The Best Spots to Watch the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Editor’s Note: The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights has been cancelled for 2020. Check back here next holiday season for all the details on this amazing event when it resumes in 2021.

Most kids get to see Christmas lights on land, but in true SoCal style, San Diegans can also spy twinkling lights on 80 lavishly decorated boats as they glide across the water in the 48th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights! This year’s parade theme is ‘Comic-Con on the Bay’ and viewers will be dazzled by the procession, which may be viewed from several spots. Read on for where to enjoy this holiday tradition with your family.

photo: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Views of the Parade for Landlubbers

Grab your comfy chairs, bring a warm blanket, fill up that cooler and park it! Here’s where to view the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights from land.

Shelter Island
Little boat spectators will be thrilled to be at the beginning of the show. Parking around Shelter Island is free, come early. The Parade proceeds from the south end of Shelter Island to the north end and from the north end of Shelter Island across America’s Cup Harbor entrance to the west end of Harbor Island.

Time: Parade starts at 5 p.m.

Online: portofsandiego.org/where-to-go/shelter-island

Harbor Island Park
Get a shoreline view at this smaller park with a nice grass field. Parking is free, but there are fewer spaces to score.

Good to know: Would you rather be warm and cozy? Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is a good go-to eatery to dine at while watching the Parade cruise by––but you’ll need a reservation and they book up fast. If you can’t get a table, head to the park for the parade and eat at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse afterwards.

Time: Boats will go by at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Online: portofsandiego.org/where-to-go/harbor-island/harbor-island-park

photo: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

The Embarcadero
Join the merriment at The Embarcadero where the festivities begin at around 6 p.m. If you want to head to a comfortable nearby restaurant, try the Fish Market. They accept reservations.

Fish Market
750 North Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA
619-232-3474
Online: thefishmarket.com

If you’re viewing the Parade of Lights from this locale, don’t miss ‘A Very Carnitas’ Christmas‘ which takes place on Sun., Dec. 8 & 15 from 4-7 p.m. The Embarcadero Shack is pulling out all the stops for the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Ideally situated along the parade route, Carnitas Snack Shack will have entertainment for the whole family. Little ones can enjoy hot chocolate and peppermint soft serve, while adults can imbibe festive cocktails. Additional fun features include cornhole and live music by Mike White.

Carnitas’ Snack Shack
1004 N Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
Online: carnitassnackshack.com

Time: Boats will go by at approximately 6 p.m.

Online: portofsandiego.org/where-to-go/embarcadero

Seaport Village
If your little energy bundles need a place to run, then North Embarcadero Park offers a fun and festive view. You can park (fees apply) and eat at Seaport Village.

If you want to find a restaurant view, the Harbor House in Seaport Village is a good bet. But be aware, it gets crowded.

Time: Boats will go by at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Online: seaportvillage.com

photo: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park
You’ll love the fact that this waterfront park offers a perfect viewing spot from the Pier. There are also picnic tables and a playground area if the kids need to burn off some energy and have a snack.

Time: Boats will go by at approximately 6:45 p.m.

Online: portofsandiego.org/cesar-chavez-park

Ferry Landing on Coronado
The pathway along Coronado offers a great view of the Parade. You can park in the nearby neighborhoods, then walk to the waterfront viewing areas. This location is the last sail-by of this sparkling Parade.

Time: Boats will go by at approximately 7 p.m.

Online: coronadoferrylanding.com

photo: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

View the Parade From the Water

Steam Ferry Berkeley, Downtown
Judges always have the “best seats in the house” and the Berkeley is where they’ll be. Not only will you enjoy a meal on a historic steamboat, but also, your crew can get a perfect look at the passing boats. Psst.. buy tickets early! This event sells out!

Cost: $60/adult, $25/child, 2 and under free

1492 North Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA
619-234-9153
Online: maritimemusuem.org

Flagship Cruises on the Bay
Grab the champagne, sparkling cider and your little sea captains and bundle up aboard a luxury cruise. You’ll have a brilliant view of the boat parade and the lit San Diego landmarks. You may also opt for the dinner cruise which costs $89.50 per adult and $53.70 per child.

Cost: Spectator, $40/adult; $20/child

990 N. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA
619-234-4111
Online: flagshipsd.com/cruises/holiday-parade-lights-cruises

Good to know: Wherever you are taking in this brilliant holiday parade, plan on spending about an hour at any given point along the route to see all of the boats cruise by.

48th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
When: Sunday, Dec. 8 & 15; Parade starts at 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Parade route details may be found here.
Event details.

––Nikki Walsh & Beth Shea

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