The History of Seaport Village

Situated in downtown San Diego, adjacent to the San Diego Harbor, Seaport Village is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. From boutique shopping to fine dining and one of the oldest historic carousels, there are all sorts of things to do. However, what is more, unknown to all is the exact history of how Seaport Village came to be.

Curated in 1782 by the Spanish who had recently arrived in the Americas, the village was named Punta de los Muertos, or “Point of the Dead,” as the location originally served as the burial site for all of the shipmates who had died of scurvy along the journey. However, as San Diego continued to develop, the area was transformed into a railroad yard, where goods and other resources were transported through the area to other parts of the coast. Specifically, Morris Traubaum can be accredited as the “forefather” of Seaport Village, making the site into the bustling center it is today. 

As of 2025, Seaport Village is owned by the Port of San Diego, but it still remains an important place in our San Diego Community. So next time you travel downtown, make sure to stop by Seaport Village, enjoy the fun, and also reflect on how the site continues to be history in the making.