Play Longer at Local Attractions

NASCAR San Diego Weekend

When: June 19-21, 2026
This exciting first-ever event takes place at Naval Base Coronado and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. The NASCAR San Diego Cup Series will be three days of races headlined by the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series, along with the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. In addition to being San Diego’s first NASCAR event, it will also be the first race to take place on a U.S. military base.

Shark Encounter 

When: Summer 2026
Featuring an amazing array of sharks, plus multimedia storytelling and other state-of-the-art enhancements, SeaWorld San Diego's fully reimagined Shark Encounter will take a deep dive into the lives of these amazing ocean predators. Sharks inhabiting this dramatic environment will represent 11 separate species, including sand tiger sharks, blacktip reef sharks and the endangered Australian leopard shark — part of a Species Survival Plan that SeaWorld participates in (nearly all the species at Shark Encounter are listed as vulnerable or near-threatened). And the sharks will swim alongside a vibrant variety of marine life, with a "video ceiling" and multiscreen installation adding to the experience. SeaWorld also will offer a VIP Shark Tour where guests can learn how the park's zoological specialists feed and care for the sharks.

Concerts

When: Through Aug. 29
The beat goes on all summer long at SeaWorld as the park's Summer Spectacular Concerts return to the Bayside Amphitheater in 2026 with an expanded lineup. The series takes in genres from pop to hip-hop to R&B, with such artists as Soulja Boy & Paul Wall, Jordin Sparks and Too $hort & Warren G taking the summer stage.  And for the first time, SeaWorld is also hosting concerts in August during the Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ event, showcasing Saliva, Uncle Kracker and Skillet.

Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

When: Summer 2026
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.

Elephant Valley

When: Summer 2026
The elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have a brand-new stomping ground this summer: the Denny Sanford Elephant Valley. Located in Escondido, the Safari Park is the sister park to the San Diego Zoo and is well worth a day trip, just about a 35-minute drive from Downtown San Diego. The park’s biggest project since it opened more than 50 years ago offers visitors a chance to venture through a dynamic savanna environment, surrounded by elephants on multiple sides.

Early Hours and Summer Safari Experiences

When: Summer 2026
Enjoy the peace and serenity of morning at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, opening at 8 a.m. all summer long. Embrace the day by discovering the park’s amazing wildlife, hiking through the World Gardens or going on safari. With summer hours extended to 4 p.m., you’ll see the park’s sprawling savannas and scenic vistas in a whole new light. Enhance your experience with early-morning tours, including Sips on the Savanna or one of the park’s unique behind-the-scenes experiences, such as the Flightline Safari or Wildlife Trek.

Sesame Summer Splash

When: May 23 – Sept. 7, 2026
Splash into summer at the only "Sesame Street"-themed park on the West Coast!. Sesame Place San Diego 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 assistance and support for those on the autism spectrum and their families.

At Carlsbad’s LEGOLAND California, 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.

LEGO Galaxy

When: Summer 2026
LEGOLAND® California has opened a brand-new, space-themed land whose centerpiece is the park’s first new roller coaster in nearly 20 years! LEGO Galaxy boasts multiple rides, a new dining destination and more family-minded features. And it all revolves around Galacticoaster, an indoor coaster that incorporates storytelling, interactivity and cutting-edge ride tech.

As the San Diego Padres power into their 2026 season, the team's home base of Petco Park is brimming with fun additions and happenings.

Padres Baseball is Back

When: Through Sept. 27
The Padres are back in action with such top players as Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and relief-pitching sensation Mason Miller.

The Diamond Room Sparkles

When: Now Open
An exclusive cocktail lounge, the Diamond Room is the latest addition to the Ballpark District. The Diamond Room offers specialty cocktails and small bites amid a 1970s-inspired space with velvet, leather, mirrors, turntables, a disco ball and dark tones.

Catch a Petco Park Tour

When: Summer 2026
The ballpark offers an array of great tours, including pregame, educational and private-tour options. Pregame tours end with an exclusive opportunity to view Padres batting practice from an outfield vantage point.

Concerts at the Ballpark

When: Summer 2026
Petco Park is an amazing place to take in a concert under San Diego’s balmy summer skies, and the musical lineup is loaded with top acts. Among the performers headed to the ballpark and its Gallagher Square venue this summer are Ed Sheeran, Noah Kahan and My Chemical Romance.

Mission Valley's beautiful Snapdragon Stadium is a prime place for sports and much more.

San Diego Wave FC

The San Diego Wave has been making waves in women’s soccer since it launched in 2021 as the newest franchise in the National Women's Soccer League. The Wave plays through the summer on its home turf of Snapdragon Stadium, drawing big crowds and generating plenty of excitement.

San Diego FC

The 30th franchise in Major League Soccer — the pre-eminent U.S. men's pro soccer league — San Diego FC brings top-level players, passionate fans and lots of great on-field action to Snapdragon. The team plays summer home games this year from July to September.

Summer Concerts by the Water

When: Summer 2026
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 Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge, St. Vincent and Sarah McLachlan, as well as a host of themed symphony concerts, all staged under the stars along San Diego’s beautiful Embarcadero.

Summer Fun by the Sand

When: Summer 2026
A San Diego icon, Belmont Park has been a vibrant part of the Mission Beach boardwalk since 1925, drawing visitors to its vintage Giant Dipper roller coaster, nostalgic beachside treats and perfect endless-summer vibe. This summer is the perfect time to discover or get reacquainted with this SoCal classic. Perched right on the surf and sand, Belmont Park is San Diego's only beachfront amusement center, and the perfect place to spend memorable summer days with the whole family.

Museums, Music and Much More

When: Summer 2026
Summer brings sun, fun and discovery to beautiful Balboa Park, San Diego’s cultural heart. Among happenings to experience this summer are Twilight in the Parks concerts starting in June, and free Sunday organ concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. And with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass — which offers savings up to 58% off general admission — visitors also 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 After Hours

When: Summer 2026
Perched on the bluffs above La Jolla and the shimmering Pacific, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps enjoys one of the most beautiful vantage points in the city. And you can take in those views every Sunday evening, plus explore the aquarium's amazing exhibits, during the Birch After Hours all-ages experience. Among the event's features are discounted tickets, food and a relaxing vibe.

Oceans at Night: Sharks

When: Summer 2026
The Birch's adult-focused Oceans at Night happening blends science and good times — spotlighting music, art and a “glow lounge” with life-size games. This summer it will also celebrate sharks, with experts on hand from the aquarium and Scripps Institution of Oceanography plus lots of shark-themed fun.

Honoring Heroes

When: Summer 2026
The majestic USS Midway Museum, a historic decommissioned aircraft carrier, is hosting this new exhibition that tells the story of 11 Midway aviators who were captured and became prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. The exhibition both explores the hardships they endured and honors the bonds of duty and loyalty that the aviators personified.

Independence Day Celebration

When: July 4, 2026
The Midway is a prime San Diego spot to celebrate Independence Day, offering front-row views of the Big Bay Boom fireworks display over San Diego Bay, plus live entertainment and family activities. The celebrations will be extra-special this year as the nation commemorates its 250th birthday. The USS Midway Museum is also raising funds for Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier, a new waterfront space that will honor military veterans and is set to open in 2028.

Summer Fun on the Waterfront

When: Summer 2026
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.

A Commanding View of History

When: Summer 2026
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. 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.