The winter holidays are always a good time, but there is a high level of stress that accompanies them, making us glad when they are over. We spend too much money, we work too hard, and we often have to deal with the complaints of our cranky uncles at the dinner table, adding to the stress we feel. The summer holidays, however, are pure joy in comparison. We look forward to that extra day off, we plan vacations to places with beaches and sunshine, and for that day, that time, summer becomes a magical season again, offering long days filled with endless opportunities for fun and excitement. We believe in ice cream trucks and afternoon naps, and during the 4th of July holiday, we ooh and ahh over impressive fireworks displays, wishing the night, and the show could go on forever! For our Vacation Rentals by Kimberly guests who have chosen San Diego County for their Independence Day revelries, knowing that they will be coming home to the all-American comforts and style our properties provide always takes the sting out of the finale, and this guide to 4th of July in San Diego County will ensure that every minute will be filled with fun, fancy, and of course, fireworks on the big day itself!
We Love a Parade
We really do love a parade, and although there seem to be fewer and fewer parades commemorating the holidays these days, a visit to Coronado Island will remind you why they hold such a soft spot in our hearts! The Coronado 4th of July Parade begins at 10 AM, traveling down Orange Avenue and starting out the day on the right note. Colorful floats, talented bands, and probably some really cool cars with important people sitting in the back seat will bring smiles to your face, as will the concert held after in Spreckels Park. If you have the energy, Coronado Tidelands Park offers its annual 12K and 5K run, but if not, it’s ok; the fireworks over Glorietta Bay will ensure that you don’t feel bad about anything!
A Day at the Fair
A day at the fair is always a good idea, and being able to spend 4th of July at the fair is an even better one! Independence Day is the last day of the San Diego County Fair, located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard in Del Mar. Opening at 11 AM and offering the theme ‘Get Out There’ this year, it offers exactly what you think it might: livestock shows, baking competitions, fun-filled rides, and all the carnival food you can keep down after a ride on the Tilt-a-Whirl! Ending the season with a fantastic fireworks show, guests can spend the entire day taking part in perhaps the most all-American activity and celebrate hard, just the way our founding fathers would have liked!
Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular at SeaWorld, July 1-4
You had to know our theme parks would get in on the fun, and the Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular is guaranteed to make the whole family happy, especially as you get to enjoy our favorite creatures of the sea while watching the sky light up with an amazing display of color. The Marine Band will be performing an accompaniment to the show, ensuring that everyone will have the best time ever!
Red, White, and Boom at LEGOLAND
Make your kiddos the happiest people on earth with a day in the park, LEGOLAND park, to be absolutely clear! Featuring all the regular LEGO related fun and excitement, there will also be 4th of July related activities and events that will bring the excitement to the next level, such as family picnics, celebrity meet and greets, and a variety of patriotic themed building activities, all accompanied by patriotic music. End the day with a dazzling display of fireworks. A 4th of July at Legoland could truly be described as the perfect day, especially as you get to enjoy all the extras at the same regular admittance fee!
At Home with Vacation Rentals by Kimberly
Not every 4th of July adventure will be spent away from your home sweet home. Some of your favorite moments will be enjoyed right here in your Vacation Rentals by Kimberly holiday hideaway! Choose a property that offers a huge backyard, perhaps partially occupied by a crystal-clear pool and bubbling hot tub and enjoy a family barbecue on this day that celebrates the freedom to do so. Watch the sun set over the ocean in our waterfront properties while sipping a sparkling holiday cocktail, and chances are you will be able to catch some fireworks from the comfort of your patio chair. However you choose to spend this year’s fabulous 4th of July, choosing Vacation Rentals by Kimberly will ensure your California vacation shines extra bright. Reserve your favorite vacation escape today!
As the warmer months roll around, life takes on a softer glow. The long ago days of our childhood seem like they just occurred yesterday, our interests turn to outdoor activities, and we begin to play just a little more. Summer is for vacations, for explorations of new places and if your solstice journey brings you to the paradise we know as San Diego County, in addition to days at the beach, shopping expeditions, and dining out at culinary wonders of restaurants, you may want to explore the top summer events taking place here. We at Vacation Rentals by Kimberly want to ensure that your stay with us offers more than luxurious and comfortable vacation havens, we want you to live every moment to the fullest, and as such, we have created this San Diego summer events guide that will help you fill those moments that will tick by way faster than you are ready for!
