With clear skies, perfect weather, and plenty of beautiful lawns, San Diego is the perfect city for a picnic. It's also the perfect town to catch some toe-tapping tunes for free. This week on the blog, we've lined up some of the summer's best concert series and where to go to get a delicious picnic-style meal beforehand. Picnics and harmonious tunes have never been more enjoyable.
Pioneer Park is unique in that it sits atop a pioneer cemetery that dates back to the 19th century. Starting today (July 8th) until July 22nd the "Mission Hills Summer Concerts in the Park" will kick off its summer season of free music. From 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM you can lay out a blanket or chairs and enjoy this community tradition.
Vanoos Grillette in Mission Bay is the local's secret and the perfect place to get a meal-to-go before heading to Mission Hills. This little gem of a spot makes authentic Mediterranean food as well as American deli sandwiches. We suggest ordering a pita sandwich or a speciality wrap and a few appetizers, like hummus and grilled pita wedges and spinach cheese pies.
Tucked away on the north east corner of Balboa Park is charming Bird Park, which has free concerts every other Saturday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The Bird Park Summer Concerts will run on July 9th, 23rd and August 6th. This series has been going on for over a decade and the park's wide open space draws in hundreds of locals.
Just north of Balboa Park is a Whole Foods Market on University Avenue, perfect for picking a wide array of food and drinks to go. Choose from hot prepared food or fresh pre-packaged sandwiches and cheese and fruit boxes. From healthy greens to decadent baked goods, there's something for everyone here.
"Point Loma Summer Concerts" free shows are so popular that the series provides free parking and shuttle service (click HERE for details). Opening night is tonight and the concerts run until August 5th at Point Loma Park, and takes place every Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Catering is available on-site but bringing a picnic meal is also encouraged.
Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe in nearby Liberty Station is a great option for picking up that picnic meal. As you can guess from the name, all bread is made in-house and locals pop in to buy loaves regularly. The drool-worthy sandwiches are addictive and the bakery treats like scones, brioches and cookies will bring you back, whether there's a free concert nearby or not.
Last summer we highlighted La Jolla's free concert series, and this year it's still on our list for places to be every Sunday. A tradition since 1984, stake out your favorite spot in Ellen Browning Scripps Park overlooking La Jolla Cove and enjoy music from from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. "La Jolla Concerts By the Sea" runs through September 4th and will feature such musical genres as old-fashioned Rock'N'Roll, Blues, and Swing.
There will be hot dogs and snacks to purchase, but if you feel like adding a few gourmet treats, then stop by Bristol Farms, the high-end grocery market. The cafe inside the market offers soups, salads, sandwiches to go. Don't forget to peruse the cakes, cookies and artisan chocolates, for a sweet end to the meal.
Nestled in University Heights is the Trolley Barn Park, named for the old streetcar barn that housed the neighborhood trolley in the early 1900s. Every Friday (until August 5th) Trolley Barn Park is also home to free concerts, part of the "University Heights Summer in the Park" series. The music begins at 6:00 PM and winds down around 8:00 PM.
On your way to University Heights, stop at Bread & Cie to grab some speciality sandwiches and French sweets like macarons and petit fours. They also have a delectable selection of muffins, pastries, and cinnamon rolls for those with a bigger sweet tooth, as well as sumptuous salads for the healthy eater. Bread & Cie also has a kid's menu perfect for children with small appetites.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park hosts free concerts every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The "Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts" provides family-friendly entertainment in a historical setting and goes until September 1st. Click HERE for more concert details.
Located a few minutes from Balboa Park is Mona Lisa Italian Foods, which might not be an obvious choice for a sack meal, but their deli makes arguably the best Italian subs in the city. Classic sandwiches are made with imported cheeses and meats for an authentic touch of Italy. Their market also sells produce (apples, pears, bananas) and snacks to round off the meal.
Enjoying a meal al fresco while taking in a free concert is the perfect recipe for a lovely evening. Call Mission Bay Vacation Rentals today to book your summer stay, conveniently located in the center of all the fun. We've done the planning for you, wicker basket and gingham tablecloth not included.
