With its tropical weather and warm sandy beaches, San Diego is the perfect place to spend your Labor Day weekend. This lively city offers something for everyone. From breathtaking sandcastles to amazing firework displays, here are 13 events that you wont want to miss this Labor Day weekend.
1. US Sand Sculpting Challenge & Dimensional Art Exposition
Sep 2 - Sep 5, 2016
Be part of the hundreds of thousands that travel to San Diego each year to see world-renowned sand sculptors build their masterpieces. These 3-dimensional works of art are created against the backdrop of a beautiful San Diego bay. The site is just 2 blocks North of some of the world's tallest ships in all their glory. Throughout the day, these ships set sail and recreate famous cannon battles. This 4-day event offers lots of fun for the entire family. Location: 1140 North Harbor Dr "B" Street Pier, San Diego, CA
2. Tall Ship Parade Spectator Cruise
Sep 2, 2016
Can't stay for the entire Festival of Sail? Get a glimpse of what the festival has to offer at the Tall Ship Parade on the San Diego Bay. Led by a United States Navy ship, more than a dozen tall ships and windjammers will take part in the parade. See the parade up close and personal with expert narration on the deck of a Hornblower yacht. Location: Departs from Navy Float 970 N. Harbor Dr
3. Festival of Sail
Sep 3- Sep 5, 2016
Come see one of the biggest Tall Ship festivals on the west cost. This event takes place at the Maritime Museum of San Diego in early September. For 4 fun-filled days North Embarcadero is transformed into a nautical theme park with countless things to do. Daily activities include meet and greets with ships and their crew, Tall ship cannon battles, a beer garden and much more. Children can enjoy activities like a petting zoo, face painting, craft activities and all sorts of stage entertainment. In-between live reenactments, spectators are able to take pictures with Captain Sunny and Pirates. With 100s of vendors, endless food options and live entertainment, this is an event you won't want to miss. Location: Maritime Museum of San Diego - 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
4. Labor Day Lunch Cruise on San Diego Bay
Sep 5, 2016
End your Labor Day Weekend on a sweet note with a lunch cruise on the beautiful San Diego Bay. This 2-hour cruise aboard the Hornblower features a gourmet buffet, champagne and delicious deserts. This event is a great way to relax and enjoy some local bites before heading back home. Location: Departs from Grape St. Pier 1800 N. Harbor Dr.
5. Fleet Week San Diego 2016
Sep 2 - Oct 1, 2016
This annual celebration honors men and women of the united forces. Fleet Week San Diego features lively events and family-friendly entertainment as guests gather to thank these heroes for their many sacrifices.
6. 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular - San Diego Symphony
Sep 2- Sep 3, 2016
Celebrate the end of summer with two nights of glorious firework and cannon displays. Fireworks and cannons light up the sky to Tchaikovsky's classic '1812 Overture'. In the background, enjoy the melodious tunes of the San Diego Symphony. Location: Embarcadero Marina Park South - 200 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101
7. Little Italy Labor Day Stickball Tournament
Sep 3 - Sep 4, 2016
Get in touch with your inner child during this lively Italian tradition. This annual event will challenge you to honor a long-standing tradition, meet new people and have lots of fun! Prepare for lots of cheering, yelling and sportsmanship as stick ball teams face off on Columbia Street. Location: Little Italy - Columbia St
8. Del Mar Racing Season 2016
Until Sep 5, 2016
Hit the Del Mar Racetrack for some San Diego horse racing. Fans from across the nation travel far and wide each year to place bets on their favorite horses. During the annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, fans can take part in a long-standing tradition dating back to 1937. During that year, Bing Crosby gave opening remarks during the inaugural race. This year will feature the best of trainers, jockeys and horses than the nation has to offer. Location: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
9. Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo
Until Sep 5, 2016
Come help the San Diego Zoo celebrate 100 years with music, food and lots of fun. Presented by Cymer, Nighttime Zoo features lots of live entertainment, special events and great music. This feel-good event offers something for the entire family. Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
10. Summer at SeaWorld
Until Sep 5, 2016
There has never been a better time to visit Sea World! Come enjoy some fun in the sun as this theme park transforms into a party-in-the-dark. Patrons can enjoy live shows, fireworks and nighttime only animal events. In addition to checking out park favorites like the Dolphin Days and the One Ocean Shamu show during the daytime, guests can enjoy a whole new park at night. Featuring shows like Sea Lions Tonite and Shamu’s Celebration: Light Up the Night, this SeaWorld trip is sure to be one to remember. Location: 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
11. Preseason: SD Chargers VS. SF 49ERS
Sep 1, 2016
Kick off football season with this preseason game. During this Thursday night match up, the San Diego Chargers face off against the San Francisco 49ers. Player performance during this game will play a major role in the final announcement of the Charger's 53-man roster. Location: Qualcomm StadiumSan Diego Chargers, San Diego, CA