SeaWorld San Diego

Jewels of the Sea

When: Opens Summer 2024
SeaWorld San Diego, which has been on a roll of late with new rides and other fun experiences, is adding another twist this summer: an aquarium called Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience. With its walk-through arch, 18-foot cylindrical display and giant viewing wall, the aquarium promises to be interactive, immersive and about as close as you can get to plunging in for a swim with the jellies.

Summer Spectacular

When: June 17 – Aug. 20, 2024
Enjoy SeaWorld under balmy night skies all summer long, immersing yourself in exotic worlds of light and music and taking in all the park has to offer — with an after-dark twist. It’s an unforgettable way to celebrate summer in San Diego. Check out such lively happenings as SeaWorld's Summer Splashtacular Parade and the “Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove” water-stunt spectacular. Catch some live music during the park’s Summer Concert Series, and cap it all off with the stunning FantaSEA of Dreams Fireworks Spectacular.

San Diego Zoo

Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

When: May 24 to Sept. 2, 2024 (except June 15 and Aug. 22)
Stay after dark and celebrate summer at the San Diego Zoo’s enchanting Nighttime Zoo. Come "rock and roar" after the sun goes down, with live music and other amazing entertainment experiences. With later hours and all the park’s amazing wildlife, you'll get a whole new perspective on our world-famous zoo.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Summer Safari Experiences

When: May through mid- Aug. 2024
Summer is the perfect time to try out one of the amazing safari experiences at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the stunning wildlife oasis in Escondido. From the Flightline Safari, an adrenaline-boosting zipline excursion, to the popular Roar & Snore Safari, an overnight tent-camping experience, the Safari Park has the ideal adventure for you — not to mention plenty of great live music and other fun summer entertainment.

Sesame Place San Diego

Sesame Summer Splash

When: May 24 – Sept. 2
Splash into summer at the only "Sesame Street"-themed park on the West Coast — a place that combines all the family-friendly fun of the beloved TV show with an impressive collection of zippy rides and water slides. Kids of all ages will love the 18 "Sesame Street"-themed rides and water attractions, which include a roller coaster and a 500,000-gallon wave pool as well as a musical play area, an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood and much more. And the park’s Summer Splash offers great special events all season long. Sesame Place also is a Certified Autism Center, offering a wide range of accommodations for those on the autism spectrum and their families.

LEGOLAND California Resort

At LEGOLAND California, which celebrates its 25th birthday this year, you’ll find more than 60 rides, shows and attractions — including Pirate Reef, the SEA LIFE Aquarium and the LEGO Legends of CHIMA Water Park.

Dino Valley Debuts

When: Now open
LEGOLAND is roaring into the summer of 2024 with a brand-new themed area called Dino Valley, which features a pair of dinosaur-themed rides, the Explorer River Quest and DUPLO® Little Dino Trail, complementing the much-loved Coastersaurus. There are also plenty of interactive features for young visitors, plus fun character meet-and-greets.

LEGO World Parade

When: Throughout Summer 2024
LEGOLAND is also toasting its big 25th birthday with a first-ever World Parade, boasting such spectacular floats as a LEGO City firetruck, a swashbuckling pirate ship and other dazzling creations. They’ll be accompanied by beautifully costumed entertainers and plenty of dancing and singing. The whole family will want to join right in!

Petco Park

Gallagher Square Reborn

When: Now open
Fresh off a $20 million glow-up, this key gathering place in the San Diego Padres’ beautiful Petco Park has a whole new look and plenty of great amenities. Among them: And expanded playground and play area featuring the tallest climbable baseball bat in the world; a fenced, off-leash dog park; pickleball courts; and the Tony Gwynn Terrace, a viewing deck that also serves as a picnic space during non-game times.

Padres Baseball is Back

When: Through Oct.
Don’t miss the best show in town, as the Padres and their potent lineup head into a promising new season. Look for lots of themed games, special events and exciting on-field action as the baseball season unfolds at Petco, named the best MLB ballpark in the nation by USA Today.

