Horton Plaza Park, San Diego
Horton Plaza Park, situated at the heart of downtown San Diego, is an open-air venue that officially opened its doors on May 4, 2016. Positioned at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Broadway, this plaza not only preserves the historical significance and integrity of the original Horton Plaza but also introduces new elements to enrich the surroundings.
The park underwent a restoration project that included reviving the Broadway Fountain and incorporating an amphitheater for captivating live music performances, retail Pavilions, and an engaging interactive fountain. Recognizing its historical value, the City of San Diego designated the plaza as a landmark on March 19, 1971.
The centerpiece of the plaza, the Broadway Fountain, was envisioned and completed by Irving Gill in 1910. Gill drew inspiration from the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in its design. The frieze of the fountain bears the inscription "Broadway Fountain for the People."
Covering an impressive area of over 53,000 square feet (4,900 square meters), Horton Plaza Park consists of three distinct sections: the South Plaza, the Amphitheater, and the Historical Park. The plaza boasts exquisite granite finishes, an interactive pop-jet fountain, and eight Luminaries, which are captivating sculptures that change colors.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options at the park, with three food and beverage Pavilions available, including popular establishments like Starbucks and Sloan's Ice Cream. Adjacent to each Pavilion, there are comfortable patio seating areas covered by charming trellised overhangs.
The park underwent a restoration project that included reviving the Broadway Fountain and incorporating an amphitheater for captivating live music performances, retail Pavilions, and an engaging interactive fountain. Recognizing its historical value, the City of San Diego designated the plaza as a landmark on March 19, 1971.
The centerpiece of the plaza, the Broadway Fountain, was envisioned and completed by Irving Gill in 1910. Gill drew inspiration from the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in its design. The frieze of the fountain bears the inscription "Broadway Fountain for the People."
Covering an impressive area of over 53,000 square feet (4,900 square meters), Horton Plaza Park consists of three distinct sections: the South Plaza, the Amphitheater, and the Historical Park. The plaza boasts exquisite granite finishes, an interactive pop-jet fountain, and eight Luminaries, which are captivating sculptures that change colors.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options at the park, with three food and beverage Pavilions available, including popular establishments like Starbucks and Sloan's Ice Cream. Adjacent to each Pavilion, there are comfortable patio seating areas covered by charming trellised overhangs.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Diego. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Horton Plaza Park on Map
Sight Name: Horton Plaza Park
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Shopping
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Shopping
Walking Tours in San Diego, California
Create Your Own Walk in San Diego
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Diego is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Balboa Park Walking Tour
Named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Balboa Park is one of the largest cultural parks in the United States. A renowned cultural and recreational hub, it offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the California Building and Tower, which boasts stunning Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the California Building and Tower, which boasts stunning Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Old Town is the oldest settled area in San Diego which claims to be the first site visited by Europeans on the West Coast of modern United States.
The Native American culture in the area, however, goes back thousands of years. Historically, this land had been a home to the Kumeyaay people who settled on the banks of the San Diego river since around 1000 AD. The first European explorer to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
The Native American culture in the area, however, goes back thousands of years. Historically, this land had been a home to the Kumeyaay people who settled on the banks of the San Diego river since around 1000 AD. The first European explorer to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Embarcadero Marina Walking Tour
Adjacent to downtown San Diego and the picturesque San Diego Bay is a vibrant waterfront area. Embarcadero Marina, a testament to the region's colorful maritime heritage, houses several outstanding ship museums and is home to other notable sites. The abundance of shopping and dining options, complete with the pristine views of the city skyline, delight numerous locals and tourists and make... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historic Gaslamp District Walking Tour
The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively 16½-block neighborhood in downtown San Diego, known for its nightlife, diverse entertainment and, just as importantly, historical appeal.
Back in the 1860s, the area was known as New Town, in contrast to Old Town, the original Spanish colonial settlement. After a period of decay, the neighborhood underwent redevelopment during the 1980s and 1990s, and was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Back in the 1860s, the area was known as New Town, in contrast to Old Town, the original Spanish colonial settlement. After a period of decay, the neighborhood underwent redevelopment during the 1980s and 1990s, and was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 14 Gifts That Say San Diego
San Diego is known for its beautiful, temperate climate, but you can’t take the weather home with you. If you want a piece of San Diego as a souvenir, it’s best to shop with the natives. Whether it is made locally or just made famous locally, following are 14 perfect gifts that capture the...