June is here, which means it time to enjoy all things summer: food festivals, hikes, Pride, drinks by the pool, rooftop sunset…and so much more. Here’s a list of everything you cannot miss this June in San Diego!
1. Savor the Taste of Little Italy this June in San Diego
Taste of Little Italy is a wonderful showcase of what Little Italy has to offer! The event will take place on June 17 – 18, between 4PM – 8PM. Over the course of two evenings, you can explore 48 square blocks, while sampling a variety of bites and sips from some of the neighborhood’s top restaurants. Each night will feature a different lineup of eateries. Start at the Piazza della Famiglia, where you receive your Taste Passport. You’ll find live music performances at both Piazza della Famiglia and Piazza Basilone, enhancing the experience.
2. Kick off Pride
As in many other parts of the world, June means Pride. This month, we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, its history, challenges, and wins. San Diego hosts an array of events, from talks to shows and huge parties – but the main parade and festival actually take place in July this year. However, there are important events taking place in June, such as the Santee Pride Walk or Ramona Pride. Keep an eye on the official website for a list of all events.
3. San Diego County Fair
The San Diego County Fair returns between June 11 and July 6! This year’s theme is Summer Pet-tacular. As usual, you can expect live music, great food, contests, rides, games, and more. As this is an almost month long event, the list is long…and always fun! Check their website for events breakdown per day, pick your favorite, and have the best time. It takes place at Del Mar Fairgrounds – see you there!
4. Catch the best of Bridgerton at this whimsical candlelight concert
After captivating millions of Bridgerton fans worldwide, Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings is coming to San Diego! Lady Whistledown invites you to a most enchanting affair. Surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight, listen to your favorite melodies from Shondaland’s hit series on Netflix, reimagined by a talented string ensemble. The show will take place at a secret location in San Diego, that will be revealed soon. Tickets go on sale on May 21 – join the list or get yours here!
5. Don’t miss San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival is back on June 21-22 for its 7th edition. This annual event features some of the best jazz musicians in the country that put on a fabulous show. There will also be delicious cuisine to enjoy, as you take in the soothing sounds. C heck out this year’s line-up below:
June 21: Brian Culbertson, Will Downing, BPM, Jackiem Joyner, Jeanette Harris
June 22: October London, Eric Darius, Norman Brown, Down To The Bone, Erisa Nicole
6. Catch this authentic Flamenco show
After its international success, Authentic Flamenco is back in San Diego! The brand new show features award-winning Ángeles Gabaldón, alongside a renowned line-up of Spanish artists, coming to San Diego for the first time. Expect a captivating world-class fusion of live music, dance, and singing. Explore the raw power of this pure Spanish art form, in an incredible venue, brought to you by The Royal Opera of Madrid. Grab your tickets now – these are the final 2 shows in our city, taking place on June 6 and 7.
7. Enjoy the Pool House at The Pendry
June in San Diego means the perfect time to be poolside with friends and a good drink! The Pendry San Diego Hotel has one of the best pools in all of San Diego. It features a premier rooftop lounge with outstanding views of the Gaslamp Quarter, a beautiful lounge and bar, comfy sun loungers and stylish cabanas. The pool is free for hotel guests, but also available for non-hotel guests Sunday to Friday from 11AM to 6PM.
8. Catch your favorite movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club this June in San Diego
There’s nothing quite like the summer season to watch movies under the stars, during a lovely California evening. Rooftop Cinema Club has an outstanding selection of iconic films that you can enjoy from comfy deck chairs, along with a fantastic food and drinks selection. This makes for a unique and wonderful evening out for all movie lovers!
9. The Children’s Pool in La Jolla
La Jolla, the jewel, the village, whatever you call it – this wonderful part of town is an ideal location to spend an entire summer day this June! Bring your camera and take pictures of all the beautiful beaches and marine life, like the ones spotted at Children’s Pool, where the seals gather.
P.S.: swimming in this area is highly discouraged.
10. Visit historic Hotel Del Coronado
Hotel Del Coronado is an iconic institution that opened back in 1888. It is the second-largest wooden structure in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. The hotel has hosted countless presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter, for starters. Celebrities such as Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Burt Lancaster, and Frank Sinatra have also been guests. Beloved movie Some Like It Hot, featuring Marylin Monroe, was filmed almost entirely here! It has some beautiful restaurants, and its beach is a fantastic place to work on your tan. The ferry ride to and from Coronado is the cherry on top of this tremendous outing.
11. Take surf lessons at San Diego Surf School
If you don’t know how to or haven’t surfed in a long time, a surf lesson is a fun activity you should try this June. The San Diego Surf School has experienced instructors, trained to work with beginners as well as experienced surfers who want to improve. They offer private, semi-private, and group lessons – catch that wave!
12. Try all the gelato in Little Italy
Little Italy is a beautiful place you and your friends can spend a lovely June day visiting. The food is fantastic, and nothing completes a summer day quite like gelato! Try Milkissimo Gelato, an excellent small gelato shop run by the very popular owner Klaudio. His small business is known for friendly service and excellent flavors! Go for the Peanut Butter Cup, or Salted Caramel; if you love white chocolate, try the Banana White Chocolate.
13. Watch the sunset from these amazing rooftops
Our city is famous for its fabulous weather and sunsets, so we couldn’t think of a better spot to snap our latest stunning pic. From the Gaslamp District to La Jolla, we rounded up our favorite rooftops in San Diego in this article – it features Harbor & Sky, The Nolen, Garibaldi, and more.
14. Enjoy all the fresh produce at the Farmers Markets
San Diego’s incredible year-round weather makes it the perfect place to grow fresh produce – but June is truly a gem! With over 5,000 farmers calling the county home, our region produces an abundance of amazing crops, including avocados and nursery plants, for which we’re the nation’s top producer. From Hillcrest Farmers Market to North Park and Point Loma, there’s a great market in each corner of this beautiful city. Here’s a list of our favorites.