There are few cities in the United States where you can catch a Christmas parade along the water and not have to worry about hypothermia.
In San Diego, however, it just wouldn’t be the holidays without the 39th annual Bay Parade of Lights, a flotilla of boats that travels a seven-mile route from Shelter Island to Coronado.
The parade, which features boats decorated in holiday-themed lights, can be watched from a variety of spots on land as well as on the water. But you have to plan ahead, as close to 100,000 spectators come out over the two Sundays in which it’s held.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 18
Where: San Diego Bay from Shelter Island toward Coronado Ferry Landing
Cost: Free
Phone: (619) 224-2240
Online: sdparadeoflights.org
Here’s a guide to help navigate the event:
The route: Boats, led by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter, take off at 5:30 p.m. from the south end of Shelter Island and travel to Harbor Island, past the Maritime Museum’s Berkeley and Star of India, toward Seaport Village and Marina Park. The boats then cross the bay to Coronado and finish at the Coronado Ferry Landing around 7:30 p.m.
Viewing spots for boats: What makes this event unique is that there are spectators on land and on the water. If you’re going to catch the parade from a boat, the best viewing area is near the 10th Street Terminal, where the route turns for Coronado.
Viewing spots for land-lovers: You can see the procession from just about anywhere near the bay, but the least-crowded areas are at the north and south ends of the Embarcadero and the pathway along Coronado. If you’re looking for the best seat in the house, however, that’s aboard the Berkeley ferry. A $50 ticket ($25 for ages 5 to 12) includes a holiday buffet and entertainment. Reservations are required and can be made at sdmaritime.org or (619) 670-3643.
courtesy of: http://www.signonsandiego.com - Nina Garin
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