Fleet Week San Diego 2024

Join San Diego’s military community and their families in the annual 10 day celebration of veterans & active service members along the Embarcadero’s bay.

Key Takeaways

Fleet Week returns to the Broadway Pier from Nov 1-11, 2024, honoring and increasing awareness of San Diego’s military residents.
Attend fun events like Military Ship Tours and the Veterans Boat Parade, with plenty of activities for the whole family.
Fleet Week is an excellent way for the community to show their support, strengthening the relationship with San Diegans.

By Jess Tucker

Last Updated on
Oct 31, 2024

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Fleet Week San Diego 2024

Honoring Those Who Serve

Fleet Week Events

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Activities for Families

Ways to Support

Popular Activities

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Honoring Those Who Serve: Fleet Week Returns to San Diego

The Unconditional Surrender Statue with the USS Midway in the Background

Entrance into the Embarcadero Marina Park

This fall, the annual Fleet Week San Diego returns to kick off the 2024 festivities.

Starting on November 1st and running through November 11th, Fleet Week celebrations will take place in the Embarcadero area of Downtown San Diego, right by the beautiful San Diego Bay at the Broadway Pier.

The USS San Diego Memorial in the Embarcadero

San Diego’s Military History

San Diego may not be as well known for its naval bases as it is for its beaches, but its history with the military dates all the way back to the early 1900s.

As an important center for military operations on the West Coast during World War II and beyond, there are still multiple Naval and Marine Corps bases around the city, particularly around the bay and at Point Loma. In fact, you may not know this but it has the greatest U.S. military concentration in the entire country!

Today, there are lots of ways to learn about the area’s connection to the military - one of our year-round favorites is at the USS Midway Museum, which is part of the Go City San Diego pass - but in November, there’s no better way than attending Fleet Week.

National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military Memorial next to the USS Midway

Honoring and Celebrating

Fleet Week doubles as both a way to honor veterans and active-duty service members and a bridge between the military and the local community.

The lineup of events aims to increase awareness of San Diego’s military presence and its connections to the community, while also providing fun and family-friendly activities for service members and civilians alike.

Old Navy Airplane on Display at the USS Midway Museum

My Personal Take on Fleet Week 2024

I’m a big supporter of our military, their sacrifices and all that they do to keep us safe.

So for me this event is something that goes beyond just ‘having a good time’. It’s also about showing my appreciation for all that the military does for our country.

Tour Naval Ships Early

During Fleet Week, ship tours are popular. Arrive early to beat the crowds and maximize your time exploring these impressive vessels.

Exploring the Exciting Lineup of Fleet Week Events

Some events during Fleet Week are designed for military members and their families. These include an Active Duty Golf Tournament, the Fleet Week Football Classic, and the Military Family Day.

The vast majority of the events, however, are open to the public, and everyone is invited to attend. These include concerts, tours of real ships used in the Navy and Coast Guard, and a patriotic boat parade.

Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park

Military & Veteran Appreciation Concert

I’m a music lover myself and when I get the opportunity to hear live music, I’m usually up for it!

At the event, you will have the chance to listen to the distinguished Marine Band San Diego and Navy Band Southwest live when you attend the Military & Veteran Appreciation Concert, held on November 1st.

The event begins with a dedication to Vietnam War veterans led by Mayor Todd Gloria at 5:00pm. Then, from 5:30pm - 6:30pm, you can enjoy an hour-long musical performance.

The concert is held in Balboa Park at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and admission is completely free.

The Front of the USS Midway Museum As Seen from a Boat

Military Ship Tours

Ever wanted to see what a U.S. Navy or Coast Guard ship looks like on the inside? From November 8th-11th, ships will be docked at the Broadway Pier, welcoming you to climb aboard and learn about what daily life is like for the thousands of service members who live on these vessels.

All tours are free and do not require advanced reservations. They are given on a first-come first-served basis from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Tour goers must wear closed-toed shoes and have a valid Government Picture ID.

Sailboat and Downtown San Diego and Harborview Skyline

Veterans Day Boat Parade (November 11)

As a coastal city and the home of the annual Bayfair event, it’s no surprise that San Diego has a huge boating scene. To celebrate Veterans Day this year, Fleet Week is hosting its own Veterans Day Boat Parade on November 11th, starting at 10:15am in the San Diego Bay.

