San Diego Bayfair 2024

Boats, music, family games and more await at the 2024 San Diego Bayfair. Celebrate six decades of powerboat racing history in Mission Bay this September!
Jess Tucker
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
San Diego Bayfair 2024
A Mission Bay Tradition
The Boat Racing Scene
Explore & Save
Beyond the Races
Bayfair’s Future
Stay Nearby

A Longstanding Tradition in Mission Bay

San Diego Bayfair at Ski Beach in Mission BaySpectators Watching the Boats at San Diego Bayfair

It’s nearly time for the return of one of Mission Bay’s oldest traditions: the San Diego Bayfair boat races!

Locals like our site’s founder Todd still know the Bayfair best as the Thunderboats, which is a name that dates all the way back to the start of the event in the 1960s. The name came from the thunderous sound of the boats’ engines, and it’s still kept alive as the namesake of the organization behind the event, Thunderboats Inc.

Whether you’re coming for the boats or the fun, beachy atmosphere, this event is one you won’t want to miss!

Local Tips
Fiesta Island or Crown Point
For prime race views and a lively vibe, choose Fiesta Island. For a relaxed spot with space to picnic, Crown Point is ideal.

What is the San Diego Bayfair?

As someone that knows the San Diego Bayfair event quite well, I’d describe it as a powerboat competition and festival featuring all types of really powerful boats.

But I’d also say that the event is more than just a boat race! It’s a beach festival with live music, food, and family-friendly games.

It’s a bit like walking around a car show, but with boats on the beach instead!

Boat Speeding by at San Diego Bayfair
Boat Speeding by at San Diego Bayfair

When is the 2024 San Diego Bayfair Event?

This year’s Bayfair will take place on Sept. 13-15, 2024.

Close Race at San Diego Bayfair
Close Race at San Diego Bayfair

Powerboating in San Diego

What started as a hydroplane race in Mission Bay Park back in 1964 has evolved into the must-attend event for boating enthusiasts and racing fans of all kinds.

The standout attraction is the powerboat competition, but it’s also cool to see all the different styles of boats. From Grand Prix America and H1 hydroplanes to Formula One tunnel boats, you’ll have the opportunity to see both modern and vintage vessels.

The Racing Scene: Powerboats & H1 Hydroplanes

People Camping Out at San Diego Bayfair
People Camping Out at San Diego Bayfair

The Bayfair features multiple types of racing and extreme sporting events. These include the Grand Prix America, H1 Unlimited, and multiple APBA Classes.

There’s also the return of the Hydro Games at Crown Point.

Many races will take place on the historic 2.5-mile Bill Muncey racecourse, named to honor the Unlimited hydroplane racer who was instrumental in creating the course and the first San Diego hydroplane race in 1964.

San Diego Bayfair on Mission Bay
San Diego Bayfair on Mission Bay

Setting Records in San Diego

The San Diego Bayfair has seen a number of big names in the powerboat racing scene rise to fame, including Dave Villwock. Back in 1999, he set the world record for lap speed for unrestricted turbine boats right on the Bill Muncey course - and it’s a record that still stands today.

Villwock went on to win nine Bill Muncey Cups, making him the most decorated racer at the Bayfair. But each year brings new opportunities for setting records, and 2024 is sure to be a race to remember.

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Beyond the Races: Entertainment & Activities

Lots of Rv Parking at the San Diego Bayfair
Lots of Rv Parking at the San Diego Bayfair

Tickets to the Bayfair don’t just let you watch the races. They also grant access to tons of other fun activities and performances!

You can listen to live music from local artists, peruse the food and vendor stalls, and play games like cornhole. There’s also a motorcycle and car show at Crown Point.

Families might enjoy watching the races from Fiesta Island, which has a great vantagepoint and lots of space for chairs.

View of Mission Bay from the Barefoot Bar and Grill at Paradise Point Resort and Spa
View of Mission Bay from the Barefoot Bar and Grill at Paradise Point Resort and Spa

Recommended Accommodations

If you’re traveling to see the races, we suggest staying at a nearby hotel like the Paradise Point Resort & Spa.

This resort features a gorgeous property overlooking the beach complete with bungalow guest rooms and tons of charm.

Popular Hotels
Popular Hotels
Price
The Dana on Mission Bay
$179
Learn More
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
$171
Learn More
GreenTree Inn San Diego Mission Bay
$98
Learn More
Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Pacific Beach
$152
Learn More

Looking Ahead: The Legacy & Future of Bayfair

San Diego Bayfair
San Diego Bayfair

San Diego Bayfair will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, so to call it a time-honored tradition is an understatement!

Of course, those 60 years weren’t always smooth sailing. It was only last year that locals wondered if the races would go on at all.

Boats Watching Speeding Boats at San Diego Bayfair
Boats Watching Speeding Boats at San Diego Bayfair

Last Year’s Challenges – 2023’s Postponement

In 2023, the Bayfair faced the challenge of steep increases in production costs due to inflation and unexpected sponsorship losses. Eventually it was decided that the race would be postponed that year and planned for the next. In the meantime, Mission Bay residents and annual visitors alike wondered if the event would return.

Luckily, 2024’s race is planning to go off without a hitch! The Bayfair’s Race Director Bob Davies and the rest of the Board of Governors remains committed to bringing the Bayfair back to Mission Bay for the foreseeable future.

Merry-go-round at Belmont Park
Merry-go-round at Belmont Park

Exciting Events in Store

With new funding from the San Diego Tourism Marketing District and the help of hundreds of volunteers, the Bayfair is planned to continue going strong.

Jimmie Johnson, a 7-time NASCAR champion, has even floated the idea of making an appearance to drive the famous Blue Blaster hydroplane at next year’s Bayfair.

Whatever next year’s Bayfair brings, the 2024 edition this September is sure to be a blast!

Featured Hotel
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Bayfront
Bayfront
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Beaches
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Families
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The Paradise Point Resort & Spa offers its guests a 44-acre secluded island setting with five pools, yoga & meditation, a marina, local wildlife & more!
Prices Starting at $259
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Stay Nearby

The Dana on Mission Bay
Bayfront
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
The Dana on Mission Bay
from $179 / night
View Hotel
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Bayfront
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
from $171 / night
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GreenTree Inn San Diego Mission Bay
Budget Hotel
2 Star Rating2 Star Rating
GreenTree Inn San Diego Mission Bay
from $98 / night
View Hotel
Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Pacific Beach
Near Mission Bay
2 Star Rating2 Star Rating
Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Pacific Beach
from $152 / night
View Hotel
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