San Diego Summer
Starting with the city our county is named after, these events are destined to keep your interest. July is when we celebrate America’s birthday (by the time you read this, June will be pretty much a memory) so of course our first event is the Big Bay Boom, taking place at multiple spots in San Diego, all overlooking the San Diego Bay on July 4th. Starting at 9 PM and reflecting the beauty in the sky to the waters below, it will be hard to NOT feel patriotic when sitting on the beach with family and friends, watching the show above! The music plays, the craft beers flow, and the food will be amazing at our second event, San Diego Bayfest. Held on July 8th at Waterfront Park, this amazing music festival celebrates the culture of the beach and if you miss it, life will go on, it just won’t shine as brightly!
And finally, with this last event, it is time to go big or go home and the perfect way to do so is with a visit to the one, the only, San Diego Comic-Con! Held July 20 through July 23 at the San Diego Convention Center, this is the chance to dress up as your favorite comic character, meet a few of your favorite actors, and purchase merch that your friends will be jealous of! If you can’t get enough Comic Con, you may even want to plan a visit to the Comic-Con Museum, located in Balboa Park, and experience the wonders of the event through the years!
One of our favorite and most unique summer events in San Diego lasts from July 7 through September 1st, ensuring that you have plenty of opportunities to explore the wonders offered at Pageant of the Masters! Celebrating 90 years of living pictures this year and located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach, your favorite artists’ works really do come alive during this fascinating celebration of the arts! This year’s theme, Art Colony: In the Company Artists is sure to be unforgettable and as you watch real live humans recreate your favorite art pieces, you may decide that you have found your newest obsession!
Summer in Del Mar
If you are planning to explore the beauty of Del Mar the first 4 days of July are the last 4 days of the Annual San Diego County Fair. Held June 7 through July 4th the theme of this year’s fair celebrates the great outdoors and also offers everything about a county fair that you love and adore! From fair food to farm animals, crazy rides to crazy art displays, this year’s fair promises to outdo all the ones from our past! In August, the Taste of New Orleans Food & Music Festival comes to Del Mar Village bringing beignets and hurricanes to the Del Mar Race Track (August 5th.) If you are still in town on August 9 through 13 and love the horses, the Del Mar Summer Festival II provides 5 days of horsey fun, with a show that is guaranteed to be loved by all!
Summer in Carlsbad
This next event takes place in August in Carlsbad and is one we can promise your kiddos will beg to be involved! The San Diego International Kid’s Film Festival celebrates kids, the movies, and reaches an audience that stretches out over 40 countries! Held at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Avenue, and taking place August 25 through August 27, it is the perfect way to say farewell to summer, offering an opening night Gala, Culture Forums, a variety of panel discussions, and, of course, a variety of children movies, there will even be a Red Carpet Award Ceremony, honoring the filmmakers, actors, and writers that help bring magic to life!
Every Day is a New Adventure in Comfort
Reserve one of our summer sanctuaries by Vacation Rentals by Kimberly today!
Are you thinking of going to California for your upcoming vacation? If so, it might be the smartest option to avoid the ever-crowded areas of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Instead, head to San Diego to check out the zoo, explore the great outdoors, enjoy the warm weather, and have fun with your family. And speaking of trips, we think the spring is THE best time to visit San Diego! Not only is the weather the best of the entire year, but you can attend one of the annual spring in San Diego events.
Spring Events in San Diego County
Headed to San Diego for your upcoming spring break? Maybe you have a week off of work, and you want to experience all that this California coastal town has to offer. If so, we don’t blame you — the spring is one of the best times to visit San Diego in terms of pristine weather, fewer people, and lower prices. What more could you want on a vacation? Let’s check out the best events to attend during the spring months in San Diego.
Gator by the Bay
Gator by the Bay is a fun and exciting food-focused event that offers live music from local musicians, unique performances, multiple stages, mouthwatering southern cuisine dishes, and tons of seafood that will keep you full all day long! Plus, there is tons of room for dancing and family fun at the nearby Spanish Landing Park.
Boots in the Park
The Boots in the Park concert is a famous country music concert featuring some of the most well-known singers and producers in the entire industry. Boots in the Park has big-name artists like Carrie Underwood, Jimmie Allen, Walker Hayes, and Gavin DeGraw come and perform at the Waterfront Park. Not only can you listen to some of the most famous country songs of all time, but you can sip on an ice-cold cocktail, grab some finger food, listen to live music all-night long, and take in the incredible views over the water.
