10 San
Diego-Style Celebrations
San Diego, with its variety of spaces and venues, inspires out-of-the-box planning for memorable events that will have your attendees clamoring to come back. Set your imagination sailing with some creative opportunities that will add a local flair to your next event.
1There is nothing more San Diego than a beach party. Set an upbeat tone with a barefoot bash in the sand, complete with a barbecue and a late-night bonfire at a tropical resort along Mission Bay.
2Lean into San Diego’ s binational culture with a colorful fiesta complete with margaritas and mariachis in historic Old Town, or a cross-border-inspired menu at restaurants such as Coasterra, where you can enjoy stunning bay views from its outdoor deck, or the always vibrant Puesto in The Headquarters near Seaport Village.
3
Be a part of San Diego’ s seafaring history with a waterfront event aboard the outdoor upper deck of the always impressive USS Midway Museum— the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century— or at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, which has several ships to choose from, including the Star of India, the Berkeley and the HMS Surprise.
4Looking for a sweet symphony of sights and sounds? The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on the Embarcadero is the pitch-perfect place for an event that will dazzle and delight your attendees with its iconic architecture and the San Diego Bay as the backdrop.
5
Get wild by adding some animals into the mix. Imagine your attendees’ delight as a curious penguin waddles on by or dolphins swim past during cocktails at SeaWorld San Diego. Want more party animals? The San Diego Zoo offers close-up experiences with any number of species, from porcupines to lemurs and beyond.
6
Experience San Diego’ s rich cultural heritage with a party in one of the many outdoor venues at Balboa Park. Broaden your attendees’ minds with a sophisticated formal event at the San Diego Museum of Art’ s May S. Macy Sculpture Court & Garden; offer up a serene scene at the lush Japanese Friendship Garden; or go artsy with an outdoor bash at the colorful and charming Spanish Village Art Center.
7
Inspire your attendees with an exhilarating
America’ s Cup Yacht race along San Diego Bay, building teamwork with a side of salty sea spray and breezes.
8Make your own street scene by throwing a San Diego-style block party complete with local entertainment and cuisine in Downtown’ s Gaslamp Quarter, which has moved much of its dining to the great outdoors for a decidedly European eating experience.
9
Craft a day for your delegates that focuses on San Diego’ s frothy beer scene, with neighborhood suds tours that sample award-winning offerings at breweries in Point Loma, North Park, Coronado and La Jolla.
10
Let the sun’ s warm embrace over
Downtown’ s skyline be your backdrop for a martini and lobster sunset cruise on San Diego Bay.
GROUP DINING IN SAN DIEGO
• From the exhilarating excitement of Downtown’ s Gaslamp Quarter to varied beach communities along the coast, San Diego offers almost limitless dining options— many of them outdoors— for your meeting that are sure to tantalize taste buds and renew spirits.
• Discover San Diego’ s gastronomic flair at one of the region’ s four Michelin-starred restaurants, taste the latest creations of a celebrity chef or dine under the stars overlooking dramatic seascapes.
• Enjoy the best international cuisine, including fresh Baja-style Mexican, authentic Italian, Japanese sushi, savory Indian or flavorful Vietnamese pho.
• Seek out a local farm-to-table restaurant for delicious and innovative dishes, many offered with vegan, gluten-free and organic options.
• Sip award-winning craft brews, the best of Southern California’ s vineyards, and artfully concocted cocktails.
sandiego. org 149