The Headquarters at Seaport is a historical landmark in downtown San Diego. It was the old police headquarters back in the day. You can check it out as well. It is now with restaurants, boutiques, and event spaces. It has a courtyard with seating. We've eaten at the Cheesecake Factory and Puesto's, and Eddie V's. It's nice to sit at the courtyard after a long walk. People watching is also entertaining. read more

The Headquarters at Seaport - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Diego, California

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When we first moved to San Diego two decades ago, The Headquarters was literally an abandoned police station -- actually, San Diego's Police Headquarters, Jail & Courts 1939-1987. Today, thanks to preservation and a significant renovation completed in 2013, The Headquarters is an open-air shopping center with restaurant and retail spaces surrounding an interior courtyard. We have dined here at three of the restaurants over the last decade and enjoyed some quiet time in the courtyard. It's one of our favorite places to meet friends and bring visitors. The Headquarters is an easy walk from the hotels in the waterfront area. Convention Center and Petco Park are also walkable. The Metro Green Line Seaport Village stop is also a short walk away -- BTW the Trolley is our favorite way to get here. Oh, before I forget. There's a hidden gem here: a free, mini-museum with artifacts from the old police station, including eight original jail cells, and a wall of mug shots. Check it out, and step back into a slice of San Diego history read more

In all of the years that I've been coming to Downtown San Diego, I have never made my way over to the Seaport Village area. For my last few trips for the Rock n' Roll San Diego Marathon, I've left the car at home and have taken the Greyhound. One of the bus stops is right in front of The Headquarters. I checked this place out while I waited for my bus to show up. It was pretty interesting to check out the jail cells and police exhibits as this used to be the old police headquarters. There were a small collection of stores and restaurants. I found it to be a nice place to hang out, do some window shopping, or getting a bite to eat. read more

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It's been awhile since I've been here and wow - it's changed. We are staying close by and decided to visit as BF likes Puesto . I was saddened and surprised by how headquarters looks now . It truly seems like a ghost town . Some of the restaurants/shops we visited are now gone . The center of the quarters is empty . Plus there were tons of parking available mid day which isn't usually the norm. We had a fantastic lunch at Puesto . So happy for them that they utilized the front space and made it into a bigger outdoor patio . Shout out to Alex , our server , who made the experience and lunch even more amazing . I am cheering for Headquarters to succeed . It's still a fun addition to this part of town and no doubt they are struggling to make it during the pandemic . I would suggest visiting them and walking to Seaport village to utilize the time here . read more

Considerably new place (1.5 yrs old). Mostly restaurants with a few merchandise businesses. Valet parking (right in front of the sign I took this photo), and I mean a long dedicated area. Then I realized why. As soon as you walk into this nice, new, village, you see a Puesto's and IT WAS BUSY! As you walk past Puesto's, it widens into a huge, open, area with umbrellas covering couches, benches, and outdoor eating tables and chairs. It felt CLEAN (like brand new clean). Did not have time to try any food or see all the shops, but I will return and try the POKE bowl place (forgot the name, such a bad memory for a Yelp Elite). Happy SD Walking Around and Fight On! read more

The Headquarters at Seaport - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Diego, California

As of February 2025 - for a shopping/dining center, there isn't much to get excited about. I'll give 3 stars because the parking was convenient, the building/courtyard is interesting, and the location has potential. But for now I won't be back. read more

The Headquarters at Seaport is located on the southside of Harbor drive between Pacific and Kettner. This is an outdoor open mall that has the looks to be an old police station. I wasn't sure of the entire history behind this place but going to the restroom leads through an area where there are old photos of this place and it looked like an old police station. Walking through this hallway you'll see jail cells from way back when. For the most part there's a large open plaza in the middle where you can see a bunch of restaurants like Puesto and The Cheesecake Factory. I found this place by accident because I was looking for the Poke place called Hi Poke that I found on Yelp and walked from the park with the big kissing statue. This area along the waterfront is all connected for the most part. The HQ connects to Tuna Harbor and the seafood restaurants along the water which connects to the other stores and shops along the Embarcadero leading to marina just south of the Hyatt twin towers. This shopping mall and restaurant area isn't very conspicuous from the street and I think it needs to have more visible signage than it has because it almost seems if you're not looking for it, it's not very easy to notice from the street. If you're walking along the Embarcadero, because it's more inland you could probably miss it as well. read more

