Summer is just around the corner and the city of San Diego is ready to showcase an array of new attractions, hotels and dining. See what’s new for summer in SoCal. Attractions Belmont Park, San Diego’s historic beachfront amusement park, is gearing up to celebrate its 99th anniversary this summer. To celebrate, it is launching Shipwreck Cove, a new ride and play area in the park. The pirate-themed play area, opening this summer, will have a sunken ship featuring a slide, telescopes and other kid-friendly features. The Park’s new tower ride offers thrill seekers views of the ocean and Mission Beach boardwalk. Events Bay to Park Paseo, a visionary project in San Diego endorsed by World Design Capital 2024, started with a celebration walk on April 13. Envisioned by urban planner John Nolen, it enhances the connection between San Diego Bay and Balboa Park. The project features installations from 13 design teams along the 1.7-mile stretch of Park Boulevard. Bay to Park Paseo aims to generate more walking and enjoyment of public spaces. Free public guided tours start May 4, continuing the first and third Saturday through November, while self-guided tours are available anytime. Taste of Little Italy, a renowned food event in San Diego, returns on June 18-19, promising two nights of gastronomy across 48 blocks of the neighborhood. With over 20 participating restaurants offering pizza, pasta, burgers, and sushi, foodies can explore a range of flavors. Guests will receive a Taste Passport upon arrival, allowing them to sample culinary delights as they roam, while live music adds to the vibrant atmosphere at Piazza della Famiglia and Piazza Basilone. New Hotels & Renovations In March, Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton, a city landmark in the picturesque seaside community of La Jolla Shores, finished a multi-million-dollar property renovation with 110 guestrooms and suites and 1,600 square feet of meetings and events space. The extensive revitalization showcases a modern beach-inspired aesthetic, as well as an all-new penthouse level restaurant concept, Sea & Sky. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa completed its property-wide, $26 million renovation in April as it celebrates its 20^th anniversary. A nod to its heritage with historic touches combined with modern design, it includes a new lobby and pool complex and upgraded meeting and group spaces. Arts and Culture   The Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA@SDMA) welcomed three new exhibitions this spring. Picture This: Recent Acquisitions, open now through August 4, showcases a variety of important themes and genres, including Portraiture, Abstraction/Manipulation, and Modernism. Storyteller: Work by Holly Roberts, open now through August 18, is a symbolic reflection of Roberts’ life and. The Artist Speaks: Cara Romero, opens April 27 – October 20, featuring the work of Cara Romero, an enrolled citizen of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.. Comic-Con Museum will open three upcoming exhibits featuring the famous Betty Boop, award-winning comic creator and Afrofuturist John Jennings, and a bi-national exhibition as a participating World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 community initiative. Scheduled to open to the public in May and June, these exhibits are all world premieres and original to the Museum. Exhibits include “Becoming Betty Boop,”, “Border Blitz: Artistas del Cómic de Tijuana,” featuring the art of Charles Glaubitz, Alejandra Yépiz Portillo, and Urbano Mata, the exhibit will highlight the diverse stories and perspectives of these border artists as told through their art. Restaurants and Bars   This spring, Postino, the all-day restaurant and wine-café known for its cult-like following, is doubling down in San Diego, debuting two flagship locations, in Little Italy and Del Mar’s One Paseo urban village. The wine-cafés will serve an ever-changing selection of boutique wines and a menu of bruschetta, paninis, salads and charcuterie boards and shareables. In June, Chef Drew Deckman, owner of Deckman’s en el Mogor in Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe, will debut his family’s very first US restaurant in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood called 31THIRTYONE. At 31THIRTYONE, Deckman's brings the tastes of Southern California and northern Baja. The cause-based concept will fund regenerative farming projects—pledging 1% of monthly revenue to help farmers implement carbon farming projects.   Awards and Recognitions Tara Monsod, the executive chef at the upscale Asian fusion restaurant Animae in downtown San Diego, has become the first San Diego chef in 34 years to be named a final nominee for a 2024 James Beard Award in the category of Best Chef: California. Esquire, a popular men’s lifestyle magazine, named The Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club its 2024 New Hotel of the Year. The Lafayette leads Esquire’s top 41 new hotels in North America and Europe.   Transportation San Diego International Airport (SAN) will welcome Breeze Airways this spring and will offer five new flight options in and out of San Diego. Starting in late April, Breeze Airways will offer nonstop flights to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, followed by Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. San Diego International Airport (SAN) has increased its nonstop service with a second daily flight to London Heathrow Airport on British Airways.

