The Best San Diego Summer Events
There’s no doubt about it: summer is one of the most exciting times to be in San Diego. The weather is more beautiful than ever, the beaches are bright and warm, and the events calendar warms up right along with the sunshine. If you’re planning to visit “America’s Finest City” as the seasons blend into each other, here are some of the best San Diego summer events you can plan your escape around.
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay (ongoing)
(Photo: @humphreysshows)
The Humphreys Concerts By The Bay performance series is back and better than ever. This 1,400-seat open-air venue (located at our sister Property, Humphreys Half Moon Inn) is one of the area’s most-renowned stages, presenting a packed schedule of world-famous artists every season. Its waterfront location makes for a truly lovely setting, as well — affording local boaters a chance to float alongside the seating area, and take in the show from their craft. This year’s series presents shows from Graham Nash, Indigo Girls, Tori Amos, REO Speedwagon, Air Supply, Jason Isbell, Diana Krall, Chris Isaak, Collective Soul, and Chicago. View this year’s schedule and more info here.
2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
San Diego Padres Baseball (now through Sept.)
Our own hometown heroes the San Diego Padres have been bringing big-time baseball to the city for more than 50 years. The Padres’ home of Petco Park is widely recognized as one of the finest stadiums in the league, too. So much so that USA Today recently named it “the best stadium in baseball” for the second year in a row. Not only does Petco Park play home to baseball- they also have an exciting summer concert series this year, with artists like Jimmy Eat World, Darius Rucker, Weezer & more! So grab a seat, a craft beer and a bag of peanuts, and cheer our boys on for game day.
100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego County Fair (June 7 – July 4)
Nothing says summer in the city like the return of the San Diego County Fair. With tasty treats, exciting rides, and plenty of entertainment options, the county fair is a great way to experience the best of San Diego. The theme of this year’s fair is “Get Out There”, encouraging everyone to enjoy the great outdoors. When you go, expect amazing food, incredible exhibits, pulse-pounding thrill rides, and world-class live entertainment. This year’s mainstage lineup includes music from Train, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Switchfoot, Boyz II Men, Alabama, and comedy from Kevin Hart.
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
Fourth of July Firework Displays (July 4th)
(Photo: @joelphotoguyortiz)
What’s summer without some “sky-rotechnics”? San Diego offers so many different firework displays throughout town, you’ll be spoiled for choice on which to attend! Our largest and most popular event is The Big Bay Boom — launched from a quartet of barges across the San Diego Bay, with “ooh” and “aah”-worthy explosions lighting up the night. Here on Mission Bay, we are lucky to have TWO additional celebrations to enjoy: July 3rd brings the return of Mission Bay Yacht Club’s display, where we will be hosting food & drink specials for before the 9pm viewing. Then, SeaWorld San Diego also offers a massively impressive display in honor of the holiday. The best part? SeaWorld is a near neighbor of ours, so The Dana is one of the best places from which to check out their big show! Grab a lawn chair, a blanket and your favorite beverage, and get ready to be wowed. For those who can’t join us, we will be live-streaming the event from our social channels. Tune in to watch with us!
San Diego Pride (July 8 – 16)
San Diego Pride is the city’s largest LGBTQIA+ cultural celebration. The theme for 2023 is “Find Your Voice”, encouraging community participation and activism. This year’s Pride will once again feature large-scale live events, such the Pride Power Summit, Queer Prom, North Park Music Fest, and — of course — the massive Pride Parade, the region’s largest civic event. Don’t miss your chance to head out, BE out, and live it up!
Sixth Ave & Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92103
San Diego Comic-Con (July 19 – 23)
The world’s biggest celebration of comics culture returns to the San Diego Convention Center. The reputation of Comic-Con precedes it for fans of pop culture. For the uninitiated, Comic-Con is a massive event that draws thousands of attendees every year — every one there to honor the impact that all things superhero, sci-fi, fantasy, and magic have had on entertainment. Elaborate costumes, video games, panel discussions, meet-and-greets, and (of course) comics galore will greet visitors at the con. There are also loads of fun events happening in the days surrounding the Con. We recommend heading downtown to the Gaslamp District to enjoy amazing people-watching, pop-up events and comic-themed drink specials from the surrounding establishments.
111 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Del Mar Horse Racing Season (July 21 – Sept. 10)
The famous horse races at Del Mar have been a crowd favorite for decades. Fans first flocked to cheer on their favorites beginning in 1937, when Bing Crosby welcomed spectators to the stands. The legendary Seabiscuit took the inaugural race by a nose only a year later. So equine enthusiasts should head to the park, bring binoculars, and place a bet on their favorite pony while enjoying a gorgeous day out at this legendary series.
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
San Diego Bayfair (Sept. 15 – 17)
(Photo: @sdbayfair)
Enjoy the thrill of powerboat racing during San Diego Bayfair — the world’s premier powered water sports event. This family-friendly regatta is 40-plus years strong, and is an exciting and unique way to spend a late summer weekend. When you go, you’ll discover fantastic food, live entertainment, a classic car show, and shameless displays of aquatic mastery from the planet’s best speed boaters. San Diego Bayfair happens right here in (and on!) Mission Bay, so there’s no better place to stay than The Dana.
San Diego Over The Line (OTL) Fest (July 8 – 16)
The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) is hosting San Diego’s 69th Annual World Championship Over-the Line (OTL) Tournament this July 15-16 and July 22-23 at Fiesta Island just minutes from our hotel. With thousands of spectators and players joining over this two-weekend event, it’s an amazingly fun way to spend a weekend out on the sand by the water. Make sure to bring your own drinks, check out the island’s “rules”, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Park, 1590 E Mission Bay Dr. San Diego, CA 92109
Plan Your Summer Stay at The Dana
Heading to “America’s Finest City” to check out our exciting summer events calendar? Reserve your stay on Mission Bay. Our beautiful waterfront resort offers top-shelf accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and a central location convenient to every stop on the list. Check Out our Special Offers page for all the latest San Diego travel deals this spring and summer!