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After having a scrumptious meal of Mexican street food at Puesto, we wandered about this open air mall. We soon discovered why this mall was called "The Headquarters"....it was once San Diego's Police Headquarters. It is listed as a historical building so we roamed about into the police exhibit that featured a jail block, interrogation and booking rooms, and criminal photos. We walked in front of the "line up" and went behind the bars in a jail cell. It was an eerie feeling being behind the bars in such cramped spaces. I'm glad that I've not had that experience before! The Headquarters had a limited number of restaurants and shopping in comparison to the nearby Seaport Village. There were other dining options such as The Cheesecake Factory, Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Flour & Barley and Seasons 52. I also noted Venissimo Cheese, a shop that I had seen at the Liberty Public Market. Other shops featured boutique and beach fashion, photography by Aaron Chang, a toy shop and sunglasses store. read more

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I visited the Headquarters for one of the movie nights. I'd never been before and didn't realize it was the entire area, not just one business. I loved the atmosphere and ambiance. It was a great idea to have the movie night as it brought people out who may never have been before, like me. It was a little chilly the night I went, but nothing they could control. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed every minute. read more

Originally, I didnt know The Headquarters was a completely different side of Seaport Village. I was on a mission to find the Kelsey Montague "What Lifts You" butterfly mural and was walking around the other side of Seaport Village, lost. I finally went to the information booth and said, "I am looking for a butterfly mural next to a Mexican restaurant and gelato place." The look on the guys face caused me to also say, "And no, I am not on drugs or drunk." Haha. He wasnt familiar with what I was looking for, but he directed me to The Headquarters. I was quickly side tracked by the Jail Cell and Police Exhibit. Next I went to Madison San Diego and looked up and saw the butterfly mural across the way, past Puesto restaurant. It is on wheels, so I am not sure how long it will be there. It looks like the artist will be back in San Diego two more times this year, so maybe she will be making more at other locations. Its awesome and a great place to take a picture. There is a store that was doing a soft opening, something with the word Cherry in it, I cannot remember it for the life of me, but it had really cute home decor and gift items - fairly well priced. There were a lot of cute items. We did not eat in this center but there were a lot of places to get snacks or meals, and a Starbucks. There are a lot of nice comfy chairs all around to sit and relax as well. read more

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I've come here a couple times at night... All the lights make this place so pretty... It's cool how they made use of this space that was closed off for so long.. But still respecting its past with the small "museum"... There are several shops to browse through and restaurants to eat at. Spacious and clean.. Also safe, with their security (police?) making rounds. Right next to seaport village, you get a taste of the old and new.. I love both! read more

The Headquarters at Seaport - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Diego, California

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Although this place is small, it has the right stuff to offer. From the small boutiques and specialty shops for shopping, to the melee of restaurants, including Seasons 52, Puesto, The Cheesecake Factory, and Pizzeria Mozza, this place will also provide you with some great places to eat. Built around the old police headquarters dedicated in 1939, (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-headquarters-at-seaport-district-san-diego-2?select=NxjW-QZpGLfGfUO2WB4pbA#u4SehaA7tOB4mUrcOck2zg) the place architecture remains with that old school San Diego look with historic south of the border feel with colonial overtones. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-headquarters-at-seaport-district-san-diego-2?select=NxjW-QZpGLfGfUO2WB4pbA#YHzSOsCU-HgN4cx9zvQ7_Q) I really like the opened center plaza that reminds me of a market plaza from deep down Mexico or South America. All the shops and restaurants are on the perimeter and easy to find and get to. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-headquarters-at-seaport-district-san-diego-2?select=NxjW-QZpGLfGfUO2WB4pbA#2OvvVPCJYyS4t6ohrSQqlg) If you eat here, spend at least $10 and park at Sea Port Village, you can validate your parking for 2 hours at a $3 charge. There is always security present and there is a Starbucks, for when you are in need. Great little mall.. read more

