Memorial Day in San Diego: Top Events & Things To Do

Memorial Day is a significant day of commemoration to honor the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the United States military. The holiday falls each year on the last Monday of May and unofficially marks the start of summer. However, it’s also when many people visit cemeteries and memorials in San Diego.

Memorial Day in San Diego is a big deal since the city has such a large military presence and long history. Not surprisingly, you will find many events and things to do to honor this holiday. 

We’ve compiled a list of Memorial Day events in San Diego, so you can decide how best to celebrate.

The Best Things To Do For Memorial Day In San Diego

Fort Rosecrans Memorial Service

When: May 29th, 2023, 10 am
Where: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery hosts one of the largest military memorials held over San Diego Memorial Day weekend. This celebration in Point Loma is for families of those who served in the US military.

The Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery became an Army Post Cemetery in the 1860s. Many soldiers who passed away at San Pasqual in 1846 and the victims of the USS Bennington are buried here today.

The memorial will begin at 10 am sharp on Sunday, May 29th. It will be busy so it’s recommended visitors arrive early. This is one of the most popular Memorial Day ceremonies in Southern California, after all.

Parking is available in the Navy parking lot. This is a bit far from the cemetery, although there’s shuttle service for the event beginning at 8 am.

Mt. Soledad Memorial Day Ceremony

When: May 29th, 2023, time TBD
Where: Mt. Soledad Memorial 

The Mt. Soledad Memorial Ceremony is one Memorial Day commemoration that always receives much attention.

There will be a keynote speaker who will say a few words. Additionally, a moment of silence will be had for our nation’s heroes. You’ll definitely want to hear this, as past speeches have always been excellent.

Last year, the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial was virtual because of COVID-19. Thankfully, visitors can attend in-person again and show respect to our serving countrymen and women.

Walk the “Greatest Generation Walk”

When: May 29th, 2023
Where: Tuna Harbor Park

What better way to celebrate Memorial Day in San Diego than by walking the Greatest Generation Walk? The stroll has been named after the people who fought in World War II and lived through the Great Depression.

You’ll find plenty of memorials throughout the park, such as the Homecoming Memorial and Aircraft Carrier Memorial. On May 29th, there’s often wreath laying taking place by locals who celebrate the national moment every year. 

The Unconditional Surrender is an iconic monument that catches the eye of everyone who visits Tuna Harbor Park. It’s a 25-foot-tall statue of a man kissing a woman, replicating a famous photograph taken in New York to celebrate the end of World War II.

Tuna Harbor Park is open from 6 am until 10:30 pm daily, regardless of Memorial Day.

Visit The USS Midway

When: May 29th, 2023
Where: The USS Midway Museum, North Harbor
USS Midway: Tips To Plan Your Visit

No doubt, you’ve probably heard of the USS Midway aircraft carrier. It was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century, with use in both the Cold War and Vietnam War. This carrier was decommissioned in 1992, and is now docked at Navy Pier, which has been transformed into a museum.

The USS Midway’s Legacy Week is one of the most talked about events in San Diego around Memorial Day. The USS Midway Museum will be hosting an array of interesting exhibits and activities on the ship. This includes a Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony and interactive remembrance wall to pay respect to fallen comrades and those currently serving the military.

If you’d like to take a self-guided tour of the museum, book your tickets online in advance.

This is a fascinating way to learn about the ship’s history and how it served our great country.

Check Out The Veterans Museum In Balboa Park

When: May 29th, 2023
Where: The Veterans Museum, Balboa Park

Another great way to celebrate Memorial Day is by visiting the Veterans Museum in Balboa Park. It commemorates the soldiers of the Coast Guard, United States Air Force, Wartime Merchant Marine, and more.

Admire the powerful murals, take some time to read the multimedia displays, and hear the heroic stories of those who sacrificed their lives for the USA. You’ll also want to stop by the Military History Research Library, which contains over 7,000 artifacts about the Army.

Museum tours are available, and visitors should book in advance, especially when touring on Memorial Day.

With luck, you may be there for one of the ceremonies, book signings, or parades, which have been held here on Memorial Day in the past.

Memorial Day is an important day in the USA and is close to many hearts. Although there are lots of events happening throughout the weekend, it should be remembered this is a day for honoring the lives of our service members.

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