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Spring into the SoCal vibe in San Diego. Springtime welcomes a host of new attractions across the city, new bars, eateries and arty events. Check out the best spring happenings in San Diego: Attractions & Events LEGOLAND California is gearing up to celebrate its 25th birthday ("brickday") in a big way. The park will introduce Dino Valley, a new land with three rides, a wholly transformed dino-dig space, and character meet and greets this spring. The new attractions include DUPLO Little Dino Trail, Explorer River Quest, and Coastersaurus. SeaWorld San Diego invites guests to experience the world of jellyfish in a new and interactive way with the debut of Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience this spring. Visitors can see striking habitats, from one of the largest jelly cylinders in the country to an iconic walk-through arch and a giant viewing wall. San Diego and Tijuana have been named the 2024 World Design Capital. This distinction gives a platform to and celebrates the cities’ contributions to art and design. From May 1-5, The World Design Festival will take place in Tijuana. The festival will engage the cross-border community and international visitors to experience design in Tijuana through multiple activities, which include lectures, design exhibitions, public design workshops, and design studio open houses. New Hotels & Renovations Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina’s renovation of the Marina Tower will launch in early 2024. The redesign of the Marina Tower focuses on the hotel’s public spaces, guest rooms and suites. The resort will also welcome four new concepts: Rumorosa, a Cali-Baja-inspired dining outlet, the first San Diego Brewery X location, Sunglow harborside bar and cabana club, and Strada, a casual grab-and-go eatery. Arts and Culture   The Japanese Friendship Garden is celebrating the annual Japanese tradition of Hanami with the 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival from March 7-10. The garden will host a variety of daily performances and fun activities for the entire family, including taiko drummers and a cosplay contest. Visitors will be able to stroll the upper and lower garden to experience the various features of the property and enjoy Cherry Blossom Trees. In celebration of the San Diego Natural History Museum's 150th birthday in 2024, the museum is offering free, one-time admission during the visitor's birthday month. The museum continues the party with a new outdoor Nature Trail, opening in spring 2024, showcasing varieties of beneficial plants native to the San Diego and Baja regions. The NTC and Cygnet Theatre recently broke ground in the Liberty Station Arts District for The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center. The space, anticipated to open in spring 2025, will include a 289-seat proscenium theatre and a 150-seat flexible studio space, as well as state-of-the-art back-of-house support spaces such as dressing rooms, two green rooms, a costume shop, dedicated rehearsal and orchestra spaces and more. Restaurants and Bars   Award-winning chef Phillip Esteban is adding to his growing list of fast-casual restaurant concepts with the opening of the long-awaited Wildflour in Liberty Station this spring. Influenced by hustling and bustling deli services from around the world, and integrating a mix of Southern California vibes, Wildflour will offer an all-day menu for a casual sit-down or takeout experience. From its namesake in the Philippines, the restaurant will focus on local ingredients, seafood and provisions. Following a 10-year closure, the Whaling Bar will reopen in early 2024. Opened in the 1940’s, the Wailing Bar was a favorite among notable locals and luminaries like Tom Hanks and Robin Williams. The new rendition will incorporate a new design but will bring back some original nautical-themed paintings and cocktails. The cocktail lounge will continue as part of the hotel, with its cocktail and bar menu managed by the SDCM Restaurant Group. The historic Lafayette Hotel recently revealed the latest installment of its transformation with Lou Lou's Jungle Bar. The bar brings a New York jazz nightclub atmosphere and live music, as well as prix fixe dining and elevated craft cocktails. The property is also set to debut Le Horse, a European-style restaurant that will pay homage to early 20th-century hotel fine dining, later this spring.   Transportation San Diego International Airport (SAN) recently announced it will welcome Breeze Airways this spring and will offer five new flight options in and out of San Diego. Starting in late April, Breeze Airways will offer nonstop flights to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, followed by Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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San Diego’s history is deeply intertwined with Hispanic influences including artists, athletes and others. Hispanic Heritage Month is under way through October 15 and recognizes the contributions the American Latino community. San Diego Tourism Authority is celebrating by showcasing San Diego based luminaries in the arts, sports music and more. Rafael Payare  Music Director, San Diego Symphony  The Venezuelan-born Payare is an internationally renowned conductor who is now in his fourth season as  San Diego Symphony’s Music Director. Among his many career milestones, Payare presided over the opening of the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, the symphony’s outdoor venue on San Diego Bay. Under his leadership, the symphony will make its first-ever concert