by Ed Kim
Skip the World’s Best Dad tee-shirt this year and take Dad somewhere to spend time together. Almost always sunny and 72, San Diego is a magical place to explore no matter if your dad is an outdoorsman or a city slicker. Is he a dinner cruise dad, or a tear it up, thrill-seeking, jet boat kind of dad? Golf or paintball? Music, art, or beer lover? Wherever your dad fits in, there’s a place for the two of you to celebrate this Father’s Day. Show Dad he matters to you. Here are 25 ideas to get you planning.
Bicycle Discovery in Pacific Beach – Rent a tandem bike and cruise along Ocean Walk with Dad from Pacific Beach to Mission Beach. Cross the street and ride around Sail Bay too. Four hours for $25.
San Diego Golf – San Diego is a golfer’s haven. Spend the day with Dad on one of San Diego’s 90 courses. Many also have great restaurants for lunch or dinner after golf.
Tour Petco Park – The Padres won’t be in town Father’s Day, so it’s the perfect time to take a tour of Petco Park. Tours will start at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
San Diego International Boat Show – Tour over 140 boats at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina. Eighty super yachts will also be on hand to get a feel for luxury on the water.
Father’s Day Paintball – Here’s your chance to take a walk on the wild side and get Dad on the paintball field. We hope you know what you’re getting yourself into! Father’s Day special includes BBQ and play.
San Diego Brewery Tour – Ride in a Pinzgauer to three San Diego breweries and enjoy tastings at each. You also get a behind-the-scenes tour of one brewery, a BBQ meal, and a souvenir glass.
New Orleans Creole Café – Delectable Creole family recipes handed down seven generations served with Louisiana Abita beers. Enjoy your meal in the 1890s restaurant, or the sunny patio.
Family Gondola Cruise – Take a family gondola cruise for 7 to 14 people through the canals of the Coronado Cays. They supply wine glasses, ice buckets, and blankets. You bring your own beverages.
Maritime Museum Father’s Day Sail – Sail on the tallship Californian on Saturday or Sunday. You’ll get a souvenir photo with Dad, and a cold beer and yummy brat and chips before sailing. Sodas for the kids.
Beach BBQ and Concert – Hotel Del Coronado is hosting a relaxing BBQ and concert on the beach with an amazing skydiving show. Active/retired military get over half off ticket prices!
San Diego Natural History Museum – Visit the current exhibitions or take a Canyoneer Hike together. This is the perfect way to spend time with your nature-loving dad.
Pier Fishing – Take Dad pier fishing off one of San Diego’s six San Diego Bay piers or one of four ocean piers. No fishing licenses are needed on Ocean Beach Pier.
Village Music Walk (Saturday only) – Carlsbad Village hosts their annual music walk with dozens of musicians of all kinds performing over 50 sets. The community event is free to the public.
Father’s Day Beer Brunch Cruise – What could be better than a three-hour cruise of San Diego Bay with a delectable Sunday Brunch? Have it all on this Father’s Day cruise.
Free Reuben H Fleet Science Center – Explore eight exhibits galleries, traveling exhibitions, and one IMAX film in the Giant Dome Theater. Ask about Father’s Day ticket specials.
San Diego International Beer Festival – Bring Dad to the San Diego Fair on Father’s Day where he can sip his way through one of five tasting sessions that include stout, mead, ale, porter, cider, and others.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum – Is your dad a model train enthusiast? Show him how much you care with a visit to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park.
Backyard Steak BBQ – Dad will appreciate this backyard BBQ where all he has to do is show up and eat his 16-ounce steak, enjoy all-day entertainment, and sit on the patio next to the 25-foot fire pit.
Point Loma Sportfishing – The New-Lo is offering an extended 2.5 day fishing trip over Father’s Day weekend that leaves Friday, June 17. Spots are going fast.
Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride – If you have a dad with a need for speed, give him a thrill on Father’s Day with a 30-minute thrill ride filled with spins, tricks, and turns. Children must be 4 year or older.
Hubble Hill in Julian – The artistic mountain home and studios are hosting an open house on Father’s Day. Two three-hour tours begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and benefit the Ilan-Lael Foundation.
Prime Rib Dinner Cruise – Take Dad on a three-hour cruise of San Diego Bay complete with sumptuous prime rib dinner (manicotti Florentine for vegetarians).
Julian Blues Bash (Saturday only) – Tucked away in the Cuyamaca Mountains outside San Diego, Julian is hosting the 18th Annual Julian Blues Bash. There will be a guitar giveaway at 4:30 p.m.
San Diego Wooden Boat Festival – The Wooden Boat Festival is on Shelter Island at the Koehler Kraft marina on both Saturday and Sunday. Dad will get a chance to see over 70 vintage wooden boats.
Brunch with Shamu – Spend Father’s Day at SeaWorld and enjoy a special poolside brunch buffet with Shamu and the trainers. Park admission is not included; reservations are required.
Happy Father’s Day!
