Fiesta en la Playa: A Volkswagen Celebration at Imperial Beach

The 13th Annual Fiesta en la Playa takes place on Sunday, September 20, in Imperial Beach. For anyone who enjoys classic cars or simply likes discovering unusual events around San Diego, it is a fun reason to head down to the South Bay.

@socal_exposure

The 13th Annual Fiesta En La Playa Air Cooled Car Show is happening today, Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Imperial Beach along Seacoast Drive. Over 250 vintage air-cooled Volkswagens including Beetles, buses, and rare models.Live music and entertainment featuring the Super Sonic Samba School Band and Dancers, Mariachi del Mar, and Nasty Habits Classic Rock Band. #volkswagen #classic #carshow #vw #meetup

♬ oryginalny dźwięk – Peter Axon – Peter Axon

What makes Fiesta en la Playa different from many car shows is the setting.

Instead of a parking lot surrounded by buildings, the event takes place in the coastal environment of Imperial Beach. Palm trees, sand, ocean breezes and the Imperial Beach Pier provide the backdrop for rows of Volkswagen vehicles.

The classic VW Beetle is, of course, one of the stars of the show. But there is plenty more to see, including the iconic Volkswagen Bus and other generations of Volkswagen vehicles.

Seeing these cars lined up against the beach creates a completely different atmosphere from a traditional indoor or parking-lot car show.

For car enthusiasts, it is an opportunity to see classic and customized VWs up close. For families and casual visitors, the colorful cars and beach setting make for an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday.

And if you enjoy photography, there are plenty of details to look for—from vintage badges and steering wheels to surfboards, bright paint colors and the distinctive shapes of classic Volkswagen vehicles.

Discover Scripps Pier: Where Science Meets the Sea

Discover why Scripps Pier in La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most photographed landmarks. Learn its history, photography tips, wildlife highlights, and nearby attractions.

A Pier Built for Science

Unlike many California piers, Scripps Pier was never intended for amusement rides, restaurants, or fishing. Officially known as the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, it serves as a working research facility for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego.

The original wooden pier opened in 1916 thanks to a generous gift from philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. After decades of serving scientists, it was replaced in 1988 with the modern reinforced concrete structure that stands today. At 1,084 feet long, it remains one of the world’s longest active research piers.

High Tide vs. Low Tide

Both tides offer unique perspectives.

  • Low tide reveals more of the pilings and creates excellent reflections.
  • High tide allows waves to crash dramatically around the supports for dynamic images.