From the smell of barbecue to the sights and sounds of a firework display, there’s a lot to get excited about this Memorial Day. The holiday falls on Monday, May 30 and San Diego is offering a variety of ways to honor the military and its veterans. Whether you’re looking for a somber service to honor your loved one or a lighthearted cap to your week, we’ve got you covered with activities hosted throughout San Diego this Memorial Day weekend.
See Also: The San Diego Culture and Philanthropic Events You Don't Want to Miss This Month
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10990 N Woodside Ave., Santee / Website
Head to the Santee Drive-In Theater on Monday, May 30, starting at 6:30 a.m., and join the San Diego Association of Car Clubs in exploring the cars of the day. Whether you’re in the market for a new ostentatious car, looking to sell, or simply love cars, the event is sure to be a vehicle-lover’s dream.
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500 SeaWorld Drive / Website
Enjoy magical, colorful SeaWorld fireworks all Memorial Day weekend long. There will be nightly shows Friday, May 27 through Monday, May 30. Gather your family or friends for some aquatic yet patriotic fun!
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Virtual / Website
Celebrate the military members who gave their lives to serve our country on Monday, May 30 with Fort Rosecrans. The virtual service will be live streamed starting at 10 a.m. on their website. This fort is a registered California historical landmark, so if the weather and your health allow, explore the site a bit and learn about its storied past.
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8715 Villa La Jolla Drive (UC Cyclery) / Website
Enjoy a scenic bike ride through Rose Canyon and up Soledad Mountain to view Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial on Monday, May 30 at 8:30 a.m. Then, ride along the coast until you reach Point Loma. The 40-mile bike ride will be led by experienced San Diego Bicycle Club members. Follow the club’s events on Facebook.
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6905 S La Jolla Scenic Drive / Website
Head to Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial on Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m. to celebrate the lost life of Marine Corps Major Megan McClung and veterans who have served and lost their lives before her. McClung was the first female Marine officer to be killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Guest speakers include Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland, a retired three-star Army general. There will also be live music, a wreath laying and a salute to missing military members.
Can’t make it in-person? No worries, the event will be live streamed on the memorial’s website.
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3829 29th St. / Website
Explore the shops and community of North Park with this special street festival on Monday, May 30. There will be live performances throughout the day and discounts at the majority of shops lining 30th Street. Visit their website for the full list of specials and discounts.
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Old Town San Diego / Website
Drink your way around San Diego with this fun-filled, comprehensive tequila tour on Monday, May 30 at 3 p.m., while also learning a bit about the area. The tour starts in Old Town San Diego, travels through key tequila establishments, and ends with guests being able to craft their own tequila draft at the iconic El Agave tequila museum, bar and restaurants. Tickets start at $89 and can be purchased here.
868 5th Ave. 3rd Floor / Website
Explore this spooky haunted tavern while sipping on themed cocktails and learning about the ghosts of the estate. There’s four parts to this interactive experience, all of which are inspired by Ichabod Crane and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. Hear all about San Diego’s haunted storied past while sipping your way through this haunted affair. Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased here.
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170 Eucalyptus Ave. #115, Vista / Website
Vista was once hailed as the “Strawberry Capital of the World” and now throws an annual festival celebrating the fruit. The family-friendly festival will be held on Sunday, May 29 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a full day’s worth of activities. There will be a 5K, kids’ runs, live entertainment, fabulous food and beverage vendors, and most importantly lots of strawberries!
Photography by: Justin Casey/ Unsplash
