San Diego is rolling into summer 2024 with a star-studded lineup of milestone celebrations.
More than 20 San Diego icons, including family attractions, award-winning dining gems, prestigious arts and culture institutions, historic facilities, popular events and parades are planning spirited anniversary festivities.
"This year, San Diego offers an overflowing array of celebratory experiences for every type of traveler," said Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. "From exciting new exhibits at our world-class attractions and museums, to newly minted guest experiences Petco Park, to specially curated menus at acclaimed restaurants, these celebratory festivities will highlight our region's rich history and appeal."
San Diego institutions, attractions, and events commemorating major milestones this year, ranging from 5 years to 150 years of operation, include:
The San Diego Seals, a professional box lacrosse team playing in the National Lacrosse League, the enjoyed one of their most successful seasons in franchise history in 2023-24, winning a team record-tying 14 games (including playoffs), and reaching the NLL Playoff Semifinals for just the second time in team history.
Opened in 2019, the award-winning Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, known as The Conrad, has quickly established itself as one of San Diego's premier performing arts venues, and its Baker-Baum Concert Hall as one of the best concert halls in the world.
Opened in February 2019, the restaurant located in Point Loma honors the Italian with a lineup of daily fresh pastas, regional Italian entrées, plentiful vegan options and a tableside dessert program inspired by culinary team's 'everything made in house' credo.
The Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant will embark on a bold new journey that honors a decade of culinary discovery and innovation within the San Diego community. For the month of August, the eatery will feature a constantly-rotating, $80 4-course prix-fixe menu; a carefully curated exploration of San Diego's hyper-local ingredients that showcases our kitchen's culinary maturity and commitment to the community.
The Studio Door proudly announces its 10th Anniversary Exhibition, commemorating a decade of artistic excellence and community engagement in San Diego. From May 2 to 29, the gallery will showcase the work of 10 exceptional artists representing our past, present and future. Founder Patric Stillman is a member of the San Diego Tourism Authority's 2024 Tourism Accelerator.
The casual Italian American neighborhood kitchen and wine shop, CUCINA Urbana, has been a staple in San Diego's dining scene since opening in 2009. Led by founder Tracy Borkum, it continues to garner honors for its distinct California "farm-to-table" flair, highlighted by Chef Joe Magnanelli's fresh, simple, and seasonal dishes.
In conjunction with Petco Park's 20th Anniversary, the San Diego Padres completed a major renovation of Gallagher Square to better serve baseball, concerts and the community. Highlights include an improved playground, a fenced dog park, upgraded sports facilities, temporary Pickleball courts, public art displays, improved noise control, a new Tony Gwynn Terrace fan viewing deck, an upgraded entry gate, and leveled lawn seating. Amphitheater-style seating will enhance the view of concerts at Gallagher Square.
Named winner in the 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice travel award contest for "Best Wine Festival," the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is held every November, putting the national and international spotlight on the city of San Diego and its talented and passionate local chefs, farmers, fisherman, winemakers, and producers.
Since opening on June 7, 2004, the USS Midway Museum has become the most popular and visited naval ship museum in the world, attracting more than 20 million visitors. Proudly known as America's Living Symbol of Freedom, the museum is commemorating its anniversary with the most complex exhibit in its two-decade history. The "Midway Engineers – Service, Sacrifice and Everyday Life" exhibit is an immersive and dynamic experience focused on the aircraft carrier's engineering department.
In April, the luxury hotel underwent a $26 million property-wide renovation and redevelopment, featuring historic touches masterfully blended with modern design, creating a refreshed experience with elevated guest rooms and suites, a new lobby and pool complex and upgraded meeting and group spaces.
In March, the north coast theme park opened an all-new Dino Valley in honor of its 25th Birthday introducing an immersive prehistoric land with three rides, two new costume characters, and a build and play station. On May 24, the popular theme park will debut the LEGO World Parade, featuring a dazzling array of LEGO-themed floats and an exciting cast of costumed characters, along with over 50 entertainers.
Founded in 1999, The Gondola Company operates gondola cruises in the Coronado Cays, transporting riders to a world of Venetian charm. Whether it's a romantic rendezvous, a family outing, or a solitary escape, each cruise promises a unique experience on the water.
San Diego's longest-operating brewing company will have a slate of events and promotions spread across the calendar year, including the release of its seasonal Oktoberfest beer for 35th year in a row.
The 2.6-million-square-foot facility, located along the waterfront in downtown San Diego, steps from the bustling Gaslamp District, was recognized by the Wall Street Journal last year as the fourth best convention center in U.S. The Convention Center is slated to be the site of 100 meetings and conventions in fiscal year 2024, resulting in an estimated regional impact of $1.78 billion.
Each April the free festival attracts locals and visitors to Little Italy, giving all an opportunity to meet more than 250 local, national, and international artists, and purchase art directly from the creators. The event boasts artists from every medium of art, including painting, sculpture, glass work, photography, fine jewelry and more. After browsing and purchasing one-of-a-kind works of art, attendees can enjoy four stages of live music, interactive art experiences, street food, family-friendly art projects at KidsWalk and more.
To celebrate the milestone anniversary, the three-tiered ocean-view establishment will host a series in which several of its former cooks, who have become successful chefs, will present special tasting menus throughout the year.
Held in July, San Diego's Pride Parade is the largest single-day civic event in the region and is among the largest Prides in the U.S, attracting over 300,000 cheering supporters of the LGBTQ community.
The premier event for all things comics and related popular art, including movies, television, gaming, interactive multimedia, and so much more, will be held July 25 – 28, 2024. Attendees can enjoy unique programming, exclusive previews, and presentations, not to mention the expansive and diverse Exhibit Hall featuring merchandise and displays representing all fandoms.
SeaWorld San Diego invites guests to experience the world of jellyfish in a new and interactive way with the debut of Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience. Starting this summer visitors can see striking habitats, from one of the largest jelly cylinders in the country to an iconic walk-through arch and a giant viewing wall.
The San Diego Opera, one of San Diego's preeminent cultural organizations, announced the lineup for its landmark 60th anniversary season. For six decades, San Diego Opera has brought exceptional productions and marquee talent to the community and the 2024-25 season is no different.
San Diego's official sales and marketing organization is responsible for promoting the region as the preferred vacation and meeting destination. In 2023, San Diego's bustling tourism industry achieved unprecedented regional economic growth with a total economic impact of $22 billion.
A timeless icon of San Diego, Belmont Park has served as a beachfront entertainment and gathering place since its establishment in 1925, featuring the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the Plunge Pool. Next year, Belmont Park will celebrate its Centennial Celebration, marking a century of providing nostalgic amusement park experiences, dining options, and oceanfront views.
In March, the cherished hub for music, dance, and comedy in the heart of the city celebrated its anniversary filled with special events.
The San Diego Harbor Pilot Boat is the oldest active pilot boat in the country.
The Nat is pulling out all the stops for a summer to remember for nature lovers. Featuring brand-new exhibits and films, special programs and activities, and extended hours, The Nat has something for everyone.
