Top 8 Things To Do In San Diego In July 2015

Frolicking in the surf on one of San Diego’s family friendly beaches is always one of the best things to do on a hot summer day in July. Also at the top of the list for keeping cool and having a ton of family friendly fun is visiting one of the area’s water parks. You will always find plenty of things to do in this beautiful part of Southern California no matter what time of year. Some of the best things to do are best done in the month of July.

Whether you are a resident of the San Diego area or are planning a family friendly trip to the area in July, you should take the opportunity to see some of the top events that take place during the month. Following is a list of 8 top things to do in San Diego this July

1. San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pops concerts

Treat yourself to a musical experience that you won’t soon forget by attending the Symphony. No, you do not have to get dressed up in fancy dresses and slick suits to enjoy the Summer Pops season at Embarcadero Marina Park South. From July 4-6, you can attend the Star Spangled Pops, listen to some inspiring patriotic music and top off the night with a grand fireworks show. During the Summer Pops season, the symphony accompanies some great guest artists. This month, you can catch the music of the Bee Gees as well as performances by En Vogue and Amy Grant.

2. Watch the fireworks on the Fourth of July

Bring your kids down by the Harbor for the fabulous fireworks show. Each year, the City puts on a professionally choreographed display that lights up the sky with brilliant colors. Launched from barges near Shelter Island, the fireworks can be seen from miles away. Before night falls, there are many local festivals and celebrations throughout the different neighborhoods. The biggest and one of the best celebrations of our nation’s birth takes place in beautiful Coronado. Enjoy the festivities which include a two-hour parade, art-in-the-park, a family friendly afternoon concert at Spreckels Park and an exciting rough water swim.

3. Baseball and more at Petco Park

Take your family out to the ballpark. Buy them so hot dogs and nachos. Your kids will have a great time watching the Padres play baseball. On the schedule for the games this month are division rivals, the San Francisco Giants and the Colorado Rockies. Every Sunday, starting on the 14th, it is KidsFest at the Park which features fun things for the younger crowd including an inflatable play area and face painting. Get to Petco Park early and you can have breakfast, watch batting practice and spend a full day in a fun place to be.

4. Join the celebration at the Festival of the Bells

In the middle of the month (7/15-7/17), a big festival and celebration takes place at the Mission San Diego de Alcala. This was the first of California’s Missions that were founded by the Blessed Father Junipero Serra in 1769. The three-day festival commemorates the beginning of Christianity in California and the western part of the United States. Highlighting the event is the ceremonial Blessing of the Bells and Animals where the five Mission bells are rung. With plenty of food, dancing and entertainment to go along with the ringing of the bells, this is a wonderful family friendly event for young and old to enjoy.

5. Spend a day at the San Diego Zoo

If you have never been to the world-famous zoo, you are in for a real treat. If you have not been to the zoo since you were a kid, you owe it to yourself to plan another visit and see all of the new exhibits on display. Check out the cute little panda bears and cuddly koala bears. See the beautiful polar bears in their natural habitat. The zoo is really big and you should expect to do a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and give yourself a little break by taking a ride on the tram and having lunch. In the summer, the Night Time Zoo stays open after dark for a different view of the animals. If you get up early and visit on a Sunday you can enjoy a cool brunch at Albert’s.

6. Check out the San Diego LGBT Pride Parade and festivities

Show your support and enjoy the festive LGBT Pride Parade and other fun activities that takes place on the 16th and 17th of the month. Each year, the event draws a crowd of about 200,000 and celebrates individual rights and freedoms for all.

7. Thoroughbred racing at Del Mar

Opening day (7/20) at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club marks the beginning of a short six-week season of some of the best racing in the country. Located so close to the Pacific Ocean that the track’s official slogan is where the surf meets the turf, you can try to pick winners and maybe hit the Daily Double. Opening day is very festive. In addition to a full race card and plenty of great wagering opportunities, Del Mar puts on a party with plenty of music, food and activities for the kids. Women dress up in fancy dresses and hats like they do at the Kentucky Derby and the annual One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest crowns a winner.

8. Take part in Comic-Con International

Over at the Convention Center, you can be part of the biggest comic book and comic character pop culture event in the country. See some of your favorite celebrities and enjoy this fascinating segment of pop culture. This top event has gotten so big that the festivities extend out of the Convention Center and into the streets, creating even more excitement in the downtown area of the city.

July in San Diego is a great time for family friendly fun. A host of special events are scheduled throughout the month. In between, there are great attractions like the beach, zoo, water and theme parks to make sure you are always entertained. Residents and visitors will never run out of interesting and exciting things to do in this special part of California.

Hotel Managers Group recommends this hotel around San Diego

• Mission  Valley Resort  (3.5 miles, 5 minutes – from Old Town San Diego)

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• 50 Free Things to Do in San Diego, CA (www.sandiego.org)
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