10 Things to Do in San Diego in Summer

The best time to visit San Diego is during the summer, as it is a city located on the California coast. It offers an ideal climate to explore its corners, with cool temperatures ranging from 20° to 25°. In addition, it is a season with a large influx of tourists, so I recommend you book in advance attractions, flights and lodging.

Summer in this city goes from June to September, ideal months to take advantage of the best things to do in San Diego. You can venture out on city tours, take a cruise, sign up for a baseball game, attend summer festivals or experience the 4th of July like an American.

The best San Diego cruises allow you to explore the major sights from the water. In summer the sunny days enhance the experience, as you can relax and enjoy the scenic views. It's a great plan to spend the afternoon away from the tourist crowds.

Take a cruise around San Diego Harbor

The city's harbor is a natural bay located at B Street Pier. It is also the main cruise ship terminal. In the surroundings there are many entertainment options, such as restaurants, sports areas and playgrounds for the little ones, so it is ideal if you are looking for things to do in San Diego with kids. Here you will spend a different kind of time, while learning about the naval history of the city.

You can choose between a one or two hour option, depending on your time availability. You will pass by the Coronado Bridge and see the city's naval fleet. Additionally, you will probably see sea lions. It's an experience to relax, while sunbathing on the deck. Usually, these tours include snacks and drinks and the activity is available from 40 euros.

Dinner cruise in San Diego

If you want to plan things to do at night in San Diego, you should consider a cruise through the best of the city. Without a doubt, you will enjoy this type of experience since there are cruises that include dinner, ideal to close the day touring the Californian coast. They usually last approximately two hours and you can find options starting at 108 euros. Some of the sites you can visit are:

• San Diego Skyline: it is a neighborhood with skyscrapers that are illuminated at night, from the water you will get a unique perspective.
• Downtown: it is the center of the city, here you will find Little Bay, the Embarcadero and the Petco Park stadium where the Padres play. Before your visit, I recommend you organize how to buy tickets for a baseball game in San Diego, as it is a unique experience that you can not miss in summer.
• San Diego Maritime Museum: it is a space that preserves collections of historic ships of the United States. If you are interested in history, you should make a quick stop as it is one of the best museums in San Diego.

These cruises usually offer complimentary drinks and an open bar, but you should check with your travel provider before booking.

Take a yacht ride and watch the sunset in San Diego

San Diego sunsets are truly breathtaking in the summer. They are usually a two and a half hour experience, which you can join for around 122 euros. It is ideal if you are planning a family trip, or want to arrive in California with a small group.

From the water you will get a quick glimpse of the San Diego Maritime Museum, which I recommend you visit during your trip, as it will allow you to learn more about America's classic yachts and sailboats. Other sites you will see from the water are Skyline, Seaport Village and Coronado Island.

Take a motorboat adventure around San Diego

While you're walking the streets and piers of San Diego, you're sure to get a glimpse of the Patriot Jet Boat. It is a motorboat, with a mythical history. It is an excellent plan to get a summer tan, as you will only have to relax while the boat takes a ride along the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

Generally, these types of experiences take place at sunset and usually make short stops at emblematic points of the city. The main advantage is that they are quite private and you can customize it for your family or couple. This way, you will spend a different summer on the American shores.

There's nothing better than a refreshing dip to enjoy your vacation. The perfect place for this plan is SeaWorld in San Diego, a water park with a variety of pools and slides for the whole family.

Besides being a refreshing plan, it is the perfect opportunity to ride a roller coaster on the water, see Mission Bay from the park's cable car, interact with marine wildlife and discover the artificial Arctic. In addition, you'll find spinning cups on the water, areas to swim with dolphins and other species, and a beluga whale exhibit that you can't miss.

Tickets to the park start at 90 euros, you can book in advance online or buy directly at the park's ticket office. You can also take advantage of the San Diego Explorer Pass, which includes access to SeaWorld.

Participating in one of the best San Diego tours will allow you to get a glimpse of the city from different perspectives. If you only have a few days for your summer adventure on California's shores, it's the best way to make the most of your time. An outdoor tour is a great way to take advantage of the great weather and get a tan worthy of the warmer months of the year.

Explore San Diego's gastronomy in the Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego's gastronomy is very interesting, in summer there are seasonal products that enrich the experience. Gaslamp is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in the city, with a variety of restaurants, nightclubs and street events. In this area you can try delicious dishes, the best option is to opt for a guided experience.

These types of tours usually cost around 74 euros, and are the perfect way to get to know traditional restaurants, such as El Pulpo, The Smoking Gun and Meze Café. While taking the tour you can get a glimpse of the area and learn more about the local history. Additionally, in the summer, free meals are offered for children (both local and foreign), in the main counties such as Sun Hill, Golden Hill and Mountain View.

Get to know San Diego by night

If you are looking for things to do in San Diego at night, a walking tour of the most emblematic sites is a great option. This type of experience takes you to enjoy the night lights in areas like Old Town, Little Bay, Balboa Park and more. After night falls, different parts of the city take advantage of the warm temperatures to offer summer themed parties, the most famous of which are the Hilton Hotel's Summer Friday parties.

San Diego is a safe city at night, however there are dangerous neighborhoods. To avoid inconveniences, you can sign up for a tour with a professional guide. Generally, there are options starting at 40 euros which usually include transportation. You will also see the Coronado Bridge, the Star of India and the USS Midway Museum.

Learn more about San Diego on the Amphibious Bus

The amphibious bus is one of the most fun attractions in the city, allowing you to explore the streets without getting too much sun exposure. It is ideal for taking in the views of the California coastline, especially if you are planning things to do with kids in San Diego. The little ones will have fun riding around Shelter Island, making stops at SeaWorld theme park and more.

