Author: Express Airline Tickets

A- Overview:
From its world-famous zoo and aquarium to its bountiful beaches, San Diego’s vibrant and exciting lifestyle has plenty to offer visitors and their whole families. It’s the kind of city where every day is a beach day, and where everyone is busy having as much fun as possible. A relaxed atmosphere pervades the city, probably one of the reasons that draw more than 30 million visitors a year to San Diego. Given the beautiful weather and outdoor activities abound, San Diego is probably one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in America. Families walk, skate, and bike their way to over 70 miles of beaches or any one of San Diego’s numerous attractions.
San Diego’s natural beauty is one of the city’s greatest attractions. An officially designated 52-mile long Scenic Drive brings visitors through the city and its many neighborhoods. From the Harbor Islands through Old Town and Balboa Park all the way to La Jolla, the Scenic Drive is a great way to see all of the city’s beautiful districts and neighborhoods.

Balboa Park itself is the 1,200 acre home to the world-famous Zoo and museums. This park is the cultural center of the city. The Rose Garden has more than 2,000 rosebushes, and the entire park is really one giant botanical garden full of beautiful flowers and trees. The Zoo, one of the best in the world, holds nearly 4,000 animals representing more than 800 species. The animal habitats are designed to replicate each animal’s original ecosystem as closely as possible, down to the type of grass used. Birds, gorillas, tigers, bears, hippos and other animals have helped make this one of the most admired zoos in the world. In addition to the zoo, Balboa Park is home to over a dozen museums dedicated to history, science, art, cars, railroads, mankind, and of course, San Diego itself.

Visitors who want to spend as much time as possible near the glittering Pacific Ocean will love the Mission Bay area and its greatest attraction: Sea World. The Mission Bay aquatic park covers 4,600 acres, and includes 27 miles of bay shore beaches and 17 miles of ocean front beaches. Admission to the beaches is free, and swimming, sunning, and windsurfing are the preferred activities. Playgrounds and picnic spots are found throughout the park, but the best place for kids has to be Sea World. Covering over 100 bay-front acres, this park features the world famous killer whale Shamu, as well as hundreds of other water animals, like penguins, fish, and sharks. Sea World is one of the most famous aquatic parks in the world, and kids and adults alike will love it.

San Diego has it all: sunny weather, great beaches, wonderful museums, zoos, and aquariums, and history too. Old Town is the historical heart of San Diego, and a great place to finish up a visit to the city. The Spanish and Mexican heritage of the city is celebrated here, amidst the famous Presidio fortress, the historical park, and the adobe houses with Spanish tile roofs. San Diego has evolved immeasurably since those early days as a Spanish settlement on the Pacific, and that evolution has produced one of the most beautiful and happy cities in the world. Visitors to San Diego are always sorry to leave behind what residents know is heaven on earth.

B- City Information:
Population: 1,223,400

Elevation: 40 feet above sea level

Land Area: 324.3 feet

Location: San Diego sits at the southwestern-most point of California, just minutes from the border of Mexico

Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (when it’s 9AM in San Diego, it’s noon in New York City and 11am in Chicago). San Diego observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October

Weather:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Average temp. (°F)
57.7
58.8
59.8
62.5
64.6
67.5
71.1
72.7
71.8
67.6
61.7
57.5

High temperature (°F)
66.3
66.9
66.9
69.3
70.0
73.0
76.7
78.5
78.0
74.8
70.5
66.8

Low temperature (°F)
48.9
50.7
52.7
55.5
59.1
62.0
65.3
66.8
65.5
60.4
52.8
48.2

Precipitation (in)
2.3
2.1
2.3
0.8
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.5
1.1
1.3

Climate:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Days with precipitation
7
6
7
5
2
1
0
0
1
2
4
6

