Introducing San Diego
San Diego was named by Spanish expeditionaries, who sailed into the sheltered bay as far back as 1542. But it was nearly two hundred years before Spanish missionaries returned to establish a remote settlement. Fast forward to today and San Diego is not just the oldest city in California, but also its 2nd largest. The city is a main navy center, an extensive commercial harbor, and the center of a prominent technology area. San Diego's busy harbor and its proximity to the Mexican border give the city a bohemian vibe, and a redeveloped downtown and a long historical past adds to this energizing atmosphere. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the sunny climate attracts many new people and companies each year. So it's not surprising that many visitors come to discover this beautiful city.
You Choose The Cruise
There is a super range of cruise destinations from San Diego port. Options include the Mexican Riviera, Baja California, the Hawaiian islands, and routes to Florida via the (newly enlarged) Panama canal. Cruises from San Diego provides a comprehensive calendar of cruise ship sailings out of the city.
The San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal is positioned across from North Harbor Drive at the B Street Pier, so it's very near to central San Diego. The cruise terminal is modern with a complete range of facilities for passengers. In 2010 a new cruise terminal was constructed on the neighboring Broadway pier.
The port website can be found at Port of San Diego.
Sightseeing in San Diego
It's a short stroll on North Harbor Drive from the cruise port towards the big aircraft carrier ship, named the USS Midway, berthed at the Navy pier. Tour around the USS Midway Museum to experience the navy heritage of San Diego.
By the cruise port you'll find Embarcadero Marina park. Walk along the coastline for sweeping vistas across San Diego bay.
Take a tour of the fantastic Maritime Museum, an excellent collection of historic ships, such as Pilot, Californian, Medea, the Berkeley and the Star India.
Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter is perhaps the city's most characterful neighborhood. Development of the area started in 1867. The Quarter is home to a concentration of designer shops, galleries, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, bars, nightclubs and jazz clubs offering a charming Victorian ambience mixed with a modern party atmosphere. The quarter is also home to big city events, from food fairs and music festivals to St Patricks Day. 
Take a half hour ferry to Coronado island. A quick cab trip across the barrier island will get you to Coronado beach, a lovely sweep of sand on the ocean's coastline. Drop in at famous Hotel del Coronado, one of the few surviving examples of the Victorian beach hotel.
The growth of Balboa Park started in 1916, when an ambitious series of Spanish style buildings were designed and built for the Panama-California exhibition. Today the park has become the largest city cultural park in the US. 15 galleries and museums are situated in the 1200 acre area. The most well known is San Diego zoo, however further notable museums include the San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Museum of Art. The park also has wonderful grounds, especially the Inez Rose Parker Memorial Rose Garden and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
San Diego contains 21 catholic missions, established more than two centuries ago. The major task of the missions was converting the American Indians to Christianity. The first ever, named the Mother of the Missions, is named Mission San Diego de Alcala. This was founded in the eighteenth century by Blessed Junipero Serra. Only six years after completion Mission San Diego de Alcala was fired in a riot, but it was quickly reconstructed.
From the Airport
The terminal is a short10 minute drive from San Diego International Airport. Cab pick-up areas are situated on the forecourts of all three airport terminals.
By Train
Amtrak's main San Diego station, the Santa Fe Depot, is just a fifth of a mile away from the cruise terminal, so it's possible to go by foot or catch a taxi. If you are walking, travel west on Broadway street towards the bay. On reaching the waterfront, the cruise port is easy to see.
By Car
If traveling southward on Interstate 5, follow the highway into the middle of San Diego. Exit at Sassafras, signed to the airport. Follow Kettner for 3/4 mile, until you reach Laurel. Make a right on Laurel and proceed west until you reach Harbor Drive. Turn left on Harbor Drive. The cruise port is one-half mile on your right.
If driving north on I-5, continue along the road into downtown San Diego. Turn off at Hawthorn, signed to the airport. Follow along Hawthorn until Harbor Drive. At Harbor Drive, turn left. The cruise ship terminal is one-half mile on your righthand side.
Many parking lots cater for cruise passengers. Booking parking ahead is recommended.
