How to Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego

San Diego’s coastal setting, endless outdoor activities, and famously mild weather make it a top destination year-round. Memorial Day Weekend, though, feels like the unofficial start of summer. The energy picks up, the days stretch a little longer, and the city comes alive with events, waterfront activities, and ways to get outside.

Staying with us here at Best Western PLUS Island Palms Hotel & Marina on Shelter Island puts you right in the middle of it all, while still feeling tucked away. With views of the marina, easy access to the bay, and close proximity to downtown, beaches, and top attractions, it is the perfect home base for a long weekend. Whether you’re heading out to explore or relaxing by the water, here are some of the best ways to spend Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego.

Stay and Play at Island Palms Hotel & Marina

You don’t have to leave the property to enjoy a great Memorial Day Weekend. Best Western PLUS Island Palms Hotel & Marina offers plenty of ways to relax and stay active right on Shelter Island. Take a ride along the bay with onsite bike rentals, or spend some time on the pickleball and tennis courts. Cool off in one of the two outdoor pools, unwind in the jacuzzi, or simply enjoy the marina views and laid-back waterfront setting. Whether you’re looking to stay active or just take it easy, it’s all right here - check out our full list of on-site amenities to enjoy during the long weekend in San Diego!

Visit Our Beautiful Beaches

(Photo: Thomas De Wever)

San Diego is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, and Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to soak up some sun and surf along our more than 70 miles of coastline. Some of the most popular beaches in the city include nearby Ocean Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Mission Beach. These oceanfront spots offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and picnics. Looking for a quieter beach experience? Head to the North County beaches such as Carlsbad Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach. No matter where you go, just be sure to pack sunscreen and an umbrella and arrive early to stake out a spot — the beaches are particularly popular this time of year.

Attend a Memorial Day Ceremony

Although Memorial Day weekend is a great time to enjoy a picnic or family outing, it’s important to remember that it’s also an occasion to honor and remember those who have served in the military and given their lives for their country. Since San Diego has a deep and longstanding history with the armed services, there are several ceremonies throughout the city to commemorate the day. The USS Midway Museum, Veterans Museum at Balboa Park and Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial are all great locations to attend such events. And calling all Military personnel: check here for some fun and free things for service members to discover over the holiday. 

Outdoor Dining With A View

Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to take advantage of San Diego’s coastal weather, and there’s no better way to do it than from a restaurant with a view. Whether you’re catching sunset or heading out for a casual night, many offer ocean views, fresh air, and a lively atmosphere. Head to Cannonball in Mission Beach for panoramic ocean views and sushi, or check out The Nolen downtown for skyline scenery and craft cocktails. Kettner Exchange in Little Italy is another favorite, known for its vibrant rooftop and great food and drinks. Looking to stay close to the hotel? Our very own Blue Wave Bar & Grill offers delicious coastal California cuisine, tropical craft cocktails, and beautiful bay views, just steps from your guest room!

Explore Old Town (4.2 Miles to Hotel)

Old Town San Diego is the birthplace of California. Right here is where the first European settlers established the earliest missions in the 1500s. As such, it’s home to many historic buildings, heritage sites and landmarks. The area is also known for its cultural depth, boasting some of the best Mexican restaurants and shops in the city. Old Town is also the place to go for many regular festivals featuring traditional music, dancing, and food.

Stop by SeaWorld San Diego (5.0 Miles to Hotel)

SeaWorld San Diego is a great option over Memorial Day Weekend, especially for families looking to mix entertainment with time outdoors. The park continues to add new attractions and experiences, along with its signature animal encounters and live shows. During the holiday weekend, guests can also enjoy seasonal entertainment and nighttime fireworks, making it easy to spend a full day at the park. SeaWorld also offers special military savings through its Waves of Honor program, giving active-duty service members and their families a chance to visit at little to no cost.

Visit Balboa Park (5.4 Miles to Hotel)

Ask any local for their list of must-see spots in San Diego, and iconic Balboa Park will be on nearly everyone’s list — and rightly so. Balboa Park is in many ways the cultural heart of San Diego. At 1,200 acres of lush green space, Balboa Park is perfect for picnics, brimming with public art, and home to a wide variety of restaurants, museums, and other attractions. There’s just always something amazing happening, so enjoying a little outdoor recreation here is sure to be a memorable experience. Check their events calendar to see what’s going on over the holiday weekend (up to and including special offers for service personnel).  

Beachfront Fun at Belmont Park (7.2 Miles to Hotel)

Belmont Park is a classic San Diego stop over Memorial Day Weekend, especially if you are looking for a fun afternoon by the ocean. Located right on Mission Beach, the beachfront amusement park comes alive during holiday weekends with rides, arcade games, oceanfront dining, and a lively boardwalk atmosphere. Spend the day riding the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, grabbing a drink near the beach, and soaking up the start-of-summer energy along the coast. You can also head just down the boardwalk to FIT Social, where live DJ sets and concerts are planned throughout Memorial Day Weekend, adding even more energy to the beachfront scene.