appearance in Tijuana, Mexico, in November 2023. Roxana Velásquez  Maruja Baldwin Executive Director and CEO, San Diego Museum of Art  Since she took over leadership, the Mexican-born Velásquez has played a key role in the institution’s rise as one of the top art museums on the West Coast. She has brought in high-profile exhibitions and led the acquisition of nearly 1,000 artworks, significantly increasing  San Diego Museum of Art’s collections. Paola Villaseñor (aka Panca)  Muralist  Hailing from San Diego’s South Bay and now dividing her time between the U.S. and Mexico, Panca — born to an immigrant family — is known for her colorful murals with fantastical faces and eye-catching elements. Among her most notable works in San Diego are “SMILE,” a 48-foot mural spanning an interior bridge at the New Children’s Museum; and the towering painting of a melting ice cream cone (complete with distressed-looking face) on the side of Bread & Salt in Barrio Logan. Melanie Barcenas  Forward, San Diego Wave FC  A San Diego native and soccer prodigy, Barcenas made history at age 15 when she took the field for the San Diego Wave, becoming the youngest-ever player in the National Women’s Soccer League. It was just the latest groundbreaking moment for the Mexican-American athlete, who also was the first high-school player to sign a “name, image and likeness” (NIL) deal. She appeared on the cover of Time magazine at age 9. In 2023, Barcenas’ team is also embracing Hispanic heritage with a new line of Wave merchandise inspired by the city’s Latino community. The Wave’s home venue, Snapdragon Stadium, also celebrates Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month with special September events. San Diego Padres   The Padres, San Diego’s MLB team since 1969, have a rich history of fielding Hispanic talent both from the U.S. and other countries, and three of the team’s biggest present-day stars — Manny Machado, Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. — are all of Dominican heritage. The team celebrates its multicultural makeup with its colorful City Connect uniforms, which pay homage in part to the vibrant colors of Baja California. The Padres also celebrate Hispanic heritage during September with multiple events. Ricardo Breceda  Sculptor  Ricardo Breceda’s larger-than-life sculptures of horses, sea serpents and more are a vibrant sight near San Diego County’s Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where the Mexican-born artist maintains an outdoor studio  open to the public. Over the past 25 years, he has created 130 of the metal sculptures, many of them depicting mythical or fanciful creatures. His most well-known work is a 350-feet-long sculpture of a serpent, which is layered with more than 1,000 metal scales. Mario Torero  Muralist  A legendary local muralist who pairs activism with art, Mario Torero has been painting and creating since the early 1960s. Torero, who is of Peruvian heritage, is a founding member of Centro Cultural de la Raza and of Chicano Park in Barrio Logan. Torero’s art has in turn been preserved by the Library of Congress, which purchased 20 of his works for its collection of Chicano art. For more about Hispanic heritage in San Diego, visit San Diego Hispanic Heritage Experiences and browse Hispanic-Owned Businesses .

Throughout October, dozens of San Diego hotels, restaurants, attractions, museums, tours and transport will offer families big savings. The 12^th annual “Kids Free San Diego” returns to help parents stretch their dollars further. There is a host of unique deals for kids, ranging from free admission at local attractions to free meals at restaurants. San Diego is rated one a top family destinations and in October there is even more reason to visit. Check out some of the highlights for an affordable family getaway. Major savings at major attractions There are big savings this October with admission deals at popular theme parks.   The San Diego Zoo is offering free admission to kids 11 years and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. Guests can interact and play in four innovative nature play areas and visit habitats from around the world. This includes desert dunes, marsh meadows and rainforests. The same offer is also valid at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary and home to more than 300 species. Children, ages 4 to 9, receive free admission to the all-new Sesame Place San Diego with one full-paid adult ticket until the end of October. Kids in costumes can participate in The Count's Halloween Spooktacular Sept. 16 – Oct. 29. The park will be transformed into a family-friendly Halloween haven as guests enjoy trick-or-treating around the park and Halloween-themed shows. Belmont Park is offering free admission for guests 12 and under and/or under the height of 48" when buying 1 Belmont Park Combo Wristband (48" and taller). The wristband includes all-day access to over 20 different rides and attractions. Guests can also enjoy Belmont Park's Fall Festival, Sept. 9 – Oct. 31, with amusement park rides, a Pumpkin Pop-Up, live music and seasonal beer-on-tap for the adults. Hotels roll out the welcome for kids San Diego hotels, from budget options to luxury, are offering free meals, special experiences and welcome gifts for kids. Located on the shores of Mission Bay, Bahia Resort Hotel offers families 25% off their stay and kids, ages 12 and under, get a free meal for each paid adult entrée at Dockside 1953. Kids can enjoy free admission aboard the Bahia Belle sightseeing cruise to explore the 4,200-acre aquatic park. Families can also experience a paddleboard or kayak adventure with complimentary