Gator by the Bay Returns to San Diego in 2025

I love the location of the event along the water overlooking the docks filled with rows and rows of boats. Just south of the San Diego International Airport (SAN) on the north side of the San Diego Bay, there should be a nice breeze and beautiful atmosphere.

But I will be honest and say that getting there is not the easiest task. If you’re planning on driving, finding parking can be a challenge. It’s a good thing that I know the area really well and am here to help!

San Diego Trolley at the Gaslamp Quarter Station

What is the Best Way to Get to Gator by the Bay?

Finding the Gator by the Bay event on the map is quite easy!

Conveniently located in the Point Loma neighborhood at the Spanish Landing Park – East, right along the beautiful San Diego Bay, if you’re coming in from the San Diego International Airport (SAN), you’re in luck! The airport is literally across the street and just a 5 minute rideshare like Uber or Lyft, or 6 minute walk by foot.

The festival grounds are located along North Harbor Drive with the festival entrance on Harbor Island Drive.

While you could drive and there will be parking (see below), we think that the best way to get to the event is to take the Trolley to the Middletown Station which would drop you about 1.70 miles away. From there you could walk the 40 minutes or grab a rideshare.

As a longtime local I can give you another suggestion. Take the Trolley to the Middletown Station, cross the Pacific Highway to get to the car rental center. From there jump on a shuttle to Terminal 1 and then walk the rest of the way which should be less than 10 minutes by foot.

One more option would be to park away from the venues in Downtown San Diego and grab the electric shuttle service, the FRED Shuttle which could take you to about the Bravo Dock in Harborview, which is just over a mile away from the venue.

Where Can I Park?

There are three parking lots in Spanish Landing Park. If these fill up, street parking won’t be easy to find but could be possible if you get lucky.

There will also be limited parking at the Sheraton Harbor Island dirt lot at 1380 Harbor Island Drive. You’ll want to enter this lot from the Island Drive side and the cost will be $40 per day.

An additional option will be parking at the Airport Terminal 2 Parking Plaza located at 3703 North Harbor Drive. The cost will be $35 per day if reserved in advance through the San International Airport parking service.

Note that the parking lot at the Hampton Inn used in past years will not be available this year due to construction.

I can say that parking won’t be easy and I wouldn’t recommend driving in as your first choice. But if you must drive to the Gator by the Bay event, I’d suggest parking for free at a Trolley station or the Old Town Transit Station, Liberty Station or Shelter Island.

Then I suggest you take an Uber or Lyft to the official rideshare drop-off which is located at the West festival entrance at Airport Terminal Rd. & Harbor Drive.

Playing Music at the Gator by the Bay - Photo by Mike Reardon

We’ve covered a lot so far but there are still a few more details I’d like to cover. Also, I’ll give you the answers to a few FAQs so you can be prepared to have an awesome time at this year’s festival.

Is Food Included with my Admission Ticket?

The culinary delights and creole classics will be on full display during the festival. For me personally, I love that style of food and know that we even have a member of our team that thinks creole cuisine is the best food America has to offer. Those are big words!

If it’s like last year’s event, the variety will be incredible with gumbo, crawfish, jambalaya and so much more, but unfortunately food will not be included with a general admission ticket.

However, the Thursday Kick-off Dance + Table Seating ticket does include dinner as does the Saturday Patron Pass, Sunday Patron Pass, and 2-Day Patron Pass which includes a catered lunch on both weekend days.

You could also go big with a 4-Day Patron Pass with Thursday Table Seating which would include the dinner on Thursday and catered lunch in the Patron Pass area on both Saturday and Sunday.

With a general admission ticket, food and drinks will be available for purchase.

How Can I Get Free Admission?

The event offers volunteer opportunities each day for activities like greeters, guides, cart drivers, clean-up crew, talent check-in, signage set-up, wristband check and more!

Time slots are limited but still available for 2025 and include complimentary admission to the event and a Gator by the Bay Volunteer t-shirt which you’re asked to wear during your shift.

Can I Bring My Dog?

I know how animals can become part of your family. You want to bring them along everywhere you can, perhaps to grab a great picture with your pet and even post it on their Instagram page.

Unfortunately for the safety and comfort of everyone in attendance, pets are not allowed at the event. Service animals with marked vests however are welcomed to attend!

What Can I Bring to the Festival & What Should be Left at Home?

While all you really need to bring is comfortable clothes including quality walking shoes, sunglasses and a hat, plus perhaps a credit or debit card for food and merchandise, you can also bring a few extra.

Attendees can bring a low-back chair no taller than 35”, a blanket, small fanny pack or purse, personal sized umbrella, and one small (sealed) bottle of water.

Items that should be left at home include large umbrellas, tents, high-back chairs, coolers, glass containers, illegal substances, outside food and drinks, and of course pets!