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!
