Airport & Surrounding Neighborhoods

With plenty of nearby attractions, restaurants, and breweries, the San Diego International Airport area serves as a hub for some great vacation destinations.
Todd Sarouhan
Airport & Surrounding Area
Overview
Explore & Save
The Neighborhood
Famous For
Breweries
Balboa Park
Parks
Sidewalk Cafés
Gaslamp Quarter
SeaWorld San Diego
Stay Nearby

Exploring the Airport and the Area Nearby

Outside Liberty Public MarketHilton Bayfront San Diego on San Diego Bay

If you’re flying into San Diego, chances are the San Diego International Airport (SAN) is going to be the first and last thing you see during your trip. Many people only think of the airport as a way to get from point A to point B, but if you stop and take a look around the area you’ll find that there’s much more to do here than you might have imagined!

The airport and its surrounding area include the airport itself, Liberty Station, and Midway, with Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter close enough to visit as well. It spans over 600 acres and occupies the area previously known as Lindbergh Field.

Like much of Southern California, the weather here is typically sunny. It’s not far from the San Diego Bay, but far enough inland that it’s sheltered from the worst of the seaside winds. This means clear skies can really raise the temperature, so dress with the weather in mind.

If you’re looking for a first stop on your trip or a way to pass the time while you wait for your flight, there are plenty of options.

Bao Bar at Liberty Public Market
Bao Bar at Liberty Public Market

You can enjoy a light brunch at one of the many sidewalk cafés, or drink and relax at a brewery in Liberty Station. Head to one of the smaller parks just across the street, or visit Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter, both of which are filled with museums and other attractions. SeaWorld San Diego is also in the area if you’re looking to get up close and personal with marine life.

Trolley Ride with Go City!

2-Day Hop-on Hop-off San Diego
Hop-on Hop-off San Diego Trolley
Using your Go City pass, grab a 2 day Hop-on Hop-off San Diego Trolley. The trolley tour takes you through all the most popular areas of San Diego. It's a great way to start your trip and you'll learn where everything around the city is located.
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Local Tips
How much can you save by using the Go City San Diego pass?

The Go City San Diego pass is the perfect way to explore more attractions and activities that the area has to offer, all while being cost-efficient.

With the Go City San Diego pass, you can save up to 55% off admission fees at some of the area’s most popular attractions.

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Navigating the Airport and Surrounding Areas

Restaurants and Bars in the Gaslamp Quarter
Restaurants and Bars in the Gaslamp Quarter

The San Diego International Airport is right next to Downtown San Diego, with the main entrance gate just an eight-minute drive away. This means you won’t have to travel far to enjoy everything Downtown and other notable neighborhoods have to offer.

Looking to get your bearings in the area shortly after arriving? Consider the Brothels, Bites and Booze: San Diego Gaslamp Walking Tour, which serves as a great introduction to all the landmarks and fun things to do in the Gaslamp Quarter. You also can’t go wrong with the Museum of Contemporary Art in the downtown area.

Casa Del Prado Theater at Balboa Park
Casa Del Prado Theater at Balboa Park

Planning on hitting the park and museums or taking a tour? You’ll want to grab a Go City San Diego pass before your trip to save on admission prices. By using our discount code, GVSD5OFF, to purchase the pass you can even get an added exclusive discount!

If you’re looking to stay at a nearby hotel, try the waterfront Hilton San Diego Airport / Harbor Island Resort, which is right along the bay. It’s a great family-friendly option with its own restaurant, the Panorama Bar and Grill, and free WiFi in the lobby and rooms. The hotel is also pet-friendly.

For other great places to stay that won’t leave you fending off jet lag for long, check out our picks for the Best Hotels Near the San Diego International Airport.

Notable Venues and Attractions

Basketball Courts
Basketball Courts
Belmont Park
Belmont Park
Biking
Biking
Cabrillo Nat. Monument
Cabrillo Nat. Monument
Convention Center
Convention Center
Cruise Ship Terminal
Cruise Ship Terminal
Jetskiing
Jetskiing
Kayaking
Kayaking
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Petco Park
Petco Park
Picnic Tables
Picnic Tables
Sailing
Sailing
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo

There’s so much more to do at and around the airport than just board planes. Check out nearby neighborhoods like the Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park, head to SeaWorld San Diego for some family-friendly fun, or stay close to the airport and enjoy the selection of breweries, sidewalk cafés, and parks.

