Father's Day Activities in San Diego

This year, treat Dad to a few of his favorite things in America's Finest City

Beer, barbecue, baseball and the bay: there are plenty of places to take Pops on Father’s Day in San Diego. Although brunch is always an option, too, check out this guide of some unique Father’s Day activities that cater to Dad’s favorite pastimes.

Padres vs. Nationals
1:40 p.m., Petco Park
Take in a ball game with Pops at Petco Park, where the San Diego Padres will take on the Washington Nationals at 1:40 p.m. The Father’s Day-themed game, presented in partnership with Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, will honor all fathers with extra bells and whistles, including a fun game day giveaway: a pair of limited edition Padres logo socks – the ultimate in Dad wear.

Hoppy Father’s Day at Stone
11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
Fittingly dubbed “Hoppy Father’s Day,” raise a pint glass to Dad at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido, and treat him to his choice of more than 15 IPAs selected specifically for the special occasion. Stone’s draft list for Father’s Day includes Stone Cali-Belgique IPA aged in white wine barrels, Stone Mocha IPA, Stone RuinTen Triple IPA and Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA. Stone is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and reservations are encouraged. Of course, in craft beer-centric San Diego, there are dozens of breweries where you can treat Dad to a beer on Father’s Day. For ideas, here’s a list of breweries that are part of the San Diego Brewers Guild. 

BBQ & Beach Concert With Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band
11 a.m., Hotel Del Coronado
Treat Dad to a beachside BBQ and live music hosted by the Hotel Del Coronado as “Forrest Gump” actor and musician Gary Sinise returns to San Diego with his Lt. Dan Band for this Father’s Day shindig. The beach party starts at 11 a.m. and will include food, drinks, a skydiving show and the evening concert from the Lt. Dan Band, which benefits the Gary Sinise Foundation and its mission to support our U.S. military.

San Diego International Beer Festival
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., San Diego County Fair
Sip on sudsy samples from nearly 200 craft breweries at the San Diego International Beer Festival (SDIBF) at the San Diego County Fair. The brewery lineup includes plenty of local favorites like Alpine Beer Company, Belching Beaver Brewery, Ballast Point, Green Flash and AleSmith, to name a few. The SDIBF will also feature vendors selling brew-inspired goodies, plus educational demos – including food pairing demos (cheese and beer; pizza and beer; beer and desserts), and other activities. The session on Father’s Day is the fifth and final session of the beer fest, and a solid way to spend the afternoon with Dad.

Father’s Day Beer Brunch Cruise
9 a.m. or 2 p.m., 1900 N. Harbor Drive
Boat, bay and brews? Dad will love this Father’s Day Beer Brunch Cruise around scenic San Diego Bay, which includes unlimited brews, mimosas and great grub.

Brats and Beer on the Bay
10 a.m., Maritime Museum of San Diego
It’s basically everything Dad loves, all in one place: brats, boats and beer. Step aboard the 145’ schooner Californian for a four-hour Father’s Day cruise. Enjoy a bratwurst sandwich, chips and a cold beer as you set sail along the San Diego bay. Some guests may even get to work the lines and handle the sails. Before the ship docks at 4 p.m., snap a photo with Dad as part of the onboard activities – a keepsake of your truly memorable day at sea.

Belmont Park 3rd Annual Father’s Day Car Show
10 a.m., Belmont Park
Is your Pops a gearhead? This classic car show at Belmont Park in Mission Beach may be your best bet for Father’s Day as more than 75 vintage and restored rides are displayed at the site of the beachfront amusement park. This event is free and gives you a chance to stroll with Dad and talk cars. There are plenty of eateries near Belmont Park where you can grab a bite, too.

Brunch at THE LOT
10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., La Jolla and Liberty Station
The restaurants housed in THE LOT – the luxury movie theaters in La Jolla and Liberty Station – will hold Father’s Day brunch at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The spread will boast a cold and hot buffet including breakfast specialties and a decadent dessert station. Craft cocktails, mimosas and an extensive wine list is also available, plus locally-sourced and roasted coffees. Make reservations ahead of time online. Also, after brunch, you might want to treat dad to a movie in one of the cushy screening rooms. THE LOT at Liberty Station is playing “Now You See Me 2,” “The Conjuring 2” and “X-Men: Apocalypse,” just to name a few flicks on Sunday’s schedule.

Liberty Public Market
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Liberty Station
Take a stroll with Dad at Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station, where you can grab a drink and a bite from a hefty lineup of eateries, including Stuffed! (burgers), Mastiff Sausage Company or Cecilia’s Taqueria. Buy your food, take it to the patio and sit with Dad outdoors while enjoying the sights. You can also do some shopping at the market: stop into Liberty Meat Market for some prime cuts or treat Dad to some seriously spicy sauces at Pacific Provisions.

SummerSalt Pool Lounge
2 p.m., SummerSalt at Hotel Palomar
Bring the entire family to this rooftop BBQ and pool party at SummerSalt, the super cool lounge at Hotel Palomar. The Father’s Day BBQ will land Dad a smorgasbord of burgers, ribs, chicken and hot dogs, plus bar specials like $4 brews, with none of the post-grilling clean-up duties. A DJ will spin tunes throughout the backyard-style celebration, too.

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