Downtown San Diego
January 31, 2008 by Travel Guide Greg
Filed under San Diego
Downtown San Diego – An Up And Coming Landscape
Downtown San Diego, which is also referred to as Centre City, is the heart of the business district in San Diego County. It is considered one of the most upcoming areas in the western part of the United States. The downtown area is like a magnet, drawing people from all over to this exciting area. It is surrounded by mountains and features a natural harbor, considered to be ranked as one of the most breathtaking. The city’s revitalized landscape came about through redevelopment of the area and urban renewal.
If you’re looking for lodging that is up and coming, the Keating Hotel would be a good choice. This hotel was designed by an Italian designer named Pininfarina. This designer also put the magic touches on Ferrari and Maserati.
The Little Italy area has plenty of boutique shopping and cafes. In 2007, the San Diego Museum of Contemporary art expanded its facilities to provide more art and culture. On the waterfront downtown, you can find outdoor activities, art and other forms of recreation.
There are eight neighborhoods in the downtown San Diego area: Little Italy, Marina, Columbia, the Core, Cortez Hill, Gaslamp Quarter, East Village and Horton Plaza. Each of these neighborhoods stands out in their own unique way. There is always construction going on to expand on what is already there.
Walking is the best way to get around in the downtown area. The city blocks are short and the majority of downtown streets flow in a one way direction. However, if you can’t walk long distances here are some alternative ways to getting around downtown San Diego:
The San Diego Trolley has a service that goes through certain sections of the downtown area. The light rail operates Sunday – Saturday from 5 AM to 12 midnight. They operate at fifteen minute intervals.
Pedicabs are a means of transportation on a smaller scale. They are made similar to carriages, but they are not as long and large. They can carry at least two passengers, plus the driver. You can find these vehicles in the most parts of the downtown area. You can find them more so in the Gaslamp Quarter, Marina and Columbia areas. Pedicabs are something different than taking a taxi and as close to riding a bicycle as you’ll ever get.
If you are into go cars, there’s a place in the downtown area called Go Cars. These mini cars only have three wheels and can be used as an alternative to tour buses. The mini cars can only seat two people and there is an audio tour which is navigated by a GPS.
Horse drawn carriage rides from the Cinderella Carriage Company are available for your enjoyment. You can sit back and relax as your riding through the Embarcadero and Gaslight Quarter neighborhoods.
If you’re looking to have a really good time, the Gaslight Quarter is the place where you can dance the night away. With over 40 nightclubs and bars, you don’t have any reason not to be able to party like you want to.
If you’re more of a day person, you can check out the USS Midway Museum and learn more about the history of the Navy. For you animal lovers, PETCO Park is available for you and your furry companion(s).