Concerts at the Ballpark

When: Ongoing
Petco Park is an amazing place to take in a concert under San Diego’s balmy summer skies, and the show lineup is loaded with top acts. Among the artists heading to the ballpark in Summer 2024 are San Diego’s own blink-182, along with Foo Fighters, Def Leppard and P!nk.

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

Summer Concerts by the Water

When: Throughout Summer 2024
This stunning waterfront concert venue, the summer home of the San Diego Symphony, hosts a slate of big-name artists across multiple genres. This summer, the Rady Shell will spotlight such favorites as Ziggy Marley as well as a host of themed symphony concerts, all staged under the stars along San Diego’s beautiful Embarcadero.

Belmont Park

Beachfront Fun is Back

When: Throughout Summer 2024
Perched on the surf and sand of Mission Beach, Belmont Park is San Diego's only beachfront amusement center. This classic Southern California boardwalk institution bursts with summer fun. From the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster to a dozen other classic rides along with adventures such as ziplining and laser tag, plus four dynamic oceanfront restaurants, Belmont Park is the place to spend memorable summer days with the whole family. And as the park gets ready to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025, it’s adding plenty of fun new features, along with such food and beverage favorites as Pizza Port and MooTime Creamery ice cream.

Balboa Park

Museums and Much More

When: Throughout Summer 2024
Summer brings sun, fun and discovery to beautiful Balboa Park, San Diego’s cultural heart. Explore the Nature Trail at the Nat, a native-plant garden opening this summer as a free amenity at the park’s beloved Natural History Museum, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. Take in a fascinating array of pop-culture history at the Comic-Con Museum, which offers fresh perspectives on all the fun behind San Diego’s world-famous Comic-Con International — a rite of San Diego’s summer. And with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass — which offers savings up to 58% off general admission — you’ll have access to 16 of the park’s great museums. While you’re at the park, make sure to set aside some summer moments for relaxation and contemplation amid the serene outdoor settings of this 1,200-acre wonderland.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

‘Hold Fast’ exhibition

When: Throughout Summer 2024
The Birch is combining art with environmental awareness all this summer with “Hold Fast,” an immersive art installation that explores San Diego's kelp forests and climate change through the lenses of three local artists and scientists. Visitors can wend their way through a labyrinth of cyanotype-printed giant kelp, created by artist and marine scientist Oriana Poindexter, plus discover gyotaku prints of local ocean life and learn about kelp forest mapping. The aquarium, whose tidepool plaza commands sweeping views of La Jolla and the sparkling Pacific, is also extending its hours for summer, staying open until 7 p.m.

USS Midway Museum

20th Anniversary Commemorations

When: Throughout Summer 2024
This historic aircraft carrier makes for see-worthy summer adventures on San Diego's sparkling Embarcadero. Climb aboard the USS Midway Museum — which served as the site of a world-premiere event for the movie “Top Gun: Maverick” — and enjoy an unforgettable experience, with picture-perfect views of the city and harbor from the carrier's flight deck. Take in a self-guided audio tour and check out the Midway’s flight simulators, climb-in aircraft, ejection seats and more.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Summer Fun on the Waterfront

When: Throughout Summer 2024
Muster yourself over to the Maritime Museum of San Diego for a whole flotilla of fun. Take a tour of the Star of India — the world's oldest active sailing ship, and a proud San Diego landmark — plus the stately Victorian Era steam ferry Berkeley, the USS Dolphin submarine, a replica of the 16th-century galleon replica San Salvador and much more.

Cabrillo National Monument

A Commanding View of History

When: Throughout Summer 2024
A visit to this dramatic San Diego landmark is a summer must for its sweeping views of Point Loma, Downtown San Diego, Coronado, Mexico and the blue Pacific beyond. The Cabrillo National Monument also offers fascinating opportunities to explore the natural, historical and cultural history of the San Diego region, with a museum, tidepools, an 1855 lighthouse (once known as the highest in the United States) and much more.

Discount Passes

When: Throughout Summer 2024
For more great discounts on activities and attractions around San Diego, check out such excellent deals as the passes from Go City / Go San Diego, which offer all-inclusive access to more than 55 great attractions — including SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo and Legoland California. Or the San Diego CityPASS, with savings of up to 42% on all the top area theme parks and attractions.