The Greatest Generation Collection, as well as the other military memorials in the Embarcadero park, honor and celebrate the people, events and military heritage spanning the time from World War II to today.

Located in the shadow of the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Midway, the artworks provide a magnificent setting in which to learn, remember and become inspired. This collection is the product of generous donations to and partnerships with the Port of San Diego Public Art program. For more than a decade, the Port has recognized that public art adds effective educational and creative support to its role of providing and enhancing services, recreational opportunities, and public access within the tidelands.

Enjoy the collection and join the Port in saluting the Greatest Generation. Please print out this Walking Tour Guide to assist you in learning more about these great artworks, including: Aircraft Carrier Memorial, Homecoming, Battle of Leyte Gulf Memorial & Admiral Sprague Bust, Unconditional Surrender, Bob Hope Tribute, U.S.S San Diego (CL-53) Memorial, A.  U.S.S Midway Museum,  Pearl Harbor Survivors and Tuna Fleet Service.

The Port of San Diego's parks occupy a total of 150 acres of lavish open space that feature stunning views of the harbor. Each carefully maintained facility offers gorgeous landscaping and parking. So relax, enjoy and come out and play on the waterfront in one of the lovely parks of the Port of San Diego.

For the pleasure of walkers, joggers, bicyclists and skaters, the Port of San Diego has created miles of pathways that weave throughout the parks along the water's edge. For anglers, fishing piers are found in five locations. The parks are also ideal for hosting corporate events, weddings or reunions.

Cesar Chavez Park Chula Vista Bayfront Park Chula Vista Bayside Park Chula Vista Marina View Park Coronado Landing Park Coronado Tidelands Park Dunes Park Embarcadero Marina Park North

Embarcadero Marina Park South Grand Caribe Shoreline Park Harbor Island Park Pepper Park Portwood Pier Plaza Shelter Island Shoreline Park Spanish Landing Park Tuna Harbor Park

The oldest harbor cruise company in San Diego is Flagship Cruises & Events (4) (619-522-6155). They have been in operation since 1915. Being in business for 95 years is a recommendation that’s hard to beat. Their ticket office is at the foot of Broadway at 1050 N. Harbor Dr. Tours cost ($20) for one hour; ($25) for two hours. Senior citizens and military receive $2 off; children 4–12 are half price; under 4 are free. They also offer whale-watching adventures, dinner and champagne brunch cruises. Use their coupon for $5 off dinner or champagne brunch cruises, harbor tours or seasonal whale watching.

You can also board here for ferryboat rides to Coronado Island and back, which are 15-minute trips each way. There is no doubt about it, one of the most memorable ways to see this beautiful city is from the water via a harbor cruise.

Another excellent selection for a harbor cruise is Hornblower Cruises & Events (4) (619-522-6155). It’s located at 1066 N. Harbor Dr. at the Embarcadero, which is next door to Flagship Cruises & Events’ ticket window. They offer both one-hour ($23) and two-hour ($27) harbor cruises. They have six two-hour tour departures daily with seven in the summer. Senior citizens 55 and older and military receive $2 off; children 4–12 are half price; under 4 are free. It’s a wonderful way to see San Diego harbor. Hornblower Cruises & Events also offers seasonal whale and dolphin watching adventures, fabulous nightly dinner cruises and an excellent champagne brunch cruise. Use their coupon for $5 off their happy hour cruises, harbor cruises, dinner and champagne brunch cruises.

Next door to the north is the B Street Pier (10), which is San Diego’s international cruise ship terminal. This is where beautiful cruise ships dock. More than 190 cruise ships pass through here each year! This vast expanse of cruise ships visiting San Diego can be attributed to the wonderful job the San Diego Port District does. For more information on the cruise terminal and cruise ship arrivals and departures, call the San Diego Unified Port District (619-686-6342).

Next door to the cruise line terminal is the fabulous Anthony’s Fish Grotto Restaurant (3) (619-232-5103), which has been in business for 65 years. They have received San Diego’s Best Seafood Restaurant Award from the San Diego Union-Tribune Readers’ Poll for the last 14 years. This restaurant offers a beautiful harbor view along with the freshest seafood available. For quick-serve patio dining overlooking the water, dine outside at their Anthony’s Fishette (3) (619-232- 2175).

