San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
San Diego’s bay is beautiful at any time of day, any time of the year. But it takes on a special beauty during the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, held during holiday season. This year’s event will take place on two Sundays, December 11 and December 18. Stay at the Best Western Plus Island Palms and you won’t have to worry about driving on unfamiliar streets in the dark to find the event: you can see it directly across the street from us!
This is the 45th year that elaborately decorated boats have sailed around the bay to show off their lights. The illuminations this year will follow the theme, “It Began with a Roar – San Diego Zoo Celebrates 100 Years.” With 80 boats participating, viewing the event from start to finish takes about an hour and a half–a great way to enjoy the evening. You can stroll along our waterfront paths and enjoy the night ever after the last boat has sailed past.
Be sure to enjoy views of San Diego’s bay during daylight hours, too. You can take a short ferry ride over to Coronado for great skyline views. Or opt for a narrated tour that points out scenic landmarks or searches for whales and dolphins. A nighttime dinner cruise lets you enjoy sunset and then see the skyline lit up at night.
With a marina at our doorstep, Best Western Plus Island Palms is a great choice if you want to get out on the water, but staying at Best Western Plus Island Palms also puts you in a great location for land-based activities, too. We’re just a few miles from SeaWorld, historic Old Town, and Balboa Park. Come visit at the holidays or any time of year.