San Diego · Winter 2026–27 · Map Guide

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Five real shoreline orientation points for the officially dated boat parade.

The 56th San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is December 13 and 20, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Choose one shore and arrive with current access information; do not chase the procession across the bay.

Our top picks for San Diego Bay Parade of Lights are Shelter Island Shoreline Park, Harbor Island Park and Embarcadero Marina Park North. The full map covers 5 stops across Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero and more, with 3 routes you can follow in order.

Open the map ↗Explore the list →

5 mapped stops3 ordered routesResearched Nov 8, 2026

The short list

Start here.

Pick 01confirmed

Shelter Island · Shore viewing orientation

Shelter Island Shoreline Park

Shelter Island is the start-side shoreline option. The park pin is orientation, not a reserved view or the exact position of each boat.

See the stop →

Pick 02confirmed

Harbor Island · Shore viewing orientation

Harbor Island Park

Harbor Island is a separate viewing choice along the official route. Do not infer a precise boat arrival from the parade start time.

See the stop →

Pick 03confirmed

Embarcadero · Shore viewing orientation

Embarcadero Marina Park North

Use the named Embarcadero Marina Park North, not a street-centroid substitute. Follow current park restrictions.

See the stop →

Make it your plan

Your map. Your stops.

AreaCostCategoryWho's going

Map loading. The full list and location links work without it.

Approximate location pins. Follow current venue entrances and public-access rules. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

1Shelter Island · Shore viewing orientationconfirmed

Shelter Island Shoreline Park

Shelter Island is the start-side shoreline option. The park pin is orientation, not a reserved view or the exact position of each boat.

Official parade December 13 and 20, 2026; begins 5:30 p.m.

Parade viewing free; parking and purchases separate.

Address, sources & location

Shelter Island Shoreline Park, San Diego CA

Reviewed venue/address or named public-feature orientation point, not a reserved entrance, guaranteed view or turn-by-turn route. Follow current access rules.

Source 1 ↗ · Source 2 ↗ · Source 3 ↗

Location evidence ↗

Open location ↗

2Harbor Island · Shore viewing orientationconfirmed

Harbor Island Park

Harbor Island is a separate viewing choice along the official route. Do not infer a precise boat arrival from the parade start time.

December 13 and 20; exact passing time depends on the procession.

Public viewing; parking separate.

Address, sources & location

Harbor Island Park, San Diego CA

Reviewed venue/address or named public-feature orientation point, not a reserved entrance, guaranteed view or turn-by-turn route. Follow current access rules.

Source 1 ↗ · Source 2 ↗ · Source 3 ↗

Location evidence ↗

Open location ↗

3Embarcadero · Shore viewing orientationconfirmed

Embarcadero Marina Park North

Use the named Embarcadero Marina Park North, not a street-centroid substitute. Follow current park restrictions.

December 13 and 20; consult current parade route and park access.

Public viewing; parking separate.

Address, sources & location

Embarcadero Marina Park North, San Diego CA

Reviewed venue/address or named public-feature orientation point, not a reserved entrance, guaranteed view or turn-by-turn route. Follow current access rules.

Source 1 ↗ · Source 2 ↗ · Source 3 ↗

Location evidence ↗

Open location ↗

4Embarcadero · Waterfront orientationconfirmed

Seaport Village

The Seaport Village waterfront can be part of an Embarcadero outing. A commercial booking is not implied by the public orientation pin.

December 13 and 20; check current waterfront access and merchant hours.

Public walking area; purchases and parking separate.

Address, sources & location

849 W Harbor Drive, San Diego CA

Reviewed venue/address or named public-feature orientation point, not a reserved entrance, guaranteed view or turn-by-turn route. Follow current access rules.

Source 1 ↗ · Source 2 ↗ · Source 3 ↗

Location evidence ↗

Open location ↗

5Coronado · Coronado shore orientationconfirmed

Coronado Ferry Landing

The Coronado shore is a separate end-side choice, not a guaranteed ferry connection or an unrestricted pier.

December 13 and 20; check official procession and access instructions.

Public viewing; transport, parking and purchases separate.

Address, sources & location

1201 1st Street, Coronado CA

Reviewed venue/address or named public-feature orientation point, not a reserved entrance, guaranteed view or turn-by-turn route. Follow current access rules.

Source 1 ↗ · Source 2 ↗ · Source 3 ↗

Location evidence ↗

Open location ↗

Follow the order, not the crowd

Borrow a route.

Route 01 · Walk

Browse first, then choose one lawful shore position. The parade start is not its arrival time at this park.

Ordered planning sequence, not turn-by-turn navigation. Use legal public routes. Check access and individual opening/booking times; regional transfers are not walks.

Route 02 · Single-shore outing

Shelter Island option

Shelter Island Shoreline Park

Stay on the chosen shore; do not try to drive between parade viewpoints.

Ordered planning sequence, not turn-by-turn navigation. Use legal public routes. Check access and individual opening/booking times; regional transfers are not walks.

Route 03 · Single-shore outing

Coronado option

Coronado Ferry Landing

Plan transport independently and check the last service. A parade route does not guarantee a transport timetable.

Ordered planning sequence, not turn-by-turn navigation. Use legal public routes. Check access and individual opening/booking times; regional transfers are not walks.

The useful small print

Before you go.

Researched November 8, 2026. Status labels apply to the claim in each entry, not to guaranteed future opening or availability.
Check current official sources before travelling. No ticket, table, parking space, weather, sighting or uninterrupted public access is promised.
Park/intersection pins are orientation points, not invented attractions or guaranteed sightlines.
Cesar Chavez Park is not recommended here because construction/access for the 2026–28 period is unresolved.
Follow official crowd rules, weather notices and Port closures.

confirmed: Operator/public agency confirms the stated place, program or posted regular offering; a ticket/table is not guaranteed.
reported: A source supports the claim but its year, date, operating detail or independent corroboration is unresolved.
pending: Special-day service, seasonal opening, participation, menu or access is not established. Do not travel or book on this pin alone.

Researched November 8, 2026. Dates, menus, prices, access and availability can change. We have not checked tables or submitted any bookings.

Keep exploring

More guides in San Diego.

San Diego · Winter 2026–27

All San Diego map guides →

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Start here.

Shelter Island Shoreline Park

Harbor Island Park

Embarcadero Marina Park North

Your map. Your stops.

Shelter Island Shoreline Park

Harbor Island Park

Embarcadero Marina Park North

Seaport Village

Coronado Ferry Landing

Borrow a route.

One Embarcadero shore

Shelter Island option

Coronado option

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