Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June annually. We honor the significance of the father’s role in both the family and society.

Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington is credited for the idea of Father’s Day when she listened to a sermon on Mother’s Day in 1909. Dodd and her five siblings were raised by their father, a Civil War veteran after her mother died in childbirth. Local religious leaders supported the idea, and the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, the month of her father’s birth, and became a national holiday in 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed legislation designating it as such.

Though it began as a religious holiday, Father’s Day is now commercialized with gift-giving and greeting cards. But Father’s Day doesn’t have to be a day to give dad another shirt, tie, or pair of socks. It doesn’t have to be at an overcrowded restaurant. Instead, why not make it extra special and really knock those socks off by taking him for a special day on the water?

Father’s Day Premier Brunch Cruise

There is nothing more relaxing and peaceful than being on the water. Your dad can forget about all his troubles and anything that causes stress and sit back, relax, and feel the open-air with an amazing trip on the water. Treat your dad to a Father’s Day Premier Brunch Cruise and create lasting memories that you will all treasure. While onboard, your family will enjoy distinctive service with a chef-inspired buffet and a selection of wine, beer, and classic cocktails. Enjoy the day while listening to music in a climate-controlled interior, or soak in the picturesque backdrop from outdoor decks. You can’t go wrong when San Diego Magazine highlights this as a top Father’s Day activity. This two-hour cruise will guarantee a great time will be had by all. Make sure you bring your camera to capture some Instagram-worthy shots of the family!

A San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure

Dad is a son’s first hero, and a daughter’s first love, and yet fathers are often not given credit for their role in the family. Don’t miss an opportunity to show your father how much he means to you and your family by taking him on an adventure of a lifetime with a one-of-a-kind experience.

A San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure would be a great and unique experience for the family. Enjoy the best sightseeing on San Diego Bay with a professionally narrated tour of San Diego’s whale-watching hot spots. Search for Blue Whales, Minke Whales, Fin Whales, dolphins, sea lions, marine birds, and many more sea creatures! As you cruise, you will see up-close views of the bay’s wildlife as well as iconic landmarks from a new perspective. Onboard staff will provide live narration and details about the aquatic life and landmarks you’ll pass for a truly memorable experience. Expert captains and volunteer naturalists from the San Diego Natural History Museum will make this educational voyage like no other. This four-hour cruise offers spectacular views of the city skyline and local landmarks.

Take advantage of an annual pass and make this a special experience to be shared annually. The whale-watching vessel cruises in the open ocean. Due to stabilizers, these yachts are the most comfortable in San Diego and greatly reduce the yacht’s motion. There are some helpful hints to make your cruise more comfortable and enjoyable before you go. Your dad will be fascinated by the beautiful views, sea creatures, and sights along San Diego Bay. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard. You will want to have your camera ready to capture remarkable sights that will be shared for years to come.

Father’s Day Premier Dinner Cruise

They say the best way to a man’s heart is his stomach! Since dads are generally harder to buy a gift to show appreciation, a Dinner Cruise is a unique and special idea to celebrate. The gift of spending time together is better than any material object; especially when there’s good food involved! Take your dad on a two-and-a-half-hour cruise along the San Diego Bay, where he can be treated like a king, and everyone can enjoy a delicious plated dinner with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts to please the palate. Explore writes, “City Cruises is revolutionizing this with sophisticated dining experiences and voyages featuring carefully crafted menus, offering passengers a taste of luxury with a diverse gastronomic feast.”  In addition to the amazing culinary experience, the distinct service will be sure to impress him. There are creative cocktails, wine, and beer to help him unwind. Sway to the music with live DJ entertainment as you cruise along the San Diego Bay soaking in the picturesque backdrop from climate-controlled interiors, or open-air outdoor decks, all while creating lasting memories. You may want to splurge on a window table to ensure the best views.

USS Midway

You probably have worked up an appetite after zipping around the city, so consider taking your dad to a burger joint with vintage décor and pinball machines to bring back some memories. The Balboa is a small, casual tavern known for cocktails, burgers, and fries that will make your dad happy. Located in the Balboa Park area, this downtown delight has an expansive burger menu and great options for craft beer. The vibe is chill, and the décor is offers lots to look at while you wait for your made-to-order burgers. Play a game of pool, or pinball, and let him select the music on the jukebox while sipping a drink (or two).

This Father’s Day, think outside the box to plan a special and unforgettable experience for your dad to show him how much you love him. Spend a relaxing day on the water having brunch, or an evening admiring the skyline along the Bay with a plated dinner, look for whales and dolphins while sightseeing, or take him on an adventure while touring the city on a Segway. No matter what you decide, being together is the best part.

FAQs – San Diego Father’s Day Things to Do (2024)

What activities can I do with my dad in San Diego for Father’s Day?
San Diego offers a wide range of activities for Father’s Day, including visiting the USS Midway Museum, going deep sea fishing, playing golf, exploring the San Diego Zoo, surfing, dining at special brunch spots like Roy’s, attending car and boat festivals, whale watching, enjoying the county fair, sipping at Stone Brewery, and engaging in outdoor BBQ & live music events​​.

Are there any outdoor activities for Father’s Day in San Diego?
Yes, you can enjoy several outdoor activities such as kayaking in La Jolla, exploring the coastline, fishing, making a splash with water-related adventures, joining the surf scene, hiking on trails, and golfing at one of the 90+ courses in San Diego​​.

Can I take my dad to a brewery in San Diego on Father’s Day?
San Diego is home to over 140 breweries, brew pubs, and tasting rooms, making it the perfect destination to take your dad for tasting craft beers and enjoying the vibrant local beer scene​​.

Does City Cruises offer special events for Father’s Day in San Diego in 2024?
Yes, City Cruises in San Diego offers special Father’s Day experiences such as a Premier Brunch Cruise, Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventure, and a Premier Dinner Cruise. These cruises provide a unique way to celebrate Father’s Day on the water with scenic views of San Diego’s landmarks​​.

What can I expect on a City Cruises Father’s Day Brunch or Dinner Cruise?
On a Father’s Day Brunch or Dinner Cruise, you can expect delicious meals, stunning waterfront views, and a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy with your father. These cruises are designed to provide a memorable experience with exceptional service and entertainment​​.

Original Post Date: May 2, 2023