When I pick up my five-year-old son, Devon, from kindergarten on a Friday afternoon, the questions start immediately. “So, for hiking this weekend, should we do the Shepherd Pond Loop, the Grasslands Loop up to Fortuna Saddle, or Cowles Mountain from the other side?” he says.
It sounds like a parent’s dream, and in most ways, it is. His favorite pastime takes place outdoors, costs nothing, and is a great source of exercise. There’s only one downside: A hike with a kindergartener takes about twice as long as it would otherwise, so when we hit the trails, we can pretty much guarantee that most of our Sunday will be dedicated to it.
So how did we create this hiking fiend? Honestly, I don’t really know. We began with a few short treks in Mission Trails (primarily Visitor Center Loop, a flat one-and-a-half-mile trail with trees and rocks to climb on along the way). Then we tried and failed to climb Cowles Mountain twice.
When we bought Devon real hiking boots, he suddenly had confidence to scale the rocky paths. The next time we attempted Cowles, he easily took it on and fell in love. “I didn’t think I could hike Cowles, but then I had a dream that I did it, and then I really did it,” he once told me.
We spent four weeks taking on the remaining mountains in the five-peak challenge: North Fortuna, South Fortuna, Kwaay Paay, and Pyles Peak. After finishing, I thought maybe he’d lose interest, but it hasn’t waned. Now he wants to hike every inch of trails in Mission Trails park.
As a parent, you’re always learning from your little ones. And hiking is no different. Since we started hiking together, I’ve learned plenty of lessons that have helped us become better hikers as a family. If you’re looking to hike with your children, here are my tips for creating your own little happy hikers:
I know how much it hurts to buy your kid $50 shoes, but, seriously, if you can afford it, it makes a huge difference. The moment Devon got his shoes, he seemed to enjoy hiking so much more—he wasn’t slipping, which helped him feel more confident and comfortable. To keep them from getting worn down too quickly, he doesn’t wear them outside of the trails.
Involve Kids in the Planning
Pique your child’s enthusiasm by including them in the decision-making process; show them pictures, ask them what they want to get out of the hike, etc. I think half of the fun for Devon is getting to help pick what trails we’re going to hike. If you have the AllTrails app, you can filter based on things like attractions, route type, trail traffic, suitability (e.g., dog-, kid-, stroller-, or wheelchair-friendly options) and also look through user-submitted photos.
Stick to the Plan
When you’re out and having a great time, it’s tempting to extend your jaunt longer than planned, but tread carefully, especially in the beginning. It’s better to end early with your kid wanting more than to drag an exhausted and crying toddler down the end of a trail. Learned this one the hard way.
Expect It To Take Longer
We build in plenty of breaks, halting for snacks or pausing to look at rocks and sticks or take in the views. I know it can feel maddening—as a speed hiker and runner, I have to remind myself, “There’s no rush; there’s nothing else we need to be doing right now.” On days when we have other plans, I avoid trying to fit in a hike.
Set an Established Turnaround Time
If you want to keep the hike within a set limit, establish a time you’ll turn around and head back, even if you’re so close to reaching the summit. But also listen to when your children are ready to turn around.
We let Devon know that he won’t be forced to do anything—if he wants to turn back, we will. (In our history of hiking as a family, there’s been one exception: We were about 20 feet away from the summit of Kwaay Paay, and I encouraged him to reach the sign.) Turning around when they’re ready will likely avoid a meltdown later when they are too tired to continue hiking.
Bring Lot of Snacks & Rewards
We have a snack bag with crackers, energy bars, and a sandwich for lunch, plus a “treat bag” with gummy bears or other candy. I hold off on doling out the sweets until we’re close to the summit and he needs a little motivation. Besides snacks, always bring and drink enough water for the trail!
