San Diego Uptown / Downtown

Banker’s Hill/Hillcrest • North Park/South Park San Diego Downtown/Little Italy • Barrio Logan • Balboa Park

Banker’s Hill/Hillcrest

Marston House Museum and Gardens

3525 Seventh Ave.  619-297-9327  www.sohosandiego.org/main/ marston2.htm

Marston House is a shining example of the Arts & Crafts Movement in California. The home and grounds are open to the public for tours and exploration. Visitors learn about one of San Diego history’s most prominent families and the people who helped create one of the region’s most important estates. Reservations required.

Quince Street Bridge www.hillquest.com/quince-streetbridge

400 Quince St., between Third & Fourth Aves.

Suspended 60 feet above Maple Canyon, this historic wooden trestle bridge is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Originally built in 1905, it’s one of the only wooden trestle pedestrian bridges in San Diego—and a highlight of the Seven Bridges walk.

North Park/South Park

Axe Ventures

3001 El Cajon Blvd. #2  619-255-9883  www.axeventures-axethrowing.com

Learn the art of axe throwing from an expert coach. Try out Dark Light Axe Throwing for an even more thrilling experience, available Thursday evenings.

Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream  3077 University Ave.  619-567-7528 www.hammondsgourmet.com  Award-winning, small batch ice cream with an island twist. Try the popular miniature ice cream cone flight for a delicious selection of Hawaiian-inspired flavors like passionfruit, mango and Kona coffee.

Trolley Barn Park

1943 Adams Ave. www.normalheights.org/parks/ trolley-barn-park

The former grounds of a 1913 barn used to store and perform service to several hundred trolleys. The 8.5-acre park offers free concerts, summer movies, playgrounds and lots of grass with views of Mission Valley.

San Diego Downtown/ Little Italy

City Cruises by Hornblower  619-686-8715 www.cityexperiences.com/sandiego/city-cruises

Explore San Diego Bay from the water on a sightseeing harbor tour, weekend brunch cruise or seasonal whale and dolphin adventure. Departure location is dependent upon which cruise is booked (both are on Harbor Dr.); visit website for details.

Donut Bar & Bakery

401 W. A St

619-255-6360 www.donutbarsd.com

Artisanal, handcrafted donuts with national acclaim. New, bigger downtown shop; same amazing donuts, such as Strawberry Split, Nutella Overload, Vanilla Bean Glazed and oh, so many more.

The Escape Game

232 Fifth Ave.

619-853-2834 www.theescapegame.com/san-diego

Choose from five unique game rooms featuring varying skill levels and themes. Each game has multiple rooms to explore and unlimited hints from the Game Guide. Recommended for ages 13+.

Gallagher Square at Petco Park 840 K St.

This newly renovated playground is free and open to the public on non-game days! Also offers a fenced dog park and pickleball courts.

Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House  410 Island Ave.  619-233-4692 www.gaslampfoundation.org

Constructed in 1850, this is the oldest remaining home in the Gaslamp Quarter. Each room showcases a different period in the house’s history. Self-guided and private tours available.

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

643 Fifth Ave.

619-234-2449 www.ghirardelli.com/stores

A great spot for a sweet treat after a Padres game or night on the town. Treat yourself to the famous hot fudge sundae, create your own “quake shake” or cool down with a frozen hot chocolate.

Grant Hill Park  2660 J St.

This small park offers grass, a playground, basketball court and views of the Coronado Bridge and downtown.

The Headquarters at Seaport  789 W. Harbor Dr. 925-241-4023 www.theheadquarters.com

Enjoy a meal at Puesto, boutique shopping and a hidden piece of San Diego history. As the former site of San Diego’s Police Headquarters, you’ll find historic photos, restored jail cells and a unique family photo opportunity against a lineup wall (free).

Jacobs Music Center 1245 Seventh Ave. 619-235-0804 www.sandiegosymphony.org

Formerly Copley Symphony Hall, the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center is the home of the San Diego Symphony. Check the website for performances, including Family Concert Series and Symphony Kids, a new series designed to introduce children up to age 5 to orchestra music and instruments.

Little Italy Mercato

W. Date St. (Kettner to Front)   www.littleitalysd.com/events/mercato

Grab your amici and famiglia for a stroll through San Diego’s largest farmers market (six blocks). A feast for the senses, the Mercato features locally grown produce, bread, fish, handcrafted goods and more. Saturdays and Wednesdays, year-round.

Maritime Museum of San Diego  1492 N. Harbor Dr.  619-234-9153  www.sdmaritime.org

Climb aboard this historic fleet of steam boats, submarines and sailing ships—including the iconic Star of India. Don’t miss family events like Pirate Days and Fleet Week. Sailing adventures and tours available.

The New Children’s Museum

200 W. Island Ave.  619-233-8792  www.thinkplaycreate.org

Spend a fun day at this interactive museum that encourages children to explore, play with and learn about contemporary art. Check website for current installations, events, classes and special access programs that offer free and discounted admission. Sensory Friendly Mornings take place quarterly from 9–11 am.

Petco Park Tours

100 Park Blvd. 619-795-5011 www.mlb.com/padres/ballpark/tours

Experience a behind-the-scenes look at one of America’s favorite ball parks. Take a game-day tour to learn about the history of Petco Park and the Padres and watch batting practice from the outfield. Tours available yearround. Educational tours for school groups; Spanish and Japanese tours also available.

Portside Pier www.portsidepier.com

1360 N Harbor Dr.

Treat the family to a sit-down meal with spectacular waterfront views or grab something to go at Portside Coffee & Gelato. Locals recommend ordering from Ketch’s walk-up window for a quick lunch or snack with an unbeatable bay view.

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park 222 Marina Park Way; 619-235-0804  www.theshell.org

Enjoy concerts and performances—and breathtaking views of downtown and San Diego Bay—at this stunning open-air music venue and architectural wonder on the waterfront.

San Diego Central Library  330 Park Blvd; 619-236-5800  www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library

Visit the ninth floor of this world-class library for downtown views from the iconic dome. Don’t miss the Children’s Library with life-size murals of Dr. Seuss characters, and the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center. Also offers a teen center and the Binford, I CAN, Too! Center for families with special needs.

San Diego Children’s Park 115 W Island Ave.

New fenced in playground in the heart of downtown features a wooden play structure, swings, climbing structures, a dog park and supervised bathrooms. Best for ages 5 & up.

San Diego Firehouse Museum  1572 Columbia St; 619-232-3473  sandiegofirehousemuseum.com

Stop by to check out La Jolla’s first fire engine, firefighting equipment dating back to the 1800s, and a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.

Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center  330 Park Blvd.  619-236-5800  www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library  Baseball fans love exploring the largest baseball research collection outside of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Discover artifacts, photographs, autographed collectibles and more. Located on the eighth floor of the San Diego Central Library just steps from Petco Park.

Unconditional Surrender Statue  43-99 Tuna Ln.

An iconic San Diego 25-foot art installation that recreates the famous kiss between a sailor and a nurse celebrating the end of World War II in New York’s Times Square. Located at Tuna Harbor Park adjacent to the USS Midway.