Zip Yacht Events
Southern California Yacht & Boat Events 2026–2027
Southern California has year-round boating thanks to its mild climate. December brings holiday lighted boat parades, and the shows run from winter through spring. The main hubs are San Diego Bay and Shelter Island, Newport Beach Harbor, Long Beach, Marina del Rey and Los Angeles Harbor, with easy cruising to Catalina and down into Mexico.
Upcoming Southern California events (Oct 2026 – Jun 2027)
| Event | Type | Dates | Location | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade | Parade | Dec 12, 2026 ✓ Verified on official site | Marina del Rey, California | Official site |
| San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | Parade | Dec 13 & Dec 20, 2026 ✓ Verified on official site | San Diego, California | Official site |
| Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade | Parade | Dec 16 – 20, 2026 ✓ Verified on official site | Newport Beach, California | Official site |
| Los Angeles Boat Show | Boat Show | Jan 29 – 31, 2027 ✓ Verified on official site | Long Beach, California | Official site |
| Newport Beach International Boat Show | Boat Show | Typically April — 2027 dates TBA Dates TBA | Newport Beach (Lido Marina Village), California | Official site |
| Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race | Regatta | Apr 23 – 25, 2027 ✓ Verified on official site | Newport Beach, California to Ensenada, Mexico | Official site |
| San Diego International Boat Show | Boat Show | June 2027 — exact dates TBA Dates TBA | San Diego (Sunroad Marina), California | Official site |
Dates checked October 2026 against each organizer’s own site. Organizers change dates; always confirm before you travel.
Southern California events: common questions
When are the holiday boat parades in Southern California?
They run in mid-December. In 2026, Marina del Rey's is December 12, San Diego Bay's Parade of Lights is December 13 and 20, and Newport Beach's runs nightly December 16–20.
What are the main boat shows in Southern California?
The Los Angeles Boat Show runs in late January, the Newport Beach International Boat Show in spring, and the San Diego International Boat Show in early summer.
Can I race from California to Mexico?
Yes. The Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race starts in Newport Beach every spring and finishes in Ensenada, Baja California. The 2027 race is set for April 23–25.