Stories Work Better Than Treats
Truly, though, the best way to motivate Devon to keep going is to start telling him a story. It’s like his own personal podcast that distracts him from being tired. When we took on the six-mile hike to Pyles Peak, he started dragging on the way back. So I broke out the big guns, and told him the entire plot of Star Wars (leaving out some of the big spoilers, of course). We didn’t take another break the rest of the way.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
New year, new fitness goals, right? Like many people, we’re starting the new year with a focus on health and staying active. No matter what your fitness objectives may be, there are plenty of activities around town prepared to help you achieve them. From more traditional gym settings to unique ways of getting your body moving, these nine San Diego studios, wellness programs, and activities will help you start the new year off right.
Start the year on the right foot with Activate House, the San Diego fitness studio and gym located in North Park offers spin, sculpt, and yoga classes. Calling themselves a “new-age fitness studio,” AH emphasizes intentional training through movement and encourages mental balance and well-being. The sense of community the studio cultivates is accentuated with eucalyptus towels, a juice bar, and highly trained staff.
2855 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Courtesy of Black Girls Run
Black Girls Run
Hit the pavement with Black Girls Run, a community that’s working to tackle obesity and motivate women to get out and move their bodies. Created in 2009, Black Girls Run has served the San Diego fitness scene as a resource for those looking to practice a healthy lifestyle, whether you’re an avid gym-goer or looking to start a fitness regimen. With national meet-ups already planned throughout the year, this movement is determined to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the community.
Regardless of your fitness level, Body University in La Mesa caters to individuals’ needs and goals. The boutique gym offers small group private training services (6-8 people at a time) and focuses solely on one-hour weight lifting sessions. Though open to all gender identities, you’ll most often find it packed with women only, which can be less intimidating for women who may be new to lifting. BU also offers body building competition services as well as customized nutrition programs and lifestyle guidance. With fitness equipment including free weights, cardio equipment, personal training, and highly trained staff, you’re sure to achieve your wellness goals.
A staple in the San Diego fitness scene, CorePower Yoga offers both yoga and high-intensity strength training classes. Their newest class, Strength X focuses on helping you build lean muscles via targeted weight circuits and invigorating breath work. Five San Diego studios are hosting Strength X classes currently, and the Point Loma studio also offers scholarships to the CorePower Yoga Teacher Training program for BIPOC.
Various locations
Courtesy of Wheelchair Dance Organization Inclusive Dance
Wheelchair Dance Organization Inclusive Dance
Wheelchair Dance Organization (WDO) Inclusive Dance is making dance more accessible for everyone. The nonprofit organization works to decrease feelings of isolation among those living with disabilities by building a community of dancers at any and all levels. The variety of dance classes offered—Latin jazz, samba reggae, hip hop, Bollywood—are free, taught by professionals, and include modifications for those in wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Courtesy of The Experience Fitness and Mobility Studio
The Experience Fitness and Mobility Studio
When the Experience Fitness and Mobility Studio came onto the San Diego fitness scene, they were dedicated to creating a safe space for anyone wanting to reach their health and fitness goals, regardless of identity, race, age, sexual preference, or athletic ability. The openly LGBTQ, wife-owned gym offers a place to reach your fitness aspirations. With a variety of training styles and methodology, you’ll build muscle, improve your range of motion, and eliminate pain. Beyond physical fitness, studio recognizes the inclusion of mental and emotional well-being for overall health and wellness.
1264 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Courtesy of Madhouse Dance
Madhouse Dance
Spice up your workouts with dance fitness classes at Madhouse Dance. The nightclub-inspired studio is a welcome place to try out fitness choreography and get your heart racing through movement. Daily classes include chair choreography, beginners heels, and the studio’s flagship dance cardio. These classes are only open to women, non-binary, and femme-identifying individuals. If you want to try out Madhouse Dance from home, their website also features on-demand dance workouts.
Jordyn Berg is a freelance writer whose favorite topics include food and travel. A Pacific Northwest native, she delights in exploring the best of San Diego, by searching for hidden gems, experiencing must-try restaurants, and soaking in the city’s amazing views.
San Diego Day Hikers is one of the region’s most popular hiking groups on the social gathering website Meetup.com. But it has a pretty interesting past.
