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. The races will run on Qualcomm Circuit, a newly constructed, 3.4-mile track named for the San Diego tech leader. 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.

Coronado is an aquatic wonderland, ringed by the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. And it's just part of a region that teems with outdoor wonders and great opportunities for recreation along San Diego's 70-plus miles of coastline.

Take some time to bask in the sun along the sweeping sands of Coronado or amid the rugged beauty of La Jolla, both of whose beaches are consistently rated among the best in the nation. Or explore the protected expanses of Mission Bay, the largest aquatic park of its kind in the world, where you can sail, kayak, paddleboard, jet-ski or just fly a kite to your heart's delight.

San Diego also boasts world-class options for biking, hiking, running, surfing and so much more, all ready to be enjoyed under sunny skies and amid year-round temperate weather. 

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 the Downtown San Diego area have you covered. Some top options:

Coronado

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.

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 higher-end options. The main drag of Coronado’s scenic village, Orange Avenue, also offers a wealth of eateries, including such mainstays as McP’s Irish Pub and Miguel’s.

And don't forget the culinary wonders at the Hotel Del Coronado, whose beachside taco shack is also a favorite.

Downtown and Environs

Venturing off-island to San Diego's Downtown neighborhoods will yield an abundance of inviting food choices — whether you prefer a burger by the bay, authentic Mexican food in Barrio Logan or great local eats as you take in a Padres game at Petco Park. A few top picks:

Not only does Kansas City Barbecue (near Seaport Village) serve up BBQ specialties with all the fixings, but it holds a special place in San Diego and film history as the site where the bar scene in the 1985 Tom Cruise blockbuster "Top Gun" was filmed.

Just north along San Diego's sparkling Embarcadero is Carnitas' Snack Shack, a local favorite that serves up its namesake Mexican pork in tacos and sandwiches and even on fries.

And a few blocks away is San Diego's colorful and bustling Little Italy neighborhood, home to dozens of excellent eateries from upscale (Juniper & Ivy, Kettner Exchange) to down-home (The Crack Shack, Mona Lisa Italian Deli, Filippi's).

NASCAR San Diego is teaming with the San Diego Padres, Live Nation and local Audacy country station 103.7 KSON (KSON-FM) for an evening of live country music with the KSON NASCAR San Diego Country Fest. The event, unfolding June 20 at Petco Park's Gallagher Square, will feature performances by Stephen Wilson Jr., Carter Faith, Tim Dugger and Lakelin Lemmings. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

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

San Diego is a major destination for golf, 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.

A Fishing 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

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.

Toast 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.

San Diego has a rich military and seafaring history, and 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. Don't miss these other key military sites around San Diego Bay:

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

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.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

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."

For some San Diego auto history and context on the NASCAR event (plus a chance to see some really cool cars), check out the automotive collections at these two San Diego museums:

San Diego Automotive Museum

With more than 80 historic autos and motorcycles, the San Diego Automotive Museum offers a unique look at some of the most prized and unique vehicles of the 20th century, including Louie Mattar’s one-of-a-kind 1947 Cadillac (which set a cross-country endurance record in 1952) and one of the finest motorcycle collections on the West Coast.

JA Cooley Museum

While it's not strictly a car museum, the JA Cooley Museum's unique collection of vintage treasures and rarities includes more than two dozen autos, some of them more than 100 years old. They include an 1895 Benz Velo, a 1903 Olds and a 1981 DeLorean, as famously seen in "Back to the Future."