Champions Circle is a week worth remembering, and San Diego makes it easy to capture. The best part? Some of the city’s most photographed spots are within a short walk of the InterContinental. Here’s where to point your camera, all reachable on foot from the hotel lobby.
1. The Kissing Statue at Tuna Harbor Park. You’ve seen the famous 1945 photo of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square on V-J Day. San Diego’s waterfront is home to a 25-foot bronze statue inspired by that moment, officially titled “Embracing Peace.” It sits right next to the USS Midway, and it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Expect a short line of fellow photographers. It’s worth the wait.
2. The USS Midway flight deck. Once you’re aboard the Midway, the flight deck delivers a double feature: rows of historic aircraft in the foreground and the downtown skyline across the water behind them. It’s one of the best elevated views in San Diego.
3. Home plate at Lane Field. Right outside our hotel, glass panels in the sidewalk mark where home plate and the bases sat at the old Padres ballpark. It’s a subtle one, which makes it a fun “if you know, you know” shot, especially for the baseball fans in your feed.
4. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The San Diego Symphony’s outdoor venue looks like a giant seashell opening toward the bay. It photographs beautifully any time of day, but it glows at sunset and lights up after dark.
5. Waterfront Park’s grand fountain. A few blocks north of the hotel, this 830-foot fountain stretches in front of the elegant 1930s County Administration Building. Kids splash here by day; by evening, the water and lights make for a dreamy long shot.
6. The Little Italy sign. The neon “Little Italy” sign arching over India Street is a San Diego classic. Snap it on your way to dinner, then wander to the Piazza della Famiglia, a European-style plaza with string lights, fountains, and plenty of charm.
7. The masts of the Star of India. The world’s oldest active sailing ship makes a striking silhouette against the water, especially in late-afternoon light. Catch her rigging against a pink sky and you barely have to try.
8. The Gaslamp Quarter sign. The iconic archway marking the entrance to the Gaslamp Quarter at Fifth Avenue is best photographed in the evening when the neon kicks on and the neighborhood comes alive.
9. Your own hotel. Don’t overlook home base. The rooftop pool deck frames the bay and passing sailboats, and your room’s floor-to-ceiling windows are a sunset photo waiting to happen. Golden hour from the fourth floor is tough to beat.
10. Embarcadero Marina Park. Just past Seaport Village, this grassy point juts into the bay with clear views of the Coronado Bridge sweeping across the water. It’s a favorite picnic spot for locals and a favorite backdrop for photographers.
One local tip: San Diego’s marine layer often burns off by late morning, so save your big skyline shots for afternoon and sunset when the light turns golden.
We can’t wait to see San Diego through your eyes!