San Diego Labor Day Weekend 2019 - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024

Summer may be almost over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Enjoy one last summer weekend in San Diego this Labor Day – we know you’ll have a blast. There is so much to do in San Diego this Labor Day weekend, from exciting attractions to local activities. If you’re looking for San Diego Labor Day Weekend 2019 ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in San Diego in September, including...

  • San Diego Zoo Nighttime Zoo
  • Summer Nights at SeaWorld
  • US Sand Sculpting Challenge
  • Kayak or bike ride on Coronado Island
  • And more!

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these San Diego attractions are included on the Go San Diego® pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the special events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Diego pass.

Electric Ocean at SeaWorld San Diego

June 15 - September 2, 2019 SeaWorld San Diego

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Watch as SeaWorld transforms after dark into an even more marvelous venue! Eight amazing experiences await for those eager to enjoy what SeaWorld San Diego has to offer this summer. For one, Cirque Electrique is an astounding performance featuring adventurous aerial performers. Then, if you love roller coasters, then Atlantis Ignites promises to delight. The park's signature coaster, Journey to Atlantis, will be illuminated with a projected map that creates a whole new level of adventure. Active guests will love "Club Current," an area dedicated to dancing among glimmering lights and imaginatively-named sea creatures like Cora del Fuego. Finally, keep an eye out the laser reef light show that concludes the evening. Getting In: SeaWorld tickets are included as an option on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go San Diego pass.

San Diego Zoo Nighttime Zoo

Late Summer 2019 (Exact Dates TBD) San Diego Zoo

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This fun and festive event is perfect for the kids. You’ll find everything from upbeat live music to great interactive activities for the little ones. Musical entertainment spans a variety of genres and themes, and is designed to be educational. Admission to Nighttime Zoo is included with regular Zoo admission, and also includes special pricing at vendors, and even some specialty arts and crafts. This special event series is also an opportunity for visitors to enjoy extended evening hours at their favorite zoo. Getting In: San Diego Zoo tickets are included on the Go San Diego pass.

US Sand Sculpting Challenge & Dimensional Art Exposition

August 31 - September 2, 2019 Broadway Pier and Pavillion

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Did you love building sand castles as a kid? Do you wish you could make those amazing sand sculptures to impress your kids? Take the whole family to the country’s largest Sand Sculpting Challenge this Labor Day for an explosion of creativity and fun. Master sculptors from all over the world will gather in San Diego to compete against American sculptors, so you know you’re in for some special treats. You’ll also find artwork for purchase, food trucks and beverage vendors, plus some live music. Make a whole day of it! Getting In: Admission to the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Diego pass. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, please visit the attraction website.

Belmont Park

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There are few things so quintessentially summer than amusement park rides. From Ferris wheels to teacups to roller coasters, we all have a favorite childhood memory. Fortunately, this exhilarating, classic theme park offers to cater to your nostalgia while helping your kids build their own favorite summertime memories. A few of the featured rides that visitors enjoy the most are the laser tag and laser maze, the rock wall, the sky ropes, and the zip line. There are also plenty of shops for souvenir-hunting and a couple of different dining venues to feed the family. A visit here will make sure your summer ends on a high note! Getting In: Belmont Park All Access Combo Passes are included on the Go San Diego pass.

Coronado Island

view-san-diego-california-coronado-island

What better way to celebrate summer than with a visit to one of the area’s most famous beach communities? Coronado Island has been a beach destination for generations (as the historic Hotel del Coronado attests) and is the perfect place for some leisurely sunbathing and a relaxing stroll on the boardwalk. There are several waterfront bike paths so there’s plenty to explore. Or, you can choose to rent a kayak and paddle around the beautiful coves and inlets of the San Diego area coastline. Getting In: Coronado Bike & Kayak rentals are included on the Go San Diego pass.

Historical Sights

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San Diego is full of history, especially in when it comes to military and scientific history. Get a glimpse of the past and the beauties of nature at the Cabrillo National Monument, alongside the historic Point Loma light. The monument honors Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, who arrived at what is now San Diego Bay in September of 1542. The hike up to the monument is also an energizing way to make the most of an afternoon. Or, pay a visit to the USS Midway Museum and enjoy one of the city’s most popular attractions as you explore their historical offerings. This retired aircraft carrier-turned-museum is a favorite with kids and showcases San Diego's significant role in the global history of human conflict. Getting In: USS Midway Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego pass. Admission to Cabrillo National Monument is free.