The fascinating floating museum at the Embarcadero consists of six historic ships: the Star of India, which is the oldest active sailing ship in the world, the steam ferry Berkeley, the steam yacht Medea, the San Diego Harbor Pilot, also an actual Soviet-era diesel B-39 submarine and the deepest-diving submarine ever, named the USS Dolphin. You will also find two replica ships one is a detailed re-creation of a 24-gun British frigate named the HMS Surprise, as seen in the movie Master and Commander starring Russell Crowe the other is the Californian, which is a replica of the 1847 Revenue Cutter C.W. Lawrence, which patrolled the coast of California enforcing federal law during the gold rush. The Californian is the official tall ship of the State of California. You can go aboard and explore these historic ships, see maritime artifacts, charts and take docent-led tours.  Be sure to visit all their exhibits and watch the construction of a full-scale replica of Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo's flagship the San Salvador.

Tickets & Hours  Open daily 9 a.m.–8 p.m. with extended hours Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission is ($14) adults; ($11) active military with ID and seniors 62 and over; ($8) children 6–17; children 5 and under free. Purchase Family Package Admission and save $5. For discounts and other perks, become a Maritime Museum member ($40-$65). Be sure to use their discount coupon and get $2 off admission!

Open daily 9 a.m.– 8 p.m. and till 9 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. You can now sail aboard the historic Californian ship at the Maritime Museum. The 145-foot long ship is a replica of a 19th century warship. Adventure Package price ($31–$42) includes admission to the museum and a four-hour San Diego bay cruise.

South of the foot of Broadway Pier along Harbor Drive are more attractions galore. You’ll see eye-catching skyscrapers, high-rise hotels and luxurious condos that reflect the glimmering coastal sunsets and a whole lot more.

Whatever you do, don’t overlook the opportunity to experience the magic of the USS Midway Museum (5) (619-544- 9600). It’s the world’s largest floating naval museum. Admission includes a selfguided audio tour, where you’ll learn about the USS Midway’s fascinating history. On the flight deck are historic military aircraft like the ones that landed on this aircraft carrier. From the 4.02-acre flight deck you’ll have a stunning view of the downtown skyline and San Diego Bay! Below deck explore the city at sea, which is a fascinating re-creation of life aboard an aircraft carrier. The museum is open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Admission is ($18) for adults; ($15) for seniors over 62 and students with ID; ($10) for retired military; ($10) children 6–17; active duty with ID and children 5 and under are admitted free. Be sure to use their coupon for a free youth admission with one or more paying adult.

If you like the USS Midway Museum, you might also enjoy the the Flying Leatherneck Museum in Balboa Park, where there are artifacts, photos and displays that help visitors relive the stories of courage, sacrifice and achievement in World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Literally next door to the USS Midway Museum is one of the Embarcadero’s most popular restaurants. In fact, it’s the top-grossing restaurant in San Diego! It’s The Fish Market (6) (619-232-3474) at the foot of G Street. Plus, it was awarded the prestigious Gold Medallion Award designating it the best seafood restaurant in San Diego by the San Diego Restaurant Association for 2010. This impressive, casual, bayfront seafood restaurant also has a sushi and an oyster bar, as well as a fish market in the foyer. You’ll be impressed with their 100-plus-item seafood menu.

Upstairs is where you’ll find their gourmet seafood restaurant called Top of the Market (619-234- 4867). Its rich, nautical setting features spectacular views. Dine inside, on their patios or on the terrace and enjoy a meal to remember and a wonderful bay view. Both restaurants are open daily from 11 a.m.

Here too is Joe’s Crab Shack (17) at 525 E. Harbor Dr. (619-233-7391), which is housed in the former boathouse of the historic San Diego Rowing Club. History buffs will enjoy seeing memorabilia of San Diego’s first rowing club. Plus, if you attend Summer Pops, this is a popular place to dine.

Whether for an extended stay or a weekend getaway, the Big Bay offers 15 hotels to suit the needs of every traveler. Book a stay on the Waterfront and receive up to 30% off, click here to see these offers.

Bay Club Hotel and Marina	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel	Big Bay Coupon: Click Here For Coupon Offer
Comfort Inn at the Harbor	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
Coronado Island Marriott Resort	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
Hilton San Diego Airport	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer:
Hilton San Diego Bayfront	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
Kona Kai Resort, Spa & Marina	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
Loews Coronado Bay Resort	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
Manchester Grand Hyatt	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina	Big Bay Coupon:  Click Here For Coupon Offer
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina	Big Bay Coupon: Click Here For Coupon Offer

The park is also home to a wonderful San Diego summer tradition, Ashford University Summer Pops (11). For 10 weeks each summer, the San Diego Symphony performs its Summer Pops series outdoors at Embarcadero Marina Park South on picturesque San Diego Bay. The Summer Pops features a wide variety of musical entertainment including Broadway, Motown, pop, rock and country. This summer’s headliners include Wynonna, Dennis DeYoung, Michael Feinstein and Burt Bacharach. The series begins the weekend of July 1 with the Fourth of July Weekend Star- Spangled Pops and ends with the 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular on Labor Day Weekend, both concluding with fireworks.

