Downtown San Diego boasts a beautiful natural harbor, excellent restaurants, great events, new and historic hotels, a major shopping plaza, and a lively nightlife scene which is second to none. It is always in a stage of new growth, development and excitement. A major presence in Downtown's development is the CCDC. Also playing a major role in the growth of Downtown is the Port of San Diego. They manage the San Diego Harbor and the public lands along the Bay, including the huge convention center & Petco Park. Downtown San Diego is home to the famous Gaslamp District, Little Italy, Seaport Village & the revitalized East Village.

Great Things to Do Downtown

The easy-to-find Horton Plaza (22) 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 Shoppingtown Horton Plaza . There are more than 140 stores and restaurants, including Macy's, Louis Vuitton and Nordstrom, and for great dining there's the Panda Inn (22).

Impressive Downtown Dining

A good place to dine in Downtown San Diego is The Fish Market Restaurant (14). Over 100 menu selections are featured. In fact, they even have their own fishing fleet to ensure that only the freshest seafood is served. Another great place to dine or drop by for happy hour is The Marble Room on 5th Avenue, San Diego's best continental gourmet restaurant in the Gaslamp District.

Downtown Development

An effective and dynamic force behind the redevelopment of downtown is the Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC). Visit their website for information on all the new downtown residential, commercial and public development projects. This public, nonprofit corporation also offers free bus tours every first and third Saturday with advanced reservations.

Living in the Gaslamp Quarter

Stay San Diego (27) 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.