Things to Do in Downtown San Diego, San Diego The San Diego Convention Center, the USS Midway Museum, and Balboa Park, which borders the area. The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its nightlife and dining options.
Plan Downtown San Diego Plan your Downtown San Diego trip Free · and No sign-up By TripSapien · Updated October 13, 2026
Home / Things to do in San Diego / Neighborhoods / Downtown San Diego Top things to do in Downtown San Diego
USS Midway Museum ★ 4.8 · 53.3k★
Life-at-sea exhibits, restored planes & flight simulators aboard this legendary aircraft carrier.
Every day 10 AM – 5 PM
Gaslamp Quarter ★
The historic downtown district preserves late-19th-century commercial buildings, theaters, restaurants, bars, and convention-center nightlife. It is walkable from Petco Park, the waterfront, and several trolley stops.
Spring Valley Swap Meet ★ 4.4 · 5.8k
Outdoor flea market, open weekends, with a variety of vendors selling new & used merchandise.
Mon–Fri Closed
Sat 7 AM – 3 PM
Sun 7 AM – 3 PM
Tuna Harbor Dockside Market ★ 4.6 · 408
Saturday marketplace with stalls selling fish, shrimp & more, freshly caught by local fishermen.
Mon–Fri Closed
Sat 8 AM – 1 PM
Sun Closed Where to eat & drink in Downtown San Diego
barleymash ★ 4.4 · 4.4k· $20–30
Sports TV & DJs accompany visits to this mod spot, known for craft beer, bourbon & flatbread pizzas.
Mon–Fri 12 PM – 2 AM
Sat 9 AM – 2 AM
Sun 9 AM – 2 AM
Prohibition Lounge ★ 4.5 · 1.2k· $10–60
Stylish, red-hued haunt with a 1930s vibe, featuring live music & seasonally inspired cocktails.
Every day 8 PM – 1:30 AM
Good Night John Boy ★ 4.9 · 1.2k· $10–40
Cleveland's most unique nightlife destination. Funk 1970's era dive bar with dancing, pizza, cool beer, sports, and groovy vibes.
Mon–Thu Closed
Fri 7 PM – 2 AM
Sat 7 PM – 2 AM
Sun Closed
Werewolf ★ 4.6 · 3.2k· $20–30
Hopping hangout featuring American bar fare, plus creative cocktails, karaoke & brunch.
Every day 8 AM – 2 AM
The Tipsy Crow ★ 4.3 · 2.4k· $10–50
Historic tri-level hangout serves pub grub & signature drinks alongside games, comedy & live music.
Mon–Wed 12 PM – 2 AM
Thu 12:30 PM – 2 AM
Fri 12 PM – 2 AM
Sat 12 PM – 2 AM
Sun 12 PM – 2 AM
Trailer Park After Dark ★ 4.4 · 898· $10–40
Subterranean dive bar serving American comfort fare & beer amid funky trailer park-themed decor.
Mon Closed
Tue–Wed 8 PM – 12:30 AM
Thu 5 PM – 12:30 AM
Fri 5 PM – 2 AM
Sat 5 PM – 2 AM
Sun Closed
Zama San Diego ★ 4.6 · 2.0k· $50–100
A restaurant known for its jungle-themed decor, cocktails, and dishes like lamb lollipops, wagyu beef rolls, salmon taquitos, and short rib with mushroom risotto.
Mon–Thu 5 PM – 11 PM
Fri 5 PM – 1:30 AM
Sat 5 PM – 1:30 AM
Sun 5 PM – 11 PM
Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant ★ 4.7 · 969· $20-30
A Mediterranean restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter, it offers dishes like Coban salata, Ezme, salmon, Adana kebab, Iskender, falafel, hummus, lamb shish kabob, and Kunafa.
Every day 11:30 AM – 10 PM
SideBar Nightclub San Diego ★ 4.3 · 503· $100+
Smart spot where fashionable types groove to DJ-fueled beats & sip specialty drinks on velvet sofas.
Mon–Tue Closed
Wed–Thu 8:30 PM – 2 AM
Fri 7:30 PM – 2 AM
Sat 7:30 PM – 2 AM
Sun Closed
The Shout! House ★ 4.7 · 2.8k· $$
Dueling piano players lead the crowd in classic-rock sing-alongs at this rollicking eatery & bar.
Mon Closed
Tue–Wed 7 PM – 12 AM
Thu 7 PM – 1 AM
Fri 6 PM – 1:30 AM
Sat 6 PM – 1:30 AM
Sun 6 PM – 11 PM
Knotty Barrel ★ 4.5 · 1.2k· $20–30
Laid-back gastropub pairs more than 100 types of beer with creative, locally sourced American eats.
Mon–Wed 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Thu 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Fri 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Sat 11 AM – 12 AM
Sun 11 AM – 10 PM
The Melt ★ 4.6 · 2.1k· $10–20
Sleek, counter-serve chain known for its grilled cheese, burgers, mac & cheese & fries.
Every day 10 AM – 3 AM Planning time in Downtown San Diego?
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1 USS Midway Museum 2 Gaslamp Quarter 3 barleymash 4 Spring Valley Swap Meet 5 Prohibition Lounge 6 Good Night John Boy 7 Werewolf 8 The Tipsy Crow 9 Tuna Harbor Dockside Market 10 Trailer Park After Dark Ready to plan Downtown San Diego? Turn these Downtown San Diego picks into a day-by-day San Diego plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.
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USS Midway MuseumHistory Museum
Gaslamp QuarterHistoric Landmark
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