Wind speed (mph)
6.0
6.6
7.5
7.8
7.9
7.8
7.5
7.4
7.1
6.5
5.9
5.6

Morning humidity (%)
72
74
76
76
78
81
82
83
81
77
73
71

Afternoon humidity (%)
58
60
61
60
65
67
67
67
67
65
62
59

Sunshine (%)
72
71
70
68
59
58
68
70
69
68
75
73

Days clear of clouds
12
10
11
10
8
9
13
15
15
14
15
14

Partly cloudy days
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
12
10
10
8
8

Cloudy days
11
10
11
10
11
9
5
4
6
8
7
10

Snowfall (in)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

Local Seasons:

While summer may be slightly busier than the other seasons in this most-desired California city, there are not any real “slow seasons”. With perfect weather year round and a host of attractions, adventures to be explored, as well as fine dining; any time of year is perfect for a visit. The afternoon humidity virtually never gets over 67%, making the climate ideal for any type of activity. Summer is the warmest time of the year yet the temperature rarely goes above 80 F in the day and stays comfortably near 60 F at night. And there really isn’t much of difference during the other three seasons. Winters are mild with an average daily temperature near 60 F. Spring and fall bring the averages into the 60’s F, making both day and night good times to see the sites and enjoy the variety of entertainment available. Whether for business or leisure, San Diego is waiting with warm sun and festive nights.

How to Get There:

By Car

San Diego is easily reached via Interstate Highway 5 from the north (Los Angeles), Interstate 15 from the northwest (San Bernardino), and Interstate 8 from the east (Yuma). The Mexican border is just south of the city.

By Air

San Diego International Airport

619-400-2400

The airport is located just minutes from the center of the city as well as close to virtually all of the major attractions. It is served by many of the national and internationally known airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers.

Ground Transportation:

All of the major rental car companies, as well as taxis and limousine service are available at the airport.

By Train

Amtrak

1050 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

900-USA-RAIL

Greyhound

120 West Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101

619-239-3266

How to Get Around:

Like most southern California cities, the best way to get around is by car; either personal or rental. Rental cars are readily available at both the airport as well as throughout the city.

There is also Trolley service as well as local bus service in and around the city. The trolley route is the 16 miles between the Mexican border and the Santa Fe Depot in town.

619-234-1060

Call for schedule and additional information

National Holidays:

New Year’s Day, January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January

President’ Day, the third Monday in February

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, the first Monday in September

Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25

New Year’s Eve, December 31

C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Belmont Park
3100 block of Mission Boulevard
Phone: 619-491-2988
Located directly on the Mission Bay Boardwalk, this park features a beautifully restored wooden roller coaster guaranteed to delight enthusiasts of classic amusement park rides.
Sea World
World Drive off I-5
Phone: 619-226-3901
One of San Diego’s premier attractions, Sea World gives visitors the opportunity to view impressive performances by Shamu the killer whale, be amazed and amused by the acrobatic antics of dolphins, and come face to face with fearsome looking sharks in the Shark Encounter. Those who wish to keep nature at a slightly greater distance can view one of the bird shows occurring periodically throughout the day. Other featured attractions include the Penguin Encounter, Manatee Rescue, Wild Arctic and Shipwreck Rapids ride.

San Diego Harbor Excursion Whale Watching
1050 N. Harbor Dr
Phone: 619-234-4111
Seemingly placid by comparison to the more widely known killer whale, the California gray whale is by no means less beautiful. Those wishing to observe the California grays during their southerly migration can do so by means of daily tours departing both morning and afternoon from the foot of Broadway (downtown).

San Diego Wild Animal Park
Highway 163/I-15 to Via Rancho Parkway (in Escondido)
Phone: 619-234-6541
For those wishing to see nature in an uninterrupted state, the Wild Animal Park is the place to go. With two animal shows, a quiet monorail, and unobtrusive paths, this 851 hectare (2,100 acre) preserve dedicated to the preservation of endangered species strikes a balance of preserving nature while still allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the animals and exotic plants found within its grounds.

