Tag: california

The 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: Where the Holidays Meet the Harbor
Meta description: Celebrate the 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights—best viewing spots, photography tips, and why this waterfront tradition remains a holiday favorite.
Suggested categories: San Diego Events, Holiday Traditions, Coastal Photography
Suggested tags: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, San Diego Christmas, Holiday Lights San Diego, Waterfront Events, Night Photography

San Diego’s signature holiday tradition returns to the waterfront, transforming the bay into a moving festival of color, music, and maritime creativity.

A Holiday Tradition on the Water

For more than five decades, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights has marked the start of the holiday season with a spectacle found nowhere else in Southern California. Now in its 55th year, the parade brings together dozens of privately owned boats—each decorated from bow to stern in synchronized lights and themed displays—that glide across the bay after sunset.

What makes this event special isn’t just the scale of the decorations, but the setting itself. With the downtown skyline, Coronado Bridge, and working harbor as a backdrop, the parade captures the essence of San Diego: festive, coastal, and community‑driven.

How the Parade Works

Participating vessels line up along the bay and follow a designated route that allows spectators on both sides of the water to enjoy the show. Boats range from small sailboats to large yachts, all competing for top honors in categories such as best overall decoration, originality, and best use of lights.

The parade traditionally runs on two consecutive weekend nights, giving locals and visitors multiple chances to experience it. Each evening culminates with a slow, scenic procession that keeps the boats visible long enough for photos, cheers, and the occasional holiday sing‑along.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of the most iconic events in the region. There is no cost to view the parade.

2025 Parade Theme is Out of This World

The procession will start at 5:30 p.m. and will follow the predetermined parade  route.

The APPROXIMATE arrival time of the parade at various locations are:

  • Shelter Island (start of parade)   5:30 p.m.
  • Harbor Island                                 5:45 –  6:15 p.m.
  • Seaport Village                                6:20 – 6:45 p.m.
  • The Embarcadero                            6:50 – 7:15 p.m.
  • The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park     7:20 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Ferry Landing on Coronado          7:40 p.m.

Best Places to Watch (and Photograph)

One of the parade’s strengths is accessibility. You don’t need a ticket to enjoy it—just a good vantage point.

Popular viewing locations include:

  • Seaport Village & the Embarcadero – Ideal for wide shots that include boats and skyline reflections.
  • Shelter Island – A favorite for photographers, offering unobstructed views and calmer crowds.
  • Coronado Ferry Landing – Perfect for capturing boats with Coronado lights in the background.
  • Cesar Chavez Park – A relaxed setting with room to move and frame different angles.

For photography, arrive early to claim a spot and plan to shoot through blue hour, when the remaining daylight blends with the glow of the lights on the water.

A Roaring Good Time, Every Thursday Night in La Mesa

Starting June 5th and running through August 28th, 2025, La Mesa Boulevard between 4th and Spring Streets, on Thursday nights from 5pm to 8pm, will be lined with an incredible array of classic cars, trucks, and vans. From gleaming hot rods to meticulously restored vintage beauties, you’ll find vehicles that tell a story of automotive evolution and passion.

What makes this car show truly special is the laid-back, community atmosphere. There’s no registration or fee to show your car – simply drive down and find a designated parking spot. Many car owners stay by their vehicles, happy to chat with visitors, share stories, and answer questions about their prized possessions. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and learn about the history behind these rolling works of art.

Each week, local bands take to the iconic La Mesa Lumber truck “stage” at 3rd and La Mesa Blvd., providing a lively soundtrack to the evening. A DJ also adds to the festive ambiance, ensuring there’s always a beat to tap your foot to.

Experience San Diego from the Water aboard a Harbor Cruise Vessel

San Diego bay has a long and storied past. Its protected tidal areas offered the Kumeyaay people, who lived along the coast and inland valleys, areas to fish, harvest shellfish, and used plank canoes called tomols to navigate coastal waters. The ocean was central to their diet, trade, and spiritual life. In 1542, Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, sailing under the Spanish flag, became the first European to enter San Diego Bay, naming it San Miguel. In 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno renamed the bay San Diego, in honor of Saint Didacus.

During the Mexican-American War, the U.S. Navy took control of San Diego in 1846. San Diego became a U.S. Navy coaling and resupply station. The harbor remained relatively quiet until the early 20th century, when the Navy dramatically expanded its presence. San Diego became a U.S. Navy coaling and resupply station. The harbor remained relatively quiet until the early 20th century, when the Navy dramatically expanded its presence. Thousands of ships were built, serviced, and deployed from the harbor, making San Diego critical to Pacific warfare operations.