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The backdrop here is simply stunning. Downtown waterfront shopping and dining, it really doesn't get any more beautiful. Small selection of mostly independent shops selling lovely, high quality items, most locally made. Great restaurants and I love the Jail Cells and Police Exhibit located by the bathroom, fun, informative and a great photo opp. Super clean and well kept, nice for a stroll while in San Diego. read more

What a great little addition to the Seaport Village area. This is where Puesto, Cheesecake Factory, and Seasons 52 are located. Its right across the street from Seaport Village. You can park closer to the Headquarters or just park in the Seaport Village lot and just walk across the street. Its cool because its where the old jail used to be and there is still an area to check out the history and jail cells used for the inmates. There are also a few shops. I noticed a cheese, chocolate, and sunglass shop. This new area is great because it's not over populated yet and when you get bored of what Seaport Village has to offer its a great alternative. read more

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Being a native San Diegan we tend to gloss over these "tourist" stops but they are the places that make our city great. I've been here a few times already mainly to Presto and surrounding restaurants. But there is more to see and do than just eat. If you walk through the historical section you can read about the history of the headquarters and get your mug shot taken. If nothing else check your height! It's right next to Seaport Village, after exploring here take a walk around Seaport Village and enjoy the beautiful views. I will admit parking is a tad bit tricky here and it's not generous especially on the weekends. Meters are on 7 days a week 3 hour max at a time. You can pay with coins or credit card. If you have reservations give yourself enough time to look for parking. There is a toy store inside, incredible smelling gelato spot, sunglasses, clothing and even perfume shop. Restaurants to satisfy every taste and Walter size. It's spacious and well kept. Great for a weekend trip with the family, out of town friends or just by yourself. Plenty of things to see around the area all walking distance. read more

Date of last visit: September 4, 2016 I've been to The Headquarters at Seaport a number of times for Yelp Elite Events (Puesto, Seasons 52, and now Flour and Barley)... and to be honest, outside of the restaurants and Starbucks, this place is a bit too high end for me. While the courtyard is spacious, I wish there was more to look at and browse through. Parking is a pain here as well - I wasn't in the mood to drive around looking for a cheap spot the last time I was here, so I had to pony up $15 for valet parking. The saving grace of what I call the high-end portion of Seaport Village would have to be the mini museum dedicated to the mall's history as the former headquarters of the San Diego Police Department. One can check out photos of the department's history, see memorabilia and equipment our forces used, look at old-school booking photos, and even go inside one of the cells (those things are TINY... remind me not to screw up in my lifetime so I can avoid being placed in one of them)! Oh, and currently there's a photo op for the ladies in the courtyard where it looks like they have wings on - good idea for the girls and women in your lives (my girlfriend even took advantage)! There's room for improvement, but the Headquarters has potential. read more

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Wow! Superb new place to not only go shopping but strolling at night (or during the day, but I like my 'urban hikes' when in Downtown at night. I went during Thanksgiving night and everything was closed, however I got an extremely good impression about the location and the businesses that chose this area. I did not even know this existed. The architecture reminds me a little bit of colonial Mexico, a little bit of Southern Spain, very alive and full of charm. Being this the headquarters of the old San Diego Police Department brings that historical component that you don't find in other malls. Very stylish and spacious. I am looking forward trying out all restaurants and checking the stores there, so I can comment on each individually. Overall, this shopping center is like fresh air to refresh even more the area guiding people towards wonderful Seaport Village. Great architectural job and I hope San Diegans and visitors will enjoy for years to come. read more