San Diego Zoo
In Balboa Park
Phone: 619-234-3153
One of the most widely known zoos in the entire world, the San Diego Zoo is also one of the largest. Numbering among its eight hundred species of animals are some of the rarest and most exotic species in captivity. Most widely known for the animals it houses, the Zoo also contains a wide variety of tropical and semitropical plants. Its 40 hectares (100 acres) feature over 6,500 species of plants. Some of the featured exhibits at the Zoo include the Tiger River, Sun Bear Forest, Gorilla Tropics, Polar Bear Plunge and the new Ituri Forest and RainForest Aviary. Also available to visitors at no additional price are a guided bus tour and a skytram.

Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
Phone: 858-534-3474
The Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum, associated with the world-renowned Scripps Institute of Oceanography, is the largest oceanographic exhibit in the U.S. With over 3,000 fish from waters cold to tropical, the museum features enough species to keep even Jacques Cousteau busy. The museum’s bookshop sells a variety of works focusing on marine science and oceanography and includes teaching materials.

Balboa Park
Phone: 619-232-2721
With perhaps the most to offer of any area of San Diego, the beautifully landscaped acres of Balboa Park include museums featuring world class collections, the San Diego Zoo, the Starlight Bowl outdoor theater, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Old Globe Theatre complex, rose and cactus gardens, and the Japanese Friendship Garden, where the occasional traditional tea ceremony can be observed. If you are in the mood for a walk or a picnic, this is the area for you. Even the open areas feature entertainment with both artists and street performers being common sights during the weekend.

San Diego Museum of Art
1450 El Prado, Balboa Park
Phone: 619-232-7931
The largest museum in San Diego, the Museum of Art features works by Old Masters from several continents.

San Diego Natural History Museum
In Balboa Park
Phone: 619-232-3821
For those who enjoy the collected works of nature more than the collected works of man, the San Diego Natural History Museum presents to its visitors a variety of environmental habitats. These include desert, ocean and shore habitats, as well as displays of a variety of gems and minerals.

Old Town State Historic Park
2510 Juan
Phone: 619-298-3317
The six blocks of San Diego’s first settlement is a pedestrian-only zone that preserves the original site and Mexican influence of California’s oldest city in its reconstructed and restored 1800s structures.

Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center
1875 El Prado, Balboa Park
Phone: 619-238-1233
Fax: 619-231-8971
With activities both entertaining and educational, the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center has something for every member of the family. With the latest technology, giant OMNIMAX films treat visitors to a variety of entertaining, educational topics. From the comfort of their seats, visitors can go on exciting adventures or view planetarium shows. The Science Center portion of the facility is definitely a hands-on experience, where visitors are both invited and encouraged to experience the variety of exhibits firsthand.

San Diego Aerospace Museum
2001 Pan American Plaza
Phone: 619-234-8291
Fax: 619-233-4526
Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Aerospace Museum is the place to be for aviation enthusiasts both young and old. Whether it is an interest in historical flight or merely a child’s fascination with the wonders of flying that brings one here, there is plenty here to view, entertain, and educate.

Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., Point Loma
Phone: 619-557-5450
With over 1.2 million visitors each year, the Cabrillo National Monument is one of the country’s most visited national monuments. Dedicated to Juan Rodruiguez Cabrillo, who arrived in the San Diego area in 1542, the monument consists of a statue that sits at the tip of Point Loma. Visitors can also view the restored lighthouse (circa 1855), or visit the nearby Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Visitors are invited to partake in guided tours of the Cemetery or view one of the hourly films on Cabrillo, the history of San Diego, and the California gray whales, whose yearly migration can be seen from Point Loma from December through March.

Firehouse Museum 1572 Columbia St
Phone: 619-232-FIRE
Complete with shiny fire engines, hand and horse-drawn engines, a turn of the century steam pumper, and historical memorabilia such as antique alarms and fire hats, the Firehouse Museum is a complete collection of firefighting artifacts. In fact, the only thing missing is the Dalmatian.

