What's New in San Diego, Summer 2019

Major Attractions

In March 2019, LEGOLAND California Water Park opened Riptide Racers, the newest water slide in the Surfer's Cove section of the park. Guests grab a mat and race side by side down one of six water slides, making it a fun competition to be the fastest in the family. LEGOLAND California Water Park is located in LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad in San Diego's North County.

SeaWorld San Diego's new dueling roller coaster, Tidal Twister, will make its debut on May 24, 2019. A first-of-its-kind adventure, this unique ride is an exhilarating experience that demonstrates the power of the ocean. Accelerating to 30 miles per hour, riders will twist and bank as if riding the tide along a tight figure-8 track that includes a dynamic zero-G roll at the center section. Two trains, holding 16 passengers each, load at opposite ends of the figure-8 track and cross in the center with guests facing both forward and backward on the trains. A height requirement of only 48" makes this a perfect ride for younger guests and family members.

New Hotels

Opening in June 2019, The Guild is a 162-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio property housed in an historic landmark, 1920s-era building in downtown San Diego. Guest rooms in the luxury boutique hotel will appeal to diverse travelers with everything from cozy, European-inspired accommodations to a two-bedroom penthouse suite with private rooftop deck. The hotel's Luca restaurant will highlight San Diego's indoor/outdoor lifestyle with a main room centered around an outdoor courtyard, providing an urban oasis in the heart of downtown with sunshine and olive trees, and a menu that offers light Mediterranean-inspired fare. 

Carté, a new luxury lifestyle hotel from Curio Collection by Hilton, will open in Summer 2019. Located in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy neighborhood near downtown and San Diego Bay, Carté offers 246 distinctive, modern guest rooms and Watercolors Restaurant, serving quality sea-to-table cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can explore the region's wines by sampling varietals from Southern California and Northern Mexico at the hotel's Fonte di Vino, and cocktail lovers can enjoy a stunning sunset with handcrafted libations at Above Ash Social, the 16th-floor rooftop venue. Carté guests will also have access to Fit Athletic Club, providing yoga, hot-yoga, spin classes and a cross-fit course for additional fees.

Major Events

 The year 2019 marks the 250th anniversary of San Diego. In 1769, the first settlement of Alta California was established which included a mission and presidio (Spanish fort). The San Diego we know today began on July 16, 1769, with the dedication of the Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first of 21 California missions. This first mission and neighboring presidio was established near the ancient Kumeyaay village of Kosa'aay (Cosoy), known today as Old Town San Diego. Occurring in Old Town and nearby downtown waterfront, exciting special events in 2019 that commemorate San Diego's rich history and its 250th anniversary include the Festival of the Sea occurring May 25-27, San Diego 250, Where California Began on July 16, and Founders' Day Old Town San Diego occurring September 14-15. More information about these exciting special events are available at https://sandiego250.com/events.  

The San Diego County Fair, the largest annual event in the county, takes place May 31–July 4, 2019, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. With this year's theme, “Ozsome,” fair visitors will journey to the Emerald City of the popular “Wizard of Oz” movie and book and discover “There's no place like the Fair.” The San Diego County Fair features top performing artists and popular attractions like the International Beer Festival, deep-fried food novelties, livestock exhibits, home and hobby displays, woodworking and an award-winning flower show. The fair is closed Mondays and Tuesdays in June, but remains open Monday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 2.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club celebrates its 80th horse racing season in 2019, kicking off with the annual “Hat Contest” on opening day, July 17, and closing with a Party in the Paddock on September 3. The summer meet will offer racing Wednesday through Sunday, and special events will be offered including a summer concert series; wine, beer and BBQ celebrations and weekend family fun days. The racing continues with a fall season occurring November 8 through December 1, 2019. 

The theme for San Diego Pride 2019 is Stonewall 50: A Legacy of Liberation. The second largest event of its kind on the U.S. West Coast, San Diego Pride will honor and reflect on the Stonewall generation, including their activism and all the LGBTQ+ community has gained through their efforts over the last 50 years. Residents and visitors alike celebrate during San Diego Pride, held July 12-14, 2019. The weekend celebration includes a mile-long parade through Hillcrest and two-day music festival in Balboa Park. Additional Pride events include She Fest on July 6 and Spirit of Stonewall Rally on July 12. 

