San Diego Tourism Authority Releases Summer Events Schedule

San DiegoThe San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) has promoted Benjamin Eastman to director of travel trade development where he will head a five-person Travel Trade Development department. Among other things, the SDTA provides travel trade professionals with promotional materials such as maps, sample itineraries, images and brochures.

Summer in San Diego offers a comfortable climate, and 70 miles of beaches. In addition to San Diego’s natural appeal, recent press releases from the San Diego Tourism Authority are also promoting summer travel to the area by advertising seasonal events and activities including, street festivals, community celebrations, visual and performing art shows, and new attractions at family theme parks.

The San Diego County Fair will take place June 8 through July 4, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Fair is the largest annual event in San Diego County and features top performing artists and attractions like the International Beer Festival, livestock exhibits and more.

Independence Day will be celebrated with a variety of Fourth of July celebrations throughout the county. The Port of San Diego offers the Big Bay Boom fireworks extravaganza over San Diego Bay. La Jolla's 4th of July gathering features fireworks over La Jolla Cove beginning at 9:00 p.m. LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad will also celebrate July 4th with Red, White and BOOM! Family activities will be available throughout the day with the fireworks starting at 8:30 p.m. Coronado will also host the 65th Annual Independence Day Parade and celebration.

Comic-Con International will be held from July 17 through July 21, at the San Diego Convention Center.

Orfila Vineyards and Winery in the San Pasqual Valley will host the Orfila Grape Stomp on August 24. For $85 (plus tax) per ticket, guests can help stomp the grapes from the annual harvest followed by a buffet dinner, live music, a wine tasting, and tractor rides through the vineyard.

On August 25, visitors have the opportunity to cycle over the San Diego-Coronado Bridge during the 6th Annual Ride the Bridge-Bike the Bay. This noncompetitive 25-mile bike ride along the Bayshore Bikeway passes through Coronado's Tidelands Park, Silver Strand State Beach and along Glorietta Bay, through San Diego, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista and National City. Registration is required at www.bikethebay.net.

Other summer events include: the 8th Annual Loews Coronado Bay Surf Dog Competition - Unleashed by Petco on June 22 at Imperial Beach; the Julian Gold Rush Days, June first and second, celebrating the 1870s discover of gold; the 18th Annual Wings Over Gillespie Air Show, June 1 through June 2; and Julian StarFest, the second largest gathering of professional and amateur astronomers and stargazers in California, August 9 through 11.

Visit: www.sandiego.org.