Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego

Zack Garhart
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For this Memorial Day Weekend, there are lots of ways to relax and celebrate in San Diego. In this article, we’ve highlighted a few ideas for folks traveling through San Diego to enjoy over Memorial Day Weekend.

For starters, San Diego is an excellent place to visit during Memorial Day Weekend, as the influence of American history and proximity to old naval ships is close to home.

Step aboard an aircraft carrier

To start the day, take a walk through downtown San Diego on your way to the USS Midway, which is a naval aircraft carrier that dates back to WWII. This ship was at one point the largest ship in the world, and was commissioned out for battles in various wars throughout recent American history. There is a museum where you can soak up some of the history of the ship. Simply standing in its presence is something to marvel at, and is worth a visit, especially on Memorial Day Weekend!

Speaking of the USS Midway, San Diego is hosting a “Legacy Week” aboard the ship on Monday, May 29th, which will feature different activities and attractions for guests. Legacy Week is put on to commemorate and honor the significance of Memorial Day and our heroes. With lots to do and see during Legacy Week, including live music and movie screenings, as well as a chance to meet aviators, this is one event you don’t want to miss!

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Feeling a beach day?

For those looking to bask in the sun and unwind during their long weekend, we recommend heading to one of San Diego’s many spectacular beaches. Bring a cooler, an umbrella, a football or frisbee, and your friends, and set up shop in the sand while you sit back and enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Nothing says celebrating America like a day at the beach! Some of our favorite beach hangouts in San Diego include South Mission Beach, Coronado Beach, and Torrey Pines State Beach.

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Be a part of a century-old tradition

For more than 100 years, a Memorial Day service has been held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. This event is considered to be San Diego’s largest and most celebrated memorials for soldiers of the past. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is a registered historical landmark, and dates back to the 1840’s. If you’re looking for both a taste of history, and a truly American way to celebrate Memorial Day, this special service is for you! It will be held on May 29, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until noon, and it is located in the Point Loma Peninsula neighborhood of San Diego.

For another look at all that San Diego has to offer this Memorial Day Weekend, check out this video!

Once you’ve cruised the city and seen some of its military and naval history, head on over to our ITH Adventure Hostel in Little Italy!

With a little bit of everything available for your Memorial Day Weekend, we suggest doing all three events, and making the most of your time in San Diego. From the history, to the relaxation, San Diego has so much to offer for your Memorial Day Weekend celebrations.

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