The Headquarters
The historic headquarters of the San Diego Police Department has been transformed into a sophisticated, open-air center with more than 21 unique shops and restaurants. It’s also a lively social center with entertaining activities for all.
Kick start your weekend cardio with a free boot camp class with Jay’s Boot Camp. Jay, the official trainer for the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, and his team rev it up each Saturdays at 9 a.m. in the HQ courtyard during summer.
Yoga enthusiasts can salute the sun during the HQ’s free yoga classes in August. Grab a mat and a friend and be there Saturdays at 9 a.m. (Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29).
Feel the rhythm at Salsa Under the Stars and dance to the beats of the Manny Cepeda Orchestra on Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. (June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18).
Enjoy free flicks such as The Princess Bride and The Curse of the Black Pearl during the Swashbucking Summer Movie Series in the HQ courtyard. Grab a bite at Puesto, Eddie V’s, or Seasons 52 prior to the screening, or create your own picnic with tasty bites from Dallmann Chocolates and Venissimo Cheese (July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9).
Meet iconic surf photographer Aaron Chang at Ocean Arts Gallery—every Friday is Summer Art & Wine Night, while the first Thursday of each month is Meet the Artist Night, when guests hear the incredible stories behind Chang’s work, as told by the artist himself.
Seaport Village
Family Fun
KELLY FAJACK
Did you know Seaport Village was just named one of the top 10 best places to see street performers? Come enjoy this waterfront scene where you can fly a kite, rents boats, ride the historic carousel, savor seafood, sip craft brews, and more. Enjoy free concerts on Sundays at the East Plaza Gazebo (1 to 4 p.m.), live Greek music at Greek Islands Café (6 to 9 p.m.), and live jazz at Upstart Crow Coffee House (7 to 9 p.m.).
Dazzle the Kids
The action-packed County Waterfront Park hosts Friday evening flicks with food trucks, lawn games, obstacle courses, jumpy houses, playground fun, and more. Enjoy a sunset picnic and family-friendly Movies in the Park like The Book of Life (June 26), Goonies (Aug. 7), and ET (Sept. 4). Catch a special screening of Back to the Future on the USS Midway on July 3.
Immerse your small fry in interactive art projects at The New Children’s Museum, which hosts hands-on workshops, Toddler Time Fridays, and summer camps. Don’t miss the museum’s third annual Superheroes’ Night Out, a night of superhero-themed activities, dinner, dancing, and costume contests for the entire family.
Family Fun
For four fun-filled days, the city becomes SANDiego as 300 tons of sand land at the B Street cruise ship terminal pier, and world master sand sculptors from around the globe arrive for the ultimate competition—the U.S. Sand Sculpting Event and Dimensional Art Exposition (Sept. 4-7). Big bands, singers, dancers, circus performers, food trucks, artisan booths, and U.S. Olympic skill challenges add to the bayfront bash.
Summertime also means hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, and the Padres. Head to Petco Park for exciting home games, or enjoy a Padres Watch Party in the company of the Pad Squad, the town’s rabble-rousing rally group, at U.S. Bank’s downtown branch. Snacks, sweepstakes, and prizes too (Aug. 6, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).
Insider tip: Spend $25 on food and beverage at either Soleil @k or Latitude Lounge at the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter, and you can park for free (up to one hour before and after the Padres games), based on availability.
For more info on family fun in the City, please go to downtownsandiego.org
Family Fun
Superheroes’ Night Out
