Best San Diego Summer

Hit the Beach

Hit the BeachWhat’s the point of summer if you don’t spend at least a few days relaxing at the beach? With more than 70 miles of coastline and dozens of beaches from Coronado to Oceanside, locals and visitors are sure to get a generous dose of “vitamin sea” in San Diego County. Build a sandcastle, organize a bonfire, watch the sunset, go beach camping or enroll the kids in a junior lifeguard program. Doesn’t matter how you hit the beach, just do it!

Tune in Sounds of Summer

If you haven’t experienced the incredible acoustics and views at The Rady Shell at Embarcadero Marina, summer is a fabulous time to do it. Attend a family-friendly movie concert (watch a movie while San Diego Symphony plays the score) or plan an adults-only concert date. Find the schedule at www.theshell.org.

There are dozens of free outdoor concerts happening throughout the county (Carlsbad, El Cajon,

Coronado, Point Loma, Chula Vista and more). See our full list and details at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/ san-diego-summer-concerts.

Photo credit: Tony Andrews Photography

Discover a Hidden Gem

The California Tower is certainly not hidden, but few people know you can experience it from the inside. Take a 40-minute tour of San Diego’s most iconic historic landmark and enjoy 360-degree views from the Tower’s eighth-floor. Discover more fun hidden gems in the new edition of Out & About with Kids.

Photo credit: Rik Thiesfeld

Adventure ON the Water

San Diego County offers countless bay and ocean views, but do you ever get in (or on) the water? In addition to kayaking, surfing, jet ski rentals and SUPs (stand-up paddle boards), consider an on-the-water excursion with City Cruises by Hornblower, Maritime Museum of San Diego, Coronado Ferry or San Diego SEAL Tours. Get more ideas from our full list in the new edition of Out & About with Kids.

Cheer on the Home Team!

The San Diego Padres aren’t the only local team to support this month. San Diego Strike Force (Professional Indoor Football), San Diego Wave FC (National Women’s Soccer League expansion team), San Diego Loyal (men’s professional soccer) and Lake Elsinore Storm (the single-A affiliate of the Padres) all have games this summer. The Storm’s super kid-friendly games are at Storm stadium in—you guessed it—Lake Elsinore (on the north side of Temecula). Make sure you visit fan favorite Petco Park as well; it was recently named the number one stadium in MLB by USA Today.

Make Movie Night Epic

What kid doesn’t love a fun, themed family activity? We’re excited to share our ideas for turning movie night into an immersive experience by adding related crafts, activities, food—even field trips—to your plans. Get the kids involved in planning family movie nights while they’re out of school and consider making it a monthly date year-round.

• Bake and decorate delicious Blueberry Compote Cupcakes. Get the recipe at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/dining-and-recipes/blueberry-compote-cupcakes.

• Create a colorful masterpiece by painting with ice. “Art with Alyssa” gives step-by-step directions at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids/how-to-paint-with-ice.

• Take a field trip to the new interactive exhibit “Snow: Tiny Crystals, Global Impact” at Fleet Science Center. Participate in activities while learning about snow and its vital role to our climate and water resources.

• Craft beautiful snowflakes, using coffee filters and water-soluble markers. Instructions: www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids/snowflake-craft.

• Make a frozen treat using ice cream science: www.sandiegofamily.com/forthe-kids/family-science/ice-cream-science.

Visit a Theme Park

Experience SeaWorld’s new Emperor ride, the tallest, fastest, floorless coaster in California! Don’t miss Electric Ocean—a celebration of summer where nights are bursting with glowing décor, exhilarating performances, live concerts and fireworks. www.seaworld.com

Build and race your own car at the new LEGO Ferrari Build & Race at Legoland California in Carlsbad. Enjoy kid-tastic rides and shows, check out LEGO Movie World, or slide and float your way through CHIMA Water Park (additional admission).

Get to Know Your City

Whether you’re new to San Diego or have lived here forever, there are likely tons of awesome spots you’ve never discovered. Set aside summer days to be a tourist in your own town and explore. This month we spotlight Solana Beach:

• Annie’s Canyon Trail is a fairly easy slot canyon that is doable with kids (but not stroller friendly).

Photo By All Colors Photography

• Fletcher Cove Beach Park has everything needed for a fun summer day: sandy beach, restrooms, a grassy area, playground and half basketball court. Plus, it’s walking distance to food. Grab lunch at Pillbox Tavern, a boba or coffee at Sindi’s Snack Shack or pizza to go from Pizza Port.

• The Solana Beach train station makes it easy to hop on the Coaster for a day trip to downtown San Diego.

July 2022 • SanDiegofamily.com • 21