Whale Watch at Newport Landing

Board a ship and embark on a voyage over the open water to seek out San Diego's most famous marine denizens -- whales! A whale watch is a convenient and exciting way to see these astonishing animals and is sure to make the end of summer special. Newport Landing is located next to one of the largest marine sanctuaries in California, with over 75 square miles of protected waters and coast. The marine park ensures that the rich ecosystem and its mammals will be in place for generations to come. As a result, you're sure to see plenty of whales on your trip: don't forget that camera! Getting In: Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruises-Newport Landing tickets are included on the Go San Diego pass.

Seaport Village

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One of the most charming neighborhoods in San Diego is the delightful Seaport Village. Filled with boutique and chain shops, delicious waterfront restaurants, and frequent, free outdoor entertainment, Seaport Village is a must-visit destination for travelers to San Diego this summer. Look out for special events that may be occurring during Labor Day weekend, such as musical performances by well-regarded local groups. Getting In: Admission to Seaport Village is free.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in San Diego in September to help you plan your Labor Day weekend itinerary. Remember, some of these great attraction options are included on the Go San Diego pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Labor Day weekend events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Diego pass. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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San Diego in July

July is a great time to visit San Diego, as the summer season gets into full swing and festivals, concerts and outdoor events pop up across the city. The weather is balmy, the sea shimmers invitingly, and there’s a festive holiday atmosphere in the air. Sure, it can also get busy as vacationers arrive in search of sun-kissed sands, swoonsome sunsets and some of the best beer in the States but, well, this laidback buzzy beach town is no LA or Miami in that regard. Read on for our guide to visiting this SoCal stunner in summer, plus all the best things to do in San Diego in July… Visiting San Diego in July Temperature: 66-75°F • Average Rainfall: 1 day/month • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day Leave the umbrella at home and pack light for July trips to San Diego. We’re talking linens and cottons – think floaty summer frocks, shorts, tees and open toes. 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We’re talking SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Belmont Park, whale-watching cruises, and many more.  Find out more about Go San Diego pass options, and get yours here. Things to do in San Diego in July July 4th Fireworks If you’re in town early in the month, you won’t want to miss the multiple firework extravaganzas that light the night sky on the fourth of July. Hit up Mission Bay or Coronado for some of the best views in town. San Diego Pride The hip Hillcrest neighborhood is where it’s at for all things Pride. Expect colorful rainbow flags galore, plus processions, parades and an epic weekend-long festival in Balboa Park, featuring drag pageants, international DJs and lots and lots of dancing. Read our guide to San Diego’s July Pride events here.  Baseball Season Cheer on local heroes the San Diego Padres at their home in Petco Park. Baseball season is already in full glorious swing in July and, well, can you really say you’ve been to San Diego if you haven’t seen the Padres in action? 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Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Lifeguard station on a San Diego beach
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Is San Diego Safe?

