Seaport Village San Diego
As it has been. As it will be. Seaport Village is a favorite attraction for locals and visitors alike because it has a little something for everyone. A family-friendly San Diego attraction, Seaport Village has some of San Diego's best views along the harbor. With over 14-acres of shops, dining, walkways, and park lands, Seaport Village draws millions of people to its property annually.
There are four miles of walkways including a 1/4-mile wooden boardwalk. Walking around the property, you'll find different themes incorporated in this popular San Diego destination. You'll get a feel of Old Mexico, Victorian, Old West and Cape Cod thematic architectural designs. All create a meandering, relaxing environment to stroll around, be outside along the water's edge, and just enjoy a beautiful San Diego day. There are 54 one-of-a-kind shops, 13 casual dining eateries and four fine-dining waterfront restaurants. There is even an historic carousel. The famous 1895 carousel hand-carved by Charles Looff is a must for anyone who loves a carousel. Additionally, Seaport Village has free year-round outdoor entertainment throughout the property. From blues to jazz, country and swing, street performers, jugglers, caricaturists, dancers, artists, and face painters are part of the live entertainment that brings everyone together to enjoy the beautiful setting of Seaport Village.
For locals and visitors, grabbing a bite to eat along the water is a big plus. Not to mention that parking is free for the first two hours with purchase! Seaport Village is a great place to dine on a Greek Gyros, pizza slice, ice cream cone, fish taco, or many other options and sit along the boardwalk wall or an outside table. All the restaurants, casual and fine dining, have inside and outside sit-down dining (four with fantastic bay-views). Seaport Village should be part of any visitor's plans, and especially any plans that include visiting other nearby attractions including: the USS Midway, the Gaslamp District and/or the San Diego Convention Center. Seaport Village is also easy to get to from the San Diego Airport and the cruise ship terminals. In fact, it is a mere 5-10 minute drive/cab ride from the airport and cruise ship terminals. Seaport Village is located close enough to the cruise ship terminals that visitors can even walk there comfortably. For more information on what is happening at Seaport Village, please click here.
Click here for more information on directions and free parking information.
SEAPORT VILLAGE LIST OF TENANTS (current as of 12/08)
Seaport Village Antique Carousel
Use the Pacific Coast Highway entrance to Seaport Village. Rides cost $2 and Frequent Rider Cards get you the 10th ride free.
Hours of Operation:
Memorial Day Through Labor Day: 10am-10pm
Labor Day through Memorial Day: 10am-9pm.
Remember, parking is free for 2 hours with validation of purchase from any of these merchants.
Shops and Galleries - A Few of My Favorite Things--Collectibles, including the largest selection of Precious Moments found anywhere
- A Touch of Mexico--Mexican Ceramics
- Alamo Flags--International flag shop featuring custom flags and American flag clothing
- American Nostalgia--Specializing in reproductions and memorabilia, with a wide variety of tin signs
- Apple Box--Featuring personalized wooden toys
- Big Dog Sportswear--Imprinted t-shirts and sportswear for the whole family
- California Original Sunglasses--Sunglasses for everyone
- Camera Plus--Digital cameras, camera supplies and electronics
- Captain Hunt Tobacconist--The Captain stocks humidors, leather goods, lighters and high-end pipes
- Captain's Cove--Nautical treasures and lighthouses from all over the world
- Carousel Music Box Company--Carrying a wide variety of musical boxes and figurines
- Crazy Shirts--Two locations featuring imprinted t-shirts and sportswear for adults and children
- Crystal Palace--An exciting collectible store with crystal and gifts from around the world
- Del Sol--Casual clothing and accessories that change color in the sun
- Destination Travel--Large selection of designer inspired purses and fashion watches
- Discover Nature--Featuring rare items inspired by nature including natural butterfly wing jewelry
- Elegant Illusions--Specializing in jewelry using laboratory created gemstones and Austrian crystals
- Haberdashery--Offering a wide selection of distinctive men's wear, not found in department stores
- Harbor Lights Candle Shop--Candles and a complete line of candle accessories for the home and garden
- Hot Licks--Hot sauces, salsas and fiery foods
- Island Hoppers Men's--Tropical resort wear for men
- Island Hoppers Women's--Fine resort and casual wear for women & children
- Kite Flite--Largest selection of kites in the county with flying park right outside the store
- Latitudes--Carrying a wide selection of the latest relaxed, fun clothing for men & women
- Le Cadeau--Striving to offer unusual and one-of-a-kind collectible dolls and fairies
- Mistletoe--Year-round Christmas store specializing in unique hand-crafted ornaments
- Mugger--The world's largest selection of mugs
- Mystic Mermaid--One-of-a-kind fine ladies apparel and unusual accessories, bags and scarves
- Poquitos--Unique attire, great toys and outstanding gift ideas for kids of all ages
- Presenting The Soap Opera--A fine collection of bath and body gifts
- Safari Animal Collection--Featuring a wide array of animal collectibles
- Sally Huss Gallery--All Sally Huss signature products including purses, hats and clothing
