San Diego Port of Call
⛵ Port Introduction
San Diego is a city that revolves around its beautiful bay, and the Port of San Diego is at the heart of it all. Established in 1962, the port is a bustling hub of maritime activity, but it's also a gateway to the vibrant life of the city. What's unique about this port is its incredibly close proximity to downtown. You're not just docking in an industrial area; you're arriving in the heart of the action.
The main attraction here is very much the city of San Diego itself. With its rich naval history, beautiful beaches, world-famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, and a laid-back Southern California vibe, there's more than enough to fill your day.
This city has one main cruise port area along the Embarcadero, which features two terminals: the B Street Pier Cruise Ship Terminal and the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier.
It is also an embarkation/disembarkation for several cruise line.
⚓ Terminal Information
Getting from your ship to the terminal is a breeze. You'll walk down a pier directly into the terminal building. The length of the walk is short, and it's a flat, easy surface. You won't need to worry about tenders. The port can handle up to three cruise ships at a time, with the B Street Pier being the larger of the two terminals and handling the majority of ships.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
Both the B Street Pier and the Port Pavilion are modern, permanent structures designed for a smooth flow of passengers. Inside, you'll find:
· Seating: Ample seating is available in the waiting areas.
· Bathrooms: Clean and accessible restrooms are located within the terminals.
· Water Fountains: Yes, you'll find water fountains to refill your water bottles.
· Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals. Look for the #SANfreewifi network for two-hour sessions.
· Tourist Information: You'll find information desks with friendly staff ready to answer your questions and provide maps.
· Shopping: There are no significant stores within the terminals themselves, but you are just steps away from the shops at Seaport Village and the downtown area.
· Tour Pickups: Pre-booked tours will have designated pickup areas right at the pier. Independent tour operators, like the popular Old Town Trolley Tours, have ticket booths and pickup spots a very short walk from the terminal.
· Public Transportation: The terminals are easily accessible. The Santa Fe Depot, a major hub for the trolley and train, is only a couple of blocks away. Several bus stops are also within a short walking distance.
🗣️ Language
The local language is English. You will have no problem navigating and communicating. However, due to our proximity to Mexico, Spanish is widely spoken, and you'll hear it frequently. Here are a few basic Spanish phrases that are always appreciated:
· Hello: Hola (OH-lah)
· Thank you: Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs)
· Please: Por favor (por fah-VOR)
· Goodbye: Adiós (ah-dee-OHS)
💰 Money
The preferred method of payment in San Diego is credit cards. They are accepted almost everywhere. However, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or tips.
· ATMs: You can find ATMs at the nearby San Diego International Airport, and there are numerous bank ATMs within a short walk of the cruise terminals in downtown. While there aren't ATMs directly inside the cruise terminals, you won't have to go far. ATM fees can vary, but you can expect a charge from both your bank and the ATM owner if it's not affiliated with your bank.
· Closest Bank with ATM:
o Bank of America: 450 B St, San Diego, CA 92101 (This is a short walk or a very quick taxi/rideshare from the port).
🚗 Transportation
Getting around San Diego is quite manageable for tourists.
· Public Transportation: The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers a network of buses and a trolley (light rail) system. The trolley is a fantastic and easy way to get to many popular tourist spots, including Old Town, the Gaslamp Quarter, and even the border with Mexico. You can purchase a PRONTO card or use the mobile app for fares. A day pass offers great value. The Green Line of the trolley is easily accessible from the Santa Fe Depot near the cruise port.
· Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are readily available and are a popular way to get around.
· Taxis: Taxis are also available at the cruise terminal. Rates are regulated, and you can see the fare on the meter. For groups larger than four, you can request a larger van-style taxi.
· Other Options: You'll see plenty of bike and scooter rental options around the downtown area. Car rentals are also available, and a standard U.S. driver's license is all that is required.
♿ Accessibility
For visitors with limited mobility, San Diego is quite accessible. I would rate it an 8 out of 10. The downtown area and the waterfront are mostly flat with curb cuts. Public transportation, including buses and trolleys, is wheelchair accessible. Many attractions also offer good accessibility. Some older areas or certain beaches might present more of a challenge.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
You're already there! The cruise port is located right on the edge of downtown San Diego. You can easily walk to many attractions. For destinations a bit further, like Balboa Park or the Zoo, a short ride-share or taxi trip is your best bet for speed and convenience. For a more scenic and informative journey, the hop-on-hop-off trolley tours are an excellent choice.
🚽 Toilet
· Public Toilets: You will find public restrooms at major parks (like Balboa Park), beaches, and in large public buildings. The cleanliness can vary, but they are generally maintained. Some may require payment, but this is not common for city-run facilities. The toilets are standard Western-style.
· Alternatives: The most reliable and cleanest restrooms will be found in museums, restaurants, and hotels. It's generally accepted to use the restroom in a cafe or fast-food restaurant if you make a small purchase.
💊 Drugstore
Should you need any pharmacy items, here are two of the closest options:
1. CVS Pharmacy
a. Address: 645 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101
b. Hours: Typically open from early morning until late evening, with pharmacy hours that may differ. It's best to check their website for current hours on the day of your visit.
2. Rite Aid
a. Address: 1411 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
b. Hours: Generally open from morning until evening. I would recommend a quick online search for their exact hours on your port day.
✨Authentic Experience
To truly get a feel for San Diego and support our local businesses, I recommend venturing beyond the main tourist strips. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Explore Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: This isn't just a tourist trap; it's the birthplace of California. Wander through the historic buildings, watch artisans at work, and browse the many small, locally-owned shops for unique souvenirs, from handmade jewelry to authentic pottery. It's a vibrant and educational experience.
2. Savor Fresh, Local Seafood at a Casual Eatery: Skip the fancy chains and head to a place where the locals go for fresh fish. A great option near the port is Mitch's Seafood on the Point Loma waterfront. It's a no-frills spot with fantastic, locally-caught fish tacos, grilled fish plates, and a lively atmosphere right on the fishing harbor. You'll get a true taste of San Diego's maritime culture.
3. Discover the Arts and Crafts of Liberty Station: A short ride-share away is Liberty Station, a former Naval Training Center that has been transformed into a vibrant hub of art galleries, small boutiques, and local eateries. You can wander through artists' studios, pick up unique handmade goods, and grab a bite at the bustling Liberty Public Market, which features a wide variety of local food vendors.
