San Diego Harbor Gets a New Dream: From Parking Lot to Party Place
The Port of San Diego has opened a public comment window for a bold plan that could turn the busy East Harbor Island into a lively entertainment district. After publishing a Draft Environmental Impact Report, residents have until August 24 to voice their thoughts. If the plan moves forward, a stretch of land across from the airport and next to the Harbor Police Headquarters—today mainly used for parking, car rentals, and temporary construction support—would become a top coastal destination.
Key Features of the Proposal
- 10‑acre Public Waterfront Park
- Walking promenade
- Open plazas
- Playgrounds
- Restrooms
- Public art installations
- 16‑acre Entertainment Zone (next to the park)
- Topgolf would occupy nearly ten acres with its driving range and arcade.
- Remaining space earmarked for future food‑and‑fun venues selected through a competitive bidding process.
Infrastructure Upgrades
- Road and Traffic Improvements
- Realignment of Liberator Way.
- New parking lots added.
- Sidewalks widened.
Green buffers planted.
Intersection Reconfiguration to improve traffic flow in the area.
Next Steps
Port officials stressed that no final decision has been made yet. Feedback gathered during this comment period will shape the Final Environmental Impact Report. Both the report and a Port Master Plan Amendment are slated for review by the Board of Port Commissioners in late 2026, along with a lease option for Topgolf.