San Diego Comic Fest
Another fun event to attend during the spring in San Diego is the San Diego Comic Fest. This festival is great for those “nerds” who want to learn more about their favorite comics, pick up a few old books, purchase some vintage toys, and check out the collections of antique items.
San Diego Latino Film Festival
Check out movies by Latino directors and producers during this one-week experience from March 9th to the 19th in San Diego County.
Sabor Latino Food, Beer and Wine Fest
After watching one of the best movies from the Latino culture, you can hop right over to the Sabor Latino food and wine fest to indulge in the best food and drink in the entire region! Try some Tex-Mex dishes, along with the quintessential Mexican food and drinks — margaritas, anyone?
Best Coast Brunch Bash
Feeling a bit hungry after a long day of traveling? Maybe you woke up with a rumbling stomach. If so, the Brunch Bash in March is one of the best spring events to attend! Head to the Omni La Costa Resort to try some of the best brunch dishes of all time, like eggs benedict, egg burritos, griddle pancakes, and much more.
San Diego Wine Festival: Uncorked
The Uncorked San Diego Wine Festival features over 200 wines and bubbly champagne from around the world that is front and center for you to sample! Enjoy high-end food, tasty snacks, live DJ music, photo booth, and much more. If you have been searching for that perfect pour of pinot grigio or pinot noir, this is the place to go!
San Diego Botanic Garden
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more wholesome than sipping on wine or beer, the San Diego Botanic Garden is a great family-friendly day trip in the San Diego region. Gaze at over 5,000 plant species and varieties throughout the 37-acre oasis that creates, shares and applies plant wisdom with people of all backgrounds, ages and interests.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? We think so too! Rent one of our luxurious and upscale properties from Vacation Rentals by Kimberly to book the holiday home of your dreams. We are there every step of the way to make sure you have a vacation you will never forget!
Warmer weather and longer days are on the horizon, which can only mean one thing: It’s time to start planning your Valentine’s Day getaway! And what better place to escape the cold than sunny San Diego? With its gorgeous beaches, lively nightlife, and abundance of romantic restaurants, San Diego has everything you need for a perfect Valentine’s Day. Plus, there’s no shortage of things to do; whether you’re looking for a day of pampering at one of the city’s many spas or an evening spent stargazing at Balboa Park, you’re sure to find something that will set your heart aflutter. So, call your sweetheart and start packing your bags, a San Diego romantic getaway is the perfect way to celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day.
Go on a Romantic Stroll on the Beach in San Diego
If you’re looking for a romantic activity in San Diego, consider taking a stroll on one of the city’s many beaches. There’s something about the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the smell of salt in the air that makes for a perfect date. Plus, you can’t beat the views. For a truly romantic experience, head to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park at sunset. You’ll be treated to a stunning view of the sun setting over the water as you walk hand-in-hand with your special someone. Just be sure to bring a jacket—it can get pretty chilly once the sun goes down.
Spend the Day at the Beach
San Diego is a beautiful city with plenty to do, and one of the best ways to spend a day is at the beach. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere. For example, Coronado Beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun, while Mission Beach is perfect for people watching and enjoying the water. Of course, no trip to San Diego would be complete without spending some time in La Jolla. This picturesque community is home to pristine beaches and stunning cliffs, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. No matter what your preference, there’s sure to be a beach in San Diego that’s perfect for you.
Experience a Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise is the perfect way to end a day in San Diego. As the sun sets over the city, you and your sweetheart can enjoy stunning views of the skyline and the harbor. With a glass of wine in hand, you can toast to a beautiful day together. Or, if you’re feeling especially romantic, you can even take a dip in the Jacuzzi under the stars. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening or a fun-filled adventure, a sunset cruise is sure to create lasting memories.
Enjoy a Delicious Meal
Looking for a romantic dinner spot in San Diego? There are plenty of great options to choose from. For a classic romantic dinner in Downtown San Diego, you can’t go wrong with the Top of the Market. This restaurant offers stunning views of the city skyline, making it the perfect spot for a special date night. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, check out Buonna Forchetta located in Liberty Station. This Italian restaurant is perfect for couples who love good food and good conversation. And for a truly magical experience, make reservations at The Craftsman New American Tavern. With its cozy fireplace and intimate setting, The Craftsman is sure to create lasting memories. No matter what your taste, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for a romantic dinner in San Diego.
