Downtown boasts a beautiful natural harbor, excellent restaurants, new and historic hotels, a major shopping plaza and lively nightlife that is second to none. Hard to miss is the largest and one of the most beautiful convention centers on the West Coast. Downtown’s crowning achievement is the state-of-the-art 42,000- seat ballpark for the National League San Diego Padres. Plus, downtown is the hub of the regional transportation system, making it easily accessible by car, bus, Coaster, ferry, plane, train and trolley. Since downtown’s revitalization began 36 years ago, more than 18,000 attached homes have been built. These include luxury and market-rate condos, spacious lofts and affordable apartments. These days, more than 36,000 people call the vibrant downtown community their home.

Many predict that by the year 2030, the number of residents in downtown could be close to 90,000. The East Village neighborhood is the most recent example of this renewal. With the city’s ballpark as the catalyst, East Village is on its way to becoming a thriving complex of shops, residences, new commercial offices and restaurants.

The dynamic force behind the redevelopment of downtown is the Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC) (619-235-2200). Visit their Web site ccdc.com for information about all of the new downtown residential, commercial and public development projects. Also visit [sandiegodowntown.org] for business relocation and other downtown insider news.

The public, nonprofit corporation which works on behalf of the City of San Diego, also offers information about downtown’s redevelopment and a continually updated scale model of downtown at its Sheila R. Hardin Downtown Information Center (22) located in the Horton Plaza Shopping Center (22). It’s on the first level above Lyceum Theatre. One of the services offered here is their free informative bus tours of downtown San Diego. Bus tours are offered on the first Saturday of each month and advanced reservations are required. Call (619-235-2222) for reservations.

During the past 36 years, approximately $1.7 billion in public investment has been matched by $12.3 billion in private investment. Plus, $522 million has been invested in downtown for public improvements and amenities such as parks, schools and open spaces. These eye-catching improvements have enriched the quality of life for everyone in this vibrant part of San Diego.

The area once called New Town, as opposed to Old Town where San Diego actually began, is roughly divided into eight neighborhoods. Each has its own unique character, fascinating history and special appeal. This chapter presents an overview of seven of these neighborhoods plus a thumbnail sketch of Hillcrest because it is historically and geographically tied to downtown. The eighth neighborhood is the Gaslamp Quarter with an entire chapter devoted to it.

The easy-to-find Horton Plaza neighborhood was named in honor of Alonzo Horton, who founded New Town San Diego in 1869. The star of this 15-block area is the impressive Westfield Horton Plaza (22) (619-239-8180). There are more than 120 stores and restaurants, including Macy’s, Levi’s and Nordstrom. For great dining, make your way to the fifth floor. Here you’ll find an excellent award-winning Chinese restaurant called Panda Inn (22) (619-233-7800). Their honey walnut shrimp is a great choice. They also offer four hours of free parking, when you dine here. Save 10% off your total bill with their coupon.

Horton Plaza is also an excellent venue for entertainment. The Lyceum Theatre features live performances, and the 14-movie screen United Artists Theatre features a great selection of contemporary films.

Horton Plaza’s well-lit parking structure offers free parking. You get three free hours of parking when you validate your ticket at one of their six self-validation machines throughout the mall. The selfvalidating machines are available 7 a.m.–9 p.m. When you attend a theater, you also receive three hours of free parking. Thereafter, it’s ($8) per hour or ($2) for every additional 15 minutes.

The heart of San Diego’s central business district is called the Core, and Broadway is its main street. High-rise office and hotel buildings are in abundance here. Calling the Core neighborhood home are San Diego’s City Hall and court buildings, along with major banks, which comprise the financial district of downtown.

The jewel of this district is the historic Copley Symphony Hall (20) at 750 B St. (619-235-0804). It is regarded as one of the finest classical music venues on the West Coast. This year the San Diego Symphony will be celebrating its 101st year anniversary, and it’s the oldest orchestra in California. It is rated as a tier one orchestra, and they perform more than 100 concerts each season. For their complete performance schedule including their popular Ashford University Summer Pops (28) series, which is held at the Embarcadero Marina Park South. To purchase tickets call (619-235-0804).

Also located in the Core district is the San Diego Civic Theatre (19) at 1100 Third Ave. (619-570-1100) at the San Diego Concourse. Hosted here are many national touring musical and theatrical presentations.

Cortez Hill with its panoramic views, is one of San Diego’s oldest residential neighborhoods. It was named after what was once the famous El Cortez Hotel. Today, the hotel has been renovated and converted into upscale condominiums. Victorian-style homes dot the area along with new condominiums and apartments.

The Columbia neighborhood, which fronts San Diego Bay at the foot of Broadway, is where you’ll find an incredible number of things to see and do. At the Embarcadero on the waterfront, you can board the world’s oldest active sailing ship and much more. The official boundaries of this neighborhood are San Diego Bay east to Union Street between Ash and F streets.

