Staycation in San Diego: Music, Marine Life, and Mission Bay

Music floated across San Diego Bay as boats gathered under the stars, a reminder that summer still has a few surprises left. We’ve been taking full advantage, finding plenty of new things to do right here in San Diego.

This time, I’ll take you along to a few shows we’ve seen, a stop at the Birch Aquarium, and some time on the water with Jax. If you’ve missed earlier installments of my Staycation series, you can catch up on our adventures here.

San Diego Summer Adventures Close to Home

The weather has cooperated beautifully for our outings. Even during a brief hot streak, the ocean breeze and sunny skies made each day feel like a gift, perfect for concerts, aquariums, and paddleboarding alike.

Live Music in San Diego: Nights at the Rady Shell

When people think of shows, San Diego may not be the first city that comes to mind, but it has a lively performance season. One of our favorite venues is the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The stage itself is shaped like an open clam shell, designed for excellent acoustics. It sits right on the water in San Diego Bay, and all shows are both free and ticketed concerts.

Some people pack a picnic and sit outside the venue to enjoy the music. On big nights, the bay fills with boats where people eat, drink, dance, and sing along from the water. Those are the “free” seats.  

My husband and I prefer the lawn seating inside the venue. We bring our backpack-style lawn chairs, and either dance along or stretch out under the stars. It’s less expensive than the assigned seats, but honestly, we find it far more comfortable. The ocean breeze always seems to find you out on the lawn, and it makes the whole evening feel easy.

Tips for Enjoying Concerts at the San Diego Bay

Parking downtown can be a headache, so we usually drive to a trolley station near our home, park for free, and ride the trolley to the venue. It’s simple, much cheaper, and easier than fighting for a parking spot.

So far this summer, we’ve seen a Miles Davis tribute and The Beach Boys, joined by John Stamos, who surprised us both with how talented a musician he is. Only two of the original Beach Boys are touring these days, and John brought a lot of energy to the show. That night, the venue was packed, not just inside but all around the bay. Singing and dancing were everywhere.

Discovering Local Theater in Downtown San Diego

Another night, we discovered the Tenth Avenue Arts Center, a small downtown theater, and saw an original musical called Wulfeater. It’s written by Brian and Danisha Jenkins, with music and lyrics by the Jenkins and Julia Roskopf, and choreography by Christian DePaul and Roskopf. The whole production was an immersive, interactive experience set in the fictional world of Cleveland, digging into themes of capitalism, oppression, and patriarchy. At times, it felt like we were sitting in the bar with the characters, watching their lives unfold.

The music was raw hard rock, the acting was sharp, and even the intermission became part of the story. By the end, the whole audience was on its feet, cheering the characters as they fought to take their lives back, even as some clung to the comfort of the status quo. It was thought-provoking and unforgettable. As director Brian Jenkins shouted: “Welcome to the Wulfeater, mother f*ckers…Are you ready to have some fun?” The answer was definitely yes.

Hidden Gems: San Diego Dive Bars and Neighborhood Culture

After the show, we wandered into the Chee-Chee Club, a small dive bar where locals shoot pool, drop coins in the jukebox, and catch up with friends. Local artists hang their work on the walls, and you can buy a piece if one catches your eye. It’s cash only, but there’s an ATM inside. Nothing fancy, but absolutely worth a stop.

The Chee Chee Club / Photo by Whaldo Digital Content

Exploring the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

We also finally made it back to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, my first visit in more than 30 years and my husband’s very first. We planned our day around the talks and feedings, starting with the Pacific Tropical Coral Reef exhibit. The colors were stunning, and we learned how much expertise goes into keeping an ecosystem like that healthy.

From there, we wandered through the Living Seas Gallery to see jellyfish, the endangered Sunflower Sea Star, and a Giant Pacific Octopus. We lingered at the Giant Kelp Forest, then stepped outside to the Tide Pool Plaza just in time to watch the staff feed fish and lobsters. The tide pools are hands-on, so we touched sea stars, anemones, and even watched a starfish eat a clam.  That was a first for both of us!

The aquarium is also home to rescued Little Blue penguins, sharks, rays, a loggerhead turtle, and a spectacular Sea Dragon exhibit. But the highlight for me was watching them feed the octopus in the tide pool. With school back in session, the crowds were light, and I could stand back and watch without anyone blocking my view.

It was a fascinating visit, and we left with a deeper appreciation for the work Scripps scientists are doing to protect ocean life. If you haven’t been in a while, it’s worth a return trip. You can grab lunch at the small café outside or bring your own and re-enter as you like.  Also, the parking was free.

Mission Bay Paddleboarding Adventures with Our Dog

Of course, summer in San Diego isn’t complete without time on the water. With kids back in school, the beaches are quieter, perfect for days with Jax. We have a paddleboard that converts into a kayak, so my husband and I took turns out on Mission Bay. At one point, the three of us piled on together, drifting slowly with Jax nestled between us.

Floating isn’t exactly his favorite pastime, but he climbs on board every time, not wanting to miss out. He’s happiest splashing along the shore or chasing darting fish in the shallows, but it’s clear he loves being part of the adventure.

Why San Diego Staycations Never End

It’s been a full couple of weeks, and there are still more shows, aquarium visits, and paddling adventures ahead. San Diego never fails to surprise me.  Beyond the beaches, there’s a vibrant food scene, countless museums, and a nightlife that keeps growing more exciting each year.

No matter the season, San Diego has a new adventure around every corner, and we’re just getting started.

-J.S. Whaldo

Practical Travel Tips for Your San Diego Staycation

Getting Around:
Take the trolley downtown or drive to Bay and Aquarium adventures.

Rady Shell Concerts:
Grab a lawn chair and water; arrive early for prime breezy spots.

Theater & Live Shows:
Buy tickets early and check age limits — some shows are immersive.

Birch Aquarium:
Plan around feedings; hands-on tide pools are best when it’s less crowded.

Mission Bay Adventures:
Paddleboards work for two (or bring your pup!); mornings are quieter.