Bring a layer. The Rady Shell sits right on San Diego Bay, and the symphony itself warns that the temperature drops once the sun goes down.
A stage on the water
The San Diego Symphony played summer concerts on this lawn from 2004 to 2019 under a temporary stage. The permanent shell opened in August 2021, more than a year late because of the pandemic. It stands in Embarcadero Marina Park South, Port of San Diego land behind the Convention Center, and the shell lights up with LEDs at night, designed to sit well beside the Convention Center sails.
The name comes from donors Ernest and Evelyn Rady, and the park around it honors Joan and Irwin Jacobs. Most of the park stays open to the public, and seating goes in only for events, so on quiet days the lawn and the promenade belong to everyone.
Seats and sizes
The layout changes show by show, from about 2,000 seats up to 10,000, and only six events a year can use the full count. Terraced rows keep sight lines clear. Some sections come with tables, where servers take drink orders and preordered dinners arrive at your seat.
The calendar mixes symphony classics, movie nights with the orchestra playing the score live, holiday programs and touring pop, rock and R&B acts. Sting, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Smokey Robinson and Olivia Rodrigo have all played here. See our classical, pop, rock and R&B pages.
Getting there
- Trolley. Take the Green Line to Convention Center station, cross Harbor Drive, and follow the footpath between the Convention Center and the Marriott to the Embarcadero.
- Rideshare. Drop off and pickup happen only beside the Hilton Bayfront parking structure, and a shuttle runs from there to the venue.
- Parking. Prepaid parking is available and worth booking early. The Hilton Bayfront structure has a free shuttle before and after concerts. Drive up spots vary and can cost more.
- By boat. The Coronado ferry runs to the Convention Center landing, and the Shell lists it as a way in.
- Busy downtown nights. When the Padres are home or Comic-Con is in town, the Shell's own directions suggest leaving the 5 south of downtown to skip the worst traffic around Petco Park.
What to bring
- Warm layers and a rain poncho. Shows go on rain or shine, and umbrellas are not allowed.
- One empty reusable water bottle at symphony shows. Outside food and drinks stay home.
- A ticket for every child two and older.
- A bag that fits the rules. Check your ticket before you pack.
For the symphony indoors, see Jacobs Music Center. The rest of the waterfront and Gaslamp rooms are on our downtown page.