“The group started in the 1980s as a monthly hike, usually on the last Saturday, led by a professor from SDSU, and loosely affiliated with the Libertarian Party of San Diego,” says Philip Erdelsky, the group’s current leader. “Announcements were printed in the Libertarian Party newsletter, and also emailed to those who had email.”
Subscribers were mostly students and staff at SDSU, but Erdelsky took over the group in 1993. “I used email for the hike announcements, and in the late 1990s started posting the announcements on the Caltech Alumni server, which appeared on the then-new World Wide Web,” he says.
Fast forward to 2012, and Erdelsky decided to add the group to Meetup.com, calling it San Diego Day Hikers. Today, the group has nearly 22,000 members who join up for multiple hikes across the county every month.
Typically around five to 25 people show up for hikes which are free to join. Erdelsky guides many of the hikes himself, using resources such as Schad’s Afoot & Afield in San Diego county.
Joining a local hiking group is a great way to get to know other people who share similar interests and can even help with finding new routes. Thankfully, there are plenty of hiking groups like San Diego Day Hikers to check out—most of which don’t require any membership or fees.
If you’re looking for a new crew to join, here are more San Diego hiking groups to check out:
Courtesy of Meetup.com
San Diego Day Hikers
This group gathers for hikes throughout the San Diego region with easy to moderate routes. The group usually hikes on the last Saturday of each month, but also has weekday evening excursions occasionally. Recent hikes include a Mission Bay five-mile walk, an urban four-mile hike through Marian Bear Park, and the five-mile Engelmann Oak Loop at Daley Ranch in Escondido.
This group for the UCSD community has a discord channel where users plan hikes and other outings. To join, you must be a member of UCSD, either a student or staff. The group has around 2,850 members, and usually about 20 people turn out for hikes.
Recent hikes include the Santa Margarita River trail, Cowles Mountain, San Clemente Trail and the Potato Chip rock.
Courtesy of San Diego Happy Feet
San Diego Happy Feet
This group on Facebook has around 2,000 members and plans monthly hikes, including big challenges such as El Cajon Mountain. Organizers say the group is very active with regular events. They mostly focus on hiking, but also organize backpacking, camping, snowboarding, skiing, running, cycling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and road trips events. Members can also create their own events and post them to the group.
Recent hikes include El Cajon Mountain, Mt McGinty, and Black Mountain via Nighthawk Trail. Hikes are usually organized on Saturdays and Sundays early morning at 6 a.m., but also weekday shorter evening hikes at 6 pm.
“San Diego Sloth Hiking Team at Mt. Baldy. Started [the] hike at 3:30 a.m. and finished at 3 p.m.! Long day of hiking, laughs, a few curse words and a ton of beautiful views,” one user wrote on TikTok. Other hikes include Kitchen Creek Falls, Cedar Creek Falls in Ramona and Devils Backbone.
Courtesy of the San Diego Natural History Museum
Canyoneer Hikes
For a guided experience, the San Diego Natural History Museum offers free guided hikes throughout the county led by volunteers. Hikes are organized every weekend, but are capped in size, so you need to sign up in advance. Priority registration is given to museum members, but if there’s still space then anyone can sign up.
People often join to explore the canyons near their homes that they’ve always been curious about but were hesitant to explore on their own, according to organizers. They also take treks into the desert to explore in groups.
“I sought the Canyoneers out because I was looking to do more desert hiking, but I didn’t feel comfortable going alone,” said Daniel, one of the Canyoneer leaders, on the group’s website. “It’s easy to get lost, there’s spotty cell phone coverage, I’d think ‘what if I got a flat tire?’ The Canyoneers offered the opportunity to explore new trails that I wouldn’t hike on my own.”
Skills training includes selecting clothing, gear, and equipment; how to use a map and compass; physical conditioning; first aid and safety; food selection and preparation and water filtration; animal encounters; and sanitation. During the overnight outings, participants will have to supply their own equipment.
