Get Revved Up for the NASCAR San Diego Weekend
Get ready for the sights and sounds of revving race cars and roaring crowds when the NASCAR San Diego Weekend ignites at Naval Base Coronado. The event — just the second street-course race series in NASCAR’s modern history — takes place June 19-21 on beautiful Coronado Island, just over the bridge from Downtown San Diego. To prep you for this one-of-a-kind happening, timed to celebrate the 250th birthday of the nation and the Navy, here’s your guide to getting around, seeing the sights and enjoying a supercharged Father’s Day Weekend.
Beaches, Bays and Outdoor Wonders
Coronado is an aquatic wonderland, ringed by the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. Take some time to bask in the sun and play in the waves along the sweeping sands of Coronado Beach, consistently rated among the best beaches in the nation. Or set up for a picnic at quiet, scenic Glorietta Bay, with its views of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. And continue your outdoor fun in Coronado with a round at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course, ranked one of the top public courses in the country.
Off the island, enjoy the rest of San Diego’s 70-plus miles of coastline and endless recreational options, from biking to hiking to surfing and much more.
Race to These Great Bites
Like the race cars at NASCAR San Diego Weekend, a visitor is going to need to fuel up. And from burgers to burritos to fancier fare, Coronado and San Diego have you covered. Some top options:
Coronado Brewing Co. Pub
Coronado Brewing Co. Pub
One of the top craft brewers in San Diego County, Coronado Brewing runs a lively pub and tasting room at the foot of Orange Avenue, just a block away from the Coronado Ferry Landing. The pub offers such staples as burgers, salads and fries, perfect for pairing with a cold pour.
Food at the Ferry Landing
Food at the Ferry Landing
Flagship Cruises’ ferry service is a great way to get over to Coronado. And the Coronado Ferry Landing makes it even more worthwhile with its wide variety of food options within steps of the dock, from barbecue to ice cream to such higher-end options as Peohe’s restaurant.
Orange Avenue Eats
Orange Avenue Eats
The main drag of Coronado’s scenic village, Orange Avenue offers a wealth of eateries, including such mainstays as McP’s Irish Pub and Miguel’s, as well as the culinary wonders at the Hotel Del Coronado, whose beachside taco shack is also a favorite.
Greater San Diego Dining
Greater San Diego Dining
Venturing off-island will yield an abundance of inviting food choices — whether you prefer a picnic on the beach, a burger by the boardwalk or a hot dog with a Padres game at Petco Park.
Father's Day Festivities
NASCAR San Diego Weekend is also Father’s Day Weekend, and you can help make it a delight for dad with some fun outdoor pursuits.
Great Golfing
Great Golfing
San Diego is a major destination for golfing, starting with the Coronado Municipal Golf Course, rated one of the best public courses in the nation. Off-island, you’ll find such inviting links as the seaside Torrey Pines Golf Course, with a stunning blufftop location and a sparkling U.S. Open pedigree. The course at the nearby Fairmont Grand Del Mar is also a top pick, and San Diego hosts plenty of other great golfing options around the region.
An Angler's Paradise
An Angler's Paradise
Between the region’s many fishing-friendly lakes and the opportunity to hop on a charter boat for an offshore expedition, San Diego has all the angles for anglers.
Party at Petco Park
Party at Petco Park
The San Diego Padres’ Petco Park — deemed the No. 1 MLB ballpark in the nation by USA Today — is a highlight of the Downtown San Diego area. And it’ll be hopping on NASCAR weekend with the the KSON NASCAR San Diego Country Fest, which brings an evening of live country music to Gallagher Square at Petco on Saturday, June 20. The concert, a collaboration between NASCAR San Diego, the Padres, Live Nation and local Audacy country station 103.7 KSON (KSON-FM), will include performances by Stephen Wilson Jr., Carter Faith, Tim Dugger and Lakelin Lemmings.
Military and Maritime History
San Diego has a long and illustrious history as both a military and seafaring town, and several museums and other locations here pay honor to that legacy while offering fascinating trips into the past.
Coronado and the Military
Coronado and the Military
The races during San Diego NASCAR Weekend actually take place on Naval Base Coronado, the first active military base to host NASCAR racing. The base, a key location for Navy aviation, was among the locations appearing in “Top Gun: Maverick,” the 2022 sequel to the hit 1986 movie “Top Gun.” You might also spot Navy SEAL recruits training along the surf line at Coronado’s beach.
USS Midway Museum
USS Midway Museum
Berthed at Navy Pier along San Diego Bay, the USS Midway Museum is a floating tribute to the 50-year history of this carrier and the people who served aboard it. Highlights include self-guided audio tours and more than 40 exhibits and displays, including many restored aircraft.
Navy SEAL Museum
Navy SEAL Museum
San Diego is now home to the West Coast’s only Navy SEAL Museum, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and physical discipline required to join this elite force, and immerse yourself in exhibits that delve into key SEAL missions.
San Diego Maritime Museum
San Diego Maritime Museum
The floating Maritime Museum of San Diego features one of the finest collections of historic vessels in the world, including the fully restored Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing ship. The museum also includes the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley, the 1904 steam yacht Medea and the HMS Surprise, an 18th-century Royal Navy frigate replica that was featured in the film "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World."
Getting to and Around Coronado
Coronado can feel like a world away, but it’s actually just a quick trip across San Diego Bay from Downtown San Diego. And once you’re on the island, it’s easy to get around. Some tips:
Coronado Ferry
Coronado Ferry
The Coronado Ferry, operated by Flagship Cruises, leaves from two locations in downtown San Diego: the Broadway Pier and the San Diego Convention Center. It travels to and from the Coronado Ferry Landing, just a few minutes across the bay.
Driving the Bridge
Driving the Bridge
The landmark San Diego-Coronado Bridge makes for a quick but beautiful trip as it arcs across San Diego Bay. You can reach the bridge from Interstate 5 going both north and south. Passage is toll-free.
Rideshare and Public Transit
Rideshare and Public Transit
Getting a rideshare to Coronado from anywhere in the county is quick and easy, and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System also operates a bus route from Downtown San Diego to Coronado.
Shopping in Coronado and Beyond
Whether you're looking for that special Coronado keepsake for someone back home, or aiming to up your style game on a retail spree, Coronado and San Diego offer plenty of shopping options.
Coronado Ferry Landing
Coronado Ferry Landing
At the Ferry Landing, Shoppers can choose from among 25-plus stores selling everything from novelty gifts and memorabilia to seashells, fine art, women's clothing and shoes, men's sportswear and more.
Seaport Village
Seaport Village
A relaxed and charming mini-village by the water, Seaport Village offers more than 50 shops featuring art, toys and souvenirs. It's a great place to check out the waterfront while exploring a broad array of shopping options.
Fashion Valley Shopping Center
Fashion Valley Shopping Center
Venture off-island and check out the Fashion Valley mall, an inviting, upscale shopping destination in San Diego’s Mission Valley, featuring more than 200 stores and restaurants and including many top designer brands.
A Toast to the Capital of Craft Beer
Deemed the Capital of Craft for its many award-winning breweries, San Diego is heaven for beer-lovers. On island, Coronado Brewing is the place to try everything from classic West Coast IPA’s to seasonal and specialty beers. Or, take the short trip to San Diego’s North Park neighborhood for a tour of the many tasting rooms around 30th Street.