Editor’s Note: The first round of this year’s parade — Sun., Dec. 11 — was canceled due to a storm.
Sail boats bling, are you listening? In the bay, the parade is glistening. A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, watchin’ along a waterfront wonderland. 🎶
The beloved San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, presented by the Port of San Diego, returns to downtown’s waterfront on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 5:30 p.m. The 52nd annual tradition will feature a procession of ~80 boats decked out in holiday lights and decorations — and this year’s theme is “FantaSEA.” 🚤
Here’s how to navigate the big, free event — including prime viewing spots — so you can get your jollies.
This festive parade along the waterfront is just so San Diego.
Photo via Marv Sloben Photography
📍 The route and spectator spots
The parade takes about an hour and a half to pass any given point along the route. You should be able to see the boats from land at these points at these approximate times:
- Shelter Island | 5:30 p.m. | The parade begins here, at the south end.
- Harbor Island | 6 p.m. | The route proceeds from the west to east end.
- North Embarcadero | 6:30 p.m. | The boats will go past the Maritime Museum of San Diego — including the Star of India — then parallel the Embarcadero to Tuna Harbor Park.
- Seaport Village | 7 p.m. | The parade continues past the landmark and the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina.
- Cesar Chavez Park | 7:15 p.m. | Pro tip: The Port of San Diego will offer free coffee, cocoa, and cookies at this location. The route goes to the pier, then turns south to cross the bay to the Marriott Coronado Hotel.
- Coronado Ferry Landing | 7:30 p.m. | The boats will head west, finishing at buoy 22a.
This year’s parade takes place on Sunday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 18.
Photo via Marv Sloben Photography
🚊 Public transit and parking
This holiday tradition draws about 100,000 spectators, which means parking around the waterfront will be at a premium. Consider using a rideshare to get dropped off at one of the viewing spots, or take the Trolley.
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) says all three trolley lines and several bus lines serve stations (Fashion Valley, Old Town, etc.) where you can park and then take public transit to North Embarcadero. Both the Green and UC San Diego Blue lines go to the Santa Fe Depot Station, and the Orange Line to the Courthouse Station, and those stations are a short walk from Harbor Drive.
MTS says these locations near the parade route are also accessible by Trolley (you’ll then have to walk a little to get to a viewing spot):
- Santa Fe Depot | Via Green Line and UC San Diego Blue Line)
- Seaport Village | Via Green Line
- Gaslamp Quarter | Via Green Line
- San Diego Convention Center | Via Green Line
- 12th + Imperial | Via all three Trolley lines
- Barrio Logan | Via UC San Diego Blue Line
By the way, on Sundays — so parade days — two kids ages 12 or under ride free on the MTS Trolley or bus with each paid adult. 🎟️
The boat parade usually features about 80 vessels, trimmed to the nines.
Photo via Marv Sloben Photography
In terms of parking, organizers say there is free but limited parking at Shelter and Harbor islands. You might also get lucky and snag a metered spot along Harbor Drive (free on Sundays) or in front of the Fish Market Restaurant. There is also a paid lot at Seaport Village, or you could search for paid parking in downtown San Diego and walk or take a rideshare to the shoreline.
✅ Our final pro tips: Leave early so you can make your way to your viewing spot, pack your patience for traffic, bring a blanket or chair to sit on, and bundle up — it gets cold by the water this time of year for us San Diegans.
Oh, and if you have a boat and want to participate in the parade, check out this info — boats are awarded prizes based on their lights, music, special effects, and adaptation of the parade’s theme.