rental from Bahia's on-site partner, Action Sport Rentals. At family friendly Paradise Point Resort & Spa on Mission Bay, kids ages 12 and under can play, shop or eat for free with a special “island allowance” worth $50. The credit can be applied toward ice cream, a toy from the gift shop, bike rental and more. The new Kimpton Alma San Diego is offering kids 12 and under a free house-made ice cream sandwich with the purchase of an entree at Leave of Absence family-friendly rooftop restaurant. After a meal, guests can enjoy patio games like Giant Jenga, Connect 4, foosball, and cornhole. Kids deals at San Diego’s restaurants  A taste of San Diego’s diverse culinary scene while kids eat free at participating restaurants. Featuring celebrity chef Akira Back, Lumi is an upscale rooftop experience serving innovative Japanese fare and sushi. For October, from Sunday-Thursday, kids under 12 and under eat free with an adult purchase. Kids Menu choices include sushi rolls, shrimp and sweet potato tempura and chicken katsu. Located inside the popular Little Italy Food Hall, Samburgers has food-celebrity Sam the Cooking Guy’s fan favorite burgers. Kids 12 and under can enjoy one free kid’s meal with the purchase of one adult meal. Enjoy a margarita and traditional Mexican food at Casa Guadalajara, while up to three kids receive a free meal from the kids menu per one paid adult entrée. Kids learn at arts and culture venues  Kids have endless options to learn while having fun at museums offering free admission. In North County San Diego, kids can learn about the history of surfboards at the California Surf Museum. The museum features permanent and revolving exhibits, such as Bethany Hamilton's shark-bitten board. Kids can also explore interactive exhibits and come face to face with exciting creatures, including a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle, a Giant Pacific Octopus and Leopard Sharks at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. Meet the world’s smallest penguins in a brand-new exhibit at Birch Aquarium. Families can enjoyhours exploring Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in North America, home to 18 museums and performing arts venues. Kids receive free admission at participating park museums, including the Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego, and the Museum of Us. Downtown’s kid-friendly museums include the Maritime Museum of San Diego, a collection of historic sailing ships, steam-powered boats and deep-diving submarines, and the USS Midway Museum, a historic aircraft carrier that features flight stimulators and real fighter jets. The New Children’s Museum stimulates imagination through engaging encounters with contemporary art. Free cool ways for kids to explore San Diego During October, kids can explore San Diego through a variety of unique tours and fun activities for free. Explore Mission Bay from a kayak with Ocean Connectors. Kids under 12 can see coastal wildlife for free while learning about conservation and marine biology. One child under 17 years old rides free with a paid adult on a San Diego Whale Watch adventure. Marine biologists share their expertise with passengers about the San Diego marine ecosystem. Each whale watching trip is a two-and-a-half-hour journey, with a chance to spot Blue, Humpback, Minke and Finback Whales. Kids can discover "America’s Finest City" on a two-hour, fully narrated, historic city tour of San Diego and Coronado aboard a uniquely themed trolley. Old Town Trolley Tours covers approximately 25 miles and over 100 points of interest. Guests can hop on and off at several stops and tour at their own pace. .

Attractions & Events The 12th Annual “Kids Free San Diego” returns in October with special savings and something for the entire family. Throughout the month, San Diego hotels, restaurants, attractions, museums, tours and transportation companies are offering families with kids 12 and under a variety of deals. This includes free entry to attractions and museums, as well as free meals and welcome amenities at hotels. San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival is back for its 19^th year along the Embarcadero, November 8 - 12. Sample tastes and sips throughout San Diego including Ranch 45, Garibaldi and The Desmond and hear from culinary greats including Food Network Star Claudia Sandoval, San Diego native Sam the Cooking Guy, and more. Additional experiences range from wine, beer and spirit tastings. The inaugural Del Mar Food & Wine Festival takes place September 6-11 at Surf Sports Park. The festival highlights the best of the Southern California lifestyle, with a lineup of celebrity Food Network chefs; local chefs and sports legends including Drew Brees, Alex Morgan, and Rob Machado. More attractions and events New Hotels & Renovations The historic Lafayette Hotel  officially debuted its $31 million renovation. C.H. Projects, known for creating some of San Diego's most interesting restaurants and bars. It has transformed the property with 141 redesigned guestrooms, lobby space and pool. There are  two new restaurants, a vintage bowling alley, cocktail bar, game room and an all-new pool bar. The Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter underwent a $22.5 million complete remodeling of the hotel and new restaurant concept, Wild Hare Bar Garden. The new interior design and architecture creates a relaxed and fun urban vibe. The focal point is a beautifully carved maple wood wall with abstract, organic shapes and patterns. The St. James Hotel, originally built in the Gaslamp District in 1912, has been reimagined as Palihotel San Diego. The redesign