Full Moon Summer Fun

Grunion Running and Other Full Moon Summer Fun

The full moon will take place in San Diego on August 18th. While many associate the full moon with werewolves and monsters, there are some full moon summer activities in San Diego that aren’t as scary. These fun full moon activities provide a unique opportunity for you and your family as the full moon lights up the warm San Diego summer nights. Here’s full moon summer fun that is worth staying up for:

Full Moon Fun for the Kids: Grab the Grunion

Grunion are small silvery fish that leave the water at night to spawn on beaches in Southern California. Their activity follows the full and new moons and occurs after high tides. For several hours, on consecutive nights when the moon and the tide are right, the grunion come up onto the beach, dig holes in the sand to lay their eggs, and then wash away with the waves.

The conditions will align for the summer grunion to come ashore starting on August 18 through Saturday August 20th. This activity can be a memorable and educational one for kids as they run around the beach grabbing these small silvery fish. If collecting slippery little fish isn’t your thing, just watch from the moonlit shore as this phenomenon of nature takes place. The fish come all the way up onto the sand, so you won’t even need to get wet to see them.

Grab your family and your flashlights, and get ready to run for grunion:

• Thursday, August 18th between 9:50 p.m. – 11:50 p.m.
• Friday, August 19th between 10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
• Saturday, August 20th between 11:20 p.m. – 1:20 a.m.

Note: A California fishing license is required for people 16 years and older and the fish may be taken by hand only.

 

Full Moon Fun for Adults: Get Out on the Water

The full moon is magical the way it lights up the water along San Diego’s coastline. The best places to take in the view are from a boat, pier, or mountain. Use the glow of the full moon as an excuse to get out and partake in full moon summer fun without the kids.

The full moon reflects off of the water along San Diego’s coast like a glistening mirror. If you don’t have a boat of your own to take out, the Hornblower hosts a full moon dinner cruise with dancing, sailing around the San Diego bay. It offers beautiful moonlit views, plenty of fresh air, and a romantic date night adventure.

Another great place to enjoy the full moon is from the top of Mt. Soledad. Drive to the top of this San Diego landmark before it closes at 10pm to catch a breathtaking 360-degree view of San Diego and the La Jolla shoreline below. Relaxing and stargazing with your loved ones is good for your relationship and good for your soul!

 

Ready, Set, Recharge!

The full moon during San Diego summer is the perfect way to get out and recharge your routine. Whether it’s running for grunion with the kids or a romantic moonlit date night, use the energy of the full moon as an excuse to do something different, mix it up, and explore San Diego at night. We promise, you won’t see any scary werewolves…at least, not until Halloween!