The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego
By: Paul Benevich
In a previous blog article, I mentioned that The Hollywood Bowl is my favorite outside music venue experience in California; but the most beautiful, in my opinion, is the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego. I can’t think of a better location for an outdoor bandshell. The only reason I tend to prefer the Hollywood Bowl is that they allow you to bring in your own picnic food and… at certain concerts, your own alcohol. This is a true differentiator.
Oh so beautiful
The Rady Shell is located on a peninsula that has stunning views of the San Diego city skyline. On the northeast side of the venue, you have a beautiful marina; to the south, you have a perfect view of the magnificent Coronado Bridge. At the edge of the south side, you have the stunning San Diego Bay, and across the bay on the west side, you have Coronado Island. It’s probably the best place to visit in the entire area of San Diego downtown and the Bay.
All I can say is ‘Wow.’ The view is spectacular enough during the day – but wait until sunset when the lights of the city, the bridge, and the bandshell illuminate with the backdrop of one of San Diego’s patented sunsets. If that isn’t enough, then there is a concert to complement all this. It’s like nirvana. Last year, I attended the showing of The Return of the Jedi with the San Diego Orchestra playing the music. I had to pinch myself. I couldn’t believe I lived within driving distance of such a wonderful venue.
Food and drink
While the Hollywood bowl allows you to bring food and alcohol, The Rady Shell does not. With that said, I was impressed with the variety of gourmet food and the lack of long lines. Click here to get a preview of the types of food the venue offers such as Gourmet Tacos at Lola 55 or Napoletana Wood Fire Pizza at Biga. They also have an Urban Kitchen with some scrumptious sandwiches, salads, and vegan wraps.
Patron seating
There really isn’t a bad seat at the venue. You are either closer or farther away from the stage, but there are no obstructed views that I could see. The seats closer to the stage had more room between the seats for comfort. According to their website, for many of the events, you can bring your folding chair for lawn-section seating. They indicate that you can’t rent chairs, but they have blankets available to rent.
Dress warmly
San Diego can get chilly at night. After all, it is right on the San Diego Bay, and the Bay has a way of bringing in some chill when the sun sets. So be sure to bring layers or you might be a bit uncomfortable.
History
The Rady Shell opened in 2021 during the heart of the pandemic. This was an $85M piece of interactive art and five years in the making. What is most impressive is that it was funded almost entirely by private philanthropy. Hats off to you, San Diego.
Getting to Rady Shell
Click here for everything you want to know about getting to the venue including ferry, waterfront shuttle, walking, ride-share, and driving.
Click on the link here for a Calendar of Events
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