Guide to San Diego Coastal Events: Annual Beach Festivals & Races
- San Diego Beach Review
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
San Diego’s coastline isn’t just about beaches, surf, and sunsets. It’s also home to some of the region’s biggest annual events, from beachfront 5Ks to holiday parades, surf festivals, fireworks shows, and long-distance swims. Because many of these events happen every year around the same time, this guide works as an evergreen resource you can update annually.
Whether you’re planning a trip around a specific event or looking for fun coastal activities to add to your calendar, here’s everything happening along the shoreline each year.
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Spring Coastal Events
Carlsbad 5000
Location: Carlsbad Village
Date: April 12, 2026
Often called the “World’s Fastest 5K,” this iconic coastal race attracts runners from around the world. The course winds through Carlsbad’s beach streets with ocean views the entire way. A large health expo and community festival make it a full weekend experience. To learn more about Carlsbad, see our beach review of Carlsbad State Beach.
La Jolla Half Marathon & 5K
Location: Del Mar to La Jolla
Date: May 16, 2026
One of the most scenic and challenging half marathons on the West Coast. The course travels through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and finishes near La Jolla Cove. Pair this with our Guide to Ellen Browning Scripps Park for post-race exploring.
Oceanside Ironman 70.3
Location: Oceanside Harbor
Date: March 28, 2026
Every spring, athletes take on a swim in the harbor, a bike ride through Camp Pendleton, and a run along the beach. Even if you’re not participating, Oceanside turns into a spectator-friendly festival all weekend.
Summer Coastal Events
Fourth of July Fireworks Along the Coast
San Diego’s coast lights up every July 4th, with shows in Coronado, downtown San Diego, Point Loma, Mission Bay, Del Mar, Carlsbad, and more.
Carlsbad Beach Fest
Location: Carlsbad State Beach
A family-friendly summer festival with live music, beach games, local vendors, and wellness activities. The event supports coastal preservation and usually draws thousands to the sand.
Switchfoot Bro-Am
Location: Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
Date: June 13, 2026
A beloved local surf contest and live music festival hosted by Switchfoot, drawing pro surfers, families, and thousands of fans. Funds raised support local youth programs.
Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon
Location: Del Mar Dog Beach
Date: To Be Announced
One of San Diego’s most iconic and entertaining events. Dozens of dogs compete in surf heats while crowds cheer from the beach. A must-see if you're a dog lover.
Carlsbad Tamarack Beach “Crash” Contest (Slamarack)
Location: Tamarack Surf Beach, Carlsbad
A community surf event where everyone tries to ride the same wave at the same time, resulting in lots of chaos and collisions. Dates vary, but it usually lands in early fall when the surf is consistent.
San Diego Open Water Swim (La Jolla Rough Water Swim)
Location: La Jolla Cove
Date: September 13, 2025
One of the oldest ocean swims in California. Swimmers take on distances ranging from one mile to multi-mile courses in the open ocean. Pair it with our La Jolla Cove Snorkeling Guide for after-swim exploring.
Fall Coastal Events
Pacific Beachfest 5K & Beach Festival
Location: Pacific Beach
A massive fall street party along the PB boardwalk with a 5K, live music, craft vendors, beach volleyball, and surf contests. Great for visitors wanting a true SoCal beach-town experience.
Tourmaline Halloween Surf Parade (Tourmoween)
Location: Tourmaline Surfing Park
A quirky local favorite. Surfers paddle out in full costumes, often catching waves in full makeup, wigs, and themed outfits. It’s fun, strange in the best way, and very San Diego. Explore more in the neighborhood with our Pacific Beach Beach Guide.
Winter Coastal Events
Santa Run – Pacific Beach
Location: PB Boardwalk
Hundreds of runners dressed as Santa take over the coastline for a festive 5K. Many stay afterward for the parade and holiday activities on Garnet Avenue.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Location: San Diego Bay
A December classic. Dozens of decorated boats cruise the bay, passing by Coronado, Harbor Island, and the Embarcadero. Arrive early for good viewing spots. Mission Bay and Oceanside Harbor also host a parade of lights.
Hotel del Coronado Holiday Festival & Ice Skating
Location: Coronado
Each winter, the Hotel del transforms its beachfront into a holiday village with ice skating overlooking the ocean, seasonal dining, and light displays. This is one of the most popular coastal holiday events in San Diego.
Explore more in the area: Guide to Hotel Del Coronado | Guide to Coronado Cays
FAQ: San Diego Coastal Events
Q: When is the best time of year for coastal events in San Diego?
A: Summer and fall offer the largest number of beach festivals, surf events, and races. Winter features holiday parades and waterfront celebrations.
Q: Are most coastal events free to attend?
A: Many are. Surf events, parades, and fireworks are typically free. Races and specialty festivals may require registration or tickets.
Q: Do events get canceled because of weather?
A: Cancellations are rare, but some winter events can shift dates due to storms or high surf. Always double-check event websites before attending.
Q: Where should I stay if I want to attend several coastal events?
A: Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Coronado put you within easy reach of major annual events. See our guide to San Diego beach hotels.
Q: Can visitors participate in the races?
A: Yes. Most 5Ks, half marathons, and open-water swims allow general-registration participants.
Conclusion
San Diego’s coastline hosts some of the most memorable and unique events in Southern California. From holiday parades on the bay to beachfront runs, surf contests, and iconic festivals, there’s always something happening along the water. Because these events repeat annually, this guide works as a resource you can revisit each year.
If you're planning your trip, check out our Coastal Walks Guide and San Diego Beach Parking Guide for a better visit along the coast.
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