25 Must-Attend Summer Events in San Diego 2025
Jun 30, 2025
Summer is just around the corner, and the energy is already building! As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, people everywhere are on the hunt for fun, fresh, and unforgettable ways to make the most of the season. If you’re looking to soak up every golden moment, there’s no better place to start than San Diego, where the surf meets the city and adventure is always just a step away. San Diego has an uncanny ability to win visitors over at first glance, but it’s during summer when America’s Finest City truly shines. With perfect Mediterranean climate, 70 miles of pristine coastline, and a calendar bursting with events, San Diego summer events 2025 promise an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler.
Read about our list of 25 exciting activities you must try in San Diego this summer.
Cultural Festivals & Arts
In San Diego, culture doesn’t just live in museums, it spills into the parks, plazas, and beachside amphitheaters. Summer brings a burst of creativity to the city, with events celebrating everything from classic Shakespeare to contemporary Latin American art. Whether catching an open-air performance in Balboa Park or browsing an international art fair by the bay, this city invites you to experience its soul under the sun.
1. June 8 – July 6: Summer Shakespeare Festival at The Old Globe
Experience world-class Shakespearean performances under the stars in Balboa Park’s iconic Old Globe Theatre. This annual festival brings timeless tales to life in a magical outdoor setting.
- Location: Balboa Park
- Cost: Ticket prices vary by performance
2. July 11 – July 20: San Diego Country Fair
Wednesday, June 11-Sunday, July 6 | Del Mar Fairgrounds
This summertime staple began as an agricultural fair in 1880 before moving to its current location in Del Mar in 1936. Today, the fair season features 2,000+ attractions, 1,700+ performers, and a highly anticipated concert lineup. This year’s theme is “Summer Pet-tacular,” a celebration of our furry friends. This fair transforms the Del Mar Fairgrounds into a wonderland of rides, exhibits, and indulgent fair food.
- Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds
- Cost: Varies by event/ Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, March 14.
3. July 24 – July 27: San Diego Comic-Con International
The world’s premier pop culture convention returns, transforming the San Diego Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter into a haven for fans of comics, movies, and more. Immerse yourself in the world of Comic-Con and make unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the “Becoming Betty Boop” exhibit celebrating nearly 100 years of this iconic cartoon character.
- Location: San Diego Convention Center
- Cost: Ticket prices vary/ Early Spring sale available tickets
4. August 1 – August 3: ArtWalk Liberty Station
Celebrate 20 years of fine art at Liberty Station’s Ingram Plaza, featuring over 200 visual artists, live music, and interactive art experiences. The Arts District at Liberty Station is San Diego’s premier venue for the arts. Enjoy live music, museums, dining, and entertainment while admiring artists’ work.
- Location: Liberty Station
- Cost: Free admission
5. Ongoing: San Diego Civic Theatre
From the Broadway sensation Hamilton to the nostalgic sounds of The Bee Gees Gold and A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, San Diego’s theatre scene is brimming with must-see performances. Enjoy world-class entertainment in luxurious seating and immerse yourself in a night of culture, music, and unforgettable storytelling.
- Location: Balboa Theatre / Civic Theatre
- Cost: Ticket prices vary
Family-Friendly & Outdoor Events
Summer in San Diego means sunshine, sea breezes, and memories made outdoors. The city transforms into a playground for all ages, with everything from beachside movies and nighttime zoo visits to kayaking and paddleboarding under starlit skies. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just a kid at heart, these events celebrate family, fun, and the magic of summer in Southern California.
6. June 21 – August: Summer Concerts at the Speckels Organ Pavilion
An unforgettable evening under the stars with free weekly concerts at the historic Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park cannot be missed. Featuring one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs, these summer performances showcase talented organists and guest musicians playing everything from classical pieces to contemporary hits, with free concerts on Sundays.
- Location: Balboa Park – Spreckels Organ Pavilion
- Cost: Free
7. June – August: Summer Movies in the Park
Enjoy the largest free and family-friendly outdoor movie series in San Diego County, held in various parks and perfect for memorable nights under the stars. From May through October, families can gather to watch blockbuster hits together in a relaxed, open-air setting. Arrive early for fun pre-show activities before the movies begin, about 15 minutes after sunset.
- Location: Various parks in San Diego County
- Cost: Free
8. July 18 to September: Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing Season Opening
Experience the excitement of horse racing at the Del Mar Racetrack, with opening day festivities on July 18, marking the start of the season.
- Location: Del Mar Racetrack
- Cost: Ticket prices vary
9. June – August: Nighttime Zoo at San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo extends its hours for summer nights, featuring live music, animal encounters, and special entertainment. Immerse yourself in a wildlife experience with various Safaris to choose from or the “Nighttime Zoo”.
- Location: San Diego Zoo
- Cost: Included with zoo admission
10. Ongoing: Kayaking the La Jolla Sea Caves
Paddle through marine caves and kelp forests, with opportunities to spot sea lions, dolphins, and leopard sharks. This guided kayak tour through the Ecological Reserve and Underwater Park will leave you breathless with sights and fun facts, and historical information.
- Location: La Jolla Shores
- Cost: Tours from $70 per person
Music & Nightlife
From beachside concerts to sunset symphonies on the bay, San Diego’s summer soundtrack is as cool as its ocean breeze. Whether you’re vibing to R&B at SeaWorld, discovering emerging artists downtown, or catching a classic film with live organ music, the city offers something for every rhythm and mood after the sun goes down.
