San Diego’s sunny shores and captivating coastline are calling, offering endless adventures and the ultimate summer vibes. From beachside bonfires to vibrant events, get ready to soak up the sun and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Check out these 7 must-do activities and events that’ll turn your August in San Diego into an unforgettable chapter of your summer story!
1. Julian StarFest
When: August 11-13, 2023
Where: Menghini Winery
Julian StarFest will once again grace the dark skies of the Menghini Winery in Julian. After a long two-year pandemic, we are once again looking forward to the return of this annual event. The JSF Committee is already working hard to ensure the 2023 festival includes many of the same activities as in the past.
More info here: WEBSITE
2. Wildlife Kayaking Eco Tour
When: August 12, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Bayside Park
Be an Ocean Connector and join us on a Wildlife Kayaking adventure! Did you know that San Diego provides foraging habitat for the Eastern Pacific green sea turtle? This small feeding population consists of about 60 individuals, and we will be on the lookout for these beautiful creatures while paddling through the Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve. Our naturalist guide will point out marine and bird life and teach you about local ecology and conservation efforts. All equipment is provided: Kayak, life vest, binoculars, and field guides.
More info here: WEBSITE
3. Fireside at the Lake
When: August 19, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Lake Jennings
Get ready to get cozy under the stars by the campfire! Come join us on Saturday, August 19th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for fire pit rentals right on the lake in Hermit Cove. Rentals include wood, firestarter, and Adirondack chairs with the option of purchasing one of our campfire add-on packages! One of our rangers will stand by to help with lighting and extinguishing fires as needed. Advance reservations required.
More info here: WEBSITE
4. America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5k
When: August 20, 2023
Time: Varies (check the schedule on the website)
Where: Staging Area: Balboa Park
San Diego’s fastest and most scenic half marathon. Run from the Cabrillo National Monument atop the tip of Point Loma, along San Diego Bay, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, past the Star of India, through downtown San Diego to a rousing finish in historic Balboa Park.
More info here: WEBSITE
5. Annual Luau and Legends of Surfing Invitational
When: August 26-27, 2023
Where: Scripps Pier
Surfers, scientists and survivors come together to support the fight against cancer at the annual Luau and Legends of Surfing Invitational at the beach near Scripps Pier in La Jolla. Just 29 years of surfing that has helped redefine the way we diagnose and treat cancer – 29 years that have brought in nearly $10 million for research and helped thousands of patients through clinical trials, new treatments and delivering discoveries. Surfing competition is free for spectators.
More info here: WEBSITE
6. Bike the Bay
When: August 27, 2023
Where: Embarcadero Marina Park South
San Diego’s finest annual cycling event across the Coronado Bridge and around the bay! Ride the bridge, Bike the Bay for the 16th annual ride on Sunday, August 27, 2023! Cruise around San Diego Bay and enjoy your only opportunity to ride across the San Diego Coronado Bay Bridge. This non-competitive community bike ride is for riders of all abilities and will take you on a scenic, and primarily flat ride, around the San Diego Bay via the Bayshore Bikeway. Along the way, riders will travel through the surrounding cities of Coronado, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, and National City before finishing back at the start/finish line at Embarcadero Marina Park in downtown San Diego.
More info here: WEBSITE
7. Leucadia Art Walk
When: August 27, 2023
Time: Varies (check the schedule on the website)
Where: North Coast Highway 101
Leucadia 101 Mainstreet is pleased to present its 17th annual LeucadiART Walk, Sunday, August 27th, 2023 from 10 am to 5 pm. This free community event is held along North Coast Highway 101. LeucadiART Walk is a fine arts event with no corporate vendors or imported goods. It brings 8,000 people to Leucadia for the day to enjoy and purchase fine art. This event features live art demos, live music, dancers, activities for kids, a makers market, a beer garden, and more! A free, open-air trolley allows attendees to get from place to place with ease.
