Experiences

As a sought after vacation destination, the Port of San Diego delivers unique and spectacular experiences to visitors just steps off their ship. Our two cruise ship terminals are conveniently located in the heart of downtown San Diego, near world-famous beaches, fine dining, craft breweries and wineries, offering visitors many options to explore. Port Experiences encourages enthusiasts of all kinds to bury their toes in the sand, take in a unique floating museum, catch a Padres baseball game, shop and dine in the Historic Gaslamp District, or immerse themselves in the art and culture of Balboa Park. Conveniently located just north of the international border, the Port is the perfect place to disembark on a relaxing trip from paradise to paradise—offering both a land and sea experience. Wherever your travels take you, Port Experiences will inspire you along the way.

Come explore the vibrant experiences the Port of San Diego’s dynamic waterfront has to offer. Spend the day on the water with a harbor cruise, paddleboard along the bay, or take a ride on a jet boat or jet ski for a fast paced adventure. Sailing is a bay favorite with marinas and charter boat opportunities available throughout the bay and year-round sportfishing right off the coast keeps fishing enthusiasts coming back. The public is welcomed to the waterfront’s four public boat launches, five fishing piers, 22 scenic parks and over 70 distinct works of art, along with countless miles of open space and public plazas and walkways. Whether you are a visitor or resident, Port Experiences welcomes you to enjoy a more remarkable way of llife at our waterfront.

Millions of visitors and residents flock to the hospitality offerings of Port Experiences each year including restaurants, hotels, museums and unique attractions along 34 miles of prime real estate lining San Diego Bay. Walk the deck of the USS Midway, savor a cocktail overlooking the bay at one of the many hotels on Shelter Island, Harbor Island or the Embarcadero, or travel back in time at the Maritime Museum. Guests are invited to enjoy the South Bay as well with marinas on the National City Marina District or Chula Vista Bayfront, fish from the longest wooden pier in California in Imperial Beach or skip rush hour traffic by dining at one of our 70-plus waterfront restaurants. Port Experiences offers convenient access to parking with surface lots and meters strategically located around the bay.

Port Experiences activates our waterfront year-round through public programming, and permitted and sponsored community events. The Tidelands Activation Program awards grant funds and services to organizations for public events that connect visitors and residents to new cultures and vibrant activities. Artistic and cultural exhibitions, along with exclusive interactive installations inspire visitors and residents to push the boundaries of creativity. Additionally, Port Experiences hosts events across the San Diego Bay, including organized runs, parades, cultural festivals, concerts and more.