Iconic Sights, Sounds, and Adventures in San Diego This Week

San Diego listeners looking for unforgettable things to do this week have plenty to choose from, ranging from iconic attractions to hidden gems only locals know about. Enjoy art and culture at Liberty Station’s ArtWalk 50th Anniversary, happening now through August 3, and featuring hundreds of local artists, street food, mural painting, and live bands according to the San Diego Foundation event calendar. If music excites you, Shaggy will perform at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park tonight, where listeners can catch reggae hits as the sun sets over San Diego Bay. Also, Frankie & the Witch Fingers bring their psychedelic garage rock to the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach—both venues are favorites among music lovers and offer stunning sound and atmosphere.

For sports fans, Petco Park hosts the San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals tonight at 6:40 pm, promising not just classic baseball but also panoramic city views and great local eats inside the stadium, as noted on TripAdvisor’s event listings. Those in search of unique nighttime fun can check out the PAC-MAN Pop-Up Cafe at Larry’s Deli, which is open all weekend and offers themed drinks, retro arcade games, and photo ops—an only-in-San-Diego experience for game fans of all ages.

Beachgoers and outdoor adventurers will love Silver Strand State Beach, located between Coronado and Imperial Beach. California State Parks notes that swimming, surfing, and kayaking are popular here, and through September 30, Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers chair, umbrella, and towel bundles whether listeners are resort guests or just passing through. For a tranquil coastal adventure, hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers sweeping ocean vistas, rare pine trees, and quiet trails perfect for photography and wildlife spotting, as highlighted by visitors on social channels.

A true family highlight is the San Diego Zoo inside Balboa Park, renowned for its lush botanical gardens, iconic pandas, and an aerial tram offering bird’s-eye city views. Balboa Park itself also includes museums like the San Diego Museum of Art, the Fleet Science Center, and the Spanish Village Art Center, where local artists showcase colorful works year-round. Over in Little Italy, the Mercato Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 8am–2pm; listeners can wander rows of fresh produce, try hand-made Italian pastries, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere while live musicians set the soundtrack.

Art lovers should not miss the Vintage Animation Show at Exclusive Collections Gallery in the Gaslamp Quarter, where rare original cels and sketches from classic cartoons are on display and for sale. For something more offbeat, the Water Stories photography exhibit at Photographers Eye Gallery and driven-to-abstraction paintings by the San Diego Watercolor Society offer inspiring views in centrally located arts districts.

Those craving outdoor adventure can venture to Palomar Mountain State Park north of the city, where hiking to Boucher Hill Summit, fishing for trout in Doane Pond, and stargazing at one of the highest points in San Diego County deliver a Sierra Nevada-like escape, according to Hipcamp camping guides. Surfing lessons, sunset kayaking, or snorkeling with leopard sharks is a must at La Jolla Cove, especially in late summer when the water is warm and clear and the cliffs glow gold as dusk falls.

This week, Tiki Oasis kicks off its 25th year on August 6—a wild blend of pool parties, fashion shows, live exotica bands, and vintage tiki dealers at one of the largest tiki-themed events in the world. For foodies, a Taste of Little Italy walking tour or the gourmet lineup at Lane Field Park Market with food trucks and live music this Saturday are prime options. And finally, for those who treasure maritime history, the USS Midway Museum offers self-guided tours of a historic aircraft carrier right on the harbor, where listeners can walk the flight...