Island Palms Team Shares Their Favorite San Diego Holiday Traditions
01 Dec 2025
Island Palms Team Shares Their Favorite San Diego Holiday Traditions
By Best Western Island Palms Hotel
The holidays in San Diego are all about sunshine, waterfront views, and one-of-a-kind local traditions. From festive boat parades to sparkling New Year’s celebrations, our Best Western Island Palms PLUS Hotel & Marina team knows how to celebrate the season island-style. We sat down with a few team members to chat about their favorite San Diego holiday traditions, must-see holiday lights, and how they like to ring in the New Year. Here’s what they had to say.
Favorite San Diego Holiday Traditions
Q: What are your favorite San Diego–specific holiday traditions? Joey: I love checking out the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Liberty Station. It’s such a great place to get into the holiday spirit, and there’s so much to do around there. It really feels like a two-for-one experience.
Chef Andrew: Definitely Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo. Seeing all the holiday lights while walking through the zoo and spotting the animals makes it such a unique and festive experience.
Best Places in San Diego to See Holiday Lights
Q: Where is your favorite place in San Diego to see holiday lights? Chef Andrew: Shelter Island during the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is my favorite. Watching the boats cruise by all lit up with creative themes is amazing, and this year’s theme is Out of This World, so I’m especially excited. Here at Blue Wave Bar & Grill, we also celebrate with our own Parade of Flights during the Parade of Lights, featuring wine flights, beer flights, or appetizer flights, which is perfect for the holidays.
Maria: I love going to Coronado to go ice skating and walk through the neighborhoods to see all the Christmas lights. It’s super fun and feels very classic holiday.
Ringing in the New Year in San Diego
Q: Where is your favorite place in San Diego to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Joey: Downtown San Diego is always my go-to. The restaurants, bars, and clubs usually bring in great lineups and big-name DJs, so there’s always something exciting happening.
Maria: My favorite New Year’s Eve plans are getting all dressed up, super sparkly for the new year, and going to a harbor bay dinner cruise. It’s such a fun and memorable way to celebrate.
Chef Andrew: I love being by the water to ring in the New Year. It’s very calming to see the lights reflect on the bay, and afterwards, you can always come to Blue Wave for a champagne toast.
New Year’s Resolutions, San Diego-Style
Q: What are your New Year’s resolutions? Maria: Traveling more and getting out of my comfort zone. I really want to try kayaking in La Jolla Cove. It’s been on my bucket list for a while.
Joey: I’ve been meaning to go to a San Diego Gulls game at the Sports Arena, and I also want to finally go whale watching with Next Level Sailing.
Chef Andrew: Traveling more for sure. I already have a trip planned to Japan next year, so I’m very excited.
From festive waterfront views to easy access to San Diego’s best holiday events, Island Palms Hotel & Marina is the perfect home base for the season. Whether you’re here for the Parade of Lights, our Christmas Dinner at Blue Wave Bar & Grill, or a relaxing New Year’s getaway by the bay, our team is always ready to help you make the most of your stay. Happy Holidays from all of us at Island Palms.
01 Oct 2025
San Diego’s Fall Festivals & Autumnal Events
By Best Western Island Palms Hotel
Fall is one of the best times to experience San Diego, with sunshine-filled days, fewer crowds, and a calendar packed with festivals and seasonal events. Whether you’re planning a romantic couple’s getaway, a fun family vacation, or a business trip with a little downtime, autumn in San Diego offers something for everyone.
Our tropically-inspired hotel, Best Western PLUS Island Palms, is your ideal home base for a fall stay on Shelter Island. Enjoy resort-style amenities including a private marina, two sparkling pools and spas, an onsite restaurant, complimentary bike rentals, tennis, pickleball, and a full calendar of activities.
To help you make the most of the season, we’ve put together a guide to the top fall festivals, events, and things to do near our San Diego hotel. Check it out and start planning your perfect autumn escape by the bay.
Looking for the perfect night out this fall, while the air is crisp but still warm? Head just across the street to our sister property for dinner and live music by the water. Start the evening at Humphreys SoCal Dining & Music, where you’ll enjoy marina views, fresh coastal cuisine, craft cocktails, and local beers. Then stroll over to Humphreys Concerts by the bay, Shelter Island’s iconic waterfront concert series, featuring big-name acts under the stars all season long. Check the fall schedule and make plans for a memorable night of dining, music, and bayfront views — just steps from your stay.
