17 Things to Explore at Liberty Station

Ah, don’t you just love it when the #perfectday itinerary falls right into your lap?

Whether you’re with your ride-or-die, going solo, or with kids in tow, sometimes just a little plan of action can go a long way. And when said action plan happens to include the wonders of Liberty Station, you know you’re in for a treat!

Built as a Naval Training Center in 1923, Liberty Station has evolved into the culinary, cultural, and entertainment hub we’ve all come to know and love. From historic hidden gems to brand-new hotspots, this San Diego treasure continues to surprise both visitors and locals alike.

We’ve put together the ultimate guide to Liberty Station. Discover the secret spots with fascinating histories, indulge in the newest additions, and experience everything in between.

Why not make an Instagram scavenger hunt of it, tagging #theresandiego in your snaps of each spot?!

1. 48 Acres of Green Parkland

Liberty Station boasts a whopping 48 acres of parkland just begging for your next outdoor adventure.

Cruise the gorgeous Sybil Stockdale Rose Garden or spread out on the North and South Promenades with their 75,000 square feet of grassy goodness. Perfect for impromptu picnics, casual games, or just soaking up that famous San Diego sunshine.

2. Street Names With Meaning

All of the streets at Liberty Station are named after military heroes. For instance, Truxtun Road, one of the main roads of Liberty Station, is named after Thomas Truxtun, one of the first six commanders appointed to the new U.S. Navy by President George Washington.

Walk through the station with phone in hand to google each military hero’s story as you go!

3. Wildflour Delicatessen

Stop by Liberty Station’s new kid on the block for all-day Californian-style deli fares.

Swing by for your morning caffeine fix with a side of freshly baked pastries, or pop in later for small, healthy plates that pack a flavor punch.

Perfect for a quick bite during your Liberty Station adventures or a casual meet-up with friends.

4. A Haunted Holding Cell

This one is for those who appreciate a good spook: When it was a Naval Training Center, an old holding cell once stood where Liberty Station’s entrance gate is now located.

Stand at the entrance and see if you can feel the ghostly vibes of sailors past—we dare you!

5. Public Art from Local Artists

Liberty Station isn’t just serving up history—it’s dishing out serious eye candy with its incredible public art collection. We’re talking jaw-dropping sculptures, vibrant murals, and ever-changing installations that showcase all the cultural awesomeness of our San Diego-Baja region.

Pro tip: Grab your phone and tackle the Public Art Scavenger Hunt to level up your visit!

6. Find Where Nat King Cole, Bob Hope, & Jack Benny Took the Stage

What is now the entryway for THE LOT, a modern and luxury movie theatre, was once a stage for timeless icons. Opening in 1942, Luce Auditorium was the hot spot for sailors and their dates to listen to famous bands, performers, and comedians.

Some of the big names that have taken the stage are Nat King Cole, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, and Tommy Dorsey.

Take your date to this old-school spot of love and reignite the flame!

7. Find Where Movie Scenes Were Shot

When Liberty Station was a Naval Training Center, it was the set for several well-known movies, including “Top Gun,” “Tars and Stripes” and “Hey Sailor.”

Can you match the present-day spots with their movie scenes?

8. Train Like the Sailors Do on the U.S.S. Recruit

This naval ship, located in the South Point area of the neighborhood, earned its nickname of “U.S.S. Neversail” because it has never seen the open seas. An exact replica of what sailors could expect out on the ocean, over 50,000 recruits a year learned the ropes here from 1949 to 1989!

Now a California State Historic Landmark, you can hop aboard for weekend tours. Perfect for history buffs, kiddos who love ships, or anyone looking for a unique photo op.

9. Explore the 15,000 Square-Foot Wine Garden

Carruth Cellars has created an impressive 15,000-square-foot wine garden that’s become a local favorite at Liberty Station. Their stunning 75-foot copper-topped bar serves up exceptional wines that pair perfectly with selections from their gourmet cheese shop and expanded food menu.

When summer hits, the spacious garden patio comes alive with live music, making it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the station.

10. Party at the Library

Talk about a transition. The Naval Training Center’s old library is now the Corky McMillin Companies Event Center, managed by the Arts District.

Pretty sure there’s no studying going on in there now… instead, this former house of books hosts everything from wedding receptions to art exhibitions, corporate events to community gatherings.

Pop your head in to catch a glimpse of how this scholarly space has transformed while still keeping its historic charm intact.

11. Shop From Over 150 San Diego-based Brands and Businesses

Shopping local just got a whole lot cooler at Sea Hive Station, Liberty Station’s indoor/outdoor marketplace that’s packed with goodies from over 150 San Diego-based brands and small businesses.

This treasure trove of handmade and handpicked items lets you support local artisans while scoring unique finds you definitely won’t see at the mall. From handcrafted jewelry to one-of-a-kind home decor, it’s the perfect spot to snag gifts (or treats for yourself—we won’t tell).

12. Discover an American Hero

Now located in South Promenade, walk through this historic plaza and take a moment to appreciate the legacy of this American hero.

John Finn was stationed at Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay during the Pearl Harbor attack and, despite being wounded, continued manning a machine gun against Japanese aircraft for over two hours.

13. Let Your Inner History Buff Take Over for the Day

History buffs, this one’s for you! Tucked away in Liberty Station is an 800-square-foot time capsule of U.S. Navy history that’s way cooler than your high school history class ever was.

The Nautical History Gallery and Museum is packed with incredibly detailed scratch-built ship models, fascinating artifacts, and interactive elements that’ll keep the kiddos entertained while they actually learn something (parenting win!).

If you’re lucky, you might even catch curator and Navy veteran Joe Frangiosa working his magic on his newest creation.

14. Enlisted Club

Now the location of signature restaurants like Corvette Diner and Slater’s 50/50, this area was once the Enlisted Club. Built in 1941, it was the stomping grounds for sailors, with a bowling alley, pool tables, and a theater.

Once a drinking hole, always a drinking hole 🍻

15. Catch a Show at the State-of-the-Art Performance Center

The soon-to-open Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center is transforming a historic 1942 naval recreation building into a $43.5-million state-of-the-art performance complex.

This impressive venue will be the permanent home for Cygnet Theatre and Liberty Station’s resident dance companies. Even though it’s not open quite yet, you can still swing by to check out the exterior and imagine all the amazing performances that will soon grace its stage.

16. Get Your Fitness On

The Point Loma Sports Club used to be a gymnasium used by the sailors. It included a basketball facility, gymnasium, and fitness center.

Let’s just say this place has been spruced up over the years! It now boasts Acro Yoga Jam, Aerial Arts Training, some super sweet new fitness equipment, and more.

17. Shop, Eat, and Drink at Liberty Public Market

Liberty Station’s oldest barracks have transformed into San Diego’s first seven-days-a-week public market, and it’s a feast for all your senses!

Liberty Public Market brings together 30+ local artisans and food vendors under one historic roof.

Wander from stall to stall, where talented craftspeople showcase everything from handmade jewelry to custom clothing alongside culinary wizards serving up fresh sushi, warm empanadas, and countless other delights.

The perfect spot to grab a unique gift, treat yourself to something special, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere while sampling your way through San Diego’s local talent.