Father’s Day tends to sneak up on us, so don’t get caught without a plan to celebrate Dad. The special day to honor fatherhood is set the third Sunday in June. This year that falls on June 16, so make plans now for a great getaway honoring the father – or father-figure – in your life.
Knock Back a Cold One with Dad
Take dad for a beer tasting when the San Diego International Beer Festival takes place June 14-16 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds arena. Touted as the largest beer fest on the West Coast, the event hosts about 320 breweries from around the world. A general admission ticket gives unlimited one-ounce pours of all the beers on the floor. Upgrade to a VIP ticket and get a souvenir six-ounce tasting glass and entrance to the VIP lounge. There are also activities for kids.
If you prefer to stay downtown, the 17th Beer & Sake Festival takes place June 13 on board the USS Midway. Put on by the Japan Society, the fest is a unique and popular charity tasting event featuring local restaurants that serve delicious appetizers while breweries are on hand pouring tasty beers and sakes. There’s also a silent auction, raffle and entertainment. This one is for ages 21 and over only.
From Monsters to the Mayan
What better place to spend Father’s Day weekend than at a museum that celebrates … well, men? The San Diego Museum of Man in Balboa Park has exhibits covering a vast range of human history. From monsters to beer, from our relationships with animals to the secrets of the Mayans, there are plenty of unique, interactive exhibits for the entire family to explore.
Mess About on Boats
Enjoy a San Diego Father’s Day tradition with the 29th Wooden Boat Festival on June 15-16 at Koehler Kraft Boatyard in the Point Loma neighborhood. See hundreds of in-water and out-of-water displays of vintage boats. Go onboard, talk to boat owners and learn about boat restoration. View beautiful small rowboats built by families as backyard projects, as well as larger vessels lovingly restored over several years. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Make a Splash
If Dad loves the water and an adrenaline rush, head to Mission Bay Sportcenter. They offer a fleet of watersports rentals, including powerboats, sailboats, pontoon boats and jet skis. They even have jetpacks and jet boards for a high-flying adventure. If you prefer human-powered watercraft, they also rent kayaks, standup paddleboards and pedal boats. Hit the water on your own or take a guided tour or class with their experienced crew.
Too much action and not enough relaxin’? No worries. Bluewater Vacation Homes has plenty of incredible waterfront San Diego vacation rentals where you can hang out with your kids, sip your favorite drink and watch the sun set into the ocean…in case that’s more your style.
Forget the tie this year. This Father’s Day, enjoy a San Diego weekend and make memories that will last a lifetime.
