Tracy Borkum’s Home

Get ready to paint the town red, white, and blue this Fourth of July at these patriotic celebrations around San Diego County. While fireworks displays are, of course, the main attraction on this summer holiday, several events offer family-friendly fun before the pyrotechnics start. From early morning races and neighborhood parades to theme park activities and live outdoor concerts, spend the day and night celebrating the land of the free and home of the brave. 

4th of July Events in San Diego

Oceanside Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Display

June 29 & July 3

Start the festivities a little early in Oceanside with the annual Independence Day Parade on Coast Highway. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, cheer on the floats, bands (including the 1^st Marine Division Band), walking groups, and decked-out cars. Then, on July 3, witness a spectacular fireworks show, hosted by the Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department. The pyrotechnics start at 9 p.m. at the SoCal Soccer Complex, but the gates open at 4 p.m. with family-friendly activities and food trucks.

3300 Dr Hugh La Bounty Dr, Oceanside

SeaWorld San Diego 4th of July Fireworks

June 30–July 4

Oh, say, you can see some glimmering pyrotechnics after a day of sea-themed fun. The week of June 30 through July 4, view nightly SeaWorld fireworks at 9:30 p.m. from around the park. The festive explosives show is synced to music to ring in another year of America’s independence.

500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay

Chula Vista 4th Fest

July 4

BYO blankets and chairs to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center for a free fireworks display set to a bilingual soundtrack on Amor 102.9. Get to South Bay early—the gates open at 7 p.m., and free parking is limited to 600 spots. There will be food trucks onsite to enjoy while you wait for the show to start. If you miss out on the training center parking, you can still get a great view of the fireworks from nearby Mountain Hawk Park. 

2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista

Crown City Classic Run

July 4

Burn off some pre-barbecue calories with a patriotic 12K or 5K run on Coronado Island. (Why 12K? A nod to America’s birthday—it equates to 7.4 miles.) The out-and-back race, now in its 51st year, starts in Tidelands Park, wraps around the golf course and Glorietta Bay, and heads out onto the Silver Strand with scenic views of the Coronado Bridge. You can bring the whole family—there’s a Crown City Half Mile race for kids. Then stick around after your run for more star-spangled Coronado festivities (see below).

2000 Mullinex Drive, Coronado

Coronado Fourth of July

July 4

From sunup to sundown, celebrate our nation’s independence with a packed schedule of patriotic events for the whole family. The 75th annual parade on Coronado’s Orange Avenue doesn’t set out till 10 a.m., but spectators start saving their spots at 5 a.m., and the pre-parade entertainment begins at 7:30. Afterward, catch a demonstration by the US Navy parachute team, live musical performances in Spreckels Park, and a colorful fireworks show you can watch from the Coronado Golf Course at 9 p.m.

Various locations, Coronado

El Cajon Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4

East County’s Kennedy Park hosts this patriotic fireworks display starting at 9 p.m., but the family-friendly activities start at 2 p.m. Arrive early to the park to enjoy free train rides, arts and crafts, and games and watch live music from two bands. Then sit back to ooh and ahh as the fireworks light up the sky.

1675 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon

Big Bay Boom Firework Show

July 4

The Big Bay Boom is the largest fireworks display in California. Bring lawn chairs to watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero, the Marina District, or the Coronado Ferry Landing at 9 p.m., or get a closer view from your own vessel on the bay. To avoid parking downtown, consider taking advantage of the expanded trolley service that night.

Various locations

Maritime Museum July 4th BBQ Dinner & Fireworks Viewing

July 4

The San Diego Maritime Museum opens up the McKinney Deck of the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley and the waterfront barge behind it for visitors to enjoy a barbecue dinner along the water starting at 7 p.m., then a front-row seat to the 9 p.m. fireworks show over the bay. Purchase your tickets online in advance, and bring a blanket for the first-come, first-serve seating on the boat.

