San Diego's Former Naval Training Center Is A Sprawling Coastal Park With Shops, Art, & Family Fun

If you're planning a trip to San Diego, Southern California's coastal city full of world-renowned beaches and nice weather, you may already have an idea of what to do. After all, SeaWorld, Balboa Park, and Mission Bay are all world-class attractions that are fun to explore. However, if you're looking for something that often flies under the radar (but is equally as enjoyable), then you might want to check out Liberty Station.

For 74 years (from 1923 to 1997), Liberty Station was a Naval Training Center and not open to the public. After being decommissioned, it transformed into a 361-acre, multi-use district with shops, restaurants, live events, and artwork. Plus, if you're interested in learning more about the area's naval history, you can tour various historical sites during your visit.

Overall, while Liberty Station is often overlooked when talking about San Diego attractions, it's time for it to have its moment in the sun. So, let's dive in and see what this district is all about.

When planning your trip to Liberty Station, there are a few main ways to enjoy yourself. First, you can indulge your taste buds by trying delicious meals at a variety of restaurants. Second, the green spaces around the district let you enjoy the sunny weather and the waters of San Diego Bay. Next, art lovers can explore multiple galleries and installations to tickle their fancy. Finally, the district is full of chic boutiques and upscale retailers to elevate your shopping experience.

Liberty Station's outdoor spaces make it a veritable family-friendly destination. The primary green area is the Naval Training Center Park, which borders the harbor and offers walking paths, a rose garden, and several memorials commemorating the area's naval history. The large grassy areas are ideal for relaxing and playing, so feel free to bring outdoor toys for the little ones. Alternatively, Liberty Plaza is in the center of the district, which is a series of grass squares surrounded by shops and other businesses.

Speaking of shopping, Liberty Station isn't necessarily where you go to get essentials and everyday items. Instead, you can find trendy artwork to elevate your living spaces. For example, you can get glass pieces at Verre Designs or functional artwork from The Art of MVP. Additionally, Liberty Station is home to numerous art galleries and boutiques, as well as a dedicated arts district with public displays and exhibitions. If you're really interested in art, come on the first Friday of every month, when you can meet artists and learn more about the district.

One of the best things about visiting Liberty Station is that it's next to one of the most beautiful airports in the world, San Diego International. In fact, they're so close that you don't necessarily need a car to reach the district, particularly if you stay at one of the on-site hotels: the Homewood Suites or the Courtyard by Marriott. However, there are plenty of hotels throughout San Diego, so feel free to compare rates and locations so you can explore as much of the city as possible. For example, you may want to visit the beaches of San Diego's beautiful waterfront village, La Jolla.

Dining is another popular way to experience Liberty Station, with plenty of options to suit any taste. If you're into a retro, 50s-style atmosphere, visit the Corvette Diner, featuring classic cars, an arcade, and vintage decor. Or, for quintessential coastal California cuisine, Fig Tree Cafe offers a variety of scratch-made dishes with fresh ingredients. Finally, if you're not sure what you're craving, check out the Liberty Public Market, which has different restaurants and vendors so you can sample various cuisines in the same place.

Another point to consider when planning your visit is to pay attention to Liberty Station's local events and classes. From improv shows to art exhibitions to trivia nights, Liberty Station always has something going on. If you're more interested in learning a new skill or hobby, you can take advantage of classes that teach dancing, painting, ceramics, and more. Best of all, you can also find classes for kids, so everyone can get in on the fun.