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Bottom Line: The old police headquarters offers some great restaurants and quaint shops. I love The Headquarters shopping center that sits on the front side of Seaport Village. The transformed police headquarters is the perfect place for a bite to eat and some boutique shopping. Of course you can also check out the old jail cells if that suits your fancy. What I appreciate about The Headquarters is that they have beautifully restored the 1939 architecture of the building. I read that there are five different architectural styles used here but to my untrained eye I noticed the Spanish/Mediterranean styles the most. The shopping center is clean and well maintained and I wouldn't mind sitting out in the comfy courtyard to sip tea and people watch. The Mediterranean fountain is peaceful and the overhead string lights add a touch of romance. There are a few chain restaurants here but I recommending skipping those in favor of pizza and beer at Flour & Barley. As far as stores, I really liked Seaside Paper | Home and Urban Beach House. I am very glad that the old police headquarters was added to the The National Register of Historic Places in 1998 and saved from demolition! Thanks to those who made the effort to keep a lovely piece of San Diego history alive. read more

The Headquarters at Seaport - The Headquarters, so named because it was the SD Police headquarters is a very nice and clean shopping center. - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Diego, California

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Wow, what a unfair place to be in and big disappointment. The shops in this area are cute to wander and look through. However, they are just that because all items are overpriced and customers are truly paying to be a tourist due to the hotspot location the Headquarters is at. Expensive food and items, and valet parking are tolerable if a person has not been here before but one thing that is not, is denying basic amenities. Let me explain: After strolling around the plaza with my Starbucks drink, I decided to sit under a tree in the middle of plaza and charge my phone. I specifically chose to do this because the music playing near the walls and Starbucks were super loud. I also proceeded to whip out my laptop and complete a few tasks. I plugged in my wifi and used my hotspot because there is no free wifi at the plaza, which is fine. 5 minutes later I was approached by a security officer (Cindy) who politely told me to unplug both electronics...I was surprised and asked why. The officer replied that "Sorry, that's the rule here." I questioned further because it would seem that customers could use electricity in the plaza if they are shopping and spending money in the nearby shops. The security officer replied "You are allowed to sit here, you just can't use the outlets surrounding the walls and planters." I then proceeded to ask who created the rules... was it the shop vendors / building renters? Surely they wanted customers to stay and hangout...perhaps think about purchasing that ridiculously overpriced item they held on to so briefly then returned to the rack... The security officer replied "It is the rules by the property owner, Stephanie McEntee." I thanked Officer Cindy (asked her name at the end) and asked for this Stephanie's phone number to inquire as to WHY in the world she would not allow customers to use just one of the many outlets displayed throughout the plaza for a basic need. Does it truly detract the electricity from the shops? Is she being cheap? Is she not inclusive of all ages and populations frequenting this area (teens/older adults use their phones all the time...) I have yet to call and ask, but will update. read more

PARKING IS A SCAM. (This review is nearly the same as my review for Seaport village, which shares the same parking lot). There is no free parking with validation here: even if you get validation (from spending $10 or more at the stores at either Headquarters or Seaport village), it only gets you a "discount" on parking, as in you have to still pay for $5 if you stay for any amount of time below 3 hours (and you have to pay even more if you stay over 3 hours). If you don't validate, then you have to pay a whopping $8/hour. This is pure extortion, probably aimed towards unsuspecting tourists. Doesn't help that the parking signage is very misleading as well. The plaza is nothing special at all, basically just a few restaurants (I would recommend Puesto, however). If you absolutely have to visit for whatever reason, do the metered parking, which is located all around (or find one of the few free parking spots if you're not trying to come on a prime hour), as it is a lot more forgiving on the wallet. There really isn't any reason to be at Headquarters for more than an hour though. read more

This is a unique shopping and dining environment located next to Seaport Village in Downtown San Diego. I think it was part of a historic building that has been converted. They did a really nice job and it doesn't feel like a manufactured shopping mall. Some chain type places (Starbucks, Seasons 52 and Cheesecake Factory) but with a few local places too including a Mexican restaurant, Puesto, which I highly recommend. Great place to grab a bite or a coffee. read more

Got your taco happy hour spot, fancy cheese shop, Chocolatier, Variety of Gelato to sample, my fave - fire pits! 52 rotating wines. Short cut to Eddie V's if you don't want to drive out to La Jolla. This place has an art gallery from an award winning San Diegan with that beach theme going on. Boutique 's and if you're into the Hollywood scene and where celebrities shop on Melrose, Kitson took up some real estate here. If you're social media stalker found you. There are original jail cells to stick them in and take a selfie. Holiday season the moon was shining bright between a Xmas tree and palm tree. Cheers! Nice alternative to Gaslamp to dine. Your choices are : Puesto, Seasons 52, Eddie V's and Cheesecake Factory. Not bad! read more