1492 North Harbor Drive, Waterfront

Old Town Historic 4th of July Celebration

July 4

Join Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s staff and volunteers to experience an 1800s-style Independence Day celebration. Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the free event offers games, crafts, and live music from Big Mountain Blue Grass Band. Previous years’ activities have included potato sack races, tug-of-war, and folk dances.

San Diego Avenue & Twiggs Street, Old Town

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July

July 4

Flash back to the turn of the 20th century at Old Poway Park’s Independence Day celebration. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy train displays, children’s crafts, old-fashioned games, patriotic entertainment, train rides, and tasty food. Follow that up with two glimmering fireworks displays illuminating the sky over the Poway High School Stadium and the Poway Sportsplex. The high school gates open at 6 p.m., and for $6 per adult (kids 11 and under are free), you can enjoy games, activities, and music leading up to the big show.

14134 Midland Road | 15500 Espola Road | 12349 McIvers Court, Poway

San Diego County Fair Fireworks Spectacular

July 4

The Del Mar Fairgrounds has hosted the San Diego County Fair—the unofficial summer kick-off in SD—since 1936. Spend the day riding the Ferris wheel, cheering on piglets in the Swifty Swine Pig Races, or housing fried chicken sandwiched between two hot honey–drizzled funnel cakes. Then, head to the Corona Grandstand Stage to watch the dazzling fireworks show at 9 p.m. General admission (standing room only) is free, or you can pay to reserve a seat. 

2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

Escondido Independence Day Festival

July 4

Let freedom ring in the heart of Escondido at this annual Independence Day Festival. Starting at 4 p.m. in Grape Day Park, you can explore the artisan market; order eats from local food trucks; drink local craft beers and spirits; and listen to live performances, including one from the Navy 32nd Street Brass Band, hosted by the adjacent California Center for the Arts. Then settle down on a blanket or lawn chair for the spectacular fireworks finale at 9:05 p.m. For the first time this year, the Center for the Arts is extending the celebration to a four-day free concert series, so come back on July 5, 6, or 7 for more live shows.

321 North Broadway, Escondido

Legoland’s Red, White & Boom!

July 4

Spend Fourth of July at Legoland with a full schedule of USA-themed activities—DJ dance parties, limited-edition treats, lawn games, and meet-and-greets—in addition to the normal brick-building fun and rides. Then put on magic glasses to see a spectacular show: fireworks exploding into 3D Lego bricks. The special event is included with regular park admission.

One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad

Santee Salutes

July 4

Enjoy an all-American afternoon in East County at Santee’s Town Center Park. The gates open at 2 p.m., inviting guests to partake in amusement rides and food trucks in between performances by the US Marine Corps Band Popular Music Group and country band Whiskey Ridge. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. and will be synced to the fireworks soundtrack on SanteeTV. 

550 Park Center Drive, Santee 

Julian 4th of July Parade

July 4

Experience small-town charm in the Cuayamaca Mountains with this annual patriotic parade. For more than 20 years, Julian residents and their friends have lined up on Main Street to wave their flags and cheer on local school marching bands. Pre-parade activities include musical performances, an Old West reenactment, pie-eating contests, and a vintage airplane fly-over before the main event starts at noon. 

Main Street, Julian

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s time to finalize your plans with some of San Diego’s best restaurants and chefs crafting prix fixe menus for the holiday. From modern twists on Thanksgiving classics to lavish seafood buffets and ready-to-cook feasts, we’ve got your guide to ensuring your turkey day is worthy of your friends and family’s thanks. Here are 21 places to get Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego this year:

Thanksgiving Dinner Specials

The Vineyard Rose Restaurant

On Thanksgiving day, the Vineyard Rose restaurant in Temecula will host their Bountiful Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet, offering guests a variety of seasonal favorites. The spread includes meat and charcuterie boards; a seafood display with shrimps, mussels, and poke; a salad bar; carved turkey; and an omelet station. The Vineyard also offers a takeout special from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are required via OpenTable or by calling (951) 719-8356.   

Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Price: $79 for adults; $39 for guests five to 11

Address: 34843 Rancho California Rd, Temecula

Turf Club  

Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Del Mar Racetrack with a Thanksgiving brunch at the Turf Club followed a day of racing and festivities. Brunch consists of a three-course meal serving traditional Thanksgiving favorites and bottomless Mimosas. Dress code is enforced, so be sure to don your finest turkey day attire. Reserved tables seat up to four and larger groups will be seated adjacently.

Time: 11 a.m

Price: $125 per person

Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar

Rustic Root 

Celebrate Thanksgiving at this stylish rooftop venue in the heart of the Gaslamp offering a modern take on Thanksgiving classics. Rustic Root’s Thanksgiving meal includes roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cream corn, butter biscuits, and herb roasted turkey breast. These seasonal favorites are available in addition to their full dinner menu options. 

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Price: $32 for in-venue dining; $100 for a to-go family pack that feeds four

Address: 535 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

20|Twenty  

After a round of Thanksgiving Day golf at the Crossings, savor a Thanksgiving dinner at 20|Twenty, offering a three-course feast of locally sourced ingredients. The prix fixe menu begins with your choice of chicory greens or ginger miso carrots, followed by entree options like Diestel turkey, Campbell River salmon, stuffed acorn squash, or prime rib. The service concludes with a butter cake or pumpkin pie sure to hit the spot. Enjoy this feast on the outpost’s spacious outdoor patio, offering a panoramic view of the North County coastline.  

Time: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Price: Prix fixe menu –  $95; reservations recommended

Address: 5480 Grand Pacific Dr, Carlsbad

STK

Steak isn’t the only thing on the menu at this downtown locale; those looking for a Turkey dinner can dine-in between November 23 to 26 this year. STK is offering free-range turkey dinners featuring cornbread and sage stuffing, shallot and thyme thighs, sautéed green beans, baked sweet potatoes, cranberry orange chutney, and spiced pumpkin pie which can also be ordered to-go. Pre-order this feast to go starting November 13.

Time: November 23-26 

Price: Dining in costs $64 for adults and $29 for children (12 & under); take-home dinners are $64 per serving plus signature sides at $16 each plus whole pumpkin pies available for $64

Address: 600 F St, Gaslamp Quarter

Ambrogio by Acquerello 

Indulge in a Thanksgiving dinner at the charming Ambrogio by Acquerello. Experience an exceptional eight-course tasting menu curated by esteemed chef Silvio Salmoiraghi, featuring signature dishes like Trancio di Tacchino in Stile Ringraziamento (an Italian spin on a turkey dinner), Raviolo d’Autunno (a pasta dish featuring harvest flavors like pumpkin and chestnut), and Torta Morbida alle Noci (a crumbly cake offering hints of pecan and vanilla). Reservations for this Italian feast are filling up fast; visit Tock to secure your spot.  

Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Price: Chef’s signature menu is $159 per person; vegetarian menu is $139 per person

Address: 7556 Fay Ave, La Jolla

Rancho Bernardo Inn  

For a Thanksgiving meal in true Country Club fashion, visit Rancho Bernardo Inn for a feast by the links. Enjoy a four-course meal at their French American bistro, Avant, curated by chef Sergio Jimenez offering seasonal specials like pumpkin veloute, crispy duck leg, butternut squash gratin, and sweet potato pie. For guests interested in traditional a la carte options, there will be a Thanksgiving buffet in their Bernardo Ballroom from 1-4 p.m. and freshly baked 9” pies from Cafe Granada, including pumpkin, Dutch apple, bourbon pecan, and a unique orange and cranberry pie with rosemary compote.       

Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

I recently cried in an Ikea.

It wasn’t my finest moment, fighting tears while a kindergartener bounced on a display mattress two feet away. My girlfriend and I are moving in together for the first time, and I found myself feeling unexpectedly overwhelmed—obviously, love conquers all, but combining two peoples’ lives into a 680-square-foot one-bedroom (and making it look as cool as we are) is tough.