During July 17-21, 2019, the largest comic and pop culture event in the United States celebrates its 50th anniversary when San Diego becomes the center of the cos-play universe during Comic-Con International, America's longest continuously-run comics and popular arts convention. Comic-Con International is held at the San Diego Convention Center and neighboring venues in downtown.   

On August 10, 2019, dozens of dogs take to the waves during the annual Surf Dog Competition in Imperial Beach. Visitors can take in the fun as more than 60 dogs compete in surfing and paddle boarding challenges. The family friendly event raises funds for the San Diego Humane Society. 

During August 31–September 2, 2019, more than 300 tons of sand will be carved and molded into beautiful sculptures for the annual U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition. Held at the Broadway Pier and Pavilion in downtown along San Diego Bay, the event features live entertainment, food trucks and fun kids' activities.   

Wonderfront, a new music and arts festival, will debut November 22-24, 2019 along San Diego Bay. The first annual event is a celebration of San Diego's arts, culture and beach lifestyle and plans to integrate the festival into San Diego's vibrant waterfront, including ferry and yacht tours of the bay and after-parties in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Anticipating 70 artists on seven stages, the musical lineup will feature new breakout artists as well as career bands including rock, indie, hip hop, rap, EDM, adult alternative, reggae, Americana and Latin artists. 

New Restaurants and Speakeasies 

Opening spring 2019 and featuring world-renowned celebrity chef Akira Back, Lumi is an energetic and upscale rooftop venue serving modern Japanese fare and sushi accompanied by handcrafted libations. Akira Back is a two-time Michelin-starred chef behind restaurants spanning across nine countries. Lumi will feature adventurous flavors with a California twist, using local ingredients combined with influences from around the world for an immersive dining experience. Guests will enjoy views of the city at this eclectic and chic space, located in the heart of downtown's Gaslamp Quarter.  

In May 2019, celebrated chef Michael Mina joins with partner Ayesha Curry to bring their globally-inspired barbeque restaurant, International Smoke, to San Diego's affluent Carmel Valley neighborhood. The stylish venue will serve international dishes by acclaimed chefs from Mina's slate of award-winning restaurants. Chef Mina earned two Michelin stars in 2006 for his Michael Mina restaurant in San Francisco. 

Also opening May 2019, Il Dandy is the latest culinary venture from Calabrian-born brothers Dario and Pietro Gallo. The brothers will be joined by father and son duo, Antonio and Luca Abbruzzino, who will be relocating to San Diego to helm the kitchen. Chefs Antonio and Luca Abbruzzino earned Michelin stars in 2013 for their eponymous restaurant in Calabria. Located in the uptown Bankers Hill neighborhood, Il Dandy will offer a contemporary approach to cuisine rooted in Calabria, showcasing the talents and mindful technique of the chefs while educating guests on the healthy benefits of a Mediterranean diet. A thoughtfully curated cocktail program featuring Italian aperitifs and wine and beer selections from the Calabria region will complement the menu.

In May 2019, Executive Chef Matt Sramek, an alumni of Thomas Keller's Bouchon restaurant, opens Little Frenchie bistro in the charming community of Coronado. Located in an historic 1911 circa building, the restaurant celebrates the Nouvelle French cuisine of Sramek's early culinary training as a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu (Pasadena, California) and his work alongside many of Southern California's culinary icons over the last decade. The restaurant will offer French bistro classics and an ambitious cheese program.

San Diego is adding another speakeasy to its cocktail scene, and possibly the world's only speakeasy located next door to a cemetery. Opened in November 2018 in Old Town San Diego, the new mezcal bar and restaurant Tahona, will add on a speakeasy called Oculto 477 in June 2019. The intimate space will seat 25 guests and be lit by candlelight―specifically, 477 candles to represent the 477 souls buried next door in the historic El Campo Santo Cemetery. Oculto 477 plans to provide an elevated level of craft cocktails, many incorporating artisanal mezcal and all designed to provide multi-sensory experiences.

Happiness is calling in San Diego. For more information on San Diego's offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website at www.sandiego.org.