes, galleries and souvenir stores. The maze-like Horton Plaza is a popular area for mall shopping. Seaport Village is a cozy spot to peer out onto the San Diego Bay, or wander around in the little shops. Just nearby is the Hyatt, where you can venture to the top and see a spectacular panoramic view of the city and beyond. (You may have to purchase a beverage at the bar on top though.) Come nightfall, the well-admired Gaslamp District livens with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Click here for hotels located Near Downtown San Diego
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What's for Dinner? The downtown area offers many fine restaurants, yet one stands tall above the rest. Situated on Broadway amid the Gaslamp District with a great Jazz bar next door is Croce's - a San Diego classic. You can dine outside and watch all the people wander by or indoors if you choose. A great starter is the Seasonal House Salad which includes a unique blend of mixed greens, strawberries, grapes, toasted walnuts, and gorgonzola cheese topped with the house vinaigrette. The cuisine is an eclectic blend of dishes that cater to varying taste buds including New Zealand Sea-Bass, Prime Contemporary Meatloaf, and Vegetarian Cous Cous. After dinner head on over to the Jazz bar where you will be delightfully entertained by the talented local performers.
Croce's
802 5th Ave.,
dinner and great jazz
Gaslamp Strip Club
340 5th Ave.,
grill-your-own steak
Café 222
222 Island Ave., 619/236-9902,
Great breakfast downtown
Fisth Market Restuarant
750 N Harbor Dr,
Delicious Seafood with a view of the bay
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Delve into the Nightlife - The Gaslamp Quarter When nighttime arrives and its time to head out, The Gaslamp Quarter is where it's at. Experience the versatile atmosphere of The Bitter End, where you can dance around downstairs, shoot pool on the mid-level, or chill and sip martinis in the lounge upstairs. Check out the Irish pub, The Field and watch dancers move to the Irish Jig as you drink back a frothy stout. (If you're hungry try the Shepard's Pie.) Hit up the Tivoli Bar with its snazzy mahogany bar, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. (A great place to go after a Padre's game, due to its close proximity to Petco Park.)
Jbar
616 J St.,
Altitude Sky Bar
660 K St.
Tivoli Bar
505 6th Ave
The Field
544 5th Ave.
The Bitter End
70 5th Ave
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Petco Park - San Diego Padres Baseball From April through September you'll find the San Diego Padres playing at Petco Park. The stadium in located in the East Village of Downtown San Diego near lots of bars and restaurants. You can choose to sit in the stands to get up close to all the action, in the Western Metal Building in left field, or in the grass field where you can see the game and kids can play on their own miniature diamond. Designed to be intimate, there really isn't a bad seat in the house.
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Little Italy This adorable neighborhood is full of public art, galleys, restaurants, bars and boutiques. What was once an italian fishing neighborhood is now a trendy neighborhood that retains its italian heritage with a bocce ball court and an abundance of Italian restaurants. Every spring ArtWalk overtakes the streets and hundreds of artists feature their photography, sculpture and paintings.
At the free event, people discover that owning original art is possible for everyone.
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