San Diego Water Front

There are so many things to see and do along the San Diego Waterfront/Embarcadero. The best part is that if you are on a cruise ship, you dock in the middle of it, and you do not need to take an excursion to see it.

Your ship will most likely be in port for 8 to 12 hours, with most arriving at 8 a.m. and departing between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. You have time to eat breakfast onboard, and you are paying for dinner, so you will typically want to be back by then.

Most San Diego attractions, including the Zoo, Balboa Park, and SeaWorld, open around 10 a.m. and require more time than you have to enjoy them. I recommend an alternative: Stay on the San Diego waterfront. You can easily spend 6 to 10 hours along the waterfront and be within a mile of where cruise ships dock.

If you are a resident or a visitor, the Embarcadero is a great place to spend some time.

A little north of the cruise ship is the Maritime Museum, open from (10:00 am to 5:00 pm)(3 to 5 hours required to visit).

The Maritime Museum allows you to learn about and explore several ships, merchant ships, sailboats, submarines, and even the old ferry that used to transport passengers between the city and Coronado Island.

There is information about San Diego's old tuna canning industry. It’s a fun experience for all, young and old.

The Star of India is the oldest metal sailing ship. The Surprise is from the movie Master & Commander, and the San Salvador was built in San Diego. You can even take one of three boats for a San Diego Bay cruise.

On the southside are the USS Midway Museum (10:00 am to 5:00 pm) (4 to 6 hours required to visit). There are more than 30 restored aircraft and nearly 10 acres of exhibits and displays, the USS Midway Museum brings you the most complete cross-section of carrier aviation in the world. From high up on the bridge down to the main engine room, the museum will take you on a unique warship journey that engages the sights, sounds, and aromas of this symbol of American freedom.

Besides these two museums, a little further to the south is Bob Hope Park (open 24hrs), and just a little further is Seaport Village. Seaport Village is a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment complex recreating a harborside setting of a century ago. Often there is a shutil that runs from the Cruise terminal to Sea Port Village. Check the schedule so your ship does not sail without you.

All of these are within easy walking distance. Along the Embarcadero, there is often street entertainment or special summertime events.

Remember, staying close to the ship helps ensure that you can get back aboard in time. You can even come back for lunch onboard and then leave again if you wish.