There are also fireworks at the conclusion of each Summer Pops concert on Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer. Seating includes cabaret tables, grandstand and lawn. Summer Pops concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are ($17–$76). For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the box office at (619-235- 0804).

Fifty yards south of The Fish Market Restaurant is Seaport Village (13). Celebrating 31 years, this one-of-a-kind attraction consists of more than 70 fascinating little shops and charming bayside restaurants, live entertainment and beautiful bayfront scenery all in one place.

This turn-of-the-century, re-created, waterfront village is ideally located in the heart of downtown San Diego’s Embarcadero at Pacific Highway and West Harbor Drive. It’s just a short walk from the San Diego Convention Center, luxurious condominiums and high-rise hotels such as the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina and the Manchester Grand Hyatt.

Seaport Village is an enchanting recreation of a time gone by. Expect to see street performers as well as friendly face painters and local sketch artists. Seaport Village hosts many festivals, special events, weekend concerts and holiday activities (619-235-4014). It’s also a favorite viewing spot for the 40th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights in December.

All of the shops in Seaport Village are open daily 10 a.m.–9 p.m., and in the summer (June through August) most store hours are 10 a.m.–10 p.m. They are even open on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Also, with a purchase in any Seaport Village store, you can have your parking ticket validated for two hours of free parking. After that there is a fee of ($3) per hour.

A great place to dine in Seaport Village is Buster's Beach House & Longboard Bar (18) (619-233-4300). Catch the island spirit at Buster’s with its eclectic tropical decor, aloha service and extensive menu. You’ll love their pork luau and macadamia nut crusted chicken. Plus they have pastas, fresh fish specials, burgers, salads, wraps and ribs. An extra plus is dining on their terrace with its romantic bay and marina view.

Be sure to take some time to stroll along the boardwalk. You’ll see Navy vessels and cargo ships steaming in and out of the harbor, as well as the city of Coronado, San Diego Bay and the Coronado Bay Bridge. There are telescopes (25¢) along the boardwalk so you can get a closer look at these sights. In fact, you can take telephoto pictures simply by placing your camera up to the eyepiece of these 20-power telescopes.

When visiting Harbor Island, be sure to enjoy Island Prime, winner of the San Diego Restaurant Association's 2007 Gold Medallion Award for "Steakhouse Fine Dining." Island Prime is actually two restaurants under one roof, Island Prime serves steak and seafood, while the other, C Level Lounge, features San Diego's best California cuisine.

Throughout the decades, Tom Ham's Lighthouse has been a favorite destination for great dinner, great views and impressive weddings. They offer glistening views of the ocean, plentiful space for beach weddings and receptions inside and outdoors! Since 1971 Tom Ham’s has been one of San Diego’s best known landmark restaurants. It’s beautifully located on the western tip of Harbor Island on San Diego Bay, where it enjoys a fantastic view of the downtown skyline and the Coronado bridge

On your way to or from the Cabrillo National Monument, definitely plan to discover Shelter Island. It’s one of two man-made peninsulas on romantic San Diego Bay. This tropical paradise is filled with tall swaying palm trees and majestic views of romantic San Diego Bay. While it’s home to classy yacht brokerage firms, boat builders, classy hotels, impressive bay view restaurants and impressive yacht clubs, it’s totally noncommerical in appearance.

Instead, it’s a great place to ride a bike, stroll along or drive up and down Shelter Island Drive and enjoy the views. You can also launch a boat for free for a day of boating or fish off the public pier. Not even a fishing license is required to fish here. Shelter Island typifies the best of the best about San Diego.

One of Shelter Island’s biggest attractions is the live summer concert series at Humphrey’s Restaurant (14). Featured are nationally acclaimed singers and musicians such as Diana Ross, The Beach Boys, Pat Benatar, Sheryl Crow, Chris Isaak and many more. They perform outdoors under the stars and it is a spectacular event. In fact, Humphrey’s has won the San Diego Restaurant Association’s Gold Medallion Award for Best Live Music Venue/Restaurant for 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. For tickets call (800-745-3000).

