Waymo driverless cars arrive San Diego | What to Expect

San Diego's car scene revs up throughout the year with events ranging from elegant concours displays to massive auto shows featuring the latest models. Whether you're into classic restorations, high-performance exotics, or simply browsing new vehicles, the region offers plenty of opportunities to get up close with impressive machinery. Here's an objective overview of some notable upcoming car shows in 2026, starting with one of the premier events on the calendar. La Jolla Concours d’Elegance (April 24–26, 2026) Held at the scenic La Jolla Cove in Ellen Browning Scripps Park, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance marks its 20th anniversary in 2026 with the theme "Icons of Speed." This three-day event draws over 170 world-class classic, luxury, and performance vehicles, set against the Pacific Ocean backdrop. The weekend kicks off on Friday, April 24 , with the Motorvault VIP reception from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, an evening featuring tastings and indulgence on the concours field. Saturday, April 25 includes the Tour d'Elegance in the morning (starting around 7:00 AM on Prospect Street with a continental breakfast and scenic drive) and the evening "Porsches & Power on Prospect" showcase from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This street event highlights legendary Porsches, exotic supercars, and cutting-edge hypercars along La Jolla’s iconic Prospect Street. The main concours judging and public viewing take place on Sunday, April 26 , with VIP access from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Expect classes featuring pre- and post-war vehicles, muscle cars, Formula 1 machines, and record-holding speed icons like the McLaren F1. For more details, including ticket options and vehicle submission information, visit the official site: https://lajollaconcours.com/ . Proceeds often support local heritage initiatives, blending automotive artistry with community benefits. San Diego International Auto Show (January 1–4, 2026) Kicking off the year at the San Diego Convention Center, this major consumer event features hundreds of the latest new models from various manufacturers. Attendees can compare vehicles side-by-side, explore electric vehicles (EVs), check out debuts not yet in showrooms, and sometimes participate in test drives or see automotive accessories. Hours run from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily (Thursday through Saturday), with Sunday wrapping up at 6:00 PM. Sunday is designated as Family Day, where children 12 and under enter free with a paid adult (children 6 and under are free every day). Admission typically ranges from $12–$18 for adults. It's the second-largest auto show in California and a key spot for discovering upcoming releases. More information and tickets are available at: https://www.sdautoshow.com/ . Good Guys Del Mar Nationals (April 10–12, 2026) This weekend event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds focuses on hot rods, customs, classics, and muscle cars. Spanning Friday through Sunday, it includes vehicle displays, vendor areas, and enthusiast activities in a coastal setting. Daily hours generally run from 8:00 AM onward, with Sunday ending earlier. It's popular for its broad appeal to American car culture. Check registration and updates here: https://good-guys.com/dmn (via event listings). Other Notable 2026 San Diego-Area Car Events San Diego Excursion (January 11, 2026) : Organized by the Horseless Carriage Club of America, this antique car drive and display follows historic routes, with public viewing opportunities in areas like Liberty Station. Over 130 vintage vehicles are expected. Gamblers Classic All Corvette Car Show (April 16–18, 2026) : A dedicated event for Corvette enthusiasts, often including shows and related activities. Pacific Beach Car Show "Wild Rides" (August 15, 2026) : A street-based showcase on Garnet Avenue, open to various vehicles from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Mustangs by the Bay (October 4, 2026) : Hosted by the Mustang Club of San Diego at Embarcadero Marina Park North, focusing on Ford Mustangs with public displays. Additional swap meets, lowrider shows, and smaller gatherings (like monthly Cars & Coffee at the San Diego Automotive Museum) pop up throughout the year, check local calendars for updates. San Diego's mild weather makes it ideal for outdoor car events year-round, from oceanfront elegance to convention-center debuts. If you're planning to attend any of these, consider traffic around popular spots like La Jolla or the Convention Center, and book accommodations early for major weekends. For the latest schedules, always refer to official event websites, as details can evolve. Safe travels, and enjoy the ride! At RentXotic, we're here if you need a stylish set of wheels to cruise to these shows in comfort. Browse our San Diego rental fleet at https://www.rentxotic.com/ .

