6 ways to savor locals' summer in San Diego
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It's all ours. Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images
The Arizona plates are gone. The water temperature is up. Crowds are thin. June Gloom is gone. It's locals' summer, baby.
The big picture: Tourism dips nearly 50% in September from its July peak, just as San Diego's weather gets even better.
- Here are six ways to act like a tourist in your own city this September and October.
🎶 Hear a free concert at the Rady Shell by getting there early enough to have the waterside bench to yourself — Jon Batiste, Big Thief and Haim are all coming up.
- Stop by Mona Lisa on the way and snag two spicy special sandwiches and a couple of drinks for the show.
⛴️ Cruise Mission Bay on the Bahia Belle during its scheduled Sunday Funday trips, because we're surrounded by water and getting on a boat otherwise requires having the right friend.
- The boat runs between the Bahia and Catamaran resorts and is basically a wedding party without your weird Uncle Frank.
🦈 Snorkel (or just swim) with leopard sharks at La Jolla Shores.
- Don't let this be one of those annual San Diego traditions that you just happen to never take advantage of. They're harmless, they're cool, the water's warm, get out there.
⚾ Enjoy the pennant chase — and playoff baseball that follows — during the best time of year for a game at Petco Park.
- Let's be real, y'all. This is the team. Manny is doing it this year. There are 15 home games left.
🏊 Swim at Kellogg Beach. I know, I know, the neighbors really don't like it when you tell anyone about the kinda-sorta secret beach. I can't abide.
- It's the best beach in town for kids, and even though it doesn't have showers or restrooms, you won't regret getting out there for a dip.
- Yes, but: There will be limited access on weekdays for about three weeks starting Sept. 8 as construction crews add more sand to the beach.
💰 Save dough with the region's annual "kids free October" promotion at participating museums and attractions.
🏇 Get rich at the Breeder's Cup. I'm kidding, of course. Gambling is not a good way to make money.
- Unless you have a system (like me), and then it's free money.
😎 What are your go-to locals' summer activities? Email us at [email protected] and let us know!