Your TL;DR Guide to This San Diego Destination
TL;DR: Little Italy is a 120-acre walkable neighborhood in downtown San Diego. While paid parking is available, visitors can also purchase a ticket with the Old Town Trolley and visit 11 different stops in San Diego. A charming district, Little Italy is a great destination for food and sightseeing, with small eateries, cafes, and piazzas. For a special trip, stop by during a seasonal event, like Tase of Little Italy. With local businesses, events, and parks, Little Italy is a delightful visit all travelers.
- What Makes Little Italy Special
- Transportation and Parking for Little Italy
- What to Do in Little Italy
- Explore More
Little Italy is one of my favorite city districts to explore on a day-out. In fact, when I lived in San Diego, Little Italy was one of my go-tos for special occasions with friends. A vibrant and walkable community in downtown San Diego, Little Italy is full of life and excellent food.
What Makes Little Italy Special
Once upon a time, San Diego was considered a “Tuna Capital” and the booming industry was centered in this small downtown district. Once a thriving fishing neighborhood, the area now known as Little Italy has been an established community for predominately Italian/Italian-American families since the 1920s.
Interestingly, San Diego’s Little Italy is considered the largest of its kind in the United States (unsurprisingly, however, New York is home to the largest population of Italian-Americans).
There are so many reasons I love this area – most notably, the energy. Little Italy is a vibrant community, with homes and apartments lining the street between small businesses. If you want to experience a bit Little Italy’s charm, read on for a few of my favorite things to do in the area!
Transportation and Parking for Little Italy
At A Glance
Location: Downtown San Diego
Parking: Paid (Street Parking, Parking Structures, Small Lots)
Walkable: Yes
Bathrooms: Available – Located inside businesses
Stretching across 120 acres of Downtown San Diego, Little Italy is a neighborhood full or charm. Maintained by the Little Italy Association of San Diego, the district offers delicious eateries, cafes, public spaces and more. Before you head out, keep in mind that Little Italy is near Gaslamp and the Airport, so some traffic is expected at all times. The area gets busier during the night and weekends, so you may want to stop by for lunch or brunch during the week if you prefer to stay away from crowds.
Parking in Little Italy
As a downtown district, only paid parking is available at small lots, street-side parking, and a few parking structures. The fees for street parking, however, tend to be on the lower side (just a few dollars) so that’s where I check first. I find India St. the most walkable (and most-crowded), so I typically aim to park one street over to make my journey easier.
Public Transit Options for Little Italy
If you prefer to utilize public transit while venturing out in San Diego, you should consider looking into the Old Town Trolley. A hop-on/hop-off tour with 11 stops throughout San Diego (including Coronado), the Old Town Trolley is a great way to navigate the city, including Little Italy. As a bonus, kids can ride free in October (accompanied by an adult ticket-holder).
Or, check out the San Diego Metro’s trip planner here for a more DIY itinerary.
What to Do in Little Italy
Before we get into some specific things to do, I recommend checking out what’s happening in the area here first. While Little Italy can be enjoyed at all times of the year, it is especially fun to stop by during special seasonal celebrations, such as Taste of Little Italy or the Mission Fed Art Walk. Those events can also impact traffic, parking, and more – so it’s good to have an idea of what’s on the calendar.
And now – here are my recommendations for what to do in Little Italy!
India Street
All good journeys in Little Italy include a stroll down India Street. While Little Italy takes up a few blocks of downtown San Diego, India Street serves as a hub. With flags, piazzas, the large Little Italy sign (pictured above), and street-side dining, India Street is the place to start your first venture into the area.
While you’re walking, you’ll find plenty of amazing cafes, restaurants, and markets to check out. For years, my go-to spot for birthday dinners with friends was Buon Appetito, a place I still love. Or, you can stop by Nonna’s, which is another area favorite.
The most charming part of India St, however, is the community spirit. While out and about, you most likely will pass by a yellow home, with a man sitting on his porch. Known as Little Italy’s unofficial godfather or mayor, Nick embodies the community’s closeness and is a much-beloved fixture of the neighborhood. (However, please don’t stalk his home or ask for a tour – just say hello!).
Piazza della Famiglia
Throughout Little Italy are a series of small piazzas, the largest of which is Piazza della Famiglia. Added in 2018, this Piazza is a great place to grab some food or relax while enjoying that San Diego sun.
With plenty of tables outside, this spot is perfect for families or small groups looking for a casual space to hang out.
While here, you can check-out Morning Glory (a popular brunch spot), Frost Me (a cute cafe and bakery), and the Food Hall to get a little taste of Little Italy. (Psst – the Food Hall also has a convenient public restroom).
Mercato/Farmers Market
The twice weekly Farmers Market is a great space to connect with local vendors and farmers. For fresh flowers, vegetables, and artisanal goods, the Farmers Market is a must-visit. Check-out below for more information on each market:
Wednesday
Hours: 9:30AM-1:30PM
Location: Ketner Blvd to State St
Size: 3 blocks
Saturday
Hours: 8AM – 2PM
Location: W Date St to Front St
Size: 6 blocks
Waterfront Park & Amici Park
If you are traveling with kids, I also recommend taking a walk down to the harbor. Not only do you get lovely waterfront views, you can enjoy Waterfront Park. Waterfront Park has a series of fountains, playgrounds, and more – perfect for any kiddo during the summer! Just remember to bring a towel/change of clothes!
Alternatively, you can also venture to Amici Park, located a brief walk away at Union St.
With bocce ball courts, a dog park, an amphitheater, and a coffee shop all in the vicinity, Amici Park is a great spot to relax in the city.
San Diego’s Little Italy is a charming neighborhood, with delicious food, deserts, and more. On your next visit to this fantastic city, be sure to swing on by Little Italy for a bit of sightseeing, shopping, and (most importantly) dining. Have you been to Little Italy before? What was your favorite part?
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