Memorial Day Weekend Fun Starts At Island Palms

Reserving a stay at Best Western PLUS Island Palms puts you right in the center of these great Memorial Day goings-on. Plus, you’ll find excellent rates, guest-first amenities and stellar service right here. Start your planning at our exclusive specials and offers page (which includes our Military Appreciation offer), but don’t wait — our spaces fill up quickly every year. So you’ll want to book your stay soon and save extra before we sell out! 

Your Guide to San Diego Beaches for Labor Day Weekend

Nothing says San Diego summer quite like a beach day — and Labor Day weekend is your last big chance to soak up the sun before fall rolls in (although that's when locals' summer truly begins!). Whether you want peaceful bayside vibes or energetic oceanfront fun, San Diego’s beaches deliver something for everyone. Even better, many of the best are just minutes from us here at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina on Shelter Island.

Pack your sunscreen, grab your flip flops, and get ready to explore some of the finest beaches the city has to offer. Here are our top picks, listed from closest to furthest from your room or suite at our San Diego waterfront hotel.

Shelter Island Shoreline Park and Beach (0.2 Miles from Hotel)

Step outside and you’ll find Shelter Island Shoreline Park — a serene bayside escape perfect for starting your Labor Day weekend. This peaceful spot offers walking paths that hug the water’s edge, picnic areas shaded by palm trees, and stunning views of the marina and downtown San Diego skyline. While it’s not technically a beach, it’s a fantastic place to enjoy a morning coffee, a sunset stroll, or a relaxing picnic with friends and family.

Ocean Beach (4.6 Miles from Hotel)

Ocean Beach boasts a laid-back, bohemian vibe that’s perfect for those seeking a more eclectic beach day. Known for its dog-friendly shore and the longest concrete pier on the West Coast, OB invites you to browse unique surf shops, grab a fish taco from a local favorite, and watch surfers catch waves. Labor Day weekend here feels like a true local’s celebration — casual, friendly, and full of good energy.

Crown Point Shores (6.1 Miles from Hotel)

Located on the shores of Mission Bay, Crown Point Shores is a family favorite thanks to its calm waters and wide sandy beaches. There’s plenty of grassy space for lawn games, playgrounds for the little ones, and picnic areas perfect for Labor Day cookouts. Whether you’re swimming, kayaking, or just soaking in the sun, this spot offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the holiday weekend.

Mission Beach (6.2 Miles from Hotel)

Mission Beach is the quintessential Southern California beach experience, full of action and energy. Spend your Labor Day riding the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Park, renting bikes or rollerblades along the lively boardwalk, or simply lounging on the sand with the ocean breeze. With plenty of casual dining options and vibrant nightlife nearby, Mission Beach offers a full day of fun for all ages.

Pacific Beach (8.3 Miles from Hotel)

Pacific Beach — or “PB” as locals call it — is the spot for lively holiday fun with a youthful vibe. Its bustling boardwalk is lined with volleyball courts, restaurants, and bars, creating the perfect mix of beach time and social scene. Spend your day soaking up the sun on the wide sandy beach, then stick around for a sunset happy hour or beachfront bonfire to close out your Labor Day weekend.

La Jolla Shores (14.2 Miles from Hotel)

For a more scenic and adventurous beach day, La Jolla Shores offers a stunning mile-long stretch of soft sand and calm water. It’s a favorite for kayaking through sea caves, snorkeling with colorful marine life, and spotting the famous sea lions lounging nearby. Combine your beach day with a visit to La Jolla Cove or the quaint shops and eateries of the village for a full, memorable Labor Day getaway.

Plan Your San Diego Beach Getaway

From calm bayside parks to bustling oceanfront beaches, San Diego has the perfect beach for every kind of Labor Day weekend. Book your stay at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina and enjoy easy access to all these top spots — plus beautiful waterfront views, marina amenities, and cozy suites just steps from the water.

Make your Labor Day weekend last a little longer — your perfect beach escape to sunny San Diego awaits!

4th of July San Diego Festivities: Where to Watch Fireworks and Celebrate

Are you ready for the biggest July 4^th celebration and fireworks display in the U.S.? We are…and we would love to invite you to celebrate with us at the Best Western Island Palms in San Diego this summer.

We will welcome you to Island Palms with friendly aloha, a tiki torch entrance, and palm tree greeting from our tropically inspired Shelter Island hotel in the heart of San Diego's Hawaiian Isle.

