San Diego Summer Activities in 2021
Even though “America’s Finest City” is really a place for all seasons, there’s really nothing like summer in San Diego. Which is why (although it was necessary to do so) sacrificing last summer to lockdowns and canceled activities in the name of public safety was such a hard thing to accept for so many. But thanks to social distancing and widespread immunization efforts, San Diego summer activities are once again beginning to fill events calendars all over the city — including ours!
If you’re as happy as we are about getting back out there and enjoying all the city has to offer, we can help. Here’s an overview of some of the highlights from our events calendar so that you can better plan your visit.
SeaWorld San Diego Fireworks Show — Now–June 26, 2021 (Multiple Dates)
The traditional holiday-themed fireworks that have delighted generations at SeaWorld San Diego will be back this year to once again paint the sky with explosive bursts of color. What better way to cap off your day at the park than with an exciting display of patriotic pyrotechnic pageantry? If you’d like to be a part of the magic, then be sure to check the upcoming dates of the fireworks show and plan your day.
*Recently Announced* In addition to the SeaWorld fireworks show, San Diego just announced that the annual 4th of July fireworks celebration is back on this year! The BIG BAY BOOM, largest display on the west coast, this event takes place over our downtown harbor, and is a MUST-SEE for the holiday!
U.S. Open Golf Tournament — June 14–20, 2021
The U.S. Open — one of the USGA’s biggest national championships — returns to the San Diego area in June. Players and spectators alike will head to the breathtakingly picturesque Torrey Pines Golf Course to be a part of the competition. This marks the second time the course will host the championship (Tiger Woods won it here in 2008), and excitement is sure to be high to see who takes home the 2021 trophy. Tickets are available here, and general admission starts at just $50. Fore!
Art Alive 2021 — June 17–20, 2021
The spectacular San Diego Museum of Art will once again host this inviting burst of beautifully festive floral events. Botanical interpretations of nearly 100 works of art will be on display throughout the museum, as well as outdoors for the family-friendly Open Air Floral Affair. Guests can also enjoy the Color Feast (a multimedia outdoor dining experience), a 360° virtual tour of the floral exhibition, silent auction, at-home workshops for all ages, and more.
San Diego County Fair — June 11–July 4, 2021
All the fun of the San Diego County Fair returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a special 2021 event called Home*Grown*Fun. Even though the scope is scaled back a bit, the good times certainly aren’t! Celebrate San Diego with rides, specialty vendors, agricultural displays, games, demonstrations, pony rides, contests, and — of course — the famous Swifty Swine Pig Races. So head out to the fair and have an old-fashioned good time.
Del Mar Horse Racing Season — July 16–September 6, 2021
The famous horse races at Del Mar have been a crowd favorite for decades. Fans first flocked to cheer on their favorites beginning in 1937, when Bing Crosby first welcomed spectators to the stands — who then went on to watch the legendary Seabiscuit take the inaugural race by a nose only a year later. So head to the park, bring your binoculars, and place a bet on your favorite pony while you enjoy a gorgeous day out at this legendary event.
Carlsbad Music Festival — August 27–29, 2021
The celebrated seaside festival returns to Carlsbad for three days of music, food, and fun to cap off the summer. Carlsbad Music Festival always promises an “adventurous” lineup, with a traditional focus on a more eclectic roster of artists from the worlds of indie, jazz, electronic, and more. Visitors will be treated to performances by more than 60 fantastic acts, plus a beer garden, vendor village, and much more. Bring a picnic and a blanket and get your groove on!