And as much as I’d like to call up whoever put a ball pit in Cara Delevigne’s house and ask them to turn our place into a miniature version of the revamped Lafayette Hotel, that’s not exactly in our budget. (Also, we’re renting.) So I did the next best thing: I tapped four local interior designers for their best storage solutions, favorite renter-friendly décor hacks, and top tips for giving tight spaces personality on a dime.

Here’s their advice for small-space decorating on a budget in San Diego.

Identify Your Personal Taste & Buy Accordingly

“When someone first starts designing their place and they don’t really know what their style is, they jump into what the trends are,” says interior designer Nicola Hopwood. “They go on social media and do what everybody else is doing. But if they just follow trends, it’s not going to feel like home.”

She notes that clues to what you genuinely love can be found close at hand: Peek into your closet to learn what colors you’re drawn to. Consider your hobbies and lifestyle to figure out what functions your furniture and décor need to serve. (If you entertain often, for example, you’ll need more seating than someone who usually meets their friends for lunch.)

Ultimately, you’ll save money by choosing not to keep up with the trend cycle and instead filling your space with items you truly love—which requires patience and time. “[It’s] not going to happen in a two-day shopping spree,” Hopwood says. “Everything you buy, no matter how big or small, is like a puzzle piece that contributes to your unique home.

”And if you (like me) are worried that simply going with your gut will result in a houseful of items that don’t play well together, Hopwood has an easy tip for ensuring your collection doesn’t get too eclectic: “Go in with a color palette. Use that as a guide when you’re picking things, and it will all end up coming together.”

Remember that items don’t have to be an exact color match—in fact, a green-and-orange rug, for example, looks best set against throw pillows in slightly lighter or darker shades.

Spend Where It Counts

The designers I spoke to all said the same thing: Invest in your sleep. “The right mattress is something you’re going to have for years,” says local interior designer Elizabeth Aaron. Once you find your ideal one (Firm or soft? Cozy or cooling?), “you better buy a mattress protector,” Aaron continues. While it may seem like an unnecessary purchase, it can dramatically expand the life of your mattress.

Spend a little more outfitting your bed, too. “You can’t really find nice linen bedding for cheap,” cautions Jordan Miranda, founder of affordable design firm Boho on a Budget.

Follow similar guidelines for anything that you’re going to be spending a lot of time curled up on, like couches and chairs (including desk chairs). “You want to avoid buying cheaply made furniture for these times, because you’ll need to replace them multiple times in the lifespan of better-quality furniture,” Hopwood says. “Over time, you’ll end up spending more money.”

You can save on less-functional décor pieces. “You don’t have to spend a bazillion dollars on an area rug you’ll love,” Aaron says. She recommends the brand Surya for a range of budget-friendly rug options. When searching for art, wall hangings, coffee table books, and other fun details, explore local boutiques like Pigment, Botanica Home and Garden, and Solo for relatively affordable pieces that add personality and depth.

Consider Construction

Even when it comes to budget furniture, not all couches are created equal. “Any upholstery, you want to make sure you’re getting performance fabric,” Aaron says. “It’s a hundred percent polyester, and it’s bulletproof”—unlike linen textiles that show stains and pet scratches.

Try to determine what’s going on under the surface of potential buys. More durable couches and chairs are constructed with high-density foam. “As much as you think you want a squishy sofa, the sheet foam that’s not high-density is going to break down and you’re going to be left with a lumpy sofa,” Aaron continues.

Similarly, when it comes to items like dining tables and nightstands, “look for plywood frames as opposed to particle board,” Aaron suggests. “Particle board is flimsy, and it’s going to disintegrate on you.

”When shopping on resale sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp, hunt for deals on solid-wood furniture. Since low-cost “wooden” furniture tends to be veneered, it doesn’t stand up well to spills or condensation-covered glasses, which will cause the veneer to peel or warp.