Getting around downtown is easy. The bright red Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Trolley (511) makes regular stops at the main downtown terminal at the foot of the America Plaza Building (15). The Trolley’s Blue and Orange Lines will take you to the center of the downtown area, PETCO Park, the Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village.

Across from the American Plaza Building is one of San Diego’s most recognized landmarks. The Santa Fe Railroad Station (11), with its distinctive Spanish motif, is the city’s only train station. It’s where you would catch Amtrak (800- 872-7245) if traveling north to Los Angeles and beyond. The Coaster (800- COASTER), San Diego’s coast express rail line, also departs from here.

A little out of the way but way out of the ordinary is Anthology (23) at 1337 India St. (619-595-0300). It was recently voted San Diego’s best live music venue and restaurant. So expect to see your favorite jazz, rock and contemporary artists perform while you are pampered with excellent service and outstanding cuisine.

Little Italy is an eclectic neighborhood with charming sidewalk cafés, delightful little shops, and one-of-a-kind specialty stores, which are reasons enough to discover this downtown district. Look for their landmark Little Italy sign (6) arched over India Street at the corner of India and Cedar streets in the heart of Little Italy. One event not to miss is their 17th annual Little Italy Festa held this year on Sunday, Oct. 9 on India Street.

With 150 food vendors and activities galore, it’s an event not to miss. The geographic boundaries of Little Italy are Union Street on the east, Harbor Drive on the west, Ash on the south and Laurel Street on the north. For a clearer visualization of the boundaries of Little Italy, refer to the downtown map.

The heart of Little Italy is along India Street, which is a one-way street. Cars can only travel in a south-to-north direction. So most people enter Little Italy from the corner of Ash and India streets. Once you have arrived, you should begin to look for a parking space. There is a lot of parking on the streets in Little Italy, and some restaurants have off-street parking. So the best way to see Little Italy is on foot.

Downtown’s Marina neighborhood is a vibrant panorama of eye-catching sky scrapers, high-rise hotels and luxurious condos that reflect the glimmering coastal sunsets. Here too is the San Diego Convention Center, named one of the world’s top three convention centers twice in the past six years.

A sensational place for breakfast and lunch is Richard Walker’s Pancake House (24) at 520 Front St. (619-231- 7777). Expect to enjoy wonderful waffles, gourmet griddle cakes, flapjacks, eggs Benedict and more.

At the corner of Front Street and Island Ave. is The New Children’s Museum (24) at 200 West Island Ave. (619-233- 8792). This 50,000-sq. ft. extravaganza was created for kids.

A restaurant that comes with high marks is Kansas City Barbeque (16) at 600 W. Harbor Dr. (619-231-9680). This restaurant, which is celebrating 28 years in business, is downtown’s only barbeque restaurant. Besides its great-tasting food, its claim to fame is that scenes from the 1980’s hit movie Top Gun were filmed here! Plus, they are just two blocks from the USS Midway Museum. Don’t miss their happy hour from 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. daily.

The East Village is the last of the downtown neighborhoods to undergo significant redevelopment. Boosted by the success of PETCO Park, the Centre City Development Corporation has given the green light for builders to develop the area. In fact, 15 residential units are planned, including at least three affordable housing buildings, as well as significant office and commercial space.

The 325-acre East Village is also home to PETCO Park (25), the National League San Diego Padres ballpark. This 42,685-seat venue is a state-of-the-art facility. Architecturally magnif icent, with natural stone and stucco exterior and beautiful landscaping, it combines the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of San Diego. Ballpark guided tours (619-795-5011) are offered Tues.–Sun.

Highly recommended is the popular cafe and coffeehouse The Mission (2) at 1250 J St. (619-232-7662), which is located in a charming historic house. Their specialties are delicious breakfast entrées like blueberry cornmeal pancakes, which are served in huge portions. Locals flock to their full-service coffee bar where they serve fresh ground coffee and espresso. Their patio seating is a great way to enjoy the lively East Village scene. Use their coupon to get 50% off One Entree.

Just up the hill to the north of downtown San Diego is Hillcrest (see map), a charming uptown neighborhood. It’s known for its interesting little shops, sidewalk cafés and extensive restaurant row.

There are literally dozens of great dining destinations offering a variety of cuisine. A highly recommended restaurant is the always impressive Mandarin House Restaurant (4) at 2604 Fifth Ave. (619- 232-1101). They serve authentic Chinese cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Plus, they have a second location in La Jolla near Windansea.

San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter is where history, fine dining, shopping and entertainment come together in sights, sounds and tastes. In fact, the 16-block area between Fourth and Sixth avenues, Broadway and the waterfront has been designated a National Historic District. Here you will find many beautifully reconstructed buildings from a bygone era. These buildings now house fashionable restaurants, popular nightclubs, galleries, shops, stylish apartments, lofts and impressive offices.

