Father’s Day is an oft forgotten sequel to Mother’s Day celebrations known for lavish bouquets, decadent brunches, and bottomless mimosas. But what do dads get? A “best dad” mug, a shaving kit, or maybe a bottle of imported whiskey if you’re lucky. Let’s mix it up this year, and celebrate Dad in style this Father’s Day.
Whether your dad is the type to savor his favorite brew and the game or is a patron of the arts, we’ve got you covered. Make it a memorable one for dad with these San Diego events and ideas for Father’s Day.
Courtesy of Belmont Park
Father’s Day Events in San Diego
Father’s Day Car Show at Belmont Park
Head to the free Father’s Day Car Show at Belmont Park this year to marvel at vintage rides like classy 1960s Camaros, sleek 1950s Bel Airs, and plenty of souped-up lowriders. Got a hot rod worth showing off? Vintage car owners can display their chariot for $35 per vehicle. Afterward, take a stroll on the Mission Beach boardwalk, dodge SloMo as he glides with grace, and hit the rides at Belmont Park—just like old times.
Visit Elmo, Ernie, and the gang at Sesame Place in Chula Vista with the family at this kid-friendly amusement park. Guests can enjoy a Father’s Day-themed storytime, a fun art session, and spend time exploring the park’s many attractions alongside beloved muppets.
Price: $95 per person; free for children under 35 months Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: $25 per adult ($20 in advance); $22 for seniors 62+ ($17 in advance); $22 for kids 6-12 ($17 in advance); free for kids 5 and under Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Courtesy of Belly Up Presents
Don McLean at the Belly Up
Take your dad to see classic rock legend Don McLean at the Belly Up this year. Sing and dance along to classic dad anthems like “American Pie, “Vincent” and “Castles in the Air” at this iconic North County venue. Tickets start at $95.
Address: 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach Time: 7 p.m.
All’s Well That Ends Well and One of the Good Ones at The Old Globe Theatre
Take your old man to the Old Globe this year for one of two comedy productions. The first is One of the Good Ones from Emmy-winning writer Gloria Calderón Kellett (One Day at a Time), which follows a Latino family navigating their daughter’s unexpected new boyfriend. The second is a production of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy All’s Well That Ends Well about the lengths we go for love.
Price: Tickets start at $46 Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park Time: One of the Good Ones – 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. | All’s Well That Ends Well – 8:00 p.m.
Harney Street Market in Old Town
Take a stroll with Dad down to Old Town and explore the Harney Street Market. At this weekly gathering, you can browse handmade goods, sip on local coffee, and indulge in authentic Mexican street food. Old Town, the first European settlement in modern day California, is the perfect place to spend a day with your history-buff dad on Father’s Day.
Address: 3998 Harney St, Old Town Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Courtesy of City Experiences
Father’s Day Brunch Cruise Around San Diego Bay
Cruise the bay in style this year with an upscale take on seafaring in the San Diego Bay. This Father’s Day brunch offered by City Cruises features a decadent brunch buffet paired with bottomless mimosas, beers, or champagne while you take in views of the city skyline. Don’t miss the boat, reserve your seat today on this cruise the whole family can enjoy.
Price: $105 per adult; $85 for kids (ages 4–12); free for kids 3 and under Address: 1800 North Harbor Drive, Downtown Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jeff Dye Comedy Show at the La Jolla Comedy Store
Laugh the night away with NBC’s Better Late Than Never star and Bigfoot enthusiast Jeff Dye at the La Jolla Comedy Store. A two-drink minimum applies so be sure to buy your dad the first round.
Price: $29 per person Address: 916 Pearl St, La Jolla Time: 7 p.m.
The Mountaintop at Carlsbad New Village Arts Theater
If your Dad is a theater aficionado, take him to this captivating production of The Mountaintop at the Carlsbad New Village Arts Theater. The show depicts Martin Luther King Jr.’s final days and an especially introspective discussion with a hotel worker about civil rights, his legacy, and our inner struggles.
Price: $50 per person Address: 2787 State St, Carlsbad Time: 2 p.m.
Father’s Day Brunch at Rancho Valencia
Spoil dad with a courtyard brunch at Rancho Valencia this Father’s Day. The resort’s brunch will feature a steak carving station, baked potato bar, and other breakfast fare plus all the craft beer, tequila, and mezcal he could want for his breakfast of champions. After brunch, enjoy games on the lawn with your kids, hit the Padel courts, or give pops some space to watch the final round of the U.S. Open.
