November Activities in San Diego By: Sophia Tao

As November starts and the holiday season approaches, people might be wondering what fun, local activities to go to in San Diego when there’s more time off work and school. Ranging from food festivals and parades to military displays, there are diverse options for everyone!

Starting off with a more well-known event, Fleet Week begins November 1st and goes until November 11th. As one of San Diego’s largest military events, Fleet Week is located in downtown San Diego at Broadway Pier; it features military displays, active navy and Coast Guard ship tours, and an opportunity to see high tech equipment in the Innovation Zone. Great for kids or people interested in ships and history, Fleet Week is a perfect time to get outdoors and learn something new while also honoring the military’s contributions and all the men and women who are currently in service or have been in service. I went to Fleet Week last year and it’s definitely worthwhile to spend a day touring their diverse types of ships which usually aren’t open to the public, along with learning more about the military and some of their historic figures.

Along with Fleet Week, there are also many other events occurring in downtown San Diego. One notable event is the USS Midway Veterans Day Celebration where thousands of residents and community leaders line up to parade through downtown on November 11th to celebrate people who have served in the military. At the same time, it is also worthwhile to visit the USS Midway, a historical naval aircraft carrier museum located at Navy Pier that is open year round. The museum features tours throughout more than 60 locations within the ship, including the engine room, the cockpit, officer and sleeping quarters, and more. I have visited the USS Midway many times and it’s a definite must go for people who like learning about history or are just interested in seeing large ships and planes. My favorite experience is going to the top deck of the carrier where you can tour the wide variety of fighter planes they have while also having a breathtaking view of the ocean and downtown San Diego in general.

If you’re more interested in horses, racing, or sports, it might be worth paying a visit to the Del Mar Fairgrounds to see the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club race. Starting October 31st and lasting until December 1st, the month of November is Bing Crosby season, which essentially features a form of horse racing named after race track founder Bing Crosby. There will also be lots of music and concerts to enhance the festive atmosphere, many food stalls and culinary events, along with interactive exhibits for kids, so this event is perfect for families!

Finally, with Thanksgiving approaching, people need to celebrate this month with lots of food and drinks, of course! The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival occurs from November 2nd until November 10th and it’s the largest wine and culinary event in San Diego. Although wine is an important part of the event, there are also many other activities happening at the festival such as cooking demonstrations, food competitions, and panels, so there’s something for everyone! Popular local and international chefs also visit to provide people with a meal they will remember forever. This event is definitely worth visiting just to try the delicacies offered.

With so many activities occurring in November, there’s no excuse for not spending more time outdoors with family and friends! The holidays and breaks are slowly approaching, so what do you plan on doing?