The heart of every city lives in its downtown, and San Diego is no exception. Located only minutes from the airport, San Diego’s thriving downtown districts offer a plethora of options for accommodations, activities, dining and cultural attractions, all accessible by foot or by trolley. Visit the historic Gaslamp District for shops and boutiques, trendy nightclubs, rooftop bars and fine-dining restaurants.

The Embarcadero district is a great area to visit if you’re interested in San Diego’s maritime industry. You can explore the ships at the USS Midway Museum, the Star of India, or the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The Embarcadero is also the place to catch a sunset cruise of San Diego Bay, or to enjoy waterfront shopping and dining in Seaport Village.

San Diego’s Little Italy district is another must-see. For authentic Italian espresso, wine, handmade pasta or dessert: stop at one of the local cafés or sit on the outdoor patio of one of the many restaurants. After your meal, you can visit one of the art galleries in Little Italy, where you can find artwork from international and local artists on display.

San Diego’s downtown area has plenty of options for kids AND adults. During the day, take your family to the New Children’s Museum or watch the San Diego Padres play baseball at Petco Park. Take the trolley to Balboa Park and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. At night, downtown San Diego comes alive with upscale night clubs, live music, and rooftop bars with an incredible view of the sparkling lights reflecting off the water.

For more information, visit http://www.sandiego.org/