brings Palisociety’s signature California quirky style to its 122 guest rooms. The hotel also features Saint James French Diner, an all-day dining room. More hotels Arts and Culture   The San Diego Comic-con Museum, located in Balboa Park, premiered three new exhibits in celebration of the 54^th annual San Diego Comic-Con. “Excelsior! The Life and Legacy of Stan Lee,” “Cowboy Bebop 25^th Anniversary Art Exhibition,” and “My Hero Academia,” presented by Crunchyroll, will be on display through spring 2024. San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) and the San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA) have merged to one institution. The collection of over 9,000 images from MoPA will now be housed at SDMA and will allow visitors to experience the world of visual art through different lenses. SDMA will open the U.S. debut of Korea In Color: A Legacy of Auspicious Images on October 28 and will extend through Spring 2024. More arts and culture Shopping Westfield UTC has transformed a previously unused space within the center to three open-air pickleball courts for visitors to enjoy through October. Located near the UCSD campus in La Jolla, the courts are complimentary and open on a first-come, first-serve basis. New Venues City Tacos opened its seventh San Diego location, a 10,000-square-feet concept called OB Playground in Ocean Beach. The family-friendly space also houses a flower shop, a Mike Hess Brewing coffee shop, and a space that will have rotating small businesses selling their products. The courtyard area has picnic-table seating and lounge seating around fire pits. More venues  Restaurants and Bars   The Fisher’s Group has officially opened their first U.S. location with Fisher’s San Diego in Little Italy. Fisher’s offers the freshest high-quality seafood with a Mexican twist. Husband-and-wife duo Niccolò Angius and Cesarina Mezzoni, and longtime friend Giuseppe Capasso, who brought the buzz-worthy Cesarina to Point Loma, are set to unveil newest location, Elvira, later this year. Named after Niccolò’s great-grandmother, Elvira looks to center its cuisine around traditional Roman cuisine as an osteria-pizzeria concept..   More restaurants and bars Awards and Recognitions San Diego County has welcomed its fifth Michelin starred restaurant, with Valle in Oceanside receiving one Michelin star. Valle is the first-ever restaurant with Mexican cuisine to receive a Michelin Star in San Diego. Mabel’s Gone Fishing, located in the North Park neighborhood was recently named a Bib Gourmand. Artifact at the Mingei Museum in Balboa Park was also added to the Michelin Guide this summer.   Transportation The City of San Diego has teamed up with San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to launch a shuttle throughout Pacific Beach. Fittingly named “The Beach Bug,” the all-electric shuttle provides a sustainable mode of travel for beach goers to get to their favorite sunny destination, including the Balboa Avenue Transit Station. The San Diego Regional Airport Authority has announced the 19 restaurants and 7 retail stores that will be added to the San Diego International Airport Terminal 1 renovation. Popular San Diego establishments including Puesto, SIP Wine & Beer, Mr. Moto Pizza, and Carnitas Snack Shack will added to the terminal alongside new culinary concepts from celebrity chef Brian Malarkey and skateboarding legend Tony Hawk. Both of them call San Diego home. www.sandiego.org.

Year-round, San Diego supports and celebrates the rich cultural diversity of its neighborhoods. During July San Diego’s fabulousness shines bright for San Diego Pride 2023. Held July 8-16, the annual event attracts more than 250,000 attendees each year and is the largest civic community event in the city. LGBTQIA+ participants and guests are invited to be a part of a rainbow-filled mile-long parade through Hillcrest and a two-day festival in Balboa Park over the weekend. The multi-day event boasts a full schedule including the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, Pride of Hillcrest Block Party, SheFest, the annual Pride 5K Race and more. Visitors can enjoy a creative city; 70 miles of coastline and pristine beaches, including the well-known, queer-friendly Black’s Beach. Here are some of the fun ways travelers can celebrate pride and support local businesses year-round. Drink and Eat The uptown neighborhood of Hillcrest is the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ community. Hillcrest's diverse dining scene offers a myriad of tastes. At the Hillcrest Brewing Company, the world’s first gay brewery, guests can feast on pizzas named BBQueer Chicken, the Meatballer and Sissy Shrimp Pesto while drinking brewery favorites like the Crotch Rocket Irish Red and Banana Hammock Scotch Ale. Travelers looking for Cali-Baja cuisine can indulge at Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro. Must-trys include the signature pomegranate margarita, savory queso fundido and zesty Baja shrimp ceviche. The LGBTQIA+-owned urban winery, Négociant Winery, offers a neighborhood wine experience with local craft food focused on sharing. Nightlife Hillcrest is also the LGBTQIA+ after-dark hub, with nightlife for practically every interest and style. Urban Mo’s Bar & Grill draws a boisterous nighttime (and afternoon) crowd and is especially popular on Thursday nights for line dancing. Rich’s San Diego is the largest and most popular gay nightclub, while Gossip Grill is a woman-owned LGBTQ+ Bar known for strong drinks and sassy service. Shopping Adjacent to Hillcrest, North Park is a trendy neighborhood that is popular with LGBTQIA+ travelers and locals