Sure! Here is one more sentence added to each introduction, keeping the references intact:
11. August 22: Benson Boone – American Heart Tour
Grammy-nominated artist Benson Boone brings his American Heart Tour to San Diego, performing hits from his upcoming album. Fans can expect a heartfelt performance filled with emotional vocals and powerful lyrics.
- Location: Venue to be announced
- Cost: Ticket prices vary
12. July – August: Summer Concert Series at SeaWorld
Enjoy live music performances at SeaWorld San Diego, featuring a lineup of popular artists throughout the summer. The concerts are family-friendly and add an exciting rhythm to your SeaWorld adventure.
- Location: SeaWorld San Diego
- Cost: Included with park admission
13. Ongoing: Silent Movie Mondays at Balboa Theatre
Experience classic silent films like Phantom of the Opera accompanied by live organ music at the historic Balboa Theatre. This unique cinematic experience offers a nostalgic trip to Hollywood’s golden age.
- Location: Balboa Theatre
- Cost: Ticket prices vary
14. Ongoing: North Park Brewery Crawl
Explore San Diego’s craft beer scene with a self-guided tour of breweries in the North Park neighborhood. Walk through the neighborhood and explore the breweries while getting to know the area. Many of the stops also offer food trucks, trivia nights, and local art displays to enhance your crawl.
• Location: North Park
• Cost: Varies by brewery
15. Ongoing: Sunset Cliffs Picnic with Local Eats
Grab takeout from local eateries and enjoy a picnic while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean at Sunset Cliffs. This scenic coastal spot is perfect for relaxing with friends or a romantic evening out.
- Location: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Cost: Free
Sports & Stadium Events
San Diego’s competitive spirit runs deep, from the baseball diamond to the surf lineup. As the Padres light up Petco Park and paragliders soar above Torrey Pines, summer here is an invitation to cheer, play, and soak in the electric energy of the city’s sports and stadium culture. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual spectator, there’s no shortage of action-packed events to enjoy.
16. Ongoing: San Diego Padres Game at Petco Park
Catch a Padres home game and enjoy craft beer, ocean breezes, and skyline views from one of MLB’s best ballparks. The stadium’s downtown location makes it the perfect stop before or after exploring San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.
- Location: Petco Park
- Cost: Starting from $13
17. Ongoing: Soccer at Snapdragon Stadium
Cheer on San Diego Wave FC (NWSL) or San Diego FC (MLS debut in 2025!) for an electrifying live match. With high-energy fans and a brand-new stadium, Snapdragon is quickly becoming a central hub for soccer lovers.
- Location: Snapdragon Stadium
- Cost: Wave FC: Starting at $21; San Diego FC: Starting at $125
18. Ongoing: Beach Volleyball at Mission Beach
Jump into a friendly game or watch locals dominate the sand courts. It’s fast-paced summer fun. The courts are right next to the boardwalk, making it easy to grab a snack or take a dip between matches.
- Location: South Mission Beach
- Cost: Free
19. Ongoing: Surf Competitions at Oceanside Pier
Watch amateur and pro surfers battle it out in exciting summer tournaments with epic wave action. The iconic pier offers unbeatable viewing spots for catching every carve, cutback, and aerial.
- Location: Oceanside Pier
- Cost: Free
20. Ongoing: Golfing at Torrey Pines
Tee off at one of the most iconic public golf courses in the world. The championship South Course has hosted the U.S. Open and delivers unforgettable coastal fairways and challenging greens (Torrey Pines Golf Course – City of San Diego).
- Location: Torrey Pines Golf Course
- Cost: Resident rates from $63; Non-resident rates from $202
Sightseeing Musts
From sweeping ocean views to historic city streets, San Diego offers unforgettable sightseeing experiences for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re cruising across the bay, walking through haunted Victorian neighborhoods, or watching whales breach offshore, these iconic activities highlight the city’s beauty, culture, and charm. Start with these must-do adventures:
21. Ongoing: Coronado Ferry Ride
A classic San Diego experience, the Coronado Ferry offers scenic water views while connecting downtown with the laid-back charm of Coronado Island.
- Location: San Diego Bay / Coronado Ferry Landing
- Cost: Prices vary by provider
22. Ongoing: Cabrillo National Monument
Step into history and nature at this hilltop landmark, where you can explore tide pools, a historic lighthouse, and breathtaking views of the Pacific and downtown San Diego.
- Location: Point Loma
- Cost: Check National Park Service for current rates
23. Ongoing: Harbor Cruise or Whale Watching Tour
See San Diego from the water with a relaxing harbor cruise or head out to sea to witness awe-inspiring marine life, including summer sightings of blue whales and dolphins.
- Location: San Diego Bay and coastal waters
- Cost: Prices vary by provider
- 24. Ongoing: Sunset Gondola Ride in Coronado Cays
Escape to the canals of Coronado Cays on a serene gondola ride, often enhanced with optional wine, music, and cozy blankets, ideal for couples or small groups.
- Location: Coronado Cays
- Cost: Prices vary by provider
25. Ongoing: Gaslamp Quarter Historic Walking Tour
Uncover the hidden tales of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, where a guide leads you through a rich tapestry of architecture, scandals, ghost stories, and local legends.
- Location: Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Diego
- Cost: Prices vary by provider/guides
Whether you’re drawn to San Diego’s sun-drenched beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, rich cultural offerings, or its laid-back coastal lifestyle, there’s no shortage of experiences waiting to be discovered. From the historic charm of Old Town to the scenic trails of Torrey Pines, every corner of the city offers something unique. And if you’re considering making San Diego your new home, Atlas Allied can help ensure your move is as smooth and stress-free as the city itself. Call them!