Plan a Picnic at Balboa Park
One of the best ways to enjoy a sunny day is to have a picnic at Balboa Park. Located in the heart of San Diego, the park offers a variety of scenic spots to spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal. For those who want to stay cool, there are plenty of shady trees, and for those who want to soak up some sun, there are open lawns with ample lounge space. There are also a number of scenic ponds and fountains, making Balboa Park an ideal spot for a romantic picnic. And when you’re ready to explore, the park is home to museums, art galleries, and gardens.
Book Your San Diego Romantic Getaway
If you’re looking for a romantic location to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, why not consider San Diego? With its mild weather and beautiful beaches, it’s the perfect place to escape the winter blues. And what could be more romantic than strolling hand in hand along the beach as the sun sets? So don’t wait – contact our team of reservation specialists to book your vacation rental and to learn about the exciting activities waiting for you in town.
As the weather starts to move from cool to cold and the landscape begins to resemble a desolate and barren forest, thoughts begin to turn to the spooky pleasures of the first of the big holidays, Halloween. Trick or treating with warm layers under costumes and being thankful for the masks that keep faces warm even as the temperatures drop the later into the evening it gets. This is the Halloween that many Americans face every year, but you, dear traveler are not, because this year you have plans to visit San Diego county over the spookiest of holidays! You’ve chosen to celebrate the holiday in paradise in one of our Vacation Rentals by Kimberly seasonal sanctuaries and the adventures you will enjoy will change the way you look at all Hallow’s Eve forever more! Read below for some of the fun Halloween events San Diego has to offer!
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular, Starting October 1st
If you expect to only celebrate Halloween on one spectacular night, perhaps San Diego isn’t the town for you! We love the magic that accompanies the holiday and our celebrations last all month, starting with the Count’s Halloween Spooktacular on October 1st. Find your way to Sesame Place and bring the littlest members of your traveling party; the trick-or-treating, parade and themed shows aren’t too scary for youngsters and take place every weekend in October!
Fright Nights at Alesmith Brewing Company, Fridays and Saturdays in October
Although many people think Halloween is just for the kiddos, we know that this is a holiday that is enjoyed by adults as well and Fright Nights at Alesmith Brewing Company caters to the tallest children in your family. (In other words, adults!) Offering a tasting room decorated to thrill, it is the haunted shipping docks that tell a story a little too frightening for children! If you survive this adventure, you will learn the secret ingredient of their Evil Dead Red brew, but if you don’t? You will be doomed to haunt the loading docks throughout eternity!
7th Annual Pom Pom Halloween Walk in Balboa Park, October 23
Not your traditional Halloween adventure, this isn’t a cheerleader event, it’s a walk that will thrill all the dog lovers in our group, as the pom poms in mention are cuddly and sweet Pomeranian pups! It doesn’t matter if you left your own fur baby at home, all are welcome to come and enjoy a tail-wagging good time! The good boys and girls that participate in the walk love the attention!
Halloween Storytime, Craft, & Trick or Treat, October 27, Hervey Branch Library in Point Loma
The closer we get to Halloween the more the anticipation builds reaching a fever pitch with this library event that will make your kiddos happy. A not-too-scary story will be read to costumed children outside the library and after the story, the little ghosts, goblins, and Elsa’s will go inside to create a Halloween-themed craft and trick or treat around the library!
Trick or Drink San Diego Halloween Bar Crawl, October 28-31, Pacific Beach Alehouse
It’s time to show you have what it takes to survive a drinking apocalypse and if you start training with this fabulous 3-day event, we think you will do just fine if the big event ever takes place! Offering fantastic drink specials in some of San Diego’s best bars, participants can dress in costumes if they like, even if their costume is an orange tee shirt proclaiming “this is my Halloween costume” on its front, and although you may not remember much of what happens over these three days, at least you can recuperate in comfort, luxury, and style in our Vacation Rentals by Kimberly escapes!