alike. Shopping opportunities range from hip urban boutiques to one-of-a-kind stores to established retailers. LGBTQIA+ shoppers love Rufskin for sexy underwear, swimwear, sportswear and denim. Pigment is known for products that are organic, modern and homegrown, while Connect San Diego is a place where walls are lined with paintings, clothes and other merchandise artists are selling. The space is free to enter for non-members 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Occurring every Thursday during 3-7 p.m., the North Park Thursday Market showcases locally grown produce, artisan grocery items, prepared foods and hand-crafted goods. Sand, Waves and the Outdoors A visit to one of San Diego’s beaches is a must. Located beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve in La Jolla, the clothing-optional Black’s Beach is often considered one of the most beautiful gay friendly beaches. Coronado Beach offers miles of white sand beach and the added allure of being the official training grounds of the local U.S. Navy SEALs. Visitors who prefer to work up a sweat on land can play volleyball in Balboa Park, bike along Mission Bay’s picturesque bike paths or hike in the scenic Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Arts and Culture San Diego is also a hot spot for theater. The Diversionary Theatre is one of the oldest gay and lesbian theaters in the country. San Diego is also home to two Tony Award®-winning theaters: The Old Globe in Balboa Park and the celebrated La Jolla Playhouse. . Entertainment Travelers looking for a laugh should swing by Finest City Improv, San Diego's premier club for professional improv comedy. Offering another opportunity for laughs and entertainment, Lips San Diego provides the ultimate experience in "drag dining" and is excellent for special occasions. Events and Festivals In addition to Pride, San Diego offers a variety of exciting LGBTQIA+ community events throughout the year. During Halloween, Hillcrest comes back from the dead during Nightmare on Normal Street. This annual trick-or-treat bash is the traditional starting place for the LGBTQIA+ community's Halloween festivities. Every February, food, beer, entertainment and beads galore are part of the festive Mardi Gras in Hillcrest. During FilmOut San Diego every spring, acclaimed LGBTQIA+ filmmakers bring cutting-edge cinema to the community with movies, panel discussions and festive parties.

There is an abundance of exciting new additions at some of San Diego’s top attractions. In theme parks and attractions, LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo and Sesame Place San Diego all have new experiences this year. LEGOLAND California debuted Miniland San Diego this year. Created over thousands of hours, Miniland San Diego features LEGO versions of iconic landmarks inspired by the Gaslamp District, the San Diego Convention Center, Coronado Bridge, Petco Park, Balboa Park and more. SeaWorld San Diego’s highly anticipated roller coaster, Artic Rescue, launched in the spring, taking the title of longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast. The multi-launch ride invites guests to hop on a snowmobile for a chilly adventure. Also new this summer is Rescue Jr, a kid-friendly play area where children become park heroes while learning about animal rescue. The San Diego Zoo’s all-new Wildlife Explorer’s Basecamp is now open, inviting children to “go wild” as they learn about nature. Basecamp blends learning with physical activity and play. Belmont Park has big plans in motion for its 100th anniversary in 2025, including opening a new ride. In the meantime, a new interactive climbing tower called Sun Kid Tower will debut this summer, offering thrill seekers views of the Pacific Ocean and Mission Beach boardwalk. The park recently replaced its Control Freak ride with Flip Out, and expanded its Lazerblast Arcade. Sesame Place San Diego is home to family-friendly rides and water slides, shows and parades, and this summer the park will debut Dine with Elmo & Friends. This interactive adventure includes a buffet-style meal and entertainment. Sesame Place is an accredited Certified Autism Center, with team members trained in sensory awareness and program development. To celebrate the Fourth of July, the USS Midway Museum is hosting a fireworks viewing party from the flight deck of its historic aircraft carrier. In addition to the best view in town for the Big Bay Boom, guests will enjoy live entertainment, barbecue, photo opps and more. All the latest in San Diego entertainment and attractions

  The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) has joined hands with Tripadvisor to attract art-loving visitors to San Diego. The innovative art installation and augmented reality filter runs through April 30, "The Sunny Side of Things," a first-of-its-kind immersive mural art campaign. Created by  Tripadvisor's in-house content studio Wanderlab for the SDTA, the street murals were hand-painted/ There are the work of San Diego artists Channin Fulton (New York Mural), Hanna Gundrum (Los Angeles Mural) and Phoebe Cornog (Chicago Mural). Each of the murals provide a unique view into culture, beaches, attractions and outdoor activities. By scanning QR codes, viewers can unlock different experiences of San Diego. Through the QR codes, visitors are invited to enter to win the San Diego Sunshine Kit Sweepstakes. The San Diego Sunshine Kit showcases local companies with SoCal flair and sustainable practices. It also includes tickets to experience San Diego’s attractions with admission to the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California and Petco Park.