Maritime Museum 1306 N. Harbor Dr.
Phone: 619-234-9153
Consisting of three uniquely historical vessels, the Maritime Museum exhibits the variety of naval architecture and function of the 19th and early 20th century. Visitors can board each vessel and explore for themselves or view movies on-deck (April – October). The vessels that comprise the Museum are the full-rigged merchant vessel Star of India (1863), whose impressive masts are an integral part of the San Diego cityscape, the gleaming white San Francisco-Oakland steam-powered ferry Berkeley (1898), which worked round-the-clock to carry people to safety following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and the sleek Medea (1904), one of the world’s few remaining large steam yachts.

San Diego Museum of Man
1350 El Prado, Balboa Park
Phone: 619-239-2001
FAX: 619-239-2749
Those interested in the early history of American Indian, Mayan, and Egyptian art and culture can view exhibits here. The exhibits vary from American Indian art to early Egyptian mummies. The museum also features a Children’s’ Discovery Center for younger museum patrons.

Mission San Luis Rey
4050 Mission Avenue
Phone: 760-757-3651
View a piece of the early history of California, as well as look through a window into the lives and culture of the early Californians. Beautifully maintained and restored, Mission San Luis Rey is the largest of California’s missions. The main sanctuary is of particular interest, while the well cared-for grounds offer the opportunity for a picnic.

Coronado
1047 B Avenue
Visitor’s Center
Coronado, CA 92118
800-622-8300
If an interest in getting away from it all has led you to San Diego, let upscale shopping and beautiful white sand beaches bring you to Coronado. Spend a few hours strolling or shopping, explore the yacht harbor or visit the Imperial Beach, then relax and enjoy one of the many excellent restaurants located on this beautiful island.

D- Family Fun Attractions:
Belmont Park
3100 block of Mission Boulevard
Phone: 619-491-2988
Located directly on the Mission Bay Boardwalk, this park features a beautifully restored wooden roller coaster guaranteed to delight enthusiasts of classic amusement park rides.
Legoland California
Legoland Drive off I-5
Phone: 760-918-5346
With 128 acres, 40 interactive exhibits, elaborate miniaturized cities, and millions of the multicolored plastic bricks for which it is world renowned, Legoland California has something to delight children of all ages. With areas specially tailored to appeal to children of various ages, Legoland California has become a popular site for visitors since its opening in March 1999.

Sea World
World Drive off I-5
Phone: 619-226-3901
One of San Diego’s premier attractions, Sea World gives visitors the opportunity to view impressive performances by Shamu the killer whale, be amazed and amused by the acrobatic antics of dolphins, and come face to face with fearsome looking sharks in the Shark Encounter. Those who wish to keep nature at a slightly greater distance can view one of the bird shows occurring periodically throughout the day. Other featured attractions include the Penguin Encounter, Manatee Rescue, Wild Arctic and Shipwreck Rapids ride.

San Diego Wild Animal Park
Highway 163/I-15 to Via Rancho Parkway (in Escondido)
Phone: 619-234-6541
For those wishing to see nature in an uninterrupted state, the Wild Animal Park is the place to go. With two animal shows, a quiet monorail, and unobtrusive paths, this 851 hectare (2,100 acre) preserve dedicated to the preservation of endangered species strikes a balance of preserving nature while still allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the animals and exotic plants found within its grounds.

San Diego Zoo
In Balboa Park
Phone: 619-234-3153
One of the most widely known zoos in the entire world, the San Diego Zoo is also one of the largest. Numbering among its eight hundred species of animals are some of the rarest and most exotic species in captivity. Most widely known for the animals it houses, the Zoo also contains a wide variety of tropical and semitropical plants. Its 40 hectares (100 acres) feature over 6,500 species of plants. Some of the featured exhibits at the Zoo include the Tiger River, Sun Bear Forest, Gorilla Tropics, Polar Bear Plunge and the new Ituri Forest and Rain Forest Aviary. Also available to visitors at no additional price are a guided bus tour and a sky tram.

Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
Phone: 858-534-3474
The Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum, associated with the world-renowned Scripps Institute of Oceanography, is the largest oceanographic exhibit in the U.S. With over 3,000 fish from waters cold to tropical, the museum features enough species to keep even Jacques Cousteau busy. The museum’s bookshop sells a variety of works focusing on marine science and oceanography and includes teaching materials.

Balboa Park
Phone: 619-232-2721
With perhaps the most to offer of any area of San Diego, the beautifully landscaped acres of Balboa Park include museums featuring world class collections, the San Diego Zoo, the Starlight Bowl outdoor theater, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Old Globe Theatre complex, rose and cactus gardens, and the Japanese Friendship Garden, where the occasional traditional tea ceremony can be observed. If you are in the mood for a walk or a picnic, this is the area for you. Even the open areas feature entertainment with both artists and street performers being common sights during the weekend.

Plunge and Giant Dipper
3146 Mission Blvd
Phone: 619-491-2988
Phone 858-488-3110
Perfect for entertaining families, the combination of the Plunge and Giant Dipper can either relax or excite the entire family. Located in Mission Beach, The Plunge, dating back to 1925, is the largest swimming pool in Southern California. The Giant Dipper is a wooden roller coaster featuring 13 hills, the largest of which is 70 feet in height.

Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center
1875 El Prado, Balboa Park
Phone: 619-238-1233
Fax: 619-231-8971
With activities both entertaining and educational, the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center has something for every member of the family. With the latest technology, giant OMNIMAX films treat visitors to a variety of entertaining, educational topics. From the comfort of their seats, visitors can go on exciting adventures or view planetarium shows. The Science Center portion of the facility is definitely a hands-on experience, where visitors are both invited and encouraged to experience the variety of exhibits firsthand.

San Diego Aerospace Museum
2001 Pan American Plaza
Phone: 619-234-8291
Fax: 619-233-4526
Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Aerospace Museum is the place to be for aviation enthusiasts both young and old. Whether it is an interest in historical flight or merely a child’s fascination with the wonders of flying that brings one here, there is plenty here to view, entertain, and educate.

Children’s Museum of San Diego
200 W. Island Ave.
Phone: 619-233-KIDS
A definite must for travelers with children, this interactive attraction, which encourages participation, is a home away from home for kids. Among the attractions are supervised activities, as well as a monthly special celebration recognizing important issues such as earth awareness or African-American history. Children are invited to take part in a variety of activities from the indoor-outdoor art studio to the theater, complete with a variety of costumes for actors to don. The observation walk above the exhibits gives children a birds-eye view of what the museum has to offer, as well as a playground feel when they exit it via a spiral slide. The museum also has a shop where toys, games, crafts, and books suitable for children of all ages are available.

San Diego Museum of Man
1350 El Prado, Balboa Park
Phone: 619-239-2001
FAX: 619-239-2749
Those interested in the early history of American Indian, Mayan, and Egyptian art and culture can view exhibits here. The exhibits vary from American Indian art to early Egyptian mummies. The museum also features a Children’s’ Discovery Center for younger museum patrons.

E- Events & Entertainment:
Events

January

Annual Penguin Day Ski Fest
Held in early January

Location: De Anza Cove in Mission Bay

858-270-0840

Hours: 9am – noon

Brave the cold water at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay and water-ski without a wetsuit to earn a Penguin Patch.

Mainly Mozart Spotlight
Location: Neuro Science Institute La Jolla

Held January – April

619-239-0100

The annual spotlight concert series highlights chamber music.

San Diego New Year’s Day Race

Held on New Year’s Day

Location: Shelter Island Yacht Club

619-221-8400

Traditional regatta with all classes and multi-hull boats.

