Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Language
English
Time Zone
PST (UTC-8) / PDT (UTC-7)
Best Time to Visit
Mar–May
Typical Duration
7-14 nights
Price Range
From $248 pp
Port Type
embarkation
Tender Port
No
San Diego is a major homeport for cruises to Mexico's Pacific coast, offering year-round departures and easy access to popular beach destinations like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.
Cruises that visit San Diego, California
- cruises to San Diego, California
- San Diego, California sailings
- San Diego, California cruises
- 4-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 4-night Holland America Line cruise
- 4-night Holland America Line cruise
- 4-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 4-night Holland America Line cruise
- 4-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 4-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 4-night Holland America Line cruise
- 4-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 4-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 4-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 4-night Holland America Line cruise
- 5-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 5-night Holland America Line cruise
- 5-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 5-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 5-night Holland America Line cruise
- 6-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 6-night Holland America Line cruise
- 6-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 6-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 6-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Disney Cruise Line cruise
- 7-night Holland America Line cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
Build Your Day in San Diego, California
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Balboa Park
Multi-attraction park covers 1,200 acres
San Diego Zoo
Zoo & wildlife conservation area
SeaWorld San Diego
Aquatic theme park with shows & rides
USS Midway Museum
Historic aircraft carrier with exhibits
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Definitely add to your list of things to do in San Diego.
Seaport Village
Boutique shops have cute clothes but very pricey.
Open · Closes 9 PM
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The Safari Park is one of the best things about San Diego.
Mission Bay Park
Bustling area for oceanside activities
Belmont Park
Beachside amusement park with retro vibe
Fashion Valley
There are so many luxury boutiques like Versace, Prada, Dior, and more.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Mission Valley
Many clothing stores at a wide price range.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Westfield UTC
For clothing, they range from economical to luxury brands.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Cabrillo National Monument
This is something that you need to do if you are visiting San Diego.
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
Bonsai trees, koi ponds & garden tours
Waterfront Park
If you're trying to look for something fun to explore in San Diego.
Steamy Piggy
Asian eats & dumplings in a mod space
Birch Aquarium
Up-close marine life & hands-on exhibits
Casa Guadalajara
Expansive & colorful Mexican eatery
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
It’s one of the best things to do in San Diego.
Sesame Place San Diego
Family theme park with shows & rides
Fenton Marketplace
There is an ikea,lowes, and costco along with plenty of eateries and
Open · Closes 8:30 PM
La Puerta
Tacos & tequila in a vibrant hangout
Mona Lisa Italian Foods
Great food, great selection, and a true taste of Italy.
Sports Arena Shopping Center
Great selection of stores, lots of free parking!
Open · Closes 10 PM
Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar
Fine seafood establishment on the water
Tacos El Gordo
Counter-serve Tijuana-Mexican joint
Balboa Mesa Shopping Center
Really cool shopping center, lots of good shops and lots of parking space.
Open · Closes 11 PM
Morning Glory
I eat here multiple times every trip to San Diego.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Lots of cool stuff to see and interact with.
Old Town San Diego
One of the must-see attractions in San Diego.
C Level Lounge
An amazing dinner spot with stunning views of the San Diego skyline!
Carmel Mountain Plaza
Great selection of stores and parking!
Open · Closes 9 PM
formoosa
The food was delicious and our servers James and Don were very helpful.
Born and Raised
Swanky, two-story steakhouse and bar
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Buon Appetito Restaurant
Cozy eatery for classic Italian cooking
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Werewolf
Buzzy spot for American eats & cocktails
Queenstown Public House
This meal stands out as one of my best dining experiences in San Diego.
The San Diego Museum of Art
Renowned collections & an outdoor eatery
Juniper and Ivy
This is the classiest and our favorite dinner spot in San Diego!
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Water Grill San Diego
High-end seafood veteran with a raw bar
Opens soon · 11:30 AM
The Taco Stand
Every single item was fresh, flavorful, and exceeded our expectations.
Waterfront Bar & Grill
Enduring hangout with burgers & brews
Herb & Wood
It's on the Michelin Guide, if that helps you decide?
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Museum of Illusions - San Diego
Onsite services
The Tipsy Crow
Cocktails & craft brews in historic digs
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Loma Square
Clean parking lot, ample parking, plenty of stores
Open · Closes 9 PM
The Headquarters at Seaport
Great quaint location with great shops and the food at Psuedos was fabulous.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest
Amazing COFFEE EVER and turkey pesto sandwich amazing.