Their restaurant is also a crowd pleaser. It’s called Humphrey’s Restaurant (14) at 2241 Shelter Island Dr. (619-224-3577). While dining you can enjoy a postcard-perfect view of yachts on the bay. Humphrey’s is highly acclaimed for both its excellent modern global cuisine and outstanding live entertainment. A true show stopper is their Sunday Champagne Brunch, which many San Diegans describe as being the best in San Diego. See Restaurants. As for a perfect place to stay, look no further than Humphrey’s classy hotel located next door to their restaurant. It’s called Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn & Suites (14) at 2303 Shelter Island Dr. (619-224-3411).

A popular restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for over 66 years is Red Sails Inn (12) at 2614 Shelter Island Dr. (619-223-3030). It’s a local hangout for yachtsmen and San Diegans alike. Enhancing their delicious seafood and steak selections is a picturesque harbor view of America’s Cup Harbor. Add attentive service, nautical decor, a cocktail lounge and patio dining, and you’ll have a memorable dining experience.

No less impressive is the spectacularily remodeled Bali Hai Restaurant (15) at 2230 Shelter Island Dr. (619-222- 1181). It undoubtedly offers the most romantic view of the city, especially at night. Seeing huge cruise ships entering and leaving the harbor is a breathtaking experience. Also impressive are the delicious seafood, exotic tropical drinks, tantalizing steaks, chicken and more, all served with a Hawaiian flair. And if you you are looking for a place for a birthday, wedding reception or any special event this is the place.

Not to be missed is perhaps the best seafood and steak restaurant on Shelter Island, and it doesn’t even have a bay view. Yet Fiddler’s Green (12) at 2760 Shelter Island Dr. (619-222-2216) is one of the most recommended restaurants in San Diego. This is because it’s a nautical-themed restaurant with a warm, friendly atmosphere, great steaks, delicious prime rib and fresh seafood. And owner Steve Rock is almost always on hand to greet you with a welcoming smile. This is a great restaurant with a more than 50-year tradition behind it.

H&M Landing (11) at 2803 Emerson St. (619-222-1144) is located near Shelter Island in Point Loma. H&M Landing is the oldest and most established firm with the most boats and the widest range of sportfishing trips available. This sportfishing leader offers deep-sea fishing trips from 1/2 day to 18 days in length and can provide you with all the tackle you need. They operate exciting whale watching cruises in winter and summer. Present their coupon for $5 off on 1/2 and 3/4 day fishing or whale watching trips for up to six people.

Across the bay from downtown San Diego is the picturesque island resort of Coronado. It's blessed with white sandy beaches, superb restaurants, beautiful historic turn-of-the-century homes, delightful shops, an 18-hole championship golf course and the world famous Hotel del Coronado. Coronado, as we know it today, had its beginning in 1884 with the arrival of Elisha Babcock of Evansville, Indiana, and H.L. Storey of Chicago. These two financiers came to San Diego hoping the climate would help their poor health. A favorite pastime of theirs was to row across the bay and hunt rabbits and quail on the uninhabited brush-covered island. Together they conceived the idea of building a resort hotel on the island that would attract people worldwide. So in 1885 they formed a syndicate and bought the island for $110,000.

The original 400-room Hotel del Coronado was completed in 1888, and had the distinction of becoming the West Coast's first hotel to be equipped with electric lights. Many famous people including presidents and royalty have been guests of the hotel. The magnificent 123-year-old Hotel del Coronado at 1500 Orange Ave. (619-435- 6611) is an attraction that should not be missed. It's also an excellent place to stay, dine and shop.

The striking architectural design of Coronado Ferry Landing is reminiscent of the famous Hotel del Coronado. It's home to a sensational restaurant row made up of seven bayfront places to eat including Peohe's, Coronado's premier waterfront restaurant, and Il Fornaio, serving exquisite gourmet Italian cuisine.

If you like to dine and shop, this is it. There are several eclectic shops and galleries offering unique gifts, collectibles, imported fashions, beachwear and more. Coronado Ferry Landing (1) is located at the foot of B Avenue on the bayfront in Coronado at 1201 First St. (619-435-8895). See map. The stores open daily at 10 a.m.--9 p.m. The restaurants have extended hours and ample free parking.