The course is offered each year from January to May with lectures at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights in Escondido at San Pasqual High School and in San Diego at the First United Methodist Church – Linder Hall in Mission Valley.
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Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
It may feel a bit cold and cloudy right now thanks to May grey, but warmer weather is fast approaching. And summer is the best time to head to the coast for all your hiking and walking. But don’t let our regularly temperate weather fool you, it can quickly get very hot as you get just 10 miles off the coast.
So if you’re looking for hikes that beat the heat, we put together a list of our favorite coastal treks to enjoy as the weather starts to spike. With options that range from easy-peasy to more challenging, and all with breathtaking views, here are five of our top summer hikes in San Diego.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
This trail along the cliffs in Point Loma is perfect for an easy hike with kids or pets or if you just want a relaxed outing that isn’t too challenging. You can explore Sunset Cliffs’ wandering trails throughout the park and get beautiful ocean views all along the way. Be sure to pay attention to the signs that show where the ocean walls are degrading, to avoid any accidental slips.
Distance: ~1.5 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed
Details: Look for free parking along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and then start the hike from there.
Cabrillo National Monument & Bayside Trail
For a slightly more challenging (read: hilly) trek, head to Point Loma’s Cabrillo National Monument which commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. Located here is Bayside Trail which leads down to the beach before climbing back up. It sits on the southernmost point of San Diego, and makes you feel like you are at the end of the world as you look out to the far-reaching ocean beyond you. When you reach the bottom, there are cool tide pools you can check out as well.
Distance: 2.5 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: Only allowed on Coastal Trail
Details: You need a pass to enter, which costs $20.
The Annie’s Canyon hike isn’t quite on the coast, but it’s close enough that you still get the cool breezes and beautiful views at the top. Plus, the climb to the top is exciting as you make your way up through a white slot canyon, with very narrow walls and ladders. Then you pop out on the top and can see the ocean.
Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: Allowed, but don’t try to bring them up the ladders in the canyon
Details: Parking is free. Park at 150 Solana Point Cir, Solana Beach, CA 92075 and follow the trail east to get to Annie’s Canyon. Don’t use Google Maps! You’ll avoid climbing a very steep hill along the highway
La Jolla Coast Walk Trail
The La Jolla Coast walk is is a pretty hike to take around La Jolla Village right along the ocean, with chances to take in the seals and sea lions along the way. You can explore the wandering paths all the way to La Jolla Shores Beach if you want to dip your toes in the ocean, or turn back at any point along the way.
Distance: ~0.6 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed
Details: Find street parking anywhere in La Jolla Village and then head to the trail.
Broken Hill Trail
This is one of the more challenging treks in Torrey Pines State Reserve and has beautiful cliffside views at the end. You can add to the distance to the Broken Hill Trail by taking many of the other offshoot trails—honestly, you can spend an entire day wandering through the reserve if you want to.
Distance: ~2.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: Not allowed
Details: It costs $25 to park at the reserve, but you can pick up a state adventure pass from any local library and then park for free.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
It’s the new year, and if the path up Cowles Mountain is any indication, people are eager to get out there and get hiking. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to take advantage of the San Diego region, get free exercise and spend time outside. I already do plenty of hiking, so this year I’m adding a family camping trip to my goals for the year (my husband and son go plenty but I haven’t gone with them yet).
It’s not required to get new gear to embark on a goal of hiking or camping or spending more time outside this year, but it can make getting out there easier and more fun. And there are some really cool new pieces of gear to try. Here are a few of my favorites.
Courtesy of Osprey
Hiking Backpacks
I kept getting neck and shoulder pain from hiking with a normal backpack, so I switched to a daypack that has more support. I really like Osprey’s Tempest Velocity 20 for women, which has a running-vest-inspired harness, plus a hip belt for more support. And tons of pockets for your phone, water, snacks to bribe your kids with, and a pole-holder and emergency whistle. For kids, the Osprey Daylite Jr. is the perfect size to get your kids used to carrying a pack.
