Sand Sculptures + Historic Ships = One Epic Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is the last holiday hurrah of the summer, and although it was originally meant to honor the social and economic achievements of American workers, it’s usually known for relaxing and lots of fun.  This year, there’s tons to do in San Diego, especially in our bustling downtown area.  

 Building sand castles and carving out moats at the beach is a right of passage for anyone who visited the ocean in their youth.  This childhood activity is taken to new heights this weekend as the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge makes its way to Downtown San Diego.  Instead of scooping up sand with a plastic bucket, the city is importing over 300 tons of sand to ‘B’ Street cruise ship terminal pier, to get ready for this massive, four-day event.  From Friday the 4th to Monday the 7th, you can buy a ticket to see World Masters descend from all over the globe to chisel, mold and shape the sand into stunning works of art.  

Admiring the larger than life sand sculpture won’t be the only activity on the pier.  Live bands and singers will be performing all weekend and grommet food trucks will be serving some tasty bites.  The kids will also enjoy their own sand box to play in, rides, and even classes to teach them how they can create their own works of art at the beach.  Tickets range from $6 to $19, and the event is from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (except on Saturday, it ends at 9:00 p.m.).  This will truly be an unforgettable extravaganza, and the perfect way to end the summer.  And, did we mention that a portion of the proceeds goes toward art education programs for kids?

A short walk from the Sand Sculpting Challenge is the Maritime Museum, a favorite of ours because their activities are great for kids and adults of all ages.  On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, they will be hosting the Festival of Sail, the largest ‘Tall Ship’ festival on the west coast.  You’ll be able to see San Diego harbor fill up with majestic ships, some meticulously recreated to look like historic replicas.  

The fun starts at 9:00 a.m. and goes until 5:00 p.m., with general admission tickets going for $5 to $7.  But, this isn’t just watching ‘Tall Ships,’ there will be a ‘Kid Zone’ from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a petting zoo, jump house, and crazy activities.  There will also be a ‘Beer Garden’ for the adults.  A free-to-the-public vendor area will have crafts, goodies, and art for sale.  Cannon demonstration and ‘battles’ will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time, while the ‘Flyboard’ and ‘Hoverboard’ demonstrations will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the future.  

With all that’s going on this weekend, if there was ever a time to take the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Trolley, this would be the time.  Efficient, fun, and more importantly, you can eliminate the stress of where to park in the city.  If you opt for the trolley, the County Center/ Little Italy trolley station is the closet one to the Sand Sculpting and Maritime Museum.  Check out this Info Page which lets you know where you can park your car for free while you explore the Downtown area.   

Of course, you will also want to reserve some time to just kick back and relax at the beach before you go back to school or work.  That’s where Mission Bay Vacation Rental comes in.  Our properties are scattered all over the shoreline and bay, and all are perfect places to unwind and repose.  So after you’ve explored Downtown San Diego this weekend, you can end your holiday weekend with some R&R with us.