San Diego’s golden beaches, fine museums, world-class attractions and buzzing nightlife mean you’ll never struggle for something to do in the town they call America's Finest City. From picnicking at the botanical gardens in Balboa Park to meeting curious critters at SeaWorld, riding the 100-year-old rollercoaster at Mission Beach and sipping fresh beer in the city’s famed taprooms, there really is something for everyone here. But is San Diego safe for tourists? Read on to find out more... How Safe is San Diego? Regularly ranked among the 20 safest cities in the country, and named the safest big city in the US by the FBI in 2017, thanks to its lower than national average crime rate, it’s fair to say San Diego is a pretty decent bet for a worry-free vacation. This is a city where violent crime is rare, if not entirely unheard of, and where you’re more likely to get a nasty sunburn than become a victim of crime. So far so safe, but as with most major cities there will always be an element of petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, with tourists inevitably providing the easiest pickings for opportunistic thieves. And while Downtown areas are mostly ok, the likes of the East Village does have a slightly higher crime rate than the Gaslamp Quarter or waterfront Embarcadero due to its large number of nightlife venues and other businesses, including the Petco Park stadium, home of the Padres baseball team. To prevent a tiny minority of crooks and criminals from spoiling your trip, you should follow a few basic precautions such as staying alert to shifty looking characters and generally trying not to walk around with a flashing neon sign above your head that alerts would-be thieves to your status as a walking, talking ATM. Tips for Staying Safe in San Diego Opportunists after a quick buck will tend to ply their trade in and around the biggest attractions, especially where crowds of tourists make it easier to become invisible and disappear fast. Avoid being a victim by keeping your wits about you around the likes of San Diego Zoo and Balboa’s Park’s other big hitters, such as the San Diego Museum of Art and Air and Space Museum. San Diego is a party town with bustling street markets in the likes of Hillcrest and Ocean Beach, a thriving nightlife scene and major annual festivals that draw hordes of revelers from around the world, including the annual Oktoberfest, Pride parade, Comic-Con and County Fair. All of these are prone to creating the kinds of crowd that are so beloved of petty crooks. Scams like ‘friendly helpers’ hanging around ATMs or people offering to take a nice souvenir photo of you with your or smartphone may seem obvious, but the element of surprise often pays off as, flustered and embarrassed, you willingly hand over your expensive camera equipment only to look on helplessly as it vanishes into the crowd. In the unlikely event you do lose your valuables to a bag snatcher, scammer or pickpocket, don’t try to give chase – it’s not worth it. Instead, report the incident to police, put it down to experience and try not to let it spoil the rest of your trip. Oh, and make sure you get travel insurance before you go on vacation! It’s also worth remembering that, as long as you take reasonable precautions such as keeping cash and valuables out of sight, being alert to lurkers at ATMs and not falling for obvious scams, it’s likely the worst thing that will happen to you in San Diego is waking up with a sore head after one too many of the city’s famous craft beers. Or coming out in lobster-red blotches after inexpertly applying your sunscreen. Staying Safe in the San Diego Sun San Diego is an outdoorsy kind of city, with a warm Mediterranean climate, some great canyons and nature reserves for hiking, and some of the best beaches in California. So it’s inevitable you’ll spend a fair bit of time in the sunshine, whether baking on La Jolla’s golden sands or exploring the many museums and gardens in sprawling Balboa Park. Simple precautions like slapping on the sunscreen and drinking plenty of water cover most of the bases, but it’s also worth packing a good moisturizer, especially in autumn when the hot, arid Santa Ana winds are at their most punishing. If you’re hitting the beach and feel like cooling off in the water, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the warning flags and their meanings. Red means no swimming; checkered marks the boundary separating surfing and swimming areas and yellow with a black ball in the center means no surfing. Riptides are not uncommon along this stretch of the California coast so make sure to swim only where there are lifeguards present. In the event you’re caught in a riptide, remember to swim sideways through the water, parallel to the shore, then diagonally towards the beach once free. Above all, stay calm. La Jolla Shores, South Mission Beach and Coronado Central Beach are some of the safest beaches for swimming, especially if you’re traveling with young kids. Nighttime Safety in San Diego San Diego is generally safe at night, even for solo and female travelers. Thanks to good street lighting and visible policing, even the Downtown neighborhood is largely trouble-free. But, like everywhere else, it pays to take sensible precautions such as dropping friends and family a note of your plans if you’re going out alone at night and avoiding trouble hotspots like quiet streets and late-night public transport. San Diego’s nightlife is the stuff of legend. Late-night taprooms and dive bars jockey for position with classy rooftop cocktail joints, comedy clubs and music venues galore. There is, truly, never a dull moment here. Do drink in moderation, especially if you’re on your own, and don’t accept offers of drinks from charming strangers. By all means you should make new friends in this most sociable of cities, but it’s always safer to politely decline the free drink and pay for your own until you’re certain your new pal or pals can be trusted. If they’re genuine, they’re unlikely to be offended. Ideally take a cab home rather than using public transport at night. Apps like Uber and Lyft operate in San Diego, or hail a yellow cab. Check for the San Diego County identification badge and be sure to ask your driver to start the meter when you hop in. Save on things to do in San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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