Courtesy of Garmin
Hiking GPS Watches
There are a lot of fancy watches out there, and most recreational runners and hikers don’t need the top of the line models. Something with a simple GPS feature has been my go-to. I use a Garmin watch that allows me to create a hiking course on their website, and then I send the course to my watch so I can stay on the trail as I hike. It also counts steps, tracks sleep, and all the other health metrics. But if you want the newest model, Garmin’s Instinct 3 is great for rugged wear, including hiking and camping. It has a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant display, a built-in flashlight, including variable intensities and an alternate red light, and 18 days of battery life.
Courtesy of Rumpl
Hiking & Camping Blankets
If you’re thinking about backpacking and don’t want the extra weight of a sleeping bag, or if you’re car camping and want to be extra cozy, there are some great new camping blankets on the market that make a big difference. Rumpl recently released the Backcountry Puffy, an upgraded version of the Down Puffy. It has an inner liner for weather-resistance on the inside, a poly shell on the outside to resist stains, and upgraded insulation. It packs down to a tube that’s 5.9 x 14.2 in for one person and less than two pounds. The company also sells even smaller travel blankets–I have one stashed in my car for emergencies.
I usually just hike in running shorts or maybe hiking shorts if I want a little extra coverage. But when it’s on the slightly cold side on a San Diego morning, having something slightly warm is very helpful. I really like SmartWool’s women’s active long sleeve, which is a wool blend outer layer that’s warm but breathable. The company also just released the Women’s Smartloft vest, which has a little extra warmth but not the sweat-inducing insulation of a full puffy vest.
Courtesy of Amazon
Outdoors Jump Starter
I recently also found out about the company Weego, which sells travel jump starters. I didn’t know I needed one of these, but now that I know, it’s hard to imagine not having it. The Weego N70 is great for hiking–basically, you charge it and then can store it in your car or hiking pack for a year. It’s small and lightweight, so you can carry it with you or leave it in the car for car camping, and it can jump start large gas and smaller diesel engines. You can also use it to charge your devices and it has a 400-lumen LED flashlight.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
Sure, San Diego has its picturesque hikes. Its beautiful scenic hikes where you can contemplate the exquisiteness of our surroundings and remind yourself that this is why your rent or mortgage is so high. It also has fun hikes, social hikes, hikes where you can bring your parents, your kids, and your friends who don’t usually exercise.
But sometimes you just really want a challenge. A butt-busting workout that will leave you panting and make your wearable device very happy with your step count and heart rate.
Luckily, the San Diego region has plenty of these hikes, too. But there are some cautions. Before attempting any of them, make sure you are ready—that you’ve done some easier hikes in the region and have a good base of fitness. Also bring plenty of water, food, sun protection, and go early in the morning on days that will not be as hot.
Courtesy of AllTrails
El Cajon Mountain Trail – 11.6 Miles
For most hikers, the El Cajon Mountain Trail is really the epitome of challenging hikes in the region. Some like to call it El Capitain, or El Cap, not to be confused with the far taller mountain in Yosemite. But this hike still has lots of steep climbs, and it’s not just a steady uphill, but times where you climb down and then up again to make it to the summit. The trail is rocky at times as well, with big boulders to cover. But if you make it to the top, you’ll feel like you really accomplished something significant. And on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean.
Even if you don’t make it all the way, you can stop at any of the saddles on the trail and take in the panoramic views. But be prepared, you will definitely feel sore the next day.
Directions: Start at the parking lot on Wildcat Canyon Road.
Distance: 11.6 miles roundtrip
Dogs: Allowed
Details: The parking lot is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The trail is closed in August due to the heat.
Courtesy of San Diego Parks & Recreation
Mt Gower Open Space Preserve – 9.8 Miles
Mount Gower Open Space Preserve is a massive space in Ramona, and has a few trails that are very challenging but with seriously stunning views. The open space covers 1,574 acres, and has the trail to Mount Gower summit. The summit itself does not actually fall in the preserve—that’s in Cleveland National Forest. But you can reach it on the trail that goes through the preserve. And the viewpoints along the way make the long journey worth it.