San Diego remained one of the largest naval complexes in the world through the Cold War and beyond. Today, the city hosts the Pacific Fleet, numerous aircraft carriers, and serves as a major center for military research, training, and logistics. Civilian maritime activity also thrives, with cargo shipping, cruise lines, commercial fishing, and recreational boating playing important roles.

I took this series of images during a 2 hour sailing which started off heading south towards the Coronado Bridge and then turning north towards Shelter Island. A thick marine layer was moving in so the trip ended before sunset unfortunately .

Wildlife, Waves, and Wonder at La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is part of the larger La Jolla Underwater Park, a protected marine reserve that makes it a paradise for snorkelers, scuba divers, and kayakers. Above the waves, La Jolla Cove is famously home to a lively population of sea lions and harbor seals. These charismatic creatures can be seen basking on the rocks, swimming close to shore, or engaging in playful antics that delight onlookers. Birdwatchers will also enjoy spotting a variety of coastal birds such as pelicans, cormorants, and gulls soaring overhead or nesting on the rocky cliffs.

Tide pools along the shore reveal a hidden world of marine invertebrates including starfish, anemones, and crabs, especially at low tide. This makes La Jolla Cove a fantastic destination for families and curious explorers eager to learn about marine ecology up close.

Challenges at La Jolla Cove

A growing problem involves harassment of the local wildlife, particularly sea lions and harbor seals. Despite clear signage and public education efforts, some visitors approach too closely for photos, attempt to touch or feed the animals, or otherwise disturb them. These actions not only stress the animals but can also lead to dangerous encounters. Seasonal closures and designated viewing areas have been implemented in some sections to minimize human-wildlife conflicts and protect both animals and people.

Increased foot traffic, littering and disturbance of tide pools can threaten the delicate ecosystems. Conservationists and local authorities continuously urge visitors to follow “leave no trace” principles and respect protected areas.

Water quality can also fluctuate, especially after heavy rains, due to urban

Balancing tourism, wildlife conservation, and community interests remains a delicate task, but ongoing efforts by environmental groups, volunteers, and city planners aim to preserve La Jolla Cove’s natural charm for generations to come

A Blooming Gem: Exploring the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden in Balboa Park

If you’re ever in San Diego and craving a dose of natural beauty, the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden in Balboa Park is a must-visit. Tucked along the eastern edge of the park, just across Park Boulevard from the San Diego Natural History Museum, this three-acre oasis bursts with color, fragrance, and a quiet charm that’s hard to resist. I stumbled across it on a recent trip, and let me tell you—it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe deep, and maybe even snap a few too many photos.

A Little History, A Lot of Heart

The garden’s story starts back in the late 1960s, when Dick Streeper, a rose enthusiast and then-president of the San Diego Rose Society, dreamed of a public rose haven in a city already known for its flower-friendly climate. With help from fellow rosarians and a big boost from the Parker Foundation—set up by Inez Grant Parker after her husband’s passing—the vision took root. By 1973, the first roses were planted, and over the years, it’s grown into a world-class spot. It’s picked up accolades like an Outstanding Rose Garden nod from All-America Rose Selections in 1978 and a spot in the Great Rosarians of the World Hall of Fame in 2014. Not bad for a patch of desert dirt turned floral paradise!

What You’ll Find

Today, the garden boasts over 1,600 rose bushes across more than 130 varieties—think vibrant reds, soft pinks, sunny yellows, and everything in between. Walking the winding paths, you’re hit with waves of fragrance that shift as you move from one bed to the next. There’s a little fountain in the center that adds a soothing trickle to the air, and the layout invites you to wander or just plop down on a bench and soak it all in. I went in early spring—March 31, 2025, to be exact—and while the peak bloom usually hits in April or May, there were still plenty of buds and blooms to admire. It’s open year-round, free to the public, and blooms strong from March through December.

The folks keeping it gorgeous are the Balboa Park Rose Garden Corps, a dedicated crew of volunteers. You might catch them pruning or tending the beds on a Tuesday or Thursday morning—quiet heroes making sure every petal shines. Fun fact: every January, the San Diego Rose Society hosts a pruning demo here to teach folks the ropes of rose care. It’s a cool way to see how much love goes into this place.

