If you live in Arizona, you probably summer in San Diego, or at least head there a few times over the summer months. And if you live anywhere else, there is also a good chance that San Diego is on your summer trip list, since it offers so much sunshine, ocean views and activities for the whole family. If you are starting your summer planning, I am going to offer a three part series on San Digeo activities, so you can plan your dates accordingly:

MAJOR EVENTS
• The “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack where fans flock each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, July 21 – September 8. The races run five days weekly, except Monday and Tuesday; every Friday, guests can catch 4 O’Clock Fridays, a free headliner concert following the day’s last race. On August 28, the Grade 1 Pacific Classic treats guests to a prestigious event with a race between the nation’s top thoroughbreds for a $1 million purse. www.dmtc.com
• Visitors can be Super Man or Wonder Woman for a day at Comic-Con International, July 22 – 25, at the San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con has become a signature summertime event for San Diego; it is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture. www.comic-con.org
• Guests can wiggle their toes in the sand and view hundreds of sand sculptors at work during the Annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition, August 6 – 8, at Imperial Beach Pier. www.usopensandcastle.comFESTIVALS AND FAIRS
• The San Diego County Fair takes place June 11 – July 5 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego’s North County. This year’s theme, “Taste the Fun,” features foods of all types and highlights locally grown produce, cooking demonstrations, food as entertainment and more. The San Diego County Fair is the largest annual event in the county and features top performing artists and popular attractions like the Craft Brewers Competition & Festival, livestock exhibits, home and hobby displays, woodworking and an award-winning flower show. www.sdfair.com.
• The 24th Annual La Jolla Festival of Arts and Food Fair, June 26 – 27, hosts over 190 award-winning local and national artists displaying paintings, sculptures, fine jewelry, photography and more. Guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines in the festival food area, listen to live entertainment and visit the children’s area featuring interactive booths, hands-on games and activities. www.lajollaartfestival.org
• San Diego celebrates Independence Day with a variety of Fourth of July celebrations throughout the county. Coronado’s popular Independence Day Celebration on July 4 features a two-hour parade followed by a family concert in Spreckels Park and spectacular fireworks over Glorietta Bay. www.sandiego.org
• Residents and visitors alike show their pride at the 35th Annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade and Festival, July 17 – 18, one of the most popular events of its kind in the country. Highlights include a mile-long parade through Hillcrest and two-day festival in Balboa Park. http://sandiegopride.org
• The 16th Annual San Diego Festival of Beer takes place September 10 in downtown San Diego. More than 75 breweries provide samples and tastings alongside live musical performances, vendors and food. www.sdbeerfest.org

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