San Diego?s Italian American neighborhood, Little Italy, is a lively inner-city neighborhood where you?ll enjoy shopping, dining and many events unique to the Italian culture.
With its bayside location, this area city originally evolved and revolved around the lucrative tuna fishing industry. However, WWII restrictions on the fishing range, and later competition from the Japanese fishing fleet started a steady decline and near demise of this lively Italian community.
Later, construction of Interstate 5 further displaced many families to other areas of San Diego. Fortunately, many of those families still maintain businesses in Little Italy and return here to shop and worship. Now this popular area is once again a thriving, lively community.
You?ll find a variety of shops and restaurants sure to please anyone in the family. Shop for clothing, art supplies, home furnishings, jewelry or spend the day at one of the many spas in the area. Of course, you can?t visit Little Italy and not sample some authentic Italian cuisine--fresh pasta dishes, delicious wine and don?t forget those fabulous desserts like tiramisu or cannoli!
Among the many annual events held in Little Italy are Artwalk, a juried display of original art by over 350 artists, Carnevale, a celebration similar to Mardi Gras but with an Italian flair, and Festa, which celebrates the Italian Culture. Of course, every day is a celebration of Italian culture in this unique community. Be sure to include it on your ?must do? list when visiting San Diego.
Getting there:
From Highway 8:
Take Highway 163 South to Highway 5 North, exit Hawthorn/Airport exit, make left on Pacific Hwy and a right on Ash Street and park at the County Admin. bldg. Parking $7.00.
From Los Angeles on Interstate 5, heading South:
Take Front St./Civic Ctr. exit, make a right on Ash Street, drive four blocks and make a right on India Street and park at 610 W. Ash Street. Parking $7.00.
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