Introduction
San Diego is more than sunshine, beaches, and surf—it’s a city where car culture thrives in many forms. With diverse neighborhoods, a strong classic car collector presence, import and tuner communities, and a slew of weekly & seasonal cruises and shows, this region offers a full spectrum of automotive passion. Also, the San Diego Automotive Museum regularly hosts events and exhibitions that draw fans of vintage cars, custom builds, and racing history.
Whether you love classic hot rods, imports, exotics, custom builds, or modern EVs, San Diego has events that will engage, inspire, and entertain automotive enthusiasts year-round.
Car Meets & Auto Shows List
Here are some of the best recurring and annual car meets & shows in the greater San Diego area.
- San Diego International Auto Show
- What to expect: One of the biggest indoor auto shows in the region—new vehicle debuts, EVs and hybrids, concept cars alongside classic car displays, plus vendor booths and accessories. A place to see the latest manufacturers’ work.
- Where: San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA.
- When: Annually in early January.
- Proximity: Central San Diego; very accessible from most neighborhoods including Downtown, Mission Valley, La Jolla, etc.
- MotorCars on Main Street (Coronado)
- What to expect: A classic car show with hot rods, convertibles, custom cars, and antiques—pre-1973 vehicles mainly. It’s an outdoor street show in Coronado that offers a relaxed, scenic atmosphere with oceanic views, great food, and a community feel.
- Where: Isabella Avenue & Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118.
- When: In the spring.
- Proximity: Coronado is just across the bay; manageable drive for those in San Diego proper; Ferries or bridges make it accessible.
- Manual Driving Academy – Learn Stick Shift Experiences
- What to expect: Rather than a show, this is about skill. Manual Driving Academy offers hands-on lessons to drive stick shift confidently. Gift certificates are available and never expire. Great for enthusiasts who want to drive performance cars, classics, or simply own a manual car and want competence and confidence.
- Where: San Diego, CA. Browse scheduling via Manual Driving Academy’s San Diego location. (Manual Driving Academy – San Diego)
- When: By appointment; flexible scheduling.
- Cruisin’ Grand Escondido
- What to expect: A seasonal Friday night show & shine / cruise night in downtown Escondido. Expect 500+ classic, muscle, vintage, and custom cars lining the streets, with food, music, and a great gathering spot to walk and see cars.
- Where: Historic downtown Escondido, West Grand Avenue, Escondido, CA 92027.
- When: Annually mid-April through September, every Friday night from about 5-9 PM.
- Proximity: For many in San Diego County (especially North County, Inland, and even Downtown), this is a drive of 20-45 minutes depending on traffic.
- La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
- What to expect: A premium classic & luxury car show set against the beautiful backdrop of La Jolla Cove. Rare and high-end marques, vintage elegance, concours judging, and lifestyle elements like fine food, ocean views, and exhibitions.
- Where: Ellen Browning Scripps Park / La Jolla Cove, La Jolla, San Diego, CA.
- When: Annually in April.
- Proximity: La Jolla is part of San Diego; scenic drive if you’re farther out, but one of the more accessible high-end shows.
- Cajon Classic Cruise
- What to expect: Weekly classic car cruise / show in El Cajon. Over summer and early fall, these cruises bring out classic & specialty vehicles, often with live music, food, and a local crowd. A great way to enjoy season-evening cruises.
- Where: Main Street & Magnolia, El Cajon, CA 92020.
- When: Every Wednesday evening from late April through October.
- Proximity: From many parts of San Diego, especially East County, this is relatively close; manageable drive from Downtown.
- Rancho Santa Fe Cars & Coffee
- What to expect: A peaceful, stylish Cars & Coffee gathering. Classic, exotics, everyday cars. It has a relaxed vibe, good coffee, lovely surrounding area. Less show-oriented, more community and car appreciation.
- Where: Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Address examples: Paseo Delicias / Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067.
- When: Weekly on Saturdays, early morning (approx. 8-11 AM).
- Proximity: North of San Diego; depending on your location this could be a drive, but many enjoy the trip for the relaxed setting.
Specialty & Seasonal Events / Niche Highlights
- Day at the Bay Car Show – often a waterfront show with mixed classic & modern automobiles.
- Encinitas Classic Car Nights – evening meetups in Encinitas; a mix of locals, classics, and cars that look great under evening lights.
- JBA Speed Shop Car Show – collector cars, custom builds, sometimes live burnouts depending on show rules.
- Belmont Park Fall Car Show — scenic setting near the beach, broad appeal including family-friendly elements.
- “Clairemont is Turning 75 Car Show & Celebration” — 1974 & older vehicles, community atmosphere, music, booths.
Conclusion
San Diego’s car scene is rich, varied, and buzzing with enthusiasm. From the grandeur of the San Diego International Auto Show and La Jolla Concours to weekly cruisers and Cars & Coffee meetups, there’s always an opportunity to see something special and connect with fellow automobile lovers.
If you’re ready to go beyond looking and want to drive with confidence—especially behind a stick shift—book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy – San Diego. The right lesson helps you not only enjoy the open road but fully appreciate every curve, car show, and cruise in between.