The Headquarters at Seaport - Watch for this family heard their a bunch of Quackers - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Diego, California

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The Headquarters at Seaport is a tourist attraction with overpriced food and shopping. I can't believe anyone who can justify giving a mall or shopping center 5 stars. Unless the shopping is free every day of the year, it's never going to deserve a five star rating. I'm not saying that because my natural inclination is to buy everything online either. The only reason The Headquarters at Seaport gets a third star from me is because of its historical value. I like that they did preserve part of the old police headquarters, that was a good touch. It doesn't, however, justify the ridiculous amount of money they attempt to gouge from you with the parking fees. And don't get me started on the valet parking. I came here a couple times for events and dinner dates and I was seriously underwhelmed. I tried to like The Headquarters, honestly I really wanted to, it just left me wanting every time. I can see why it is so tough for stores to stay in business there too. The rent is astronomical and a lot of the tourists don't spend any money in the shops. They just go there to take their cheesy photos to post on social media, as evidenced by the yelp elites who post theirs on this page.. read more

Love this place. Great location. I can always find parking. The food places are some of my very top favorite in all of San Diego. It's a close walk to a few other beautiful places. ... And they have a creepy preserved jail cell complete with old felon photographs. You can also stand in a line up and get your picture taken. I'm so glad they didn't tear this place down. read more

The Headquarters at Seaport - Beautiful - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Diego, California

The Headquarters is aptly named. It was once the main police station for the San Diego Police Department. It had a jail, not surprisingly, but it was also the repair garage for all of SDPD's vehicles, even the undercover cars. Well, now it's a high-end shopping center, anchored by several well-regarded restaurants, Puesto, Seasons 52, Eddie V's, and the Cheesecake Factory. There is also an eclectic mix of smaller retail shops, most notably, in my mind, is Venissimo Cheese. Lost sunglasses? No problem, there's a shop to buy new ones. Oh, and also a chocolate shop ! The Headquarters could be considered an adjunct site to Seaport Village. In fact, the simplest way to park is to use the Seaport Village lot, and get some store to validate your ticket, thus reducing the cost. It's a very short walk to The Headquarters. It's worth a visit, and if you are already planning to while away some hours at Seaport Village, be sure to allot some time to visit The Headquarters. Both shopping areas are more attractive after dark, due to the interesting lighting. You won't be disappointed. read more

I swore I'd never go back to jail, but this is different. No cops, no handcuffs or any of that stuff. Just some old pictures of days gone by. A past life if you would, for both of us...See now, nothing to be afraid of. I always wondered what they would do with this place so when construction started I was pretty anxious. Though I couldn't make the opening I've come back on a few occasions both day and night to get a good feel for the place. It's most certainly unlike anything we have downtown. It reminds me of when people first step onto MCRD or Liberty station, there is still this "barracks" vibe, but here it's also mixed with some great views. Why on earth would we waste such great real estate and views on a police station? It's bigger than I remember it. More open, but not overly. It almost reminds me of a spa, golf resort with their own shops on site, not an actual shopping center and without the grass and landscaping. It's still new, but it's touted as food and entertainment. I'm not sure there is or really will be entertainment here, unless you like to people watch. Food. Cheesecake factory, can't say I'm surprised, but with such great places nearby that are much more local in flavor, this is for the tourists. Eddie V's, Starbucks, ok now they've gone too white bread on us. Are we at an outlet mall? The saving grace is Puesto who is doing big things (more to come in my separate review). This is the only not corporate cookie cutter place. Pizzeria Mozza is Mario Batali's creation from Hollywood, sorry bud, I think we do plenty fine with our pizzas down here. Gelato Paradiso will be popping off when the summer comes (gelappe over starbucks is what I'm thinking). It's not an eaters paradise and without the entertainment your left trying to soak up the location. Can we say "where is the brewery?" Soooooo shopping. I'm probably unlike most people in that half the shops I would never go into and the one's that have men's items are certainly not my style. Kitson's is basically Zara which is H&M's less hipster brother. Life is Good is fun if you're an optimist looking for zero originality. Simply Local is constantly changing and should be checked out from time to time. Lots of art, lots of home decorations and design, but literally void of things in my demographic Stationary? Really? Madison is where girls go to buy something for the man in their life for which they should go to a specialty store. Sunglass Hut just doing it's thing. Urban Beach house is filled with clothing that someone not from San Diego thinks we San Diegans wear. There are some strange design flaws with this place, perhaps remnants needed for previous tenants. Don't worry, the official figures on how many inmates died here are unsubstantiated, so really the odds of this place being haunted can really only be cleansed of any juju with a proper brewery and bar, neither of which have. Puesto does however have a full bar, but more a restaurant. Summer nights will be fun walking around here from the Embarcadero where parking is cheaper and easier to find. read more