Price: A la carte Address: 921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Courtesy of San Diego Zoo
Things to Do on Father’s Day in San Diego
Pedal Around Mission Bay with Dad
Whether you wear spandex race suits or rainbow sandals and a hoodie, Mission Bay is a biker’s paradise. Work on your time trials through 12 miles of smooth bayside paths or take in the sights with a tandem bike from Ray’s Rentals on Mission Blvd. Mission Bay is one of the most fun places in San Diego to explore on two wheels (or one if your dad rolls that way).
Father’s Day Fishing Charter Out of Shelter Island
Skip an outing on your dad’s old dinghy and opt for a more capable vessel for an angling excursion. This Father’s Day, take Dad on a fishing charter from H&M Landing for a chance to hook a yellowtail, bonito, or rockfish. H&M offers two half-day charters departing from Shelter Island and cruising around the kelp beds of Point Loma this year.
Price: Half-day charter starting at $80 Address: 2803 Emerson St, Point Loma Time: 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Courtesy of Torrey Pines Golf Course
Father’s Day Tee Time at Torrey Pines
The most iconic way to spend a Father’s Day in San Diego is a tee time at Torrey Pines. Typically the most sought after golf outing in the city, a day at the South course will definitely leave a lasting memory and potentially shed a few strokes from your handicap. Hit the 19th hole at A.R. Valentien at The Lodge to review the scorecard and toast to your Dad for shooting a course record 62 (minus a handful of unrecorded mulligans).
Address: 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla RestaurantHours: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Catch the Padres vs. Diamondbacks at a Local Sports Bar
Take dad to a local sports bar to watch the Padres take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. There are plenty of great spots to watch the game, but our pick is Novo Brazil’s Mission Valley location. Opened in January of 2023, Novo is the ultimate sports bar to cheer on the Friars with its 100 feet of TV screens, spacious outdoor patio, and surround sound system to hear every crack of the bat.
Address: 1640 Camino Del Rio N suite 341, Mission Valley Time: Padres vs Diamondbacks at 1:10 p.m.
Barber Shop Shave with Dad
There’s nothing like a clean shave, so start the day with a couple for you and pops at Barber Craft in Cortez Hill. A classic straight razor shave starts at $35 add another $35 for a haircut and trim combo or opt for a hot lather head shave for our bald-headed brethren. Once you’re trimmed and feeling like a million bucks, walk down the hill to the Gaslamp Quarter to continue the festivities.
Address: 1633 Sixth Ave, Cortez Hill Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Courtesy of The Whiskey House
Sample the Largest Collection of Whiskey in the World
Take your Dad on a flavorful journey through samples of the best whiskey from across the globe at the Whiskey House this year. Order a flight of your choice sourced anywhere from the Scottish highlands to the casks of Japan. With over 4,000 unique varieties from around the globe, we think you and Dad will be quite busy this Father’s Day.
Address: 420 Third Ave, Gaslamp Quarter Time: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Rooftop Cinema Club on Father’s Day
Get comfy for a Father’s Day movie marathon at the Rooftop Cinema Club downtown. The lineup for Father’s Day includes Finding Nemo at 12:30 p.m., Big Daddy at 3:00 p.m, Interstellar at 5:45 p.m., and Goodfellas at 9:30 p.m. to wrap things up. Thinking about bringing in your own food? Forget about it and order popcorn, candy, or a cocktail from the bar instead.
Whether your dad’s a veteran or not, the Midway Museum at Navy Pier is one of San Diego’s most impressive museums. This piece of history is home to more than 60 exhibits and 29 restored planes, offering an inside look at life on board one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers. For a small price, you can get your dad reminiscing about that time he was almost accepted into the Top Gun program.
Price: $39 for adults, $26 for kids (ages 4-12), and $26 for veterans (with ID) Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, Downtown Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Courtesy of Mark’s Guitar Exchange
Father’s Day Guitar Shopping at Mark’s Guitar Exchange
Maybe it’s too late for Dad to buy a flying V like Hendrix used to play, but there’s always time to rediscover your dad’s love of music at a local guitar shop. Consider buying your dad’s first acoustic guitar at Mark’s Guitar Exchange or enroll in private lessons together to get him back into the swing of things. Nothing like jamming out with your dad, like it’s 1979 all over again.
Nothing beats spending some quality outdoors time with Dad on Father’s Day. This year, head 30-minutes east of downtown San Diego to the Sunset Highway, a gorgeous destination full of mountain biking trails and outdoor bliss. The Meadow Loop at Mount Laguna is the perfect place to take in nature and get the wind in your hair while you pedal through winding trails. End your day outside with s’mores by the campfire, a visit to the Laguna observatory, or stargazing by Lake Cuyamaca.