Our near-perfect waterfront Shelter Island location is the best place to be for all the exciting 4^th of July San Diego celebrations! And since Independence Day falls on a Friday this year (Yay!), it is the perfect reason to turn it into a weekend full of festivities, including exciting fireworks in San Diego at the Big Bay Boom on Friday night!  Make plans to spend Saturday exploring the local shops and walking paths around Shelter Island, then head to one of our amazing beaches for an afternoon or sunset adventure! Sleep in a bit on Sunday morning, then enjoy an amazing brunch at our onsite Blue Wave Bar & Grill followed by a relaxing pool day soaking in the California sunshine.

And… You will be just minutes from the most popular attractions like Sea World and the San Diego Zoo! Guests will also enjoy Island Palm’s resort-style amenities that include pools, tennis courts, hot tubs, and a poolside fireplace with cocktails.

Best Fireworks for 4^th of July San Diego Celebrations

Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show - Celebrate this July 4^th with the biggest fireworks display in Southern California at the Big Bay Boom celebration. The festivities kick off on Friday, July 4 for this popular holiday event. Shelter Island is the best place to see the Big Bay Boom 4^th of July San Diego fireworks, making the Best Western Island Palms the perfect place to stay! 

This spectacular Big Bay Boom 4th of July celebration is one you won’t soon forget. It is a perfectly choreographed 17-minute firework show that will be discharged simultaneously from several barges off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Seaport Village, Embarcadero South, Marina Park, and Coronado Ferry Landing. And the best part is that Best Western Island Palms guests staying with us for Independence Day can watch this stunning display just a few steps from their Shelter Island hotel!

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your fireworks San Diego experience at the Big Boom Bay celebration.

Tips for 4^th of July Fireworks San Diego Big Boom Bay Show

• Grab dinner or drinks at the hotel at the Blue Wave Bar & Grill before the fireworks show
• Plan to arrive early, as there will be a large crowd
• Parking will be limited, so consider a rideshare or walking the short distance from the Best Western Island Palms
• It’s a good idea to bring chairs or blankets to view the fireworks display and find the perfect, grassy spot along the shoreline.

SeaWorld San Diego Fireworks Celebration

Celebrate 4^th of July San Diego style at SeaWorld, with their annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks display. Happening from June 30–July 4, guests will enjoy spectacular fireworks that are synchronized to a festive musical score with a good mix of exciting pyrotechnics! SeaWorld San Diego offers one of the best fireworks experiences and shows in the area, and you won’t want to miss it! Show your patriotic spirit and be delighted by the dazzling fireworks display, which is free with admission to SeaWorld San Diego! This stunning display is sure to please as it illuminates SeaWorld’s skyline and captivates visitors with glowing flames, spectacular sparks, and plenty of holiday surprises. SeaWorld San Diego has two nights of fireworks at the San Diego park – Thursday, July 3, and Friday July 4. These exciting firework displays begin around 9PM and can be viewed from all around the expansive SeaWorld San Diego park. In addition to the spectacular fireworks display at SeaWorld San Diego, visitors can also enjoy a full day at the popular amusement park where there are plenty of theme park rides, delicious food and drink options, shopping opportunities, fascinating animal shows, up-close and personal encounters with sea life, and so much more! If you’re looking for a great way to spend the holiday weekend, definitely put SeaWorld San Diego at the top of your list of fun things to do!

Celebrate 4^th of July San Diego Style at the Best Western Island Palms on Shelter Island 

Prepare for a weekend celebration in San Diego for Independence Day festivities and waterfront fun at the Best Western Island Palms. Spend the holiday seeing the amazing fireworks San Diego offers, then relax for a long weekend lounging at our pools, biking the paths along the coast, and relaxing in the hot tub!

Make your reservation today to be part of the exciting 4^th of July fireworks and celebrations in San Diego. Enjoy our coastal oasis and choose from guest rooms featuring spacious suites with waterfront views, private patios or balconies, and other perks including in-room massages and room service from our onsite restaurant. Make it a July 4^th you won’t soon forget at the Best Western Island Palms in San Diego.

San Diego Wildlife by the Water: Seals, Dolphins & Whales, Oh My!

San Diego’s perfect coastal location offers locals and visitors to the area a variety of unique activities and adventures along the shore. Whether you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the playful dolphins, explore a local tide pool, or visit a seaside aquarium, the chance for exciting encounters with the local San Diego sea lions, whales, and seals is one you don’t want to miss.

The Best Western Island Palms is the best hotel in San Diego to stay during your family wildlife adventure vacation. We have amazing resort-style amenities and are close to the whale watching San Diego opportunities, the San Diego seals, and more.

Best Places to See San Diego Wildlife

Shelter Island

Dolphin Watching San Diego – To catch a glimpse of frolicking sea life, just spend some time on San Diego Bay, where dolphins and San Diego seals can often be seen playing in the local waters close to shore.