February

Mainly Mozart Spotlight Series
Held thru April

Location: Neuro Science Institute La Jolla

619-239-0100

The annual spotlight concert series highlights chamber music.

Whale Watching
Season is mid December – mid March

Location: Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises

619-557-5450

Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California.

Buick Invitational

Held in early February

Location: Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla

800-888-BUICK

Annual PGA Tour men’s golf tournament. Buick Invitational Pro-Am with local and national professionals.

Wildflowers Bloom
Takes place in February, depending on weather conditions

760-767-4684

Call for additional information

In the desert depending on rainfall in winter, the natural beauty of the Anza Borrego Desert State Park is enhanced by the almost magical appearance of desert wildflowers in the spring.

Kumba Fest
Held in early February

Location: Lyceum Theatre, Horton Plaza, downtown San Diego

619-544-1000

A black history month celebration of African-American arts, creativity and cultural heritage. Co-produced with the San Diego Repertory Theatre’s African-American Council. Showcases African American art and cultural heritage, with a variety of drama, song and poetry.

San Diego Brazil Carnival
Held in February

Location: Downtown San Diego

619-224-4684

The annual Gala Event will be held at a downtown location. The Brazilian ‘Mardi Gras’ Ball features a samba show, Mardi Gras Beads, Cappeira (exhibit of dance with martial arts), carnival bands, parades and a costume contest with the first prize winner receiving a trip to Brazil.

San Diego International Auto Show
Held in mid February

Location: San Diego Convention Center

619-525-5000

Features foreign and domestic cars, futuristic concept cars, never-before seen models and many others.

World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship
Held in late February

Location: La Costa Resort

800-918-GOLF

The Accenture Match Play Championship returns to the La Costa Resort and Spa. The prestigious event features the world’s top 64 players from the Official World Golf ranking in dramatic head-to-head, single elimination match play competition. Mon and Tues: practice rounds, Wed-Sat am: competition rounds, Sat pm: Semifinal Match and Sun: Championship

March

Annual America’s Schooner Cup Charity Regatta

Held most of March and April

Location: San Diego Harbor

619-223-3138

Schooners compete in San Diego Harbor.

San Diego International Film Festival
Held most of March

Location: Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD, La Jolla and Hazard Center

858-459-8707

Premieres of feature films from around the world. Also includes “Celebrating Animating” and the “The Short Night” featuring short subject films.

April

Butterflies & Orchids
Held early – mid April

Location: San Diego Wild Animal Park’s Hidden Jungle exhibit

619-234-6541

Thousands of butterflies from around the world swarm the San Diego Wild Animal Park’s Hidden Jungle exhibit. The Crevasse, adjacent to Hidden Jungle, features stick insects, leaf bugs and leaf cutters ants. More than 300 orchids are displayed during this two week spring fling and the horticulture staff gives daily presentations on orchid care and cultivation during park hours.

Annual Jewish Film Festival
Held the first two weeks of April

Location: AMC Theaters at La Jolla and Hazard Center

858-457-3161

Annual presentation of American and International features, documentaries and short subjects that explore the Jewish experience.

Annual Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair/Parade
Held in late April

Location: San Diego

858-560-0871

Call for exact location and further information

Parade route travels from Levant to Comstock on Linda Vista Road. Fair is located at Linda Vista Road, between Comstock and Ulrich Streets, and features ethnic food and entertainment.

Annual San Diego Adams Avenue Roots Festival
Held in late April

Location: San Diego

619-282-7329

Free vintage blues, folk, jazz, country and international music on 6 stages.

Annual Union-Tribune San Diego A La Carte Festival
Held in late April

Location: Presidents Way & Park Blvd, Balboa Park

619-338-1726

Food from San Diego’s best restaurants, unique micro beers, live music, entertainment, special activities for kids and celebrity chef demonstrations.

