First and foremost , there are the beaches .
With more than 70 miles of pristine shoreline , San Diego is renowned for not only its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches , but also for the variety of beach options the seaside city offers .
La Jolla
Credit : San Diego Tourism Authority
Among the most iconic and popular beaches in San Diego is La Jolla Cove . Located in the exceptionally chic neighborhood of La Jolla , this small but picturesque beach is known for its crystal-clear waters , dramatic cliffs , and abundant marine life . Meanwhile , on the opposite end of the spectrum , Pacific Beach offers an edgier , more vibrant beach scene thanks in large part to its buzzing nightlife and lively boardwalk lined with shops , restaurants , bars , and surf schools .
Elsewhere in the city , the surfing set favors Tourmaline Surfing Park also known as Tourmaline Beach . This surfers ’ mecca , resides on the border of the Pacific Beach and La Jolla districts of San Diego and is notable for its status as a surfing-only beach offering perfect conditions for novice surfers , long-boarders , and even windsurfers and kiteboarders when the wind is high .
Meanwhile , for a more secluded and natural beach experience , Torrey Pines State Beach is just the ticket . Located just north of La Jolla , this beach offers a tranquil setting amidst rugged cliffs and staggering natural beauty . Best known for its scenic hiking trails leading down to the beach where breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean await , Torrey Pines State Beach is also famous for being proximate to Black ’ s Beach , home to one of the strongest surf breaks in Southern California and infamous for the clothing-optional stretch on its northern end beneath the Torry Pines Bluffs which has become a popular spot for Southern California nudists and naturists .
SeaWorld San Diego
Beyond beach life , summer in San Diego is jam-packed with an array of annual events that take full advantage of some of the city ’ s finest assets . Chief among these is the summer theatre series in Balboa Park , a 1,200-acre cultural oasis , located just blocks from downtown San Diego , which includes 17 museums , multiple gardens and the world-famous San Diego Zoo . Staged in the Park ’ s Tony Award-winning Old Globe Theatre , this summer will see the arrival of productions including Shakespeare ’ s Twelfth Night and The Merry Wives of Windsor , as well as Joe Masteroff ’ s Cabaret in addition to a range of exciting new plays which are likely en route to off-Broadway or Broadway runs if history serves as any indication .
Another highly anticipated event is the San Diego County Fair , held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds . Running for several weeks from June 7 to July 4 , this fair is a true summer tradition . Beyond the traditional rides , agricultural exhibits , and mouthwatering deep-fried treats one might normally associate with the typical fair experience , expect a stellar line-up of live entertainment , courtesy of the Toyota Summer Concert Series , featuring notable talents like Train , Kevin Hart , Boyz II Men , Nelly , Elle King and Lynyrd Skynyrd .
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Credit : San Diego Symphony
For all the self-identified geeks of the world , it ’ s no secret that San Diego is also the home of Comic-Con International . Held at the San Diego Convention Center in July , this iconic convention is a mecca for pop culture enthusiasts . From panels featuring celebrities and industry insiders to exclusive movie screenings and cosplay competitions , Comic-Con offers a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of comics , movies , and all things geek .
Concurrently , music lovers will find much to rejoice about in a calendar full of topnotch concerts scheduled to take place this summer in some of San Diego ’ s most spectacular settings . For starters , there ’ s the popular Humphreys Concerts by the Bay series which will this year showcase top-name artists like Diana Krall , Chris Isaak , Tori Amos , Dave Koz and Natalie Merchant performing on an outdoor stage adjacent to the picturesque marina at Humphreys Half Moon Inn on Shelter Island .
Likewise , there ’ s the 5th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival held at the equally delightful site of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and top-lined this year by names like Michael Franks , Rick Braun , Jeff Lorber and Paul Jackson , Jr . And , finally there ’ s the La Jolla Music Society SummerFest , a month-long celebration of innovative
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 38 SUMMER 2023