Every October in San Diego, thanks to the San Diego Tourism Authority’s citywide Kids Free October campaign, children 12 and under enjoy free admission to over 50 attractions across the city. From LEGOLAND and the San Diego Zoo to SeaWorld and museums in Balboa Park, there is plenty of FREE fun to be had this fall for kids.
At Best Western Island Palms, the fun doesn’t stop when the day ends — kids stay FREE all month long and eat FREE at Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Check out all the fun we're having in October! With our bayside pools, pickleball courts, and waterfront location on Shelter Island, Island Palms is the perfect family-friendly home base for your San Diego fall getaway.
San Diego Farmers Markets
This autumn, visit the local farmers' markets in San Diego for a truly wonderful outdoor experience. The Little Italy Mercato and Ocean Beach Farmers Market (located just minutes from the Best Western Island Palms), offer fresh fall produce, tasty street food, and amazing handmade crafts from local vendors. With various oceanfront locations, it's the perfect activity to mingle with locals, take in a stunning evening sunset, and take home a unique souvenir from your San Diego vacay!
Ocean Beach Farmers Market (3.6 Miles from Hotel) One of the largest in San Diego, Ocean Beach Farmers Market is located on the streets around Newport and leads directly to the beach. Visitors will find over 100 vendors with a variety of food from local chefs, handmade artisan gifts, flowers, and plants, along with llama rides for the kids, as well as live bands and musicians performing weekly. Hours: Wednesday: 4 to 8 PM (April - September), Wednesday: 4 to 7 PM (October - March)
Little Italy Mercato (5.0 Miles to Hotel) This celebrated farmers market offers over 200 vendors with everything from fresh fruits and vegetables and artisanal goods to honey, homemade candies, delicious sauces, olive oil, and more! Located in Little Italy, visitors will experience culinary excellence and a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere perfect for experiencing the traditions and food of the Italian culture. Hours: Saturday: 8AM to 2PM, Wednesday: 9:30AM to 1:30PM
Just over the bridge from Best Western Island Palms, Liberty Station is one of San Diego’s most vibrant waterfront destinations. Once a historic naval training center, it has transformed into a lively hub for dining, arts, and entertainment. Stroll through art galleries, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, or shop local finds at the Public Market. In the fall, Liberty Station comes alive with seasonal celebrations like Día de los Muertos, outdoor movie nights, and artisan markets — making it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon or evening during your San Diego getaway.
Oktoberfest in Ocean Beach brings authentic Bavarian traditions to the coast, just 10 minutes from our hotel. Sip craft beer, savor German fare, and enjoy lively entertainment while taking part in quirky contests like stein-holding challenges and sausage tosses. With so much to see and do, this one-of-a-kind San Diego fall festival is an event you won’t want to miss. Added bonus? It's located right at the boardwalk along the ocean. Beers by the beach? Nothing says San Diego more than that.
SeaWorld Spooktacular is San Diego’s favorite family-friendly Halloween celebration, drawing locals and visitors alike each fall. Enjoy festive costumes, trick-or-treating, and seasonal shows that offer fun for kids of all ages. Just a short drive from Best Western Island Palms, it’s the perfect way to add a little spooky excitement to your fall getaway.
Just across the bay from Shelter Island, San Diego’s annual Fleet Week celebrates the city’s proud naval heritage. Enjoy ship tours, thrilling flyovers, and family-friendly activities along the Embarcadero, all while honoring the service and history of our military. It’s a beloved local tradition and a must-see fall event in San Diego.
October brings baseball fever to San Diego as the Padres make their postseason push. Catch the action live at Petco Park, where the energy and atmosphere are unmatched, or join fellow fans at one of the nearby sports bars to cheer on the home team and soak up the game day excitement.
The San Diego Zoo comes alive after dark during its annual HalGLOWeen event, featuring dazzling lights, live performers, and festive music. Perfect for families during Kids Free October, this nighttime adventure offers fun for all ages. Don your favorite costume and experience one of San Diego’s most exciting fall events.
Are You Ready to Plan Your Fall Escape to San Diego?
Fall is one of the best times to visit San Diego, and the Best Western PLUS Island Palms Hotel & Marina is the perfect home base. With pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a full lineup of fall festivals and seasonal activities, there’s no better time to explore the city. Enjoy resort-style amenities on-site and the convenience of being close to all the top fall attractions in San Diego.
Plan your autumn getaway today and experience the best of the Southern California coast at the Best Western Island Palms. Take advantage of our special deals to save on your stay while enjoying the perks you deserve — because fall in San Diego is truly unforgettable.