Art Walk
Held in late April

Location: Little Italy, downtown San Diego

619-615-1090

The two day festival showcases visual and performing artists in their work environment and in stage areas.

May

Buds ‘n Blooms
Held all of May

Location: Balboa Park

619-235-1100

The magnificent horticulture of Balboa Park is the centerpiece for this annual spring celebration. Features floral-themed activities, museum exhibits, tours, performances and free outdoor family activities.

June

Score Baja 500

Usually held in early May

Location: Ensenada

818-225-8402

Admission Free

Annual off-road car, motorcycle, truck loop race in Baja California, Mexico. Starts and ends in Ensenada.

Annual Fiesta Del Sol

Held in June

Location: Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach

858-755-4775

Celebrate the beginning of summer with music, entertainment, children’s games, arts and crafts.

Del Mar Fair
Usually held in mid June

Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds

858-755-1161

San Diego’s annual county fair.

Annual Mainly Mozart Festival
Usually held in June

Locations: San Diego Baja California, Mexico

619-239-0100

An all-star orchestra performs the works of Mozart and other baroque, classical and romantic composers.

Annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival
Usually held in mid – late June

Location: Lake Skinner

909-676-6713

This festival features food, entertainment, wine-tasting, exhibits, kids fair and balloon launches. The balloons are launched at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Lake Skinner, weather permitting.

Old Town State Park Fourth of July Celebration
Held on the fourth of July

Location: Old Town State Park Plaza

619-220-5422

Free old fashioned 4th of July celebration with flag raising event, pony rides, hay rides, stage entertainment and family games.

San Diego Balloon Association Hot Air Balloon Classic
Held on the fourth of July

Location: Del Mar Racetrack Grandstand

858-481-6800

Balloon Race begins at 6 p.m. Viewing is included in Del Mar Fair admission.

Annual San Diego Lesbian and Gay Parade, Rally and Festival
Held in late July

Location: Balboa Park

619-297-7683

Annual San Diego Lesbian and Gay Parade, Rally and Festival include a rally, parade, 5k run, and a 1.5 mile walk.

Annual US Open Sandcastle Competition
Usually held in mid July

Location: Imperial Beach Pier

619-424-6663

Saturday events include parade at 10am and children’s sandcastle contest at 2pm with a fireworks display at dusk. Sandcastle competition is Sunday starting at 7:30am-12:30pm, with awards following the contest.

Annual World Championship Over-The-Line Tournament
Held in mid July

Location: Fiesta Island, Mission Bay

Over-the-line softball is played on a small field and is unique to San Diego. There is free viewing of San Diego’s original beach softball event at Fiesta Island, Mission Bay.

California State Summer Games
Held in mid July

Location: Vary throughout San Diego County including Qualcomm Stadium, Balboa Stadium and University of San Diego

619-682-3436
California State Games create an Olympic style competition for amateur athletes of all age ranges and abilities to challenge themselves and excel their individual past performances. The athletes, from youth to adult will participate in twenty different sports ranging from archery to track & field.

August

Acura Classic
Held in early August

Location: La Costa Resort and Spa, Carlsbad
A WTA Tour event featuring world famous tennis.

Annual World Body Surfing Championships
Held the entire month of August

Location: Oceanside Pier and Beach

International and U.S. bodysurfers, equipped with swim fins, ride and perform on ocean waves. Open to all ages 12 and up.

November

San Diego Historical Society Holiday Home Tours

Held November – early January

Location: Varies

619-232-6203

View the period style decorations that adorn the ornate, historic Villa Montezuma & the historic Marston House. Tours are given Thursday through Sunday.

December

San Diego Historical Society Holiday Home Tours

Held November – early January

Location: Varies

619-232-6203

View the period style decorations that adorn the ornate, historic Villa Montezuma & the historic Marston House. Tours are given Thursday through Sunday.