There are multiple routes to take to the top. If you follow the southern trail, you get the best views of the San Vicente Valley below.
Directions: Start at the parking lot at the end of Gunn Stage Road.
Distance: 9.8 miles roundtrip
Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed
Details: The parking lot doesn’t open until 9 a.m., but if you want to start earlier, you can park outside the gate. That adds an extra 0.25 miles to your hike. Also, be on the lookout for poison oak, which is sometimes found along the trail.
Courtesy of AllTrails
Black Mountain in Ramona – 14.5 Miles
Another very challenging but rewarding hike in Ramona is Black Mountain. This is not to be confused with the smaller Black Mountain near Rancho Peñasquitos, which is a far easier hike. Sometimes it’s called Big Black Mountain to make the distinction. The trail takes you past a variety of trees and plant life, including oak groves and chaparral, as well one of the biggest growths of Engelmann Oak, a threatened species.
You can start the climb from the Santa Ysabel Truck Trail, which is also open to off-road vehicles, but is always open for hiking. In the rainy months, this road can get very muddy, so be warned.
Directions: From downtown Ramona, follow Pamo Road to the gated Forest Service Road entrance. Park along Pamo Road.
Distance: 14.5 miles roundtrip
Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed
Details: Be prepared for mud in the winter and spring. There are no bathrooms at the parking lot or on the trail.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
SeaWorld dazzles with a drone show, big-name entertainers, new animal adventures and more
By Partner Content
Nights are heating up at SeaWorld San Diego. The quintessential summertime staple on Mission Bay is transforming into a destination for unforgettable day-to-night adventures, bringing back some of its most popular Summer Nights programming and introducing exciting new experiences sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
The 2026 Summer Day to Night at SeaWorld San Diego is the park’s most ambitious season yet. SeaWorld has planned a highly anticipated entertainment lineup that features nine weeks of throwback concerts featuring R&B and hip‑hop favorites from the ‘90s and early 2000s, including Jordin Sparks, Too $hort and Warren G, Ashanti, and an array of boy band heartthrobs performing together as part of the Pop 2000 Tour.
New this season is perhaps the park’s most visible update: a nightly drone show, Ocean of Dreams, which illuminates the sky with hundreds of synchronized sparklers. Drones form sea otters, sharks, dolphins, and a majestic orca that tell a breathtaking 12-minute story of marine life and underwater ecosystems. The show culminates with a spectacular electric neon finale celebrating hope, wonder, and ocean stewardship.
Nighttime visitors are also in store for animal adventures that fuse education with high-energy fun and the dreamy ambiance of nighttime. The park has launched two all-new animal presentations: Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night and Dolphins: Touch the Sky. Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night features vibrant lighting, music, and dynamic choreography that celebrates the power and beauty of killer whales. Dolphins: Touch the Sky showcases playful bottlenose dolphins and the special connection between humans and the natural world. And back by popular demand is fan-favorite Sea Lions Tonite. See the charming pinnipeds splash, play, and parody pop culture in this refreshed crowd-pleaser.
More must-sees: a newly reimagined Shark Encounter, one of the country’s more immersive exhibits highlighting 11 different species up close, SeaWorld’s beloved BMX Blast! stunt show, and high-seas escapade, Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. And don’t miss the park’s all-new Deep Sea Disco, which encourages guests to dance the night away under the glow of the SkyTower, and vibrant closing time laser light display Laser Reef Summer Spectacular.
Amp up the nighttime vibe with local craft beers, curated cocktails, and nostalgic theme park treats with $1 beer all summer long. SeaWorld is the place for day to night summer fun. When the sun goes down, SeaWorld lights up, and inspires guests of all ages to embrace their inner whimsy and see why generations of San Diegans head to SeaWorld to make memories they’ll never forget.
