Quick answer: Start the morning at Seaport Village, walk north along the Embarcadero to the USS Midway Museum, have lunch on the waterfront, spend the afternoon at the Maritime Museum of San Diego and Waterfront Park, then walk into Little Italy or back to the Gaslamp Quarter for dinner and an evening walking tour. The whole route is flat, about 2 to 3 miles on foot, and you won’t need a car.
San Diego’s waterfront is one of the easiest places in the city to explore on foot. This itinerary strings together the best stops between Seaport Village and Little Italy, with timing tips so you’re not rushing.
Before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes. The route is flat and paved, but you’ll be on your feet most of the day.
- Bring layers. Mornings and evenings by the bay can be cool, even in summer.
- Check hours and buy tickets ahead. The USS Midway and the Maritime Museum have set hours and ticket prices that change, so check their websites before you go.
- Getting there: Seaport Village is next to the San Diego Convention Center and a short walk from the Gaslamp Quarter. If you’re driving, see our Gaslamp visitor guide for parking options.
Morning: Seaport Village (9 to 10:30 a.m.)
Seaport Village is a car-free waterfront shopping and dining village on San Diego Bay, opened in 1980 and owned by the Port of San Diego. Wander the paths between its shops and galleries, grab coffee and something to eat, and walk out to the water’s edge for views of the bay and the Coronado Bridge. It’s quieter in the morning, which makes it a nice, easy start.
Good to know: the Port has long-term plans to redevelop this stretch of the waterfront, but any construction is years away, and Seaport Village remains open in the meantime.
Late morning: USS Midway Museum (10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Head north along the Embarcadero to the USS Midway Museum, a retired aircraft carrier you can explore from the hangar deck to the flight deck. Give yourself at least two to three hours. Even if you skip the ticket, the waterfront around the Midway is worth a stroll, with views of the ship and the bay.
Lunch on the waterfront (1:30 to 2:30 p.m.)
There’s food on the Midway itself, plus casual seafood and waterfront spots along the Embarcadero. A picnic on the grass is also a good option on a sunny day.
Afternoon: Maritime Museum and Waterfront Park (2:30 to 5 p.m.)
Keep walking north to the Maritime Museum of San Diego, which operates a collection of historic vessels along the Embarcadero, including the tall ship Star of India. You can board the ships and explore below decks. Afterward, continue north to Waterfront Park, a big green space with fountains and lawns that’s perfect for a rest before dinner.
Evening option 1: Dinner in Little Italy
From Waterfront Park it’s a short walk inland to Little Italy, one of San Diego’s best dinner neighborhoods, with plenty of patios and Italian restaurants.
Evening option 2: Back to the Gaslamp for a ghost tour
Or head back south to the Gaslamp Quarter (a quick rideshare or trolley ride if your feet are done) for dinner and our San Diego Gaslamp Ghosts and Crime Walking Tour ($29 per person, 90 minutes). It meets at the Broadway Fountain in Horton Plaza Park and walks the old Stingaree red-light district after dark, a great way to end a day on the waterfront. Would you rather eat your way through it? Try the Gaslamp Quarter Guided Food Tour.
Itinerary at a glance
| Time | Stop | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 9 a.m. | Seaport Village | Coffee and bay views while it’s quiet |
| 10:45 a.m. | USS Midway Museum | Allow 2 to 3 hours |
| 1:30 p.m. | Waterfront lunch | Casual seafood or a picnic |
| 2:30 p.m. | Maritime Museum & Waterfront Park | Board the Star of India |
| Evening | Little Italy or the Gaslamp | Dinner, then a ghost and crime walking tour |
Short on time? See our one-day walkable downtown San Diego itinerary for a version that covers the Gaslamp, or things to do near the San Diego Convention Center if you’re in town for an event.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need at Seaport Village?
One to two hours is enough to walk the paths, browse the shops and enjoy the bay views. Pair it with the USS Midway and the rest of the Embarcadero for a full day.
Can you walk from Seaport Village to the USS Midway?
Yes. The USS Midway Museum is a short, flat walk north of Seaport Village along the Embarcadero waterfront.
Can you walk from Seaport Village to the Gaslamp Quarter?
Yes. The Gaslamp Quarter is a short walk inland from Seaport Village, past the convention center area.
What is there to do near Seaport Village?
Nearby you’ll find the USS Midway Museum, the Maritime Museum of San Diego, Waterfront Park, Little Italy, the San Diego Convention Center and the Gaslamp Quarter, all within walking distance.