Whale Watching
Usually the entire month

Location: Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises

619-557-5450

Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California. Glimpse these peaceful “giants of the sea” from Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises.

Arts and Entertainment:

San Diego Opera
Civic Center Plaza
1200 Third Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

619-232-7636

Call for schedule of performances

San Diego Opera, ranked by Opera America as one of the top 10 opera companies in the United States, is a widely respected member of the international opera community and an invaluable cultural resource to the San Diego community.

San Diego Ballet
5304 Metro Street, Suite B
San Diego, CA 92110

619-294-7378

Call for performance schedule

Each year since 1996, the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture has awarded the San Diego Ballet an arts-organization rating of “excellent”. San Diego Ballet continues to enjoy growth and critical acclaim with original pieces.

San Diego Symphony

1245 Seventh Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-235-0800

Call for schedule of performances

The San Diego Symphony has become one of the leading orchestras in the United States. It is committed to providing musical experiences of superior quality for the greater San Diego community and beyond. Through a rich mixture of innovative and educational programming designed to appeal to all ages and cultures, the Symphony makes music an integral part of the cultural and intellectual fabric of the San Diego Region. The Symphony offers wide range of concert experiences and performs over 100 concerts each season.

Broadway/San Diego
401 B St.

San Diego, CA 92101
619-231-8995

Touring Broadway musicals.

La Jolla Playhouse
2910 La Jolla Village Dr
La Jolla, CA 92093
858-550-1070
This Tony Award-winning San Diego theater presents musicals, comedies, world premieres and classics. Located on UCSD campus, La Jolla.

San Diego Civic Theatre
1100 Third Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-615-4000
Premiere venue for productions, presentations of San Diego Opera, California Ballet, La Jolla Music Society and Broadway/San Diego.

San Diego Junior Theatre
Casa del Prado, Balboa Park
1650 El Prado, Suite 208
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-1311
Provides engaging, innovative, high-quality theater education and productions for children of all cultural heritages, ages, abilities and levels of interest.

San Diego Repertory Theatre
79 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
619-231-3586

An established professional theater presenting a six play season. Dramas, musicals and four annual festivals.

Season run September – June.

Spreckels Theatre
121 Broadway, #600
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-8397

1,466 seat, historic theater, reminiscent of a London opera house, in the heart of Downtown San Diego.

Starlight Theatre, San Diego Civic Light Opera
1549 el Prado Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
619-544-7827

An established professional musical theater company producing large-scale Broadway- quality musicals at Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park under the stars.

The Old Globe
1363 Old Globe Way
San Diego, CA 92101-1696
619-23-GLOBE
This Tony Award(r)-winning Theatre produces 15 works annually, from Shakespeare to Stoppard to Sondheim, at a 3-venue complex in Balboa Park.

Theatre in Old Town
4040 Twiggs St.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-688-2494
Operated by Miracle Theatre Productions, intimate theater in the heart of Old Town that offers innovative and award-winning productions year-round.

Triple Espresso…a highly caffeinated comedy
444 Fourth Ave. Horton Grand Theatre
San Diego, A 92101
619-234-9583
Every Wednesday through Sunday, this family-friendly comedy keeps audiences of all ages laughing from start to finish. Absolutely hilarious!

Sports

San Diego Padres
Professional Baseball

Games played at PETCO Park, San Diego
San Diego, CA 92112

877- 374-2784

Season runs April – October

San Diego Chargers
Professional Football (NFL)

Games played at Qualcom Stadium

4020 Murphy Canyon Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123
858-874-4500

Season runs September – January

San Diego Gulls

Ice Hockey

3500 Sports Arena Boulevard
San Diego, California 92110

619-224-GOAL

Call for schedule and additional information

Games played at the Sports Arena

San Diego Sockers
Indoor MISL soccer team

9606 Aero Drive

San Diego, CA 92123
858-836-GOAL

Call for schedule and additional information