  SDTA and Tripadvisor to deliver an innovative art campaign "The Sunny Side of Things" to entice travel to San Diego   As wanderlust travelers begin to plan their spring and summer getaways, the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) has partnered with Tripadvisor to attract visitors to San Diego through an innovative art installation and augmented reality filter that captures the destination's sunny optimism and positivity. Running now through April 30, "The Sunny Side of Things," a first-of-its-kind immersive mural art campaign will appear in three of the largest U.S. cities: New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.   Created by Wanderlab, Tripadvisor's in-house creative and content studio for the SDTA, the street murals were hand-painted by local San Diego artists Channin Fulton (New York Mural), Hanna Gundrum (Los Angeles Mural) and Phoebe Cornog (Chicago Mural). Each of the murals provide a unique view into the vibrant culture, beaches, attractions and outdoor activities that await visitors in America's Finest City. Complementing the artfully created masterpieces are augmented reality filters that capture the city’s optimistic outlook on life. By scanning QR codes, viewers can unlock an array of experiences that will entice them to discover all the incredible attractions and experiences San Diego offers and book a trip.   Not only will mesmerizing visuals reveal the experience that awaits travelers, but through the QR codes, visitors are invited to enter and have a chance to win the San Diego Sunshine Kit Sweepstakes. Showcasing San Diego's iconic sights, products and brands, the San Diego Sunshine Kit offer a delightful collection of local companies that are making their mark with their own SoCal flair and sustainable practices. The kit will inspire visitation to San Diego with a variety of products from Vuori, Coola, Chuoac Chocolatier, ALOHA Collection, 1502 Candle Company and tickets to experience San Diego’s attractions with admission to the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California and Petco Park.   "We are excited to join forces with Tripadvisor and bring the San Diego brand to life through beautiful visuals, creative expression and cutting-edge technology," said SDTA COO Kerri Verbeke Kapich. "Our partnership with Tripadvisor empowers the San Diego Tourism Authority to propel our beloved destination towards greater heights and engage travelers to plan a visit to San Diego through experiential activations."   The San Diego artists chosen for this campaign convey diverse, yet complementary styles that connect to one another through joyous exuberance in their portfolios.   New York Mural (102 Ludlow, Lower East Side, New York City) Channin Fulton (@channinfulton) is a San Diego-based illustrator with a knack for mural painting, lettering, and other playful curiosities. Her methods, aesthetics, and conceptual motivations and inspiration are driven by the California beach and Mexican street culture that surrounds her. She brings a “California vibe” into her work through bold shape and vibrant color.   Los Angeles Mural (600 N La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles) Hanna Gundrum (@littlehouseink) is a bold commercial artist with 15 years of experience painting murals in a variety of styles. Her work brings the share-worthy “funshine” as the quintessential photo opp  – it is playful, memorable, and interactive. About her art, “There’s something about arranging visual information that’s always soothed my anxious soul. The thread that ties all of my work together is color. Bright, bold “pay attention to me!” color and juicy black lines.”   Chicago Mural  (740 W Randolph, West Loop, Chicago) Phoebe Cornog (@phoebecornog) is a San Diego-based artist known for her intricate letters, funky color palettes, bold statement pieces and interesting sense of humor. She believes that “it’s not work if it’s fun,” and she strives to breathe that motto into all of her projects. When not painting murals or creating art installations, Phoebe likes to try the new restaurants in town (especially if they have oysters) and spend time at the beach.   To help share the joy of San Diego, a collection of animated GIFS were created from elements of murals and made them available as "stickers" for social media posts on Instagram and Facebook.

The San Diego Museum Council announced the return of  San Diego Museum Month this month. The program, which promotes San Diego as a vibrant cultural destination, will be the largest ever – with more than 60 participating museums. It is now in its 34^th year. Balboa Park is home to 18 museums and is a popular hotspot for travelers to the region. The park drew 1.8 million visitors in 2019. “Visitors to Balboa Park are cultural travelers,” SDTA CEO Julie Coker. More than 60% of visitors also explore other cultural attractions, and more than 80% visit at least two venues. “Museum Month will encourage visitors to see and do even more.” Museum Month 2023 is supported by First 5 San Diego, following a successful collaboration on Kids Free San Diego. Additional funding is provided by the California Arts Council, San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, County of San Diego and The Pecus Group. During San Diego Museum Month, visitors enjoy  half-off admission at museums, historic sites, and gardens. It includes visual art and design, children’s venues, science and nature, history, wildlife, and cultural heritage. The Museum Month pass is available for free at local libraries (with additional pick-up locations to be announced). Each Museum Month pass can be used for up to four half-priced admissions at any participating museums.

