San Diego Memorial Day Events
The countdown to the summer season’s official kick-off is only a few weeks away. With Memorial Day weekend on the horizon, it’s time to plan your trip to San Diego and its surrounding beaches. Start packing your bags and making your beach supply list! The holiday weekend will be here before you know it.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly accommodations or something for you and friends, the San Diego area offers something for everyone and all budgets. For the best deals, on the beach and off, browse these California vacation rentals.
After you’ve booked your rental, the fun really begins. Kick off the season with one of the activities from this varied lineup of holiday fun.
14th Pancake Festival and Veterans Memorial Ceremony
Start your Memorial Day with fluffy pancakes and sausage, activities for the kids, and honoring our fallen military. The 14th Pancake Festival and Veterans Memorial Ceremony is set from 8 a.m. to noon May 27 at Webb Lake Park at Rancho Bernardo. Tickets are $8 each, but free to veterans, active military and children under 3. The Veterans Memorial Ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Rancho Bernardo Museum.
Legacy Week at the USS Midway Museum
The heart and soul of Memorial Day activities in San Diego is the USS Midway Museum’s Legacy Week. Activities include a Wreath Memorial ceremony at 9 a.m. on May 25, a benefit concert featuring Daughtry on May 24, family activities, exhibits and more. A Remembrance Wall honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice will be displayed from May 25-27. Visitors are invited to Meet the Aviators and See the Planes They Flew on May 26.
Let’s rodeo!
The North San Diego County town of Valley Center hosts the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival on May 24-25. The family-friendly rodeo is part of a weeklong Western heritage celebration that began in 1950. Enjoy watching professional rodeo cowboys. Kids can participate for free in the Mutton Bustin’ event, Junior Barrel Racing, and a Calf Scramble.
Festival of the Sea
A new Memorial Day event starts this year with the Festival of the Sea, hosted by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. This community waterfront festival focuses on the ocean, art, and adventure. Festivities start May 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the 27th San Diego Sea Chantey Festival on the main deck of the Star of India ship. Other activities include Movies Beneath the Mast on May 25 and May 26, food trucks, a kid’s education zone, and art exhibits.
Fireworks at Sea World
Nothing says Memorial Day like a fireworks display, and watching the display at SeaWorld is a great way to end a weekend. The SeaWorld Fireworks Spectacular takes place on May 25 and May 26, and is a favorite of many families!