A great way to save money is to redeem the Coronado Ferry Landing discount coupon in this book for a Shopping Pass. It's good for exclusive discounts at most stores. The shopping pass is free at Captain Coronado (Q). You can begin your tour of the shops anywhere. And the handy map in this chapter will help you navigate through Coronado Ferry Landing. Then you can do what most people do and dine at one of the many excellent bay view restaurants.

Everyone's favorite is the one and only Peohe's Restaurant (T) in location 3 (619-437-4474), which overlooks the bay. Diners will be enthralled with the new decor that features splashing waterfalls and spectacular waterfront views. As you might expect, the menu focuses on fresh seafood selections. They even have a full sushi bar and seasonal live entertainment. Their Sunday Brunch is world renowned for its presentation and stunning bay view.

A no less spectacular dining destination with wonderful gourmet Italian cuisine and a romantic bay view to match is Il Fornaio Restaurant (U) at 1333 First St. (619-437-4911). It's like taking a culinary journey to Italy. And everything is fresh and delicious.

Chula Vista is blessed with a beautiful harbor, picturesque rolling foothills, pristine lakes, charming new communities and a stylish new shopping center east of the 805 Freeway. This forward looking city is definitely worth discovering.

The Chula Vista Bayfront is becoming a world-class destination, developing to be a unique place for people to live, work and play. Chula Vista's marina is less crowded than others on the bay and provides boaters a peaceful, quite atmosphere away from downtown. It boasts tall swaying palm trees and a pristine park-like setting. The Chula Vista Yacht Harbor presents a tropical paradise with uncrowded waters, no boat surge and spectacular sunsets.

The Marina has over 552 boat slips with modern concrete docks and private dock boxes. The Marina facilities can accommodate a variety of vessels large and small. Our first class marina and resort facilities feature a vacation atmosphere, relaxed environment, and offers our visitors and regulars a wonderful change of pace and setting.

Also impressive is the Chula Vista Nature Center (3), which is surrounded by the 316-acre Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge (619-409-5900). It showcases one of the few remaining natural saltwater marshes on the California coast. This is a wonderful place to watch native birds in the wild and in captivity. Plus, there are fish exhibits as well as a shark and sea ray tank with a touch pool.

National City, which is north of Chula Vista and south of downtown San Diego is San Diego County’s industrial business hub. It boasts more than 3,000 businesses in a tiny land area of only 7.3 square miles. Major employers include its huge marine terminal that processed 270,000 cars last year. It is also home to the county’s largest new and used auto sales center, The National City Mile of Cars (19) with an inventory of more than 5,000 cars to choose from. National City is also home to Plaza Bonita (20) at 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. (619-267-2850). It is the largest enclosed mall in the South Bay and includes an AMC theater.

A top dining destination in National City is Villa Manila Restaurant (1) at 500 E. Eighth St. in the Old Schoolhouse Square (619-477-8512). The specialty of the house is the best Filipino cuisine you have ever tasted served in a comfortable, family atmosphere.


Sweetwater Harley-Davidson (2) is the best stop for anything Harley-Davidson. This is an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer, so they are your number one source for genuine Harley-Davidson motorcycles, parts, accessories, Motorclothes and collectibles.

Imperial Beach is flanked by the Pacific Ocean and South San Diego Bay, nestled between miles of uncrowded beaches, big surf and unparalleled open space and wetlands teeming with wildlife. There is lots to see and do in Imperial Beach, from swimming or surfing at the beach, to a walking tour of public art, to a nature walk and bird watching experience at the world-renowned Tijuana Estuary or to simply relax and enjoy our beautiful sunsets.

Homes and condos line the long beach where surfing, bodyboarding and swimming are good and popular throughout the summer. There's a fun seafood restaurant on the end of the pier and other attractions around Portwood Plaza at the end of Evergreen Avenue. The fishing pier, grassy parks, public sports facilities and year-round lifeguard service make I.B. a popular choice among South Bay residents and visitors alike.

During World War II, San Diego became a major hub of military and defense activity, due to the presence of so many military installations and defense manufacturers.

The city is "home to the majority of the U.S. Pacific Fleet's surface combatants, all of the Navy's West Coast amphibious ships and a variety of Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command vessels". We are home to 54 ships, over 120 tenant commands, and more than 35,000 sailors, soldiers, Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors.

Military bases on the San Diego Bay include Naval Base Point Loma, Naval Base San Diego, the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and Naval Air Station North Island (which operates Naval Auxiliary Landing Facility San Clemente Island, Silver Strand Training Complex, and the Outlying Field Imperial Beach).