San Diego's Museum Month is returning and offering half-price admission and in-person experiences at 45+ local museums and cultural attractions. Following a scaled-back and largely virtual version in 2021 due to COVovidID-19 closures, this popular program, which the San Diego Museum Council oversees, will offer in-person visitation again as it celebrates its 33rd year promoting San Diego. Long-time partner Macy's has returned as the event's community engagement program sponsor. Major funding is also provided by the California Arts Council, the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, and the County of San Diego. "Museum Month is the perfect time to get out and discover something new in San Diego," said San Diego Museum Council Executive Director Bob Lehman. Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority, said Museum Month provides another reason for visitors to come to San Diego, especially during what is traditionally a slower time for the local tourism industry. "San Diego Museum Month highlights our destination's rich and diverse cultural offerings and gives travelers another reason to come here." During San Diego Museum Month, residents and visitors enjoy special half-off admission at over 45 local museums, historic sites, gardens, aquariums and other cultural destinations throughout San Diego County. It covers every age and interest, including visual art and design, children and families, science and nature, history, music and cultural heritage. The Museum Month pass is available for free at all Macy's store locations in San Diego County. Each Museum Month pass can be used for up to four half-priced admissions at any of the participating museums. Museum Month pass can be used at all eligible museums through February 28, 2022. A full list of participating museums, upcoming exhibitions and special events, can be found at www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org.

Holidays always seems to be about trade-offs and choices. The beach or the mountains? Or the desert instead? Small town ambiance or big city vibes? Family friendly or action-packed nightlife? When it comes to San Diego, travellers don't have to choose only one option because it's all right here. As a biodiverse region, San Diego has the beaches, bays, mountains, lakes and deserts within a short drive. But it is not just about the landscape, San Diego can deliver a variety of experiences. Here is how to have a have the perfect multi-faceted holiday. 1. Beaches and Bays Even along its 70-miles of coastline, San Diego delivers diversity. For those looking for high-end accommodations and fashionable restaurants coupled with pristine sandy beaches, La Jolla is the place to go. Just south of La Jolla is Pacific Beach, which offers expansive beaches and a boardwalk along with a nightlife that will appeal to those who want a plethora of party options. For a more laidback, classic beach town vibe, visitors can head a little farther south to Ocean Beach to enjoy funky bars, surf and antique shops. 2. Lakes While San Diego's beaches and bays often get the attention, the region is also a land of lakes, with 20 freshwater lakes and reservoirs. One local favourite is Lake Murray in the centrally located Mission Trails Regional Park. There are options to fish, motorboat, rowboat, kayak or pedal boat. Located just 25 minutes northeast from downtown San Diego is the San Vicente Reservoir, the city's largest. There are places to picnic and barbecue, but the real draw is fishing as the clearwater reservoir. It is also a great spot for boating, kayaking, waterskiing and wakeboarding. 3. Mountains For the rustic feel of a mountain retreat, San Diego's East County provides majestic ranges to explore. Located less than an hour from downtown San Diego is the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, which is home to more than 100 miles of hiking trails, many open to horseback riders, as well as campgrounds and picnic sites. On a clear day, the park's highest viewpoint, Cuyamaca Peak (6,512 feet), reveals views of Mexico, mountain ranges near Los Angeles and wide expanses of desert. A little farther east is the pine-studded Laguna Mountains, located within the Cleveland National Forest's 8,600-acre spread. It offers opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and mountain climbing during the summer months and sledding and tobogganing in the winter. 4. Deserts The San Diego region also offers up the dramatic beauty of the desert for visitors to explore. To the east is the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California's largest state park. Filled with sweeping landscapes of cacti and other unique desert vegetation, the park is also home to roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes, desert iguanas and lizards. For those looking for more pampering, the nearby desert community of Borrego Springs is home a number of hotels and resorts. 5. Small town San Diego might be the country's eighth largest city, but the region boasts a number of small towns for those looking to escape the hectic pace. To the east there is the historic town of Julian, which dates back more than a century and was home to the only gold rush in Southern California. The town is known for its apple pies, quaint shops, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and charming hotels and inns. For those looking for small town beach feel, Encinitas to the north is worth checking out as it harkens back to the historic Highway 101 beach culture of yesteryear..  6. Urban For the more metropolitan-type traveller, downtown San Diego offers all the hustle, bustle and culture. The historic Gaslamp Quarter is home to a diverse line-up of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues as well as spas, art galleries and artisan shops. Nearby Little Italy has a lively neighbourhood feel fuelled by outdoor cafés, international restaurants, craft breweries, art galleries, and the festive Piazza della Famiglia. 7. International The most distinctive destination that the region has to offer is that of Baja California, Mexico — allowing visitors the chance for a two-nation holiday. A short drive or trolley ride from downtown San Diego is the US-Mexico border providing access to Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada and Guadalupe Valley, a cluster of cities known for their rich artistic and culinary offerings. Tijuana is an energetic hub of activity day and night with duty-free shopping, Mexican cuisine and a tremendous arts and culture scene. Rosarito is a resort community known for its beaches, oceanfront hotels, aquatic adventures, shopping, seafood dining and nightlife. Ensenada, which is a 90-minute drive from San Diego, offers ocean vistas as well as taco shops, seafood carts, craft breweries and mescal and margarita bars. Just outside Ensenada is the Valle De Guadalupe, considered the Napa Valley of Mexico as it produces 90% of the country's wine and features over 100 wineries.