One of my favorite spot to relax, sit down in the courtyard, enjoy a gelato or look at the police exhibits and the jail cells. Every time friends come to visit me in san diego I always show them the Headquarters at Seaport and they are always very impressed read more

The Headquarters at Seaport - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Diego, California

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We were tired from driving around and used the valet services for when we hang out in the village. The guy that took my car took my cell phone number and I received a stub via text. The cost was $15 for 5 hours. Along with the $5 tip, it was a great deal for us. All the guys that work here were super nice and professional. read more

We were delighted to find this extra little area near us while staying next door at the Hyatt. This is very unique as it is tucked into the the back of Seaport Village in an area called Headquarters. We were told it was once a police headquarters for San Diego. It's a very nice area with other shops and restaurants around. It was decorated very nicely for Christmas when we were there in November. Be sure to check it out if you are in the area. read more

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Very stylish and cool shopping/dining space in the Seaport District...dining options seem suitable for tourists (Cake Factory) and locals alike (Mozza, Venissimo). It's great to see this classic space spring to life after countless years of blighted existence hiding behind chain-link fence! read more

The Headquarters at Seaport - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Diego, California

Yay! The fence is down and restoration is complete. What a neat building and it feeds right into Seaport Village. Love the historical architecture. Had fun looking at the old photos and the jail cells. Cheesecake Factory of all things! Any hoo a cheese shop, chocolate shop, super cute boutiques, great restaurants surround a cozy open courtyard. Really enjoyed it! The only negative comment would be who's bright idea was it to have a long curb 5 feet out from the shops?? Big signs and barriers around so you don't fall and break your head. Brilliant planning! read more

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The Headquarters at Seaport is doing everything right. It has the same quaint and comfortable feel that seaport village does with more interested shops and restaurants to choose from. The options are much better for dining and the shops are much less novelty than those you'll see across the way. Puesto is an easy pic. Their tacos are absolutely incredible and flavorful! I also really love Eddie V's for a celebration! I enjoyed a birthday dinner there with family and had an amazing experience with their beautiful interior and attentive wait staff. Gelato paradiso has some of the most delicious gelato! And they let you pick up to four flavors in a cup! The panna cotta is my absolute favorite. In terms of shopping, I love stopping into seaside because they have cute rifle paper co products! The Headquarters is a great balance to the already fun and popular Seaport Village! It provides excellent dining options within steps to the water! read more

It is finally open. This use to be the old police headquarters until they moved in the late 80' or early 90's. Well worth the wait. They kept a lot of the original facade. It is a nice addition to seaport village with the cheesecake factory and several other restaurants, assorted stores, and a nice open plaza. One valet, park at seaport village, or street park. With seaport village next door and the new park across the street, this makes a nice area to spend several hours on the weekends hanging out or bringing out of town guest. read more

This past Memorial weekend, we brought one of our favorite aunt visiting us to join us in exploring this newly opened shopping area that is the sister to Seaport Village. We parked at the revenue parking lot at Seaport Village and walked the short distance to the Headquarters, which was once housed the SDPD. This center has multiple, unique shops almost all independently owned sans one or two in here which are corproate owned. I liked the store that offered merchandise from local artesians. There is a cheese shop, chocolate shop and so forth. Being a former LEO, I especially enjoyed the restored old jail area, historical artifacts and photos showing the old SDPD when it operated here. read more