Stay Home and Play
By the time Halloween actually arrives, you may be ready to just spend a quiet evening at home, enjoying all the amenities found in your holiday hideaway! Watch a horror movie marathon on the flat screen televisions in our cozy and comfortable living rooms, hiding behind your fingers at the scary parts. High-speed internet allows guests to web surf comfortably, perhaps seeking out some recipes for Halloween cocktails that can be prepared in our fully equipped kitchens or listening to their favorite streaming stations play their favorite Halloween selections, adding ambiance to your night at home. Walk along the shore’s edge (in our beachfront rentals) marveling at the harvest moon shining large and bright in the dark skies above the sea or sit out on the balcony, soaking in the serenity that draws people to the ocean every day and try and forget that you must one day soon go home again. There’s no wrong way to enjoy Halloween in San Diego County, especially when you choose Vacation Rentals by Kimberly for your holiday hideaway! Reserve your favorite escape today!
There are tons of things that you can do in San Diego County that are inexpensive for you, you and your partner, or you and your kids. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, going to fancy restaurants, seeing all that the town has to offer, or chatting with the locals, San Diego has it all. Let’s see some of the best things you can do in the county that are cheap, fun, and exciting — just because you aren’t spending a fortune, it doesn’t mean that these aren’t some of the “top tourist” activities to do during your memorable vacation!
Let’s check out the most exciting activities for you and your entire family as you head to the picturesque and sunny San Diego County — we guarantee you will have a memorable holiday.
Head to the Beach
One of the best things to do in San Diego County is head to the beach. You are right along the coastline, making it the perfect spot to visit Del Mar Beach, Coronado Dog Beach, and other coastal areas with white sand and bright blue waters.
La Jolla
La Jolla is a surf town and eclectic area in San Diego County that has something for everyone. With rocky beaches, natural wildlife, tasty ice cream shops, espresso-laden iced coffee cafes, and watersports like snorkeling and surfing, you can always find things to do here.
Balboa Park
San Diego, and California as a whole, is well known for its year-round sunny and warm weather. So why not head to one of the best parks in San Diego County? Check out Balboa Park, featuring dozens of museums, performing arts centers, interactive exhibits for kids, and the San Diego Zoo — arguably one of the most highly-visited tourist spots in the entire state.
Coronado Island
Coronado Island is an exciting town featuring outdoor sports, bike rentals, surf lessons, tasty food, and kid-friendly shops that will keep everyone in your family entertained and happy.
Torrey Pines Natural Reserve
Want a fun — and free — day away from people and out in nature? Head to Torrey Pines Natural Reserve to bring your kids hiking and check out the numerous trails for hikers who are interested in seeing the coastlines, bright blue water, waves, tourists, and marine wildlife. We recommend going on the Guy Flemings Trail for kids who are young and new to being on hiking trails, as this ⅔-mile stretch is easy for little legs, short, fun, and leads you right to some of the best lookout spots.
Potato Chip Rock
No, this is not a fast-food area. Potato Chip Rock is a photo-worthy spot on a local hiking trail that is fun to add to your scrapbook and photo album after your vacation. This spot is perfect for a packed picnic lunch, snacks, or taking a quick break for a sip of water as you gaze at the incredible scenery around you.
Legoland
If you have ever been to California before, surely you have been to the infamous Legoland. It is no wonder that so many families go to San Diego every year due to the interactive exhibits, fun rides, water park attractions, and water cannons to shoot at your parents!
Petco Park
Are you interested in America’s pastime? If so, head to Petco Park to see a baseball game for just a few dozen dollars — your tickets will cost less than $60 for two kids and two adults! This is less expensive than filling up your gas tank, a nice jacket from H&M, or a fancy dinner.
San Diego Safari Park
San Diego Safari Park is a fun place for you and your kids to learn about the local wildlife, animal conservation tactics in San Diego County, and how your children can do little things to help the animals. You can go on tram rides throughout the park, feed some of the animals, and whizz through the sky on the zipline course.
Accommodation in San Diego County, California
Doesn’t San Diego sound like a great place for families and kids of all ages? We think so too! Just because you are going on vacation with the entire family, this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on accommodation, activities, and food. There are dozens of activities that take advantage of the area’s natural beauty and won’t break the bank.
So where should you stay during your upcoming holiday? You want to keep your spending as low as possible, but still have a fun trip, right? If so, check out Vacation Rentals by Kimberly. We offer spacious, modern, and luxurious properties that are in the heart of all that San Diego County has to offer. Book today using our website to find spacious and amenity-laden rentals that have everything you could possibly need.