Downtown-San-Diego-Hotels-Travel Guide

Features: Take a trolley from Downtown San Diego and enjoy a city tour or take a cruise on San Diego Harbor and enjoy breathtaking views of the San Diego Skyline

San Diego harbor is the most beautiful harbor in America. If you are on a cruise trip you can enjoy not only the scenic views of the skyline and the downtown but also the passing Yachts, Sailboats, Naval Warships, and Seals.

Location: Downtown San Diego (North Embarcadero)

Harbor Tours Start: 10AM – 4:15PM (5:30 PM during Summer).

Cost: $20+ ($10+ for Kids ages 4-12 and $18+ for Seniors 55 and over)

San Diego Harbor Cruise Highlights: Hornblower and San Diego Harbor Excursions

• Whale-watching, Brunch and Dinner Cruises, and Yacht Charters

• Both companies offer one and two hour San Diego Bay tours. For one hour tours, you can choose to explore the North or South sides of the San Diego Bay, while the two hour tours include both.

If you can only choose the one hour tour, here is some information to help you make a decision on whether to see the North or South side.

• Both have a great view of the downtown skyline. However, the South Tours will take you around to see the full San Diego skyline, including the architecturally interesting San Diego Convention Center.
• The South Tours provide a closer view of the Coronado Bridge, Hotel Del Coronado, Navy Ships at Naval Station San Diego, and Shipbuilding Operations.
• The North Tours provide a closer view of sailboats and yachts heading in and out to the Pacific Ocean, military aircraft at North Island Naval Air Base, Cabrillo National Monument, and a better chance of spotting sea lions and other wildlife.

Do not forget your

• Camera-Harbor Cruises in San Diego provide great picture taking opportunities
• Long sleeve shirt or light jacket (even in the summer some times) since it can be breezy out on the Bay
• A valid photo I.D. if you are at least 18 years of age.

Can you smoke on a cruise?

* Smoking is allowed on the outdoor decks of the boats but is rarely an issue for non-smokers since very few people smoke in San Diego.

Can you bring food or drink on a cruise?

* Food – You can not bring food or drink on the Hornblower. However, you are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages on San Diego Harbor Excursions.

The boats offer small cafes. You will also find a variety of restaurants within walking distance.

Information for Cruising on San Diego Bay

Admission Prices: (Costs are Approximate)

• Parking will range from $2 – $10
• 1 Hour Tours on the San Diego Harbor Excursion start at $20 (Adults), $18 (Seniors 55 and over), and $10 (Kids 4-12 years old)
• 2 Hour Tours on the San Diego Harbor Excursion start at $25, $23, and $12.50 respectively.
• Hornblower Cruises charges a couple dollars more for each age category. They also sell tickets for the San Diego Natural History Museum, Maritime Museum, and Aircraft Carrier Museum at $1 discounts and provide a free soda drink coupon for the boat tour as part of the Combo Package.

Directions

Both San Diego Bay tour companies launch from the Broadway Pier.

You can find the exact location of the companies in Google maps

San Diego Harbor Excursion at 1050 North Harbor Drive in San Diego, CA 92101.

Hornblower Cruises at 1066 North Harbor Drive in San Diego, CA 92101.

Parking – There is Metered Street Parking near Broadway Pier that runs about $1.25 per hour with a limit of 2 – 3 hours. Nearby parking lots generally charge a parking rate of $10 for 10 hours.

It is easier to park in the lots and spend a good part of the day (if not the entire day) enjoying the waterfront attractions, restaurants, going for a walk, and enjoying the views.

Transit – Both the Blue and Orange Trolley Lines move through Downtown San Diego and get you within four blocks of most attractions, including the Harbor Cruises (Santa Fe Depot and America Plaza Stations).

The AMTRAK and Coaster Station are also within a few blocks of the Harbor Cruises.

Walking around Downtown San Diego is easy since it is flat with the exception of the northeast corner near Cortez Hill.

Now with all this information just pack your bags and head on for a cruise trip!