Architecturally, the Gaslamp Quarter contains many of the best Victorian-style commercial buildings constructed in San Diego. San Diego's New Town had its beginning when businessman Alonzo Horton, founder of downtown San Diego, first built his wharf at the foot of Fifth Avenue. Today, there is a new appreciation for the grand old buildings. This change has come about as a result of the efforts of the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation and Council, the City Planning Department, as well as numerous local merchants.

The Gaslamp's renaissance is seen in more than 200 restaurants, shops, galleries and nightclubs that now fill the area. The mixture contributes to the Gaslamp's two personalities. By day it's a shopper's paradise with such destinations as Lucky Brand Jeans, GOGA by Gordana boutique, Jacques LeLong Boutique and Urban Outfitters.

Fun is always on tap when you dine at Rock Bottom Brewery in the Gaslamp. Rock Bottom Brewery is a lively and casual dining experience featuring fresh, handcrafted beers brewed on premise and an innovative menu. Rock Bottom Brewery, which is a giant in the microbrewing industry has an excellent location in nearby La Jolla. You’ll discover that this location of Rock Bottom Brewery and restaurant is a perfect venue for great-tasting food and delicious local handcrafted award-winning beer. Rock Bottom Brewery is also an ideal gathering spot for friends and family.

By night the mood changes, and the area comes alive with the laughter and energy of people out on the town for a night of dancing, dining or just to see the amazing sights. Cars cruise Fifth Avenue, both to see and be seen. The Gaslamp becomes alive and electric. Some of the best nightclub entertainment in San Diego County is in the Gaslamp Quarter. It includes everything from salsa music to rhythm and blues to flamenco dancing!

Cafe Sevilla at 353 Fifth Ave. (619-233-5979) has been voted best Spanish and Tapas restaurant in San Diego numerous times. Enjoy the spirited music and flavorful cuisine of Spain. Their popular Gypsy Fusion Dinner Show ($47.50) is featured Sat. 7 p.m.–9:30 p.m., and their Classical Flamenco Dinner Show ($39.50) is performed Fri. 7 p.m.– 9:30 p.m. in the downstairs nightclub. The price includes a three-course-meal and the cover charge for the nightclub.

Rei do Gado Brazilian Steak House at 939 Fourth Ave. (619-702-8464) is one of Downtown San Diego’s Top Rated restaurants. Break out of the ordinary. This Brazilian steak house will give you something to talk about as well as something to rave about. The real excitement begins when servers pass through the dining room with three-foot-long skewers, providing patrons with one of their many course selections, which include fillet mignon, top sirloin, ribs, chicken, lamb and ham like you have never had before.

The Fish Market Restaurant Downtown at 750 N. Harbor Dr. (619-232-3474) has great harbor view seafood dining at its best. Located at the Embarcadero and also featuring the Top of the Market (619-234-4867) restaurant upstairs. These restaurants with their classy nautical decor definitely are some of the finest seafood restaurants on the West Coast. You’ll be impressed with their 100-plus seafood menu, oyster bar, sushi bar, cocktail bar and retail fish market.

The Omni Hotel San Diego at 675 L Street (619-231-6664) is located in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, across from the convention center, putting you close to the city's top sites and attractions. It offers the perfect escape, with contemporary accommodations that feature views of the bay, city or PETCO Park Stadium, as well as the impeccable service Omni Hotels is known for.

Hotel Solamar San Diego at 435 6th Avenue (619-819-9500) is a hip luxury hotel immersed in the dynamic energy of downtown San Diego. It is the perfect contemporary setting for the vibrant sun-and-sea attitudes that define California's second largest city. Located in the heart of the lively Gaslamp District, Hotel Solamar, a Kimpton Hotel, offers an ideal destination for business and leisure travelers alike.

Doubletree Hotel San Diego Downtown at 1646 Front Street (619-239-6800) is a newly renovated hotel featuring 333 guest rooms, suites and town homes with balconies that overlook downtown and the harbor. They also have two ballrooms for special events and meetings that can accommodate up to 200 people. They have superb catering and tasteful extras that make them top choice for San Diego wedding venues.

The Westin Gaslamp Quarter at 910 Broadway Circle (619-239-2200) is the place to stay and play in San Diego's historic and vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, featuring fine shopping, restaurants, entertainment and culture. The Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego offers a unique location, with the exhilarating excitement of the city at their doorstep.

Near the foot of Harbor Drive and Fifth Avenue is the one and only Hard Rock Hotel San Diego (1) at 207 Fifth Ave. (619-702-3000). On the fourth floor is their ultra chic outdoor lounge called Float. By day Float is an amazing place to soak up the rays by the pool, and at night it is transformed into a swanky and vibrant nightclub under the stars. It also offers a bird's eye view of the Gaslamp Quarter

Stay San Diego (27) (619-696-3280) has one of the most complete condo and vacation rental listings for downtown San Diego and beyond. That’s why vacationers, corporate travelers and newcomers can rest easy when they stay in a place that has lots of space and all the comforts of home. You can also take a virtual tour of lots of budget friendly studios, luxurious multi-million dollar highrises with incredible San Diego Bay views, and everything in between.