Summer in San Diego is in full swing, and many of the city’s best summer activities in San Diego are back after a long absence. From live music to street festivals, there are all sorts of things to do in San Diego this summer to take advantage of longer days and plentiful sunshine.
Celebrate the Return of Live Music
While several regular concert series won’t return until 2022, summer still marks the comeback of several options for live music in San Diego. That makes the return of live music one of the most exciting things on the list of what to do in San Diego this summer.
Balboa Park concerts through the Spreckels Organ Society returned at the end of June. The free shows will be held every Sunday at 2 pm through the summer and stick to a particular theme, from folk music to musicals.
The party isn’t over when summer is, either. Hear the organ as part of the 10-part series San Diego International Organ Festival, starting Aug. 30 and continuing on Monday nights from that point forward.
Fans of the San Diego Symphony will want to check out the lineup at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Expect evenings of classical music, Broadway, and themed movie nights as the organization celebrates its first round of performances since venues have reopened.
Towards the end of the summer, Beats at the Beach will feature various performers from the ‘90s, offering a fun blast from the past in Belmont Park. The event is happening on September 18, with food, fashion shows, and live graffiti artists all there to round out the ‘90s experience.
Explore Summer Festivals
As with the return of live music, there are several San Diego summer festivals to choose from, highlighting the best of the city.
Art lovers will want to check out the art walks happening throughout the city this summer, culminating with the annual San Diego Fine Art Festival in Liberty Station on Aug. 7-8.
If you’ve been missing out on the city’s popular food truck festivals, head to Bates Nut Farm on Aug. 21 for their family-friendly Summer Food Truck Festival, featuring some of San Diego’s most popular eats on wheels.
The Hillcrest CityFest is one of the larger festivals back this summer, with a planned return on Aug. 8. The community event celebrates music and art on top of an overall message of inclusivity. Organizers are expecting a big turnout at this one.
If you’re missing out on the fun of Comic Con for the second summer in a row, the organizers have planned another all-virtual event from July 23-25 that promises sneak previews of upcoming movies and TV shows attendees are used to. Expect a virtual walk through the exhibit space, too.
To close out the summer, tickets are available for the San Diego Festival of the Arts in La Jolla in September. The annual event raises money for several local nonprofit organizations that work with children and adults with disabilities.
If you’d like to plan your fall, too, the time is now to grab tickets for San Diego’s best fall festivals. VIP tickets for the popular SoCal Taco Fest at Waterfront Park on Oct. 23 are already sold out, so grab your general admission entries to taste the city’s best tacos.
Place Your Bets
Races at the Del Mar Racetrack will kick off July 16 and run through Labor Day. Choose from grandstand seating or trackside tables and spend a day at the races, a good time whether your bets come through or not.
The track will also hold several special events as part of their summer racing season.
On Sundays, experience the Taste of the Turf Club, an indulgent brunch with views of all the action below from the Turf Club at Del Mar. On Aug. 14, sip on over 100 different wines at the Uncorked Wine Festival while betting on your favorite ponies.
Embrace Beach Life
The water of the Pacific Ocean will be reaching its warmest temperatures of the year in August, making the dog days of summer the best time to hit San Diego’s best beaches. The adventurous may even want to take advantage of leopard shark season in La Jolla Cove with a pair of fins and a snorkel. You’re most likely to spot them in August and September.
It’s also a great time to embrace the city’s beach bonfire scene and take advantage of the longer days. Fire pits on city beaches are usually first-come-first-served, so you’ll need to get to your preferred spots well before it’s time to roast s’mores. The effort is well worth it, though, when you’re gathered with friends watching the sun go down.
Ocean Beach City Beach, Coronado, and Mission Bay Park all have city-sanctioned fire pits for public use. Make sure to read through any posted rules and regulations online before heading out as far as any additional restrictions and hours of available use.
Find Your Favorite Outdoor Patio
Outdoor dining has been a lifesaver for local businesses throughout the pandemic. With the summer season here, enjoy the longer days and find your favorite outdoor patios to linger at as the sun goes down.
One of the best neighborhoods to embrace alfresco dining in Little Italy, and the best things to do in Little Italy always include eating your way through some of the best restaurants in the city.
Choose from casual offerings with vibrant outdoor spaces at The Crack Shack or San Diego’s best Italian at Civico 1845. You can also simply find the patio that speaks to you as you stroll through the neighborhood.
If you’re looking for a high-end cocktail experience, too, look no further than Kettner Exchange. The outdoor scene here is on another level, with impressive views of the people-watching below.
Interested in seeing more of the perks of living near Little Italy and downtown San Diego? It doesn’t get better and more convenient to the best San Diego summer events and activities than the Allegro Towers. Schedule a visit today to see for yourself.