Real wood, on the other hand, will stand the test of time—budget-friendly interior decorator Oscar Bravo purchased a friend’s solid-wood dining table for $40 more than 20 years ago and “it’s still in perfect condition,” he says. If you find a sturdy piece but don’t love the look, remember that you can sand and stain it and replace elements like drawer pulls to help it match your style.

Alter the Architecture (Without Losing Your Security Deposit)

There are plenty of simple tricks to make teacup-sized spaces feel grander: A large mirror (though not too big, Hopwood cautions, since a glut of oversized mirrors sometimes make small rooms “feel like a gym”) can create the illusion of more space. And floor-to-ceiling curtains, Hopwood adds, help ceilings appear taller.

If you’re up for a bigger project, Bravo says that you can transform a cookie-cutter apartment with elements like peel-and-stick molding—especially if your lease allows you to paint. You can purchase relatively inexpensive kits designed for DIY wainscoting, paneling, tiling, or molding. When put up and painted over, they look like a built-in detail.

Scones can serve as a softer source of light than overhead bulbs while making your space appear customized (and expensive!). To avoid any tricky hard-wiring, look for battery-operated wall sconces, or make your own by attaching remote-control puck lights to a bulb base adapter.

Avoid Clutter, Including the Sneaky Kind

Apartment living requires a certain minimalist sensibility—in a 600- or 700-square-foot space, there’s simply not much room for stuff. But according to the designers, you can Marie Kondo everything you own and still feel like you’re surrounded by clutter if your furniture is too large or attention-grabbing.“The goal is to show more of the floor, which creates [the impression of] more space,” Hopwood says. Floating bookshelves and coffee tables with slim legs, for example, will make rooms feel more open.

Miranda says that you can also reduce clutter by sourcing furniture that plays double-duty. A storage bench at the foot of your bed, for example, can hold games and blankets while bringing in additional seating.

Finally, ensure surfaces don’t look too busy. You can keep everyday essentials off of tables and counters by “[bringing] in worker baskets and visually appealing storage pieces,” Hopwood says, adding that lesser-used items can lurk in underbed bins, cloaked by a floaty bedskirt. (“A skirt that is very structured and [made from] a thick material still brings that element of bulk,” she explains.)

Size Matters

You’ve probably seen photos online of eclectic gallery walls packed with playful art of different shapes and sizes. They’re super cute—but not ideal for small spaces. “They tend to look a bit cluttered, especially in smaller floor plans,” Bravo explains. While it may seem counterintuitive, large-scale, poster-sized art can make your space feel more expansive.

Websites like Drool, PSTR Studio, and The Poster Club offer affordable, funky prints with more of a point-of-view than your old Pulp Fiction poster from college. Or get even more creative: In his own home, Bravo wallpapered the inside of three mega-sized frames. “It’s really a statement, and it looks expensive because of the size,” he adds.

This year, ring in the 20s as you like—with delectable dishes, yacht cruises, unforgettable parties, even family fun. There’s something here for just about any vibe, from quiet night to baller status.

Dining

Mad Hatter New Year’s Eve Ball

Send the entire family down the rabbit hole! This kid-friendly celebration will feature a delicious buffet, dancing to DJ-supplied tunes, costume contest, games, 21+ area, and complimentary midnight toast. Tickets available here or by calling  (760) 827-2800.

Where: The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa

When: Dec. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to January 1 at 12:30 a.m.

Price: $150 per adult, $85 per child ages 13-17, $65 per child ages 4-12, free for children under 3

5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008

A.R. Valentien New Year’s Eve Gala

Dine on the A.R. Valentien patio or its elegant dining room while enjoying a five-course prix fixe meal, courtesy of Executive Chef Jeff Jackson. Call (858) 777-6635 for tickets.

Where: The Lodge at Torrey Pines

When: Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Price: $135 per person or $185 with wine pairings, $70 for children under 12

11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037

NYE Opulence at Animae

San Diego’s newest hotspot will be offering a four-course prix fixe menu to start your year off right. Reservations for the first seating take place between 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. while the second seating kicks off at 8 p.m. and continues until close. The second seating includes a midnight toast. Reservations—highly recommended!—can be made here.

