A worldwide tourist destination to many, San Diego was established in the mid 1800s by a group of investors who purchased land near the San Diego Bay after a surveyor who was establishing the new boundaries of California suggested the idea. The location was ideal for trade and eventually led to new development, the construction of wharfs and piers, and the expansion of the transcontinental railroad into San Diego, known today as the Santa Fe Depot. In the late 1900s, downtown was redeveloped after falling into a state of disrepair, resulting in many of its landmarks today.
Downtown San Diego is centrally located near the Bay and is made up of many districts and neighborhoods. Gaslamp Quarter is a nightlife district with some of the best fine dining, bars, and shopping. East Village is the east district of downtown and is home to Petco Park and the San Diego Padres. The heart of Little Italy is known for its wonderful Italian families that own several authentic restaurants such as Busalacchi’s Modern Sicilian Cuisine, Barbusa, the DePhilippis’ phenomenal Felippi’s Italian Pizza Grotto, or for those carnivores, the posh, Born & Raised. Let’s not forget the weekly farmer’s markets. Seaport Village features outdoor concerts and abundance of shopping and restaurants with many along the pathways of the bay with breathtaking views of Coronado and the expansive bridge.
A perfect blend of history and modern day development, Downtown San Diego offers many attractions and boasts incredible architecture from the old government buildings to the modern skyscrapers and hotels. Enjoy a concert at the new Rady Shell venue, art at the Museum of Contemporary Art, or history at the USS Midway Museum. Ideally located just a short drive away from the San Diego International Airport, Balboa Park, and San Diego Zoo.