Breweries

San Diego has a huge brewery scene, and the area around the airport is no exception. Try out all sorts of seasonal and staple craft beers. Some pubs are even conveniently located inside the airport, so you never have to go far to get a taste of authentic SoCal hops.

Pechanga Arena in Midway
Midway is centrally located near popular attractions! Enjoy rides at Belmont Park, and wildlife at the San Diego Zoo & SeaWorld. Spend a day on the water jet skiing, kayaking, and sailing or visit nearby Old Town, PETCO Park and the Cabrillo National Monument. Patronize a local brewery or café.
Airplane Taking off from San Diego International Airport
Visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo, or SeaWorld? San Diego International Airport (SAN) is your destination airport. It’s near Balboa Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter. Whether you want tourist activities, are visiting for a convention or quick family getaway, SAN will put you directly in the middle of it all!

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a free 1,200-acre park in the heart of the downtown area with plenty of walking trails and space for picnicking. In addition to the eye-catching flora throughout the park, it houses botanical gardens, the San Diego Zoo, and over a dozen unique and captivating museums.

Airplane Taking off from San Diego International Airport
Visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo, or SeaWorld? San Diego International Airport (SAN) is your destination airport. It’s near Balboa Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter. Whether you want tourist activities, are visiting for a convention or quick family getaway, SAN will put you directly in the middle of it all!

Parks

Stretch your legs after a long flight by taking a walk through one of the nearby parks. The Spanish Landing Park is just across the street, offering a stunning view of the ocean whether it’s your first stop or your final one. Beeson Field and Liberty Station are also nearby.

Outside Stone Brewery at Liberty Station
Break away from the crowds and visit the quieter side of San Diego in Liberty Station. Witness the astounding up-close view naval monuments and former naval barracks. Or explore the unique Liberty Station Public Market. Walk to several breweries, cafés, unique shopping boutiques and beautiful local parks at this former Naval Training Center.

Sidewalk Cafés

The sidewalk cafés near the airport are the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing lunch and immerse yourself in the San Diego atmosphere. They offer light fare and local cuisine with options for even the most discerning of palettes. Most cafés also serve beer and cocktails alongside entrées and snacks.

Outside Stone Brewery at Liberty Station
Break away from the crowds and visit the quieter side of San Diego in Liberty Station. Witness the astounding up-close view naval monuments and former naval barracks. Or explore the unique Liberty Station Public Market. Walk to several breweries, cafés, unique shopping boutiques and beautiful local parks at this former Naval Training Center.

Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic district commemorating San Diego’s earliest days. Located on grounds that once made up New Town, much of the architecture in the area dates back to the mid-1800s. Check out the museums or visit the clubs, lounges, and restaurants of a bustling nightlife scene.

Airplane Taking off from San Diego International Airport
Visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo, or SeaWorld? San Diego International Airport (SAN) is your destination airport. It’s near Balboa Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter. Whether you want tourist activities, are visiting for a convention or quick family getaway, SAN will put you directly in the middle of it all!

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is a great way to beat the heat. The water park and amusement park rides are fun for all ages, as are the marine life exhibits. Catch a dolphin show, watch a feeding demonstration, or sign up for a backstage tour, all while learning about amazing marine animals.

Pechanga Arena in Midway
Midway is centrally located near popular attractions! Enjoy rides at Belmont Park, and wildlife at the San Diego Zoo & SeaWorld. Spend a day on the water jet skiing, kayaking, and sailing or visit nearby Old Town, PETCO Park and the Cabrillo National Monument. Patronize a local brewery or café.

Featured Activity

Kids next to gorilla statue at the San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Spend the day at the iconic San Diego Zoo! Featuring over 3,500 animals and 650 species, this zoo is the heart of Balboa Park. There are multiple exhibits & experiences for all ages to learn about animals and their habitats.
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Airport & Surrounding Neighborhoods
are Known For:
Balboa Park
Balboa Park
Breweries
Breweries
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter
Parks
Parks
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego
Sidewalk Cafés
Sidewalk Cafés
Sunsets
Sunsets
Walkable
Walkable
This Month's Forecast
53°F / 75°F
Sunny in November
Dec
48°F / 69°F
Sunny in December
Jan
48°F / 68°F
Sunny in January
Feb
49°F / 69°F
Sunny in February

Stay Nearby

TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Airport
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The Pearl Hotel
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The Pearl Hotel
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Kona Kai Resort & Spa
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Kona Kai Resort & Spa
from $189 / night
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Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites
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Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites
from $159 / night
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