San Diego Hikes: Barrio Logan to Downtown San Diego Harbor Hike
San Diego has a vibrant downtown scene that has emerged over the past twenty years. For both locals and visitors alike Fun Diego Family has developed this 6-mile Barrio Logan to downtown San Diego Harbor hike. This hike actually starts next to downtown in the Barrio Logan neighborhood and incorporates most of the beautiful harbor front of San Diego.
- Starting Point: Logan Ave and Cesar Chavez Parkway, San Diego 92113
- Length: 6 miles
- Elevation: flat
- Type: loop
The San Diego Padres Petco Park has helped revitalize the East Village neighborhood of downtown since opening in 2004. This area is now home to trendy housing and restaurants. We choose to start our walk a little down the road in Barrio Logan. As an up-and-coming neighborhood, Barrio Logan provides a more interesting contrast with some of downtown’s more established neighborhoods.
Make sure and check out our full guide to Barrio Logan. One advantage of starting here is there is plenty of free parking. We start at the intersection of Logan Avenue and Cesar Chavez Parkway. This is right off the I-5 interstate at the exit for the Coronado Bay Bridge.
Our walk just touches on the Barrio Logan neighborhood as it goes down Cesar Chavez Parkway to Harbor Blvd, right past the Barrio Logan Gateway sign. However, make sure to look at the murals in Chicano Park, underneath the Coronado Bay Bridge.
The walk down Harbor Blvd is the only portion along a busy road. This is more of the industrial, military side of San Diego. However, the shipyards are what drove San Diego’s growth. Not only can you see the military presence, but there are likely to be large cargo ships unloading containers of products to be shipped all over the U.S.
A bridge will take you over the train tracks into the newer East Village area of downtown. To the right is the San Diego Padres Petco Park. This helped drive growth of this once struggling area. Today, this area is home to some of San Diego’s finest hotels and restaurants.
At the end of the bridge is the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel on the left, across the street from Petco Park. Like many hotels in this area, the Hilton is relatively new, opening its doors in 2009.
From the Hilton, you will start walking along the Embarcadero area of San Diego’s downtown waterfront. The San Diego Convention Center is on the right. This is where the Comic-Con convention is held every July.
Embarcadero Marina Park South is the first of several downtown green spaces along the harbor front. The park has bike paths, picnic tables, and a fishing pier. There is a Joe’s Crab Shack restaurant right next to the Fifth Avenue Landing area.
Along Fifth Avenue Landing you are likely to see some extremely expensive yachts. The landing is designed for “superyachts.” If you want a more modest boat ride you can take the ferry from here, across the harbor to Coronado for $5.
As you head up the harbor you will pass both the Marriot Marquis and Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotels. These hotels have been around to service the San Diego Convention Center since it opened in 1989. They are also right next to Seaport Village which opened in 1980.
Seaport Village starts right in front of the Hyatt by Embarcadero Marina Park North. This is a popular shopping area with many shops, art galleries, and restaurants. However, there are plans to redevelop this area so it may not be here for long.
Along Embarcadero Marina Park North, you are likely to see many people flying kites. One of the first Seaport Village shops you will see is Kite Flite, a store dedicated to high-end kites. There are many other shops in Seaport Village and on weekends there is likely to be live music performances.
Passing Seaport Village, you will head along the downtown Tuna Harbor area. San Diego was once the leader in tuna fishing, which helped build neighborhoods like Little Italy and Point Loma. You will see several displays about San Diego’s tuna history.
Today Tuna Harbor Park is home to the Greatest Generation Walk. This area celebrates San Diego’s military history. Check out our guide to the Greatest Generation Walk.
Right by the Greatest Generation Walk is the U.S. S. Midway Aircraft Carrier. This is home to the U.S.S. Midway Museum, one of San Diego’s top attractions. Once again check out our top attractions.
Beyond the Midway, you will be in San Diego’s busy harbor front area. This is where cruise ships land. It is also home to many harbor sightseeing excursions. Further up is the Star of India ship and San Diego Maritime Museum.
The points north of the Broadway Pier are seen in our bike ride from Liberty Station. This area is not as congested so biking is a good option. As we get into the downtown area we prefer to walk.
At this point, we head inland along Broadway, one of downtown San Diego’s main streets. Before turning on Broadway, Carnitas Snack Shack is a great option for a bite to eat. Of course, there are many other eating options on this urban hike.
As you hike through downtown there are several routes you can take. If it is your first time in San Diego we suggest going down Broadway to 5th Avenue and turning right. This will take you by the Horton Plaza shopping center and through the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.
The Gaslamp Quarter is the heart of downtown San Diego’s nightlife. Fifth Avenue is jammed with restaurants and bars and will be more crowded in the evening, especially on weekends. Take 5th Avenue to J Street and go left.
J Street will take you past the other side of Petco Park and by the impressive San Diego Central Library. The library is an attraction in its own right.
Head past the library to 17th Street and make a right. 17th street ends at Logan Avenue. Make a left on Logan and it is about 3 blocks to where you started at Cesar Chavez Parkway.
This walk is about 6 miles long and provides all kinds of places to stop along the way. Don’t be afraid to wander off the path and make your own trail.
For more attractions in San Diego check out our top 10 list of both paid attractions and free attractions.
For hotels in the downtown and airport area check out our guide.
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