Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.
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Whale watching
Mid-December to mid-April. Annual migration by thousands of gray whales from their summer feeding grounds in Alaska to winter breeding lagoons in Baja, California. Once on the road to extinction, view the whales from the shore at Point Loma or take a whale watching tour. http://aquarium.ucsd.edu
U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition
Mid-July. In Imperial Beach, the last coastal town before the border, a parade and children’s sand castle contest is conducted on Saturday. The main competition is Sunday, and large, often complex structures are judged. tel. +1 619 424 6663. www.usopensandcastle.com
Thoroughbred Racing Season
Mid-July to early-September. “The turf meets the surf” in Del Mar at Bing Crosby’s 1937 racetrack, with handsome Spanish Mission-style architecture. tel. +1 858 792 4242. www.delmarracing.com
San Diego LGBT Pride
Mid-July. The fifth largest gay pride gathering in the country starts in Hillcrest with a Saturday morning parade, then shifts to Balboa Park for an annual fair commemorating the struggle for LGBT rights. Food, music performances, and elaborate costumes. tel. +1 619 297 7683. www.sdpride.org
Comic-Con International
Late July. Since 1970, this four-day convention held downtown draws comic book, sci-fi, and movie fans from around the world. Many of the 125,000 attendees come in costume for sneak previews of Hollywood films and panels with high-profile creative types. Tip: Day passes sell out weeks in advance, as do downtown hotels. tel. +1 619 491 2475. www.comic-con.org
