San Diego in September | Best Beach Month

The Pacific Islander Festival Association event at Ski Beach showcases Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian cultures. Over the September 26-27 weekend you can watch hula and Tahitian performances, try dishes like lau lau and shave ice, and visit cultural village exhibits. Admission is free, but parking on Mission Bay fills very early.

The MCAS Miramar Air Show is billed as America’s largest military air show, scheduled September 25-27. The Blue Angels and other military and historic aircraft perform aerial demonstrations, while ground displays show jets, helicopters, and armored vehicles. General admission is free, with paid seating upgrades; expect very high attendance, security screening, and hot, exposed viewing areas.

San Diego Bayfair is a Mission Bay powerboat racing weekend held September 18-20. H1 Unlimited hydroplanes and other classes race on an enclosed course, with spectators watching from East Vacation Island and nearby shores. It is a ticketed event with RV camping, beer gardens, and food vendors; engine noise is intense, so ear protection is recommended.