Shelter Island Shoreline Park – This popular dog-friendly park is great for bird watching and offers amazing, sweeping coastal views of the San Diego skyline and Bay! It also features a public fishing pier and boat launching ramp for a fun day exploring near the Best Western Island Palms in San Diego.

Point Loma

Explore Tide Pools San Diego – Located on the Cabrillo National Monument property in San Diego, Point Loma is home to fascinating local tide pools where you can get an up-close look at marine life during low tide. Follow the short trail with many steps to the tide pool or hike the one-mile Coastal Trail. Expect to see crabs, sea stars, and more along the rocky shoreline and observe them in their natural habitat. You might also be lucky enough to see the migrating whales as they pass by Point Loma!

La Jolla

La Jolla Cove Tide Pools San Diego – Spend the perfect day discovering local marine life at the La Jolla tide pools. This popular rocky beach and its tide pools are also a great place to swim and snorkel, which offers another chance to discover local sea creatures.  

San Diego Sea Lions at the Children’s Pool – Often referred to as Seal Beach, the Children’s Pool is a popular place to see the San Diego sea lions and playful seals sun bathing. It’s so much fun watching these creatures play in the local waters and enjoy their (almost) private beach! It’s also a great place to swim, due to its breakwater, which was constructed to create a safe swimming area.

Snorkeling and Kayaking at the La Jolla Sea Caves - Take a guided kayak tour with La Jolla Kayak and navigate on an adventure through the unique La Jolla sea caves! Spend the afternoon in the Crown Jewel of San Diego and encounter leopard sharks, sea lions, and dolphins along the California coastline as you kayak, snorkel, swim, and explore the La Jolla sea caves in San Diego.

On the Water in San Diego

Whale Watching San Diego - Next Level Sailing offers harbor cruises that give you an opportunity for an amazing adventure during your summer vacation in SoCal. Climb aboard the 141-foot sailing yacht ‘America’ for an unforgettable whale watching San Diego marine life experience. The professional team at Next Level Sailing will teach you about these amazing creatures during your 4-hour whale watching San Diego tour.  Since blue whale season is June through September each year, you will see these spectacular sea creatures during your summer adventure, as well as a variety of other whales, including humpback, fin, and minke. In addition, you will see San Diego sea lions and enjoy dolphin watching San Diego tours while on the water.

Beyond the Beach

San Diego Zoo – If you’re looking for more exciting wildlife adventures and encounters in San Diego, the San Diego Zoo should be at the top of your list! With over 3,700 animals to see and a variety of newly updated exhibits, the San Diego Zoo is the perfect place to enjoy some family time. You’ll also enjoy watching a 4-D theater show, a guided bus tour around the park, and a ride on the miniature train!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park – This amazing park in San Diego offers open-range wildlife encounters, and it is a fun and unique way to spend the day. Your adventure at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park starts with a true safari experience on over 1,800 acres that is one of the largest free-range animal habitats in the world. You will see over 2,500 different types of animals, have a chance to feed the giraffes, take a guided tour, and enjoy a variety of exciting activities at this popular San Diego summer destination. 

SeaWorld San Diego - Located just minutes from the Best Western Island Palms, SeaWorld San Diego is always a favorite of locals and visitors of Southern California.  Enjoy a variety of exciting animal shows with whales and other marine life. You’ll also enjoy seeing the dolphins at San Diego Sea World as well as educational exhibits at this popular marine life theme park. Join the summer fun at SeaWorld with a variety of exciting park activities, including thrilling amusement park rides like the Journey to Atlantis and Oscar’s Rocking Eel! There will also be delicious treats and even fireworks! Also, be sure to check out the new ‘Jewels of the Sea’ jellyfish aquarium that offers an up-close look at these fascinating creatures. Other shows include Sea Lions LIVE, One Ocean, and Pets Rule!  

Living Coast Discovery Center – If you want to discover our wildlife by the water in San Diego, there is truly no better place than the Living Coast Discovery Center. Located on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the center opened in 1987 and has served the San Diego community for over 30 years. Open daily Wednesday through Sunday from 10 to 5, their goal is to inspire the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment. A visit to the Living Coast Discovery Center offers private animal encounters, hiking, sea turtle presentations, shark and sea ray exhibits, bald eagle shows, and more!

Explore the Waterfront from our Island San Diego Hotel

The Best Western Island Palms is the perfect choice for a vacation to San Diego to explore our wildlife by the water. Guests enjoy resort-style amenities, including two pools and hot tubs, tennis courts, an onsite restaurant, and a fitness center. You’ll be just a few steps from the walking and biking paths along the Bay, as well as a variety of opportunities to get up close and personal with our local marine life.