What To Do in San Diego During the Summer?

Will you see a green flash as the sun sets over the ocean in La Jolla?

Where do I begin?

Our Southern California climate makes San Diego – especially the coastal community of La Jolla – the place to be during the summer.

When the rest of the U.S. is dealing with heat, humidity, and mosquitos, the smart folks who opted to vacation here are playing on the beach, kayaking, snorkeling, dining outdoors without wearing eau de bug spray, and attending after dark concerts.

Here are a few of the most popular things to do in La Jolla

· See a play at Tony-Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse
From now until June 17, La Jolla Playhouse presents the new American musical Hands on a Hardbody. Inspired by true events… ten strangers compete for a new hardbody truck.Based on the documentary film of the same name.
The rest of the Playhouse summer line-up includes –
June 12 – July 8 – Blood and Gifts
July 10 – August 5 – The Nightingale
August 11 – September 9 – An Iliad

· Enjoy a Green Flash concert with panoramic ocean views on Birch Aquarium’s stunning outdoor Tide-Pool Plaza (open to ages 21+).

Wednesday, May 16
Eve Selis
Five-time San Diego Music Awards winner Eve Selis blends many styles of American music into a high caliber musical cocktail.

Wednesday, June 20
Needtobreathe
with Damon Castillo Band
This South Carolina-based quartet led by brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart has a fervent following. The band is known for its impressive vocals, rhythmic swagger, sweeping sonics, and self-penned, hard-rock anthems.

Wednesday, July 18
Matt Nathanson
Known for hits “Come On Get Higher” and “Faster,” singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson’s heartfelt lyrics and perfect blend of folk-rock style create the perfect soundtrack to a California summer evening.

Wednesday, August 15
The Dunwells
Striking an organic blend between acoustic and electric roots, UK band The Dunwells’ music feels both excitingly fresh and warmly familiar.
and
The Heartless Bastards
Texas-based band The Heartless Bastards’ eclectic, energetic and distinctive sound is marked by singer-songwriter Erika Wennerstrom’s remarkable voice, at turns primal and pleading, heartfelt and heroic.

Wednesday, Sept. 19
Steve Poltz
We just can’t seem to get enough of this guy. Playful singer-songwriter and San Diego legend Steve Poltz returns for a clever, creative and fun-filled evening. Always quirky and unpredictable.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Concerts run from 6:45-9 p.m.
Enjoy savory food and drink from French Gourmet and craft beers from Gordon Biersch Brewery (for purchase). Aquarium admission and parking are included. Make reservations.

More things to do…
· Check out the La Jolla Festival of Arts and Food Fair, June 23 – 24
This is your chance to see the work of 200 award-winning local and national artists displaying paintings, sculptures, fine jewelry, photography and more. Guests can also enjoy a variety of cuisines in the festival’s food area, listen to live entertainment and visit the children’s area featuring interactive booths, hands-on games and activities.
Saturday, June 23 from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday, June 24 from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The Festival is located at University of California San Diego, Warren Field – on the corner of Gilman Drive and Voigt Drive. Discount tickets can be purchased online from May 1 through June 22 for $12; at the door tickets cost $14; children aged 16 years and under attend for free. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, please visit http://www.lajollaartfestival.org/.

· Experience a Full-Moon Walk on Scripps Pier with Birch Aquarium at Scripps
(Scripps Institution of Oceanography/University of California, San Diego)

Experience a full-moon walk on Scripps Pier with Birch Aquarium.

Dates: July 2 & 3, Aug. 1 & 2
Time: 7-9:30 p.m.
Dates: Aug. 30 & 31, Sept. 29 & 30
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person
Ages: 9+ (minors must be also accompanied by a paid adult)
RSVP Required: 858-534-7336 or online

A warm night lit by a full moon is the perfect time to explore one of La Jolla’s most prominent landmarks — the Scripps Pier. Join Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, to experience this rare opportunity. The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, typically closed to the public, is used by scientists, students and aquarium staff for a variety of research projects. It also serves as a platform to collect local marine life and deploy small boats and oceanographic instruments.

Some free summertime things to do in La Jolla…

· Watch wonderful fireworks
La Jolla’s popular 4th of July gathering features spectacular fireworks over La Jolla Covebeginning at 9:00 p.m.

· Enjoy free of charge concerts in Scripps Park
July 15 – September 2 La Jolla Concerts By the Sea in Scripps Parks near The Cove. Free of charge and families welcome. BYO chair or blanket and enjoy the music and the great ocean view. Every Sunday at 2pm. Check websiteor call 858-454-1600 for schedule of performances. Rockola (August 19) is my favorite.

· Attend a SummerFest performance
July 31 – August 24 La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest is a nationally-recognized chamber music festival featuring over 70 world-class artists and ensembles performing concerts during the month of August. On July 31, SummerFest will offer a free concert in Scripps Park at 7:30. BYO blanket, chair, picnic, and friends.
Have fun!

Photo credit: Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

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