Sunny Delights, Equestrian Excitement, and Coastal Creativity: A San Diego Summer Sampler

Anyone seeking memorable things to do in San Diego this week is entering a playground brimming with sun, culture, culinary exploration, and surprises at every turn. Today, July 18th, marks the much-anticipated Opening Day of the Del Mar Horse Races north of downtown San Diego. According to Go Visit San Diego, this annual event is every bit as social as it is thrilling for equestrian fans, where attendees vie for the boldest hats and a festive atmosphere reigns through September 7th. Del Mar Fairgrounds is just 20 miles out, and tickets grant access to the excitement, special lounges, and post-race parties.

Music lovers are in luck: Friday night, there’s live performance by Rachel Jay at Mission Bay Resort. For a smooth jazz fix, Studio Sessions: Jazz Nights hit Logan Avenue next week, while local coffee shops and seaside venues like Baba Coffee regularly host live musicians, offering listeners a laid-back way to close out a coastal day, per DoSD.

Art enthusiasts can join hands-on workshops at the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library this week, including relief sculpture or Friday Writers literary classes. For a communal creative buzz, Swing by Studio Door for the “Summer at The Studio Door: Still Life & Landscapes” exhibit. Meanwhile, the Photographers Eye Gallery hosts “Water Stories,” an intriguing look at aquatic themes through photographers’ lenses.

Families or those wanting to connect with their inner child can head to La Jolla’s Birch Aquarium for sea life exploration, or grab a Go City San Diego pass to combine trips to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, and interactive museum tours. Watersports rentals are abundant—try kayaking around La Jolla Cove, recommended by Expedia for seeing sea lions and jaw-dropping coastline up close. Pro tip: surfing lessons on La Jolla Shores or at Encinitas’ Swami’s Beach are a rite of passage.

For an outdoor movie night, North City hosts a free screening of Disney’s “Finding Nemo” this evening, perfect for families. Adventure-seekers can explore Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for hiking with stunning Pacific views, or play a memorable round at the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course, one of California’s premier coastal golf spots.

Don’t miss culinary adventures like ravioli-making classes at Mission Brewery East Village, the vibrant La Mesa Farmers Market, or the Vista Vegan Night Market at Local Roots Kombucha. This weekend brings the Del Mar Beer Festival, where listeners can sample local brews, ciders, and seltzers—a unique conflux of sports and culinary delight, as reported by 10News. Côta Vera Food Truck Friday, with live music at Central Square Park, brings together tasty eats and local sounds every Friday evening.

For those craving something local and unique, Point Loma Summer Concerts at Point Loma Community Park and artisan markets in Little Italy’s Piazza della Famiglia offer community vibes, street food, and handmade goods.

If you’re staying for the weekend, Saturday’s San Diego Pride Festival in Balboa Park features performances, artists, food vendors, and a celebration of diversity that pulls locals and visitors alike into one of summer’s can’t-miss happenings. Or, for a taste of cross-cultural camaraderie, the 5th Annual Filipino American Friendship Festival in Liberty Station brings together food, music, and art from one of San Diego’s vibrant communities.

Beyond the bustle, San Diego is filled with secret gems like Bird Rock and Windansea Beach for quieter stretches of sand and spectacular sunsets. Book a speedboat adventure, or wander through UC San Diego’s eucalyptus groves and the Stuart Collection’s outdoor sculptures.

Day trips from San Diego unleash new flavors and environments: consider a Catalina Island boat ride with chances for snorkeling and falconry, the art-and-nature fusion of Joshua Tree, or surf and shop at Carlsbad or Encinitas’ Beacon’s...