Address: Sunrise Hwy, Mt Laguna
Take Dad on a Safari
Give your dad a break from his public park bird-watching endeavors, and treat him to a day at the San Diego Safari Park. The out-of-this world park is home to more than 3,000 animals across the spacious 1,800-acre facility. Level up your visit with a Wildlife Safari tour, starting at $95, for an up-close and personal experience with wildlife aboard an open air safari truck. The adventure offers ample opportunities for creature-themed dad jokes (see the above improv workshop), but I would be lion if I said I didn’t appreciate them.
Price: $95 per person; kids must be 3 years and older Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Courtesy of Brewing Tours San Diego
Father’s Day Beer, Food, or Tequila Safari
The Scavengers Beer Tour Safari is easily the most fun you can have on six wheels this Father’s Day. Choose between a beer, food, or tequila-based trek through San Diego’s best bars and restaurants. Hop aboard the Swiss Pinzgauer, with up to 12 of your closest friends or family members, and taste various libations while you’re escorted through the city (yes, you can drink in the vehicle).
Price: North County Beer Safari – starting at $92 per person | Downtown Tequila Tour – starting at $77 per person Address: 241 14th St, Downtown Time: Private Safari of Your Choice – 12:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. | Downtown Tequila Tour – 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Father’s Day Treatment at Spa Pendry
Who said a spa day is only for Mother’s Day? Give your pops the royal treatment with a day of relaxation at Spa Pendry in the heart of the Gaslamp. Reserve your spot for a hydrafacial, a renewing body scrub or their Urban Green Coffee & Lime Detox paired with a green tea detoxifying mud to offset your Dad’s non-existent skincare routine.
Price: Massages starting at $114 Address: 550 J St, Gaslamp Quarter Time: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kayak with Dad at La Jolla Cove
Your dad has always kept you afloat, so show your appreciation with an outdoor adventure at La Jolla Cove. Rent kayaks from La Jolla Kayak on Avenida De La Playa, starting at $55 or join their guided kayak and snorkel tours for a more immersive experience for $129 per single kayak or $182 for a tandem. As you explore the depths, you’ll have the chance to spot leopard sharks, seals, sea lions, garibaldis, eels, yellowfin tuna, and sea turtles.
Address: 2199 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla Hours: 9 a.m. – Sunset
Photo Credit: Cole Novak
Surf Old Man’s With Your Old Man
Take your dad for a nostalgic longboard session at Tourmaline Surf Park, where he can relive his ‘70s dawn patrol days. Before heading out, check the conditions by calling the San Diego Lifeguard surf report at 619-221-8824. Arrive at daybreak to avoid the crowds (and kooks) to score some quality wave time together.
Take Dad for a trolley tour of San Diego’s breweries and learn a bit about brewing along the way. The Beer Train Trolley Tour is five and a half hours and covers four breweries. For $126 per person, beer lovers can enjoy a crafted flight of four brews at each stop and learn about the behind-the-scenes brewing process. Guests must be at least 18-years old and 21 years and up to partake in the tasting.
Price: $126 per person
Father’s Day Gondola Ride
Take a Father’s Day Gondola and take a tour of the Coronado Cays. For $239, four passengers can embark on a 50-minute cruise while enjoying complimentary snacks and drinks like Ballast Point beer, Father’s Day heart-shaped meat from Manly Man Co., chocolates, and more.
Price: $239 for four people Address: 503 Grand Caribe Causeway Suite C, Coronado Hours: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Courtesy of Mission Bay Sportscenter
Sail Through Mission Bay
Start practicing your nautical knots and tacking before you embark on a day of sailing at Mission Bay. Sailors can get behind the wheel of a 16-foot Catalina sailboat from Mission Bay Sports Center for $35 per hour. If your sailing skills aren’t up to par, consider an afternoon on paddleboards, kayaks or pedal boats and save on the dramamine.
Address: 1010 Santa Clara Pl., Mission Beach Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See a Broadway Play at the Civic Theatre
If your father’s a live theater buff, the San Diego Civic Theatre is performing Broadway musicals year-round. This Father’s Day the theater will be presenting The Book of Mormon, the bitingly hilarious comedy from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to get yours early.
Price:Tickets starting at $61 Address: 1100 Third Ave, Downtown Time: Showtimes at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Address: La Jolla Open Aire – 7335 Girard Ave, La Jolla | Hillcrest Farmers Market – 1795 University Ave, Hillcrest Hours: La Jolla Open Aire – 9:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Hillcrest Farmers Market – 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Courtesy of Expedia
Sip on Gin Cocktails at Kate Sessions Park
We love a good reason to have a picnic at Kate Sessions. Head to your favorite grocery store (we love local faves People’s Co-Op and Baron’s) for sandwiches, chips, and treats then grab a bottle of Eden Mills gin along with tonic to enjoy a refreshing and light summer cocktail with pops under the SD sun.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
