NASCAR is Coming to Coronado Island: Your Guide to San Diego’s Biggest 2026 Event
Get ready for one of the most thrilling weekends in San Diego sports history. NASCAR is bringing high-octane racing action to Naval Base Coronado on June 19-21, 2026, marking the first time NASCAR will ever race on an active military base. If you’re planning to visit San Diego for this historic event, you’re in for an unforgettable experience… and we’ve got the perfect way to complete your trip: world-class golf.
The NASCAR San Diego Weekend: What to Expect
The NASCAR San Diego Weekend is poised to be the most anticipated motorsport event of 2026. Over three days, racing fans will witness three different NASCAR series compete on a challenging 3.4-mile street circuit winding through the heart of Naval Base Coronado. The course features 16 turns, breathtaking views of San Diego Bay, and a dramatic backdrop with aircraft carriers and fighter jets lining the track.
The schedule will feature the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series on Friday, June 19, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series on Saturday, June 20, with the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series taking center stage on Sunday, June 21. The event also coincides with the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States Navy, adding extra significance to this inaugural race.
Officials expect tens of thousands of spectators to descend upon San Diego for the weekend. The base will have plenty of space for grandstand seating, suites, hospitality areas, and general admission tickets, with early deposits and pre-sale sign-ups already available.
Make It a Complete San Diego Experience: Premier Golf Courses
While NASCAR fans fill the streets of Coronado, the surrounding San Diego area offers some of California’s most spectacular golf courses. Whether you’re a serious golfer or simply looking for an unforgettable day on the links, here are five world-class courses worth playing during your visit:
Torrey Pines Golf Club
Torrey Pines stands as one of the most iconic golf courses in America. Perched on dramatic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this municipal course (operated by the City of San Diego) offers two championship layouts: the South Course and the North Course. The South Course has hosted the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open for decades and features stunning ocean views on nearly every hole. Golfers will encounter strategic bunkering, challenging rough, and breathtaking coastal scenery. The North Course, while slightly more forgiving, still demands accuracy and offers similar visual splendor. Playing Torrey Pines is a bucket-list experience for any golfer visiting Southern California.
Aviara Resort Golf Club
Located in Carlsbad, about 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego, Aviara Resort Golf Club is a masterpiece designed by Arnold Palmer. This championship course winds through native coastal sage scrub and features five sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels. The layout is immaculate, with strategic water hazards, pristine bunkering, and lush fairways that feel like a true resort experience. The course is incredibly well-maintained and offers a more relaxed, guest-friendly atmosphere while maintaining tournament-quality conditions. Aviara pairs perfectly with the resort’s luxurious amenities, making it ideal for a full golf vacation experience.
The Grand Golf Club
The Grand Golf Club in Hemet (about an hour from San Diego) is a stunning private course that welcomes resort guests and accompanied members. Designed with elevation changes and strategic bunkering, this course plays through native California landscape and offers excellent conditioning year-round. The Grand is known for its challenging but fair layout, strategic shot requirements, and immaculate presentation. It’s a gem for golfers seeking a high-quality experience in a more intimate setting away from the bustle of the coast.
La Costa Resort and Spa
La Costa, located in Carlsbad, is a legendary resort course that has hosted numerous professional tournaments including the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open. The resort features two championship courses with distinctive personalities. Both layouts demand precision and strategic thinking, with masterfully designed holes that showcase the natural rolling terrain of North County San Diego. La Costa is the perfect blend of challenging championship golf and resort hospitality, offering world-class amenities alongside top-tier golf.
Coronado Golf Course
For a charming and more accessible option, Coronado Golf Course sits right on Coronado Island. This 18-hole course is shorter than championship layouts but offers beautiful views and a fun, playable design. It’s perfect for golfers looking to get in 18 holes without the difficulty and cost of the top-tier courses, while still enjoying Coronado’s coastal charm. The course is ideal for warm-up rounds or leisurely play with friends and family.
Plan Your NASCAR San Diego Weekend
With tens of thousands of visitors expected to pour into San Diego for the NASCAR San Diego Weekend, make sure you plan ahead. Book your golf rounds early, the best courses fill up quickly during major events. Consider playing a round in the days leading up to the race to prepare for the excitement ahead, or schedule a relaxing day on the links after race weekend as the perfect way to unwind.
Whether you’re a dedicated racing fan, a passionate golfer, or both, San Diego in June 2026 will offer unforgettable experiences. From the roar of high-powered engines at Naval Base Coronado to the peaceful beauty of our championship golf courses, you’ll experience the very best of what Southern California has to offer.
Start planning your trip now. NASCAR history is coming to Coronado, and you won’t want to miss it.
Ready to book your golf experience? Contact Torrey Pines Tee Times to reserve your rounds at any of these exceptional courses. Let us help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway around the NASCAR San Diego Weekend!