Why It’s Special

What sets this garden apart isn’t just the roses—though they’re stunning—it’s the vibe. It’s nestled in Balboa Park, surrounded by museums and desert landscapes, yet feels like its own little world. The contrast of lush flowers against Joshua Tree’s arid backdrop (if you’re heading there next) is a reminder of how nature can thrive in unexpected places. Plus, it’s a popular wedding spot—imagine saying “I do” surrounded by all that color. No wonder it’s racked up international praise.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Timing: Go early in the morning for soft light and fewer people—perfect if you’re into photography (like me, plotting a Nikon Z8 astrophotography session later that night elsewhere in Joshua Tree). Sunrise could be magical here too, though it’s not as high up as spots like Keys View.
  • Getting There: From San Diego, take SR-163 south to Park Boulevard, turn left, and park near the history museum lots. Cross the footbridge, and you’re there. Parking’s tight, so plan ahead.
  • What to Bring: A camera, water (no fountains nearby), and maybe a hat—spring sun can sneak up on you.
  • Pair It: Swing by the nearby Desert Garden afterward for a wild shift to cacti and succulents, just steps away.

Final Thoughts

The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a testament to community, persistence, and the simple joy of growing something beautiful. Whether you’re a flower nerd, a casual stroller, or just someone who needs a break from the grind, it’s got something for you. I left with a full camera roll, a lighter mood, and a new appreciation for roses—and honestly, that’s a win in my book. Next time you’re in San Diego, give it a wander. You won’t regret it.

Beacon of the Bay: The Timeless Charm of Cabrillo Lighthouse

Perched high atop the rugged cliffs of Point Loma, overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean and the bustling San Diego Bay, stands the iconic Cabrillo National Monument and its crowning jewel: the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. This historic beacon, a silent sentinel of the sea, offers not just breathtaking views but a glimpse into the rich maritime history of Southern California.

A Light in the Darkness:

Built in 1855, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse was one of the earliest lighthouses on the West Coast. Its purpose was simple yet vital: to guide ships safely into San Diego Bay. For 36 years, its powerful beam cut through the darkness, warning sailors of the treacherous coastline.

However, its elevation, while scenic, proved problematic. Fog and low clouds often obscured the light, rendering it ineffective. In 1891, the lighthouse was decommissioned, and a new, lower-elevation lighthouse was built closer to the water’s edge.

More Than Just a Lighthouse:

Today, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse stands as a museum, offering visitors a fascinating look into the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families. Stepping inside, you’re transported back in time, experiencing the simple yet demanding life of those who dedicated themselves to keeping the light burning.

  • The Keeper’s Quarters: Explore the restored living quarters, furnished as they would have been in the late 19th century. Imagine the isolation and the constant vigilance required to maintain the light.
  • The Tower Climb: Venture up the winding staircase to the lantern room, where the Fresnel lens once shone brightly. While the original lens is now on display at the visitor center, the panoramic views from the tower are nothing short of spectacular.
  • The Panoramic Views: Beyond the historical significance, the Cabrillo National Monument offers some of the most stunning vistas in San Diego. From the lighthouse grounds, you can see the city skyline, Coronado Island, the vast Pacific Ocean, and even migrating whales during certain seasons.

Cabrillo National Monument: A Broader Historical Perspective:

The lighthouse is just one part of the Cabrillo National Monument. The monument also commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. In 1542, Cabrillo’s expedition landed in San Diego Bay, marking a significant moment in California’s history.

  • The Cabrillo Statue: A large statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo overlooks the bay, a testament to his historic voyage.
  • The Tidepools: Down the hill from the lighthouse, the rocky tidepools offer a unique opportunity to explore the diverse marine life that thrives in this coastal ecosystem.
  • The Bayside Trail: This trail offers fantastic views of the bay and the city.

Planning Your Visit:

  • The Cabrillo National Monument is open daily, with varying hours.
  • There is an entrance fee to the monument.
  • Be prepared for windy conditions, especially at the higher elevation.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there is some walking involved.
  • Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views.

A Timeless Treasure:

The Cabrillo Lighthouse is more than just a historical landmark; it’s a symbol of perseverance, dedication, and the enduring connection between humanity and the sea. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a stunning view, a visit to the Cabrillo National Monument and its iconic lighthouse is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s a reminder of the past, a celebration of the present, and a window to the vast and ever-changing beauty of the Pacific Coast.