Fleet Week Lasts a Month in San Diego – Best Western Plus Island Palms

San Diego is a naval city, and Fleet Week, which honors members of the navy, marine corps, and coast guard, lasts a whole month long. Here’s your guide to all the events that take place on the land, in the sea, and in the air.

Mingle With the Military

Enlisted men and women are the heart, soul, and strength of the American military. Join in honoring 200 enlistees who’ve made outstanding contributions at a recognition luncheon.

Regret not enlisting, or still considering it? Test your mettle in the MCRD Boot Camp Challenge, an obstacle course with real marine corps drill instructors providing instruction and encouragement. There’s a post-race party to celebrate your conquering the challenges.

Fleet Week Football

The San Diego State Aztecs will play at Qualcomm Stadium in a game honoring the Coast Guard. There’ll be flyovers and parachutists, with military bands providing the half-time entertainment.

Head to Miramar for the Air Show featuring top military flying teams like the Blue Angels, plus demonstrations of technology like the vertical take-off and landing Harrier and Osprey.

Parade of Ships

The Fleet Week Sea and Air Parade takes place all along San Diego’s coastline. See if you can distinguish a cruiser from a destroyer from a frigate; the submarines, of course, are distinctive. Along with the ships come the aircraft, both vintage and contemporary. There’ll be ship tours to let you get on board and explore.

Fast Cars

The Naval Air Station on Coronado is home to the Speed Festival, called the “Race at the Base.” Vintage cars go all out on a track constructed from the base’s runways.

Historic Cabrillo Festival

The first European explorers in California came ashore on the San Diego coastline. The Cabrillo Festival reenacts that landing and celebrates the Native American, Mexican, Spanish, and Portuguese cultures that came together during the Age of Exploration.

Your Base for Fleet Week

Best Western Island Palms is located right along the waterfront, an ideal setting for enjoying the ships and activities of Fleet Week. Our location makes it easy to get to San Diego’s attractions all year long, so whatever brings you to town, staying with us is comfortable, convenient, and close to where you want to be.