What's more interesting is that this transportation also navigates the waters of the coast, as it is a special vehicle. It's a plan that comes in handy in the summer to escape the hot temperatures. You will get the experience of a tourist bus and a cruise, for the same price. The approximate cost is 42 euros and has an estimated duration of one hour and forty minutes.

Take a tour of San Diego in GoCar

A GoCar ride is one of the best San Diego tours, as it allows you to explore downtown San Diego. Generally, this attraction allows you to explore at your own pace with GPS enabled at all times, although you can also request a free map in case you lose connection. Under the rays of the summer sun you can enjoy the experience twice as much, plus sometimes they organize friendly summer races.

It is an activity that allows you to tour the city in a short time, ideal if you plan to visit San Diego in 3 days or less, but do not want to miss any important site. The cars will make you feel like you are playing Mario Kart through California. Before you start, check with your tour provider to make sure you have enough fuel.

Become a ghost hunter during your summer vacation, as this time of year is ideal for walking tours. The city holds truly exciting legends and horror stories, you can put together a map and head out to discover them on your own. There are also guided walks from 37 euros that are usually done with professionals.

These types of experiences take you to discover the haunted areas of San Diego, such as Whaley House, a residence dating back to 1857 located in Old Town. It currently functions as a museum and there are people who claim to have seen ghosts in the surroundings. You may also get to know the city' s cemeteries and their mysterious stories.

A San Diego Padres game at Petco Park is a must during summer vacation. During these dates the weather will allow you to enjoy the games, although if you go to a game at noon or in the afternoon, I recommend you opt for shaded seating. Games are held with different teams, with the highest demand being for the highly rated teams.

If you plan to take a guided tour, keep in mind that you will see the facilities from another perspective. You will be able to go up to the press room, enter the players' dressing rooms and feel like a baseball star. Additionally, for the games there are VIP tickets with special benefits, such as boxes or private suites.

Before your trip, make arrangements to purchase tickets to a San Diego baseball game, as they tend to sell out. This experience is available from 40 euros per person and is a must on your summer itinerary.

Between June and July there is the San Diego County Fair, where every night there are different artists with shows and live music. Also, there are activities such as a beer contest, which you can taste to refresh yourself. There are also street food stands and obstacle courses.

And if after the festival you want to continue enjoying outdoor and summer experiences, you can take advantage of the activities at the San Diego Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the world. This season offers animal exhibits set in Australia, visits to the home of the elephants and the Safari Park experience, where you can interact with animals.

Other outdoor concerts are often held in the El Cajon neighborhood, La Mesa and Balboa Park. You can even explore San Diego's art district, while enjoying street music, or enjoy music parties on the beach, as well as movie screenings at drive-in theaters.

San Diego Memorial Day is celebrated during the last days of May right at the beginning of summer. It honors the fallen of the United States Armed Forces who lost their lives in different battles. Many free events are held on these dates, made for fun and remembrance. To learn more you can visit the National Veterans Memorial.

During this date of remembrance, I also suggest you take a look at some of the best museums in San Diego, which include military museums full of experiences and learning. For example, you can visit the USS Midway Museum where there are different decommissioned aircraft. On Memorial Day there are special exhibits and admission starts at 28 euros.

Without a doubt, the California coast is a big city, where summer festivals abound. These events are ideal to enjoy the clear skies, the warm and long days, as well as the things to do in San Diego at night, with temperatures that don't go above 20°. Here are the festivals you can't miss!

Chili Cooking Festival

The Chili Cooking Festival is an event held in conjunction with the Ocean Beach Street Fair in June. Each year more than 50,000 visitors are expected and admission is free. You can see street murals, as well as sample oceanfront food, shop at street vendors, watch cooking competitions, sample craft beer and ride the rides.

Hillcrest Cityfest Street Fair

The Hillcrest Cityfest Street Fair is an annual festival that comes to life on one of San Diego's most picturesque streets in mid-August. It's completely free and you can enjoy live music, food, arts and crafts and attractions ideal for the little ones.

Fiestas Patrias in Old Town

During the Fiestas Patrias in Old Town, San Diego celebrates one of the most important Latin American holidays, due to the large percentage of Mexican citizens. It is Mexico's Independence Day in September, which features parades, costume displays, dances and markets in Old Town.

The 4th of July is one of the most popular American celebrations worldwide and one of the best things to do in San Diego during this month. You can enjoy a fireworks show that can be seen from San Diego Bay, Mission Bay, SeaWorld and Old Town at no cost. Theme parties and other events are usually available early in the morning.

There are also parades and special meals. If you go with children, keep in mind that the streets are usually crowded and there are many people consuming alcoholic beverages, do not leave the little ones behind. Take advantage of the mechanical attractions, as several entertaining fairs are organized along the coast.

In San Diego you can experience this day from the streets, or go to special events at SeaWorld, the USS Midway Museum and Legoland. In some areas there are family games and activities for children. There are also outdoor concerts, art sessions in the main parks and the Crown Classic Race in the Coronado area.

The Pacific water is usually cold, but during the summer San Diego' s best beaches offer a pleasant atmosphere with cool temperatures. Here are some options for your summer in California:

• Coronado Beach: it has gentle surf, so it's ideal if you have little swimming experience or are looking for things to do in San Diego with kids.
• La Jolla Beach: is a cove considered one of the best destinations in San Diego, it has caves and cliffs that you can reach on foot.
• Mission Beach: is one of the busiest in summer, it is located near Belmont Park and has an active nightlife. In summer bonfires are organized at the foot of the beach and parking is free.