Tuna Harbor Park

Bayfront Beauty

Right next to San Diego's vibrant downtown waterfront, Tuna Harbor Park sits in prime real estate between the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village. This waterfront spot offers wonderful views of San Diego Bay, the city skyline, and Coronado Island across the water. If you're planning to explore downtown's waterfront, it makes an ideal starting or ending point for your adventure.

There's something mesmerizing about watching boats glide across the bay - from sleek sailboats to working fishing vessels, the maritime traffic creates an ever-changing scene. Consider visiting around sunset when the golden light bathes everything in a warm glow.

Unconditional Surrender statue silhouetted against a golden sunset sky

Photo: Daniel Ramirez (CC BY 2.0)

From Coal to Tuna

Before it was the picturesque spot it is today, this area (formerly called G Street Mole) had quite the industrial past. It started as part of San Diego's coal wharf, then served as a naval fleet landing site. By the mid-20th century, it had transformed into a bustling hub for commercial tuna fishing - which, believe it or not, was once San Diego's third-largest industry.

The fishing heritage lives on here. If you swing by on a Saturday morning, you can watch fishing boats deliver their fresh catches to the nearby fish market, one of San Diego's oldest. There's something special about seeing that sea-to-table process happen right before your eyes.

Maritime Memories

The park features various memorials and informative signs that tell the story of San Diego's maritime roots. The "Greatest Generation Walk" connects several World War II memorials and art installations along a pleasant pedestrian path.

Head to the northern section to find a grassy area featuring naval aircraft memorials, while the eastern portion extends into the bay atop a rocky structure that juts into the water.

Fighter jet displayed on the deck of USS Midway Museum next to the park

Photo: Daniel Ramirez (CC BY 2.0)

Eye-Catching Attractions

You can't miss the giant "Unconditional Surrender" sculpture by Seward Johnson (also called "Victory Kiss" or the "Kissing Statue"). This enormous aluminum recreation of the famous Times Square kiss between a sailor and a woman after Japan's WWII surrender has become one of San Diego's most photographed spots. While controversial to some, it's undeniably attention-grabbing.

Nearby stands the Bob Hope Memorial, honoring the beloved entertainer's dedication to American troops. Take a moment to listen to the audio recordings of Hope's performances for military audiences - some of his jokes still land perfectly today.

For one of the best views in the area, climb up to the elevated circular plaza at the park's eastern corner, where you'll get sweeping vistas of the USS Midway and the bay beyond.

Taking It All In

Tuna Harbor Park provides a nice break from urban life. Shaded areas provide relief on hot days, and the scenic promenade is ideal for a leisurely stroll or morning jog. Plenty of benches invite you to sit and soak in the atmosphere - people-watching here is quite entertaining.

Dog owners, you're in luck - your furry friends are welcome as long as they're leashed (and you clean up after them, of course). You'll find public restrooms near the parking area, which offers three-hour spots for a reasonable fee, but it fills up quickly during busy times.

If hunger strikes, grab a quick bite from one of the street vendors or treat yourself to a proper meal at a nearby seafood restaurant. The Fish Market restaurant is right there with clam chowder worth writing home about. And with the USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, and downtown all within walking distance, you can easily make this charming park part of a full day of San Diego exploration.