Was looking forward to this area but it's super tiny and just a bunch of small vendors camping inside the formal Police department selling not so interesting things. Ended up spending like less than 10 minutes there and ended up scrolling around Seaport Village instead. Only places that would be worth your while are Starbucks, Seasons 52, Puesto, Pizzeria Mozza, and maybe Cheesecake Factory. Yup, only food places. Stopped by Kitson store to browse around but not really worth buying anything there. Disappointed and after seeing what they had to offer, would not want to proactively come here again. It's 3 bucks for 2 hours if you buy something over $10 else I think it's $8 an hour. Believe parking is Credit Card/Debit Card only, no CASH. read more

This is a cool little area to hang out. Convenient parking lot right next to it. It's a couple dollars with validation for 3 hours I think. Definitely worth it instead of trying to find parking else where. The jail cell is a cool place to take pictures! Also there are a lot of cute shops and restaurants! Definitely would recommend making a stop here if you are already wandering Seaport Village. read more

We stopped by The Headquarters several times during our five-day visit to San Diego as we were staying right across the street at the Hyatt. We enjoyed meals at Puesto and Seasons 52 as well as a couple of coffee stops at Starbucks. Several interesting shops are set on an inviting inner courtyard. Nicely landscaped and maintained. Really love how the former police headquarters has been reinvented! read more

And all of a sudden, after all these years, with mild anticipation and little to no fanfare, San Diego has "The Headquarters." What is it? Well, it's the old police headquarters that have been decaying in the shadows of Seaport Village for years now. They've been spit-shined, the holes have been patched and they're now open for business. With 23 current tenants I find what I love and, well, love less about the new Headquarters. Where is the local love? Seasons 52? Cheesecake Factory? Sunglass Hut? Eddie V's and Starbucks?! Ouch! With such greatness flowing through the local restaurant bloodstream, why can't this tourist trap show our welcomed visitors what San Diego is really made of? Don't worry, friends. There is hope yet and it comes in the form of a "street taco" place by the name of Puesto. They've maintained a certain level of the historic architecture, the food is out of this world and above all else, they're local. You can read my glowing rant on their own Yelp business listing but they needed to also be mentioned here as THE reason to pay this place a visit. There is one other part of the Headquarters that I truly love and it's the old jail cells that they have restored as a reminder of where all the shiny and polished beauty around you stemmed from. Check the wall of mugshots for a little family history, native San Diegans. Hey, ya never know! Hooligans! read more

It's kind of crazy that I've lived in San Diego for most of my life, and have never been in this shopping plaza until the other day. Although there's not too much going on here, it has its own special features. Let's start off with the Police Jail Cells Exhibit. They have old school police equipment, with tons of photos and history. But the best part is the actual jail cells, one in which you can actually go inside and sit in. Simple small little attraction, but still pretty cool for what it is. I also really like their giant hipster butterfly wing art, in which you can take photos in. And they have a lot of nice lounge chairs and fire pits and pretty lights. And a few stores and restaurants. And not to mention, a ginormous Christmas tree for the holidays. read more

The new go-to spot in SD. Shopping? Check. Dining? Check. All that's missing? A movie theater... bowling alley - something for entertainment to keep the folks from leaving this new, cool addition and keep folks spending. (Mr. San Diego planner... that's a suggestion you may want to really consider). BTW, I don't think the carousel at Seaport counts. Oh... the restored jail cell is a great, but also does not count as entertainment in today's standards. I did spend a cool 10-15 minutes perusing the interesting mug shots of folks labeled for drugs, prostitution (they actually labeled one lady as a tramp) and pimpin'! Did anyone get any creepy vibes - just wondering if this jail cell is haunted coz that would add more to the "this place is really cool" factor. Anywhoo... it's too bad most of the stores close early. I normally need to rush through dinner so I can head to the stores and do some shopping. read more