- San Diego City Store--City artifacts and memorabilia including a wide variety of signs
- San Diego Harley Davidson--Featuring San Diego Harley Davidson merchandise
- San Diego Information Center--Kiosk featuring tourist information and attraction tickets
- San Diego Surf Co.--Surf apparel for all ages, including Hurley, Rusty, Split and Paul Frank brands
- Seaport Village Shell Co.--Everything under the sea such as rare collector shells and showcase coral pieces
- Silver Crossing--Silver jewelry and architectural décor
- Sports Headquarters--Everything for the sports lover, including team jackets, jerseys and hats
- Swings N Things--Hammocks and porch swings all hand-made and available to try out in the store
- The Cerveza Store--Casual wear and souvenirs for beer lovers and beachgoers
- The Little Viking--Scandinavian imports
- Tile Shop--From terracotta to Mexican ceramic tiles and everything in between
- Toy Cottage--Unique and hard-to-find toys, great travel games and astronaut ice cream
- Trails West--Silver & Leather Co. Hand made Indian jewelry, artifacts, leather, belts, buckles and gifts
- Upstart Crow--Bookstore and coffeehouse featuring award-winning coffees and live music
- Urban Girl Accessories--Purses, belts, earrings and cosmetics
- Village Hat Shop--Hats and accessories including specialty holiday hats
- Whitt Krauss Gallery--A treasure trove of fine art collectibles
- Wind Song--Featuring the largest selection of high-quality, tuned wind chimes
- Windham Vacation Resorts--Welcome center
- Wyland Galleries--Home to spectacular paintings, sculptures and photography of marine life
Remember, parking is free for 2 hours with validation of purchase from any of these restaurants.
Restaurants and Eateries
- Asaggio--Where you'll find the best deep dish pizza west of Wrigley Field
- Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream--Two locations serving ice cream, frozen yogurt and smoothies
- Buster's Beach House & Longboard Bar--Featuring exotic cuisine from islands around the world
- Company of Nuts and Candy--Homemade chocolates, candies, nuts and frozen yogurt
- Edgewater Grill--Enjoy fresh seafood, steak and pasta while admiring the beautiful view
- Greek Islands Café--Indoor and outdoor water's-edge dining on authentic Grecian specialties
- Harbor House Restaurant--Serving local draft beers, fresh fish, shellfish and premium steaks
- Margarita's Kitchen & Cantina--Serving authentic Mexican cuisine is Margarita's specialty
- Marion's Fish Market--Fish and chips, seafood combos and unique sandwiches all served fresh
- San Diego Burger Company--A place where the whole family can enjoy a delicious meal
- San Diego Pier Café--Presenting spectacular views and fresh seafood
- Seaport Coffee & Fudge Factory--Gourmet coffee drinks & fudge
- Seaport Cookie Company--Eight varieties of original recipe cookies
- Seaport Grill--Specializing in grilled food from hot dogs to eggplant
- Seaport Village Deli--Serving hot and cold deli sandwiches on a patio with a full ocean view
- Seaport Village Popcorn Co.--Carrying the world's best popcorn and caramel corn
- Village Café--Serving 25 different types of gourmet sandwiches, plus salads & soups
CURIOUS ABOUT THE SEAPORT VILLAGE CAROUSEL?
History of the Seaport Village Carousel:
- 1895 - Carved by Charles Looff
- 1895 - Placed in Fairpark, Texas
- 1950s - Moved to Santa Monica
- 1970s - Moved to Spanaway, Washington
- 1980s - Moved to Portland, Oregon
- 1987 - National Registration of Historic Places
- 1991 - Complete Restoration
- 1992 - Placed in Ameraflora, Columbus, Ohio
- 1997 - Moved to Burbank, California
- 2004 - Moved to Seaport Village, San Diego
Charles Loof (1852-1918) - America's First, Great Carousel Carver
In 1870, Charles Looff arrived from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany to the United States. He got work as a woodcarver in a Brooklyn furniture store. His penchant for carving wooden animals lead to his work being placed at Coney Island as part of Coney Island's first carousel in 1876. Looff's artistry emerged through three defining stages of his career. In the first stage (1876-1888), his worked reflected a love for sweet and gentle animals. During the middle part of his career (1889-1900), his work became more refined with elegant, well-carved animals with well-chiseled leads, intricate manes and other features. His later work or the "Coney Island" phase (1901-1918)was a departure from refinement and cast him into the most flamboyant and highly stylized artistry in his wood carving career. Seaport Village's Carousel showcases the work of Charles Looff from the late 1880s-1900s. This carousel features his work with glass ornamentation and use of intricate saddleback carvings. Although the children may not appreciate the finer details of Looff's artistry, adults can certainly catch a glimpse of the carousel animals' beauty as they watch the merry go 'round.
OTHER SPECIAL ANNUAL EVENTS AT SEAPORT VILLAGE
Seaport's Spring Busker Festival - a celebration of street performers draws thousands of visitors and San Diego locals for a weekend of extraordinary entertainment each Spring. While performers work the cobblestone paths for visitors' attention, awe-inspired guests vote for their favorites. This year's array of performers included jugglers, magicians, acro-balancers, storytellers, musicians, and Polynesian dancers.
© 2004-2010 SanDiegoTravelTips.com
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
|