Summer is heating up, and it's the perfect time to catch some of the Golden State's sunniest events, gatherings, and festivities. And why worry about summer traffic in SoCal when you could breeze right by with a scenic ride on the Pacific Surfliner?
From county fairs by the coast to fireworks under the stars, here are upcoming summer events in Southern California you can ride to with the Pacific Surfliner in 2026.
San Diego County Fair
June 10 - July 5
Held at the fun-filled Del Mar Fairgrounds, the San Diego County Fair is a summertime classic that just keeps getting better. You won't want to miss your chance to live out your "happily ever after" at the 2026 San Diego County Fair.
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the Solana Beach Station. From there, hop on the free shuttle service, which runs continuously starting at 10:00 a.m. with direct drop-off at the West Gate entrance and O’Brien Gate of the fairgrounds.
SoCal July 4th Celebrations
July 4
SoCal knows how to throw a Fourth of July soiree, from fireworks over the ocean to legendary headliners at historic venues.
July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular in Los Angeles
This Fourth of July, treat yourself to a fireworks show in a total boogie wonderland. The iconic July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular lights up the Hollywood Hills every year at the Hollywood Bowl. It's a celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday! The Beach Boys perform chart-toppers from throughout their career, including “Surfin’ USA,” “I Get Around,” and “Fun, Fun, Fun,” and pay tribute to the 60th anniversary of their seminal album Pet Sounds. Plus, Thomas Wilkins leads the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and it’s all topped off by a huge fireworks show.
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the Downtown Burbank Station. From there, it’s a quick 0.3-mile walk to 100 S. Flower Street to catch the Hollywood Bowl Shuttle (Line 669). The shuttle picks you up at the bus stop under the Olive Avenue bridge and takes you straight to the Hollywood Bowl.
Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show in San Diego
San Diego’s largest fireworks display returns to light up the waterfront with a bang— literally! The Big Bay Boom launches fireworks from four barges across San Diego Bay, making for a panoramic show you can enjoy from multiple locations, including Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, and Seaport Village.
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego. From there, it’s a short walk to the North Embarcadero waterfront—one of the best and closest viewing areas for the Big Bay Boom fireworks show.
California Wine Festival - Santa Barbara
July 17 - July 18
Wine in Santa Barbara? What could be better? Start off the event on July 17 with a romantic evening of rare wine tastings, and don’t forget to come back for day 2 full of hundreds of fine wines, regional craft brews, and a dizzying variety of foods to sample!
How to Get There:
Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Barbara Station. From there, you’re only a quick 3 minute walk to your new favorite wines!
Del Mar Race Season
July 17 - September 7
And… they’re off! Getting the races started with the ever-popular Opening Day, Del Mar’s summer race season brings high-stakes action, lively crowds, and plenty of SoCal sunshine to the iconic seaside track. The excitement continues all season long with weekend races, special events, and that unbeatable atmosphere “where the turf meets the surf.”
How to Get There:
Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Solana Beach Station. From there, take the free shuttle that goes to the racetrack. It operates on race days and is free for riders who show a valid train ticket!
San Diego Comic-Con
July 22 - July 26
No Jedi mind tricks— this is the Comic-Con you’re looking for! Every year, San Diego Comic-Con transforms San Diego into a fandom wonderland, with exclusive panels, big-name premieres, rare collectibles, immersive experiences, and cosplay galore.
If you managed to grab a badge for this year, the Pacific Surfliner is a fantastic option that lets you skip all the hassle of parking and traffic!
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego. From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk (1 mile) to the San Diego Convention Center, or a quick rideshare if you’re rocking heavy cosplay.
Ventura County Fair
July 29 - August 9
Fondly nicknamed “A Country Fair with Ocean Air,” the Ventura County Fair mixes classic carnival fun with beachfront breezes. Better yet, the fairgrounds are just steps from the train station! Ride the ferris wheel as the sun sets over the Pacific, catch a concert at the Grandstand Arena, or just snack your way through the food stalls.
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the Ventura Station— it drops you off right next to the fairgrounds!
Wings Over Camarillo
August 15 - August 16
Wings Over Camarillo, the premier air show on the central coast! With nearly 15,000 attendees each year, you won’t want to miss out. You’ll see top performers soar through Camarillo’s bluebird skies, view hundreds of aircraft, chat with real pilots, and join in on some fun hands-on learning.
How to Get There:
Ride the Pacific Surfliner to the Camarillo Station. From there, the Wings Over Camarillo air show is just a short 9-minute rideshare away.
Ready to Ride?
Leave the car behind and take the scenic route this summer. Whether you’re fair-bound, fandom-fueled, or fireworks-obsessed, the Pacific Surfliner is your ticket to the top SoCal events in Summer 2026!