Where: Animae

When: Dec. 31, times above

Price: $95 to $115

969 Pacific Highway. San Diego CA, 92101

The Grill’s New Year’s Eve Feast

Toast to the new year at The Grill at Torrey Pines. Pick between a savory three-course prix fixe meal or their à la carte menu. Optional beer or wine pairings. Call (858) 777-6641 for details.

Where: The Lodge at Torrey Pines

When: Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Price: $60 per person, $75 with beer pairings and $85 with wine pairings, $35 for children under 12

11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037

Corner Drafthouse’s East Coast Toast

Forget midnight madness! Head to Corner Drafthouse for bites, brews, and a pup-friendly patio. At 9 p.m. Corner Drafthouse will have an East Coast Toast, for all you Eastern Standard Time transplants out there. Doors close at 11 p.m.

Where: Corner Drafthouse

When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.

Price: Varies

495 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101

Dine and Dance

Head to Pacific Beach to chow down on a prix fixe menu at JRDN. Then dance the night away at Tower23.

Where: Tower23 and JRDN

When: Dec. 31 with seating at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Doors to Tower 23 open at 10 p.m.

Price: $85 per person

723 Felspar Street, San Diego, CA 92109

Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant’s Celebratory Dinner

Raise a toast to the new year with a delicious prix fixe dinner. Options include roasted salmon, filet mignon, pan-seared scallops, and whipped sweet potatoes. Make a reservation here or by calling (619) 231-0222.

Where: Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant

When: Dec. 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Price: $65 per person, beverage pairings for $32

2202 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

Bier Garden

Start the new year early at Bier Garden. From the comfort of Encinitas, at 9 p.m., the restaurant will watch the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square. Doors close at 11:30 p.m.

Where: Bier Garden

When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.

Price: Varies

641 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

NYE Dinner and Drinks

With a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, Madison will serve an upscale Mediterranean and Southern California inspired three-course prix fixe dinner. The menu will highlight dishes like tuna tartare, Madison’s famous double-cut sesame crusted pork chop, filet mignon, and gluten-free vegan ravioli. Reservations can be made on their website or at OpenTable.

Where: Madison on Park

When: Dec. 31 with seating from 5 to 7 p.m. and from 8 to 11 p.m.

Price: $65 per person, $19 for wine and cocktail pairings

4622 Park Boulevard, University Heights

InterContinental’s 3- and 5-Course Dinners

Enjoy panoramic views and live music by Taryn Donath while feasting on a three or five-course prix fixe menu. Chef Amy DiBiase will craft yellowtail crudo, juniper-brined duck breast, seared scallops with caviar butter, and wagyu rib eye cap, to name a few highlights. 

Where: Vistal Bar + Restaurant

When: Dec. 31, early seating from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., late seating from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Price: $70 for three-course plus $35 for optional wine pairing, $120 for five-course dinner plus $60 for optional wine pairing

901 Bayfront Court Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92101

Parties

NYE Beachfront Bash

Feast, drink, and dance from beach to rooftop at San Diego’s hottest beachfront party on the Mission Beach boardwalk. With multiple venues and DJs, live music, and a champagne toast, it’s the perfect way to ring in the new year. Er, decade.

Where: South Draft Mission

When: Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to January 1 at 1:30 a.m.

Price: Range from $49 to $195

3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109

FLUXX Nightclub: Masquerade Party

Join other partygoers in the Gaslamp this year! A masquerade-themed celebration with live music by veteran Las Vegas DJ Wellman, masquerade-themed drinks, décor, and—for those who dare—lace masks. Buy tickets here or make a reservation by calling (619) 328-0138.

Where: FLUXX Nightclub

When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Price: $40 to $80 per person

500 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

The Westgate Hotel’s Latin NYE Party

What better way to ring in the new year than with a Latin buffet and dancing? Salsa into the Westgate’s Versailles Ballroom for food, live music by Julio De La Huerta, a champagne toast, and a balloon drop. Cocktail attire required. Tickets available here.