The Melt
My swoosh burger came out perfectly cooked, and the fries were incredible.
Zama San Diego
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Raised by Wolves
Upscale bar hidden in a liquor shop
Opens soon · 11:30 AM
The Lion's Share
Clubby cocktail bar serving exotic meats
Closed · Opens 4 PM Tue
Menya Ultra
Michelin star for a reason!
False Idol
One of the most unique bars in SD, most definitely recommend!
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Communal Coffee
Very fun vibe and had a great smoked salmon bagel and some tasty coffees!
Lestat's on Park
The coffee is fantastic and quiche and deserts were tasty!
Cafe Moto
Delicious coffee, no indoor seating, slow service.
Prohibition Lounge
Seasonal cocktails in a swanky speakeasy
Closed · Opens 8 PM
The Smoking Goat
Bistro fare & a country-chic space
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Living Coast Discovery Center
Exhibits on stingrays, turtles & sharks
Closed · Opens 10 AM Wed
Freddy’s Chophouse
If you are in San Diego and you are looking for a hidden place to eat.
Closed · Opens 3 PM
The Nolen Rooftop
Classy rooftop bar atop a hotel
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Nobu San Diego
Every dish is a work of art, perfectly balancing flavors and presentation.
Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Noble Experiment
Outstanding cocktails, friendly/knowledgeable staff, and cool ambiance.
Closed · Opens 6 PM
Top of the Market - San Diego
Seafood & wine in an elegant atmosphere
Holsem Coffee
Chic, clean and inviting coffee shop with plenty of seating.
Selva Coffee House
Fantastic coffee, good food, and pinnacle San Diego environment
Altitude Sky Lounge
Rooftop hot spot with expansive views
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Muri Coffee & Dessert
They have the best cake and coffees in Southern California.
The Invigatorium
The baristas and servers were all super nice and the food was delicious!
SOICHI
Awesome experience Michelin star restaurant met the expectations and more.
Closed · Opens 4:30 PM Wed
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
San Diego, California
is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here —
it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.
About San Diego, California
San Diego stands as one of the West Coast's premier cruise homeports, welcoming passengers aboard ships from ten major cruise lines including Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises. With over 300 upcoming cruises and a strong focus as an embarkation port, San Diego offers exceptional convenience for West Coast travelers. Most cruises departing here span seven nights, with popular itineraries heading south to Mexico's most coveted destinations including Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán. The port experiences peak activity during spring and fall months, making it an ideal year-round departure point.
As a cruise passenger embarking from San Diego, you'll find yourself in a vibrant waterfront city with plenty to explore before or after your voyage. The downtown waterfront district offers excellent dining and shopping options, while the nearby beaches and sunny California weather make for a perfect pre-cruise experience. Whether you're boarding for a quick Mexican getaway or a longer adventure down the coast, San Diego's efficient port operations and abundant cruise options ensure a smooth start to your vacation.
As a cruise passenger embarking from San Diego, you'll find yourself in a vibrant waterfront city with plenty to explore before or after your voyage. The downtown waterfront district offers excellent dining and shopping options, while the nearby beaches and sunny California weather make for a perfect pre-cruise experience. Whether you're boarding for a quick Mexican getaway or a longer adventure down the coast, San Diego's efficient port operations and abundant cruise options ensure a smooth start to your vacation.
Cruise Lines at San Diego, California
- Disney Cruise Line (131 cruises)
- Holland America Line (98 cruises)
- Royal Caribbean International (47 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (10 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (5 cruises)
- Silversea (5 cruises)
- Virgin Voyages (5 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (4 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (3 cruises)
Cruises Departing From San Diego, California
Cruises Visiting San Diego, California
Ship Schedule at San Diego, California
San Diego, California Location
Other Cruise Ports in United States
Frequently Asked Questions
What is USSAN in San Diego?
USSAN refers to the San Diego port dataset and location within the system.
What can you do in San Diego near USSAN?
Explore beaches, the zoo, Balboa Park, and other attractions nearby.
What are common ways to travel around San Diego?
Ride-share, trolley, buses, and bikes are popular options.
Is San Diego a good family destination?
Yes, with LEGOLAND, the zoo, and kid-friendly museums nearby.