Boats in the parade will be decorated to fit the military theme, and locals are invited to decorate their personal boats and join in. There will even be trophies awarded for the best decorations in each of the following categories listed below.

U.S. Army
U.S. Navy
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Coast Guard
Best Decorated Patriotic Boat

You can watch the parade from any of a number of locations around the bay, including Harbor Island, Shelter Island, Seaport Village, Coronado Tidelands Park, and the shores of the Embarcadero.

I’d recommend that you plan to arrive a little before the parade begins to ensure you get a great spot, especially if you’re bringing the family along.

Bundle and SAVE!

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

Explore the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum with your All-Inclusive Go City pass! Check out the hangar deck and flight deck, plus over 60 exhibits, displays and interactive experiences. Enjoy an authentic tour narrated by Midway sailors!

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What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Activities for Families and the Community

The End of the Flight Deck on the USS Midway

Fleet Week is a family-friendly event with plenty of things to do for attendees of all ages. Here are some of the activities designed to help educate kids on military operations in San Diego and give them a taste of what military life is like.

Boot Camp Challenge

You can get a taste of the obstacle courses used during boot camp training at the Boot Camp Challenge at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego on October 19th.

This is a 3-mile race that aims to simulate Marine training in an approachable way. The course is open to participants of all fitness levels, inviting everyone to try out being a Marine for a day. Young kids can cheer on their family members from the sidelines, and the event will also include giveaways and live music.

Whether you’re watching or running in the race yourself, it’s free to attend.

Student STEM Days

San Diego students can tour Fleet Week San Diego’s Innovation Zone at Broadway Pier in an exclusive early look at STEM-centric tours and demonstrations. Not only is STEM education a huge part of the military, but it’s also critical for the modern workforce, making these interactive lessons invaluable.

Tours are given from November 6th -8th and are intended for students in grades 4 and up. There will also be Coast Guard and Navy ships on-site that kids can climb aboard.

Innovation Zone

Tons of inventions and innovations in the world of tech are made possible through military funding and applications. The Innovation Zone, which first launched right in San Diego County in 2017, is a showcase of these new developments.

This year’s Innovation Zone begins on November 6th and opens to the public from Nov 8th -11th.

You can also visit the Port Pavilion Building at Broadway Pier between 10:00am – 4:00pm to see some of the cutting-edge technology that’s already being put to use in military operations, plus some ways the same technology can benefit civilians’ lives as well.

Popular Hotels

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Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown

$162

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Wyndham San Diego Bayside

$135

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InterContinental San Diego

$264

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AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter

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Honoring Service Members and Ways to Support

Helicoptors with the Flag at the USS Midway

Fleet Week isn’t just about fun and games. It’s also about recognizing and giving back to service members!

Join the San Diego community in honoring its heroes, or learn how you can show your support through volunteering and sponsorships during and after the event.

Enlisted Recognition Luncheon

The Enlisted Recognition Luncheon highlights the contributions of more than 300 distinguished members of the military with recognition and awards for ways they have served their communities. The highlight is the Making a Difference Award, which is presented to a guest of honor who has gone above and beyond.

The luncheon will be held on November 1st, 2024 from 11:30am – 1:30pm, and will take place at the San Diego Zoo.

Helicoptors at the USS Midway

Meet the Fleet at 32nd Street

If you’re interested in learning more about what goes on at the Naval Base San Diego, attend the Meet the Fleet open house event on November 2nd from 9:00am – 3:00pm, where you’ll get to tour a real military ship and listen to the Navy Band.

This is a great event for kids and their families that will also have rides and inflatables, plus local food truck vendors.

The Landing Strip on the USS Midway on the Embarcadero

How to Participate and Support Fleet Week

You can donate to the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation on their website, or in-person during the event.

Organizations interested in sponsoring current or future Fleet Week events, including non profits and small businesses, are invited to visit the official website.

For everyone else, just turning out to show your support goes a long way!

Featured Hotel

InterContinental San Diego

Bayfront

Boardwalk

Families

Watch the boats come and go from the comfort of InterContinental San Diego, an impressive hotel located near the Embarcadero. It’s perfect for business and vacation.

Prices Starting at $264

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