Fun Things to Do on Memorial Day in San Diego

Kicking off Thursday night and going non-stop through Sunday, 2009 Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego is overflowing with fun things to do. 

You hit the return of Ruby Thursdays, you’re gearing up for Kassim Osgood’s birthday party, and you’re probably still deciding which pool party to attend on Sunday. Get details: Memorial Day Party Guide.

But wait … what about Monday? 

If amid all the excitement you forgot the honor behind the holiday, we’re here to remind you of the cause and offer some perspective and party planning for Monday, May 25, 2009.

Fun Things to Do on Memorial Day in San Diego

Better Than Ezra Rocks Memorial Day Pool Party
The band Better Than Ezra will serenade the poolside party at Arterra Restaurant and Lounge in Del Mar. This free concert will sound even better with such holiday happy hour specials as $5 CA drafts, $6 wines and $7 premium cocktails. Doors open at 3pm and show starts at 4pm. Contact Arterra. (pictured)

Hornblower Memorial Day BBQ Beer Cruise

FIT Memorial Day Pool Party
No, we don’t expect you to exercise on Monday. But, you should make a trip to FIT Athletic Club in East Village to experience the industrial-chic setting complete with a pool and terrace overlooking PETCO Park. FIT is throwing a Memorial Day Pool Party on Monday, serving poolside BBQ grilled goods. No RSVPs necessary. Just show up around noon ready to relax. Details here.

New Muslim Cool
Logan Island Community Center and Worldbeat Center present a special sneak preview of new documentary: New Muslim Cool. Discover how in a time of danger and promise, a man, a family, and a generation come of age. This highly anticipated debut is free at the Worldbeat Center in Balboa Park. Details here.

Brand New Poker & Buffet Duo at Pala
If you turned down your trip to Vegas, you’re about to thank yourself. No need to get away to gamble, Pala Casino just opened the first installment of its $100 million expansion this month. Meet the new Poker Room with 15 tables, private cage windows, tableside dining and the Feng Shui inspired High Limit Room. And don’t forget to refuel at Choices Buffet. Newly expanded to 20,000 sq. ft. this hearty buffet is no joke. Details here.

Burnett’s Bliss, Erika Davies, Trio Gadjo
Hot jazz band sensation Burnett’s Bliss is playing a free live show at Soda Bar at 9pm. Soda Bar is a new hot spot for under the radar concerts and weekly movie nights complete with absinthe floats. 3615 El Cajon Blvd., 619.255.7224

25% Discount on Massages and Facials
No need to lie, we know you had a wild weekend hopping around rooftop pool parties. Rock Spa at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is helping you recover by offering 25% off massages and facials on Monday. Book now, thank yourself later. Contact Rock Spa.

Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale
If you’re in need of … just about anything, don’t miss the last day of the Sidewalk Sale at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. With 90 outlet stores offering savings of up to 65% in a picturesque coastal village setting, choose Carlsbad for your Memorial Day shopping in San Diego. Details here. 

FabFinds Memorial Day Edition
Westfield UTC La Jolla is offering mall-wide discounts at your favorite stores. To simplify your holiday shopping spree, do your research on FabFinds to discover such promotions as discounted picnic must-haves from Crate & Barrel, Half-Yearly Sale for Women & Kids at Nordstrom, 60% off at Gymboree and much more. FabFinds here.

Insider Tip: If you’d like to check out the rooftop pools but aren’t into the crazy pool party scene, indulge in a mellow experience on Monday. Check out: WET at W Hotel, Sirén at Sé Hotel, Rooftop at Ivy Hotel, and if you want the real deal, head to the massive pool oasis at Harrah’s Rincon Casino. The pool at Harrah’s is the closest you’re going to get to Vegas in San Diego. Side Note: You may need to sneak in … but it’ll be worth the effort. 

Memorial Day Perspective

Observed on the last Monday of May every year, Memorial Day commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in military service. This holiday was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the Civil War, and has since expanded to remember American casualties of any military action. Learn more.

Recommended Memorial Day Ceremonies in San Diego

Balboa Park: Memorial Services at the Vietnam Memorial at Balboa Park are offered Saturday – Monday. On Monday, there is a closing ceremony at 7:30am. Details here.

Coronado: The Coronado Navy League, Coronado Military Officers Association of America and VFW Post 2422 will host a 10am service at Coronado Star Park with Adm. Thomas Kilcline – commander of Naval Air Forces. 1121 Star Park Circle

La Jolla: Located at the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial, this presentation will honor the late Army General George Smith Patton Jr., with a keynote speech from Brig. Gen. Angela Salinas – the commander of Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South

Point Loma: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery hosts the Annual Memorial Day Service and Day of Remembrance ceremony at 10am with guest speaker Rear Adm. Garry Bonelli – deputy commander of Naval Special Warfare Command. 

Solana Beach: VFW Post 5431 hosts an honorary ceremony at Veterans Memorial in La Colonia Community Park from 11am-noon at 715 Valley Avenue.