Where: The Westgate Hotel

When: Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. to January 1 at 12:30 a.m.

Price: $165 per person

1055 Second Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

NYE Masquerade Party

This New Year’s Eve, step inside the intoxicating Realm of the 52 Remedies. This speakeasy-style bar attached to Kearny Mesa’s Common Theory Public House will feature a night of live music, punch bowls, tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and a midnight champagne toast. Cocktail attire required.

Where: Realm of the 52 Remedies

When: Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to January 1 at 1 a.m.

Price: General admission at $95 per person

4805 Convoy Street, San Diego, California 92111

Kids’ New Year’s Eve at Legoland

Sleepy already? Midnight comes early for families at Legoland, where the theme park will recreate the Time Square ball drop with—what else?—a giant Lego brick. Party hats and special glasses will be available while viewing fireworks.

Where: Legoland California Theme Park

When: Dec. 31, countdown at 6 p.m.

Price: Admission included with purchase of park ticket

One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve

No need to bring your wallet: this event is all-inclusive! Drinks, food, and access to 10 different party zones are included. (Don’t forget your ID, though!)

Where: Hilton San Diego Bayfront

When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Price: Varies

1 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101

Silent Disco in North Park

Say hello to 2020 at North Park’s award-winning distillery and tasting room. Enjoy 619’s regular food menu, line-up of premium handcrafted vodka, midnight champagne toast, and a silent disco beginning at 7 p.m. Reservations can be made here.

Where: 619 Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room

When: Dec. 31

Price: Varies

3015 Lincoln Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104

Boat Rides

Bahia Resort NYE Cruise

Cruise through Mission Bay on the Bahia Belle as you enjoy an appetizer buffet, live DJ, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast.

Where: Mission Bay and Bahia Resort Hotel

When: Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Price: Cruise at $30 per person, overnight at hotel varies

998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109

Black and Gold New Year’s Eve

This New Year’s Eve, the historic steam ferryboat Berkeley will be transformed into a glamorous lounge with dessert, dancing, party favors, and, at the stroke of midnight, a toast with some bubbly.

Where: Maritime Museum of San Diego

When: Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Price: $60 per person

1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

The 17th Annual New Year’s Eve Yacht Party

This year celebrate by stepping onto the Spirit of San Diego: a 146-foot long, three-level luxury yacht with outdoor decks, lounges, and dueling dance floors. This event has sold out 16 years in a row—just sayin’—so get your tickets here.

Where: Spirit of San Diego Yacht

When: Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to January 1 at 12:45 a.m.

Price: $149 per person

990 North Harbor Drive, Dock #3, San Diego, CA, 92101

New Year’s Eve Roar Into the 20s Dinner Cruise

Don your best 1920s attire for a night of dinner, dancing, live music and glamour, with bottomless champagne and a four course dinner. Tickets available here.

Where: Hornblower Cruises

When: Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to January 1 at 12:30 a.m.

Price: $225 per person

1800 N. Harbor Drive, Pier 1, San Diego, CA 92101

Calling all local photographers! We’re on the lookout for summer outdoor shots of San Diego to feature in the magazine’s “Picture Perfect” section. Have an epic shot of the Del Mar Fair? A landscape scene from Crystal Pier? A dramatic view from your Iron Mountain hike? We want to see them all! Email your stunners to [email protected].

And take a look at Picture Perfect favorites for inspiration:

The Hills Are Alive

January 2014. Shot by Phillip Colla.

A Pleasing Path

February 2014. Shot by Diana Alsindy.

Southwest of Coronado Island

March 2014. Shot by John Trice

Under the Coronado Bridge

December 2013. Shot by Michael Jaffe

Mt. Palomar Observatory

November 2013. Shot by Brett Shoaf.

Gaslamp at Dusk

October 2013. Shot by Justin Lee.