San Diego's streets are buzzing with activity, but one rule keeps tripping up drivers: parking too close to intersections. The city has issued thousands of tickets for this violation, aiming to keep sightlines clear and traffic flowing smoothly. Whether you're a local commuter or a visitor renting a car to explore the beaches, understanding these regulations can save you from an unexpected fine. In this guide, we'll break down the rules, hotspots, impacts, and what's next – all with practical tips to navigate San Diego's parking landscape. San Diego's Parking Regulations San Diego enforces a web of parking rules to prioritize safety, accessibility, and efficiency on its roads. These guidelines stem from the California Vehicle Code and local ordinances, focusing on preventing obstructions that could lead to accidents or delays. Key restrictions include: No parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. At least 3 feet from a driveway entrance. 20 feet from a crosswalk at an intersection (or the edge of the roadway if no crosswalk exists). Clearance from fire lanes, bus stops, and loading zones to ensure emergency access. In residential zones, street sweeping schedules and permit requirements add layers – think Neighborhood Parking Permits in areas like Pacific Beach or Mission Hills. Metered spots in commercial districts enforce time limits, often 1-2 hours, to promote turnover. The city regularly reviews these rules via the San Diego Municipal Code (available at sandiego.gov/parking), adapting to population growth and events like Comic-Con that spike demand. Pro tip: Always check for painted curbs – red means no stopping, yellow is for loading, and white might allow passenger drop-offs only. The Rise in Intersection Parking Violations Parking woes in San Diego aren't new, but violations near intersections have skyrocketed. Data from the city's Parking Enforcement Division shows over 5,000 tickets issued in the past year alone for this specific infraction, up 25% from previous periods. Factors fueling this trend: Population boom: San Diego's metro area now exceeds 3.3 million residents, per U.S. Census data, squeezing parking in urban cores. Vehicle increase: Registered cars top 2 million countywide, leading to "parking desperation" in high-density spots. Enforcement ramps up during patrols, using marked vehicles and officers on foot or bikes. Tickets start at $50-$75, escalating with repeats. This isn't just about revenue – blocked views contribute to intersection crashes, as noted in California Highway Patrol reports. Key Areas with High Ticketing Rates to watch out for Hotspots for intersection parking tickets span the city, where demand outpaces supply. Here's a breakdown of top zones based on city enforcement data: Downtown San Diego The Gaslamp Quarter and Core District see hundreds of tickets monthly. Narrow streets and event venues like Petco Park mean drivers often edge too close to corners. Hillcrest and North Park Vibrant nightlife hubs with bars, restaurants, and shops. Weekend evenings are prime for violations – think University Avenue intersections. Over 1,000 tickets in these neighborhoods last quarter. La Jolla and Coastal Areas Scenic spots like La Jolla Cove draw crowds, leading to overflow parking near Prospect Street crossings. Summer months amplify issues. Near San Diego State University (SDSU) College Area streets around Montezuma Road buzz with student vehicles. Campus-adjacent intersections rack up tickets during semesters. Other notables: Pacific Beach boardwalk edges, Mission Valley malls, and Old Town historic districts. Use apps like ParkMobile or the city's Parking Portal to scout legal spots in real-time. For renters exploring, plan ahead. Opt for lots at Ace Parking or public garages to avoid street hassles. Visitors face the same rules – no leniency for out-of-towners. San Diego isn't just ticketing; it's educating and upgrading: Signage overhaul: Fresh red curbs and "No Parking Anytime" signs at 1,000+ intersections. Read signs twice – especially in event zones. Appeal if wronged: File via sandiego.gov/parking/enforcement within 21 days. San Diego's parking game is all about balance – a little planning keeps the fun rolling without the fines. Drive safe, park smart!

Looking for legit things to do in San Diego? Skip the tourist traps—here are 7 local favorites including beaches, burritos, and supercar rentals from Rent Exotics.