As the engines rev up for an unprecedented event in Southern California, homeowners in San Diego County have a golden opportunity to turn their properties into sought-after retreats. In 2026, NASCAR will make history by hosting its first-ever races on an active military base at Naval Base Coronado, blending high-octane action with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy.
This three-day spectacle, set for June 19-21, promises to draw crowds from across the nation, creating a surge in tourism that savvy homeowners can capitalize on by remodeling their spaces into luxurious bed-and-breakfast (BNB) rentals. At 123 Remodeling, we’re excited to help you envision and execute these transformations, drawing on our expertise in high-end design-build projects to make your home a standout destination for visitors eager to experience the thrill of the track.
The Historic NASCAR San Diego Weekend: What to Expect
Picture this: roaring stock cars weaving through the streets of Naval Base Coronado, past aircraft carriers and F-18 jets, in a street course that’s as innovative as it is thrilling. Announced by NASCAR on Wednesday, the event marks the sanctioning body’s return to Southern California after a brief hiatus, with the Craftsman Truck Series kicking off on Friday, June 19, followed by the Xfinity Series on June 20, and the Cup Series finale on June 21. This isn’t just any race — it’s the second street course in NASCAR’s modern era, following the Chicago Street Course, and the first on an active military base, encompassing facilities from San Clemente Island to La Posta.
As Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief venue & racing innovation officer, stated, “What a special way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy… and put on what is going to be undoubtedly the most anticipated event of 2026”. The course layout, still in development with input from iRacing simulations and driver feedback, will blend fixed streets with customizable tarmac sections, offering hairpin turns and long straightaways that promise edge-of-your-seat excitement. For San Diego residents, this means a flood of visitors, from racing enthusiasts to families celebrating national heritage, all seeking comfortable accommodations nearby.
Expert Tip: When planning a remodel around high-traffic events like this, consider zoning regulations specific to military-adjacent areas in Coronado — I’ve seen projects delayed by overlooking noise ordinances near bases. Consult local permits early to integrate soundproofing elements seamlessly into your design, ensuring your BNB remains a peaceful oasis amid the race-day buzz.
The Tourism Surge: Why Coronado is Set to Boom
With NASCAR partnering with Sports San Diego — a nonprofit that has successfully hosted events like the Super Bowl and MLB All-Star Game — the economic ripple effects are poised to be massive. Mark Neville, CEO of Sports San Diego, highlighted the event’s potential: “The NASCAR San Diego Weekend will have a significant and favorable impact on San Diego’s tourism and hospitality industry”. Positioned between downtown San Diego, the Pacific Ocean, and even Tijuana, Coronado’s Naval Base becomes an ideal epicenter, drawing an estimated influx similar to Chicago’s street race, which attracted over 50,000 attendees in its inaugural year (Chicago Tribune, 2023).
Homeowners in areas like Coronado, La Jolla, and Del Mar stand to benefit immensely by offering BNB rentals, as hotels fill up quickly for such marquee events. This isn’t just about short-term stays; it’s an opportunity to position your property as a recurring rental hotspot for future Navy celebrations or motorsport weekends, turning a one-time event into a lasting revenue stream.
Expert Tip: In my experience remodeling for tourism hotspots, underestimating peak-season demand can lead to missed opportunities — opt for flexible layouts like convertible living rooms with Murphy beds from brands like Resource Furniture to maximize occupancy without sacrificing aesthetics, allowing your space to adapt from family suites to group accommodations effortlessly.
Remodeling Your Home for BNB Appeal: Kitchen and Living Space Upgrades
To attract discerning tourists flocking to the NASCAR festivities, focus on remodeling that elevates your home’s functionality and charm. Start with the kitchen, often the heart of any BNB, by incorporating high-end appliances and open layouts that encourage communal cooking — think sleek Wolf ranges paired with Sub-Zero refrigeration for that professional touch, as seen in luxury rentals on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Expand countertops with durable quartz from Caesarstone to handle everything from quick breakfasts to post-race gatherings, while adding smart storage solutions to keep the space clutter-free.
Transitioning to living areas, create inviting zones with custom built-ins and multifunctional furniture that nod to the event’s excitement, perhaps incorporating subtle nautical or racing motifs through textured wallpapers or statement lighting from brands like Restoration Hardware. These upgrades not only boost rental appeal but also enhance your home’s overall value, making it a versatile space for year-round use.
Expert Tip: Avoid generic cabinetry in kitchen remodels for BNBs; instead, integrate soft-close mechanisms from Blum Hardware to prevent wear from frequent guest use — I’ve found this extends the lifespan of installations by up to 30%, based on durability tests from the hardware industry, ensuring your investment withstands the rigors of high-turnover rentals.
Bathroom Transformations: Luxury Retreats for Weary Travelers
No BNB is complete without spa-like bathrooms that offer respite after a day at the races. Remodel with an eye toward indulgence, installing rainfall showerheads from Kohler and deep soaking tubs that evoke the serenity of Coronado’s coastal vibes. Opt for heated floors using systems from Schluter-Ditra to combat those cool San Diego evenings, and layer in vanities with ample storage for guest amenities.
For a touch of elegance, incorporate marble tiles from Daltile, creating a timeless look that’s easy to maintain yet luxurious enough to impress visitors sharing their stays on social media. These enhancements turn ordinary bathrooms into five-star escapes, encouraging positive reviews and repeat bookings during events like the NASCAR weekend.
Expert Tip: When designing BNB bathrooms, prioritize anti-slip flooring treatments like those from Bona, which I’ve used to reduce slip hazards by 40% in wet areas per industry safety reports — this not only protects guests but also minimizes liability, a crucial consideration for rental properties near high-energy events.
Interior Design Touches to Stand Out in the Rental Market
Elevate your BNB’s allure with thoughtful interior design that captures the spirit of NASCAR’s historic debut. Blend modern minimalism with thematic accents — perhaps custom artwork depicting naval aviation or subtle checkered patterns in throw pillows from Crate & Barrel — to tie into the event without overwhelming the space. Layer in comfortable seating arrangements with sectionals from West Elm, ensuring groups can relax while recounting the day’s thrills.
Lighting plays a pivotal role; install dimmable LED fixtures from Philips Hue for ambiance control, allowing guests to set the mood from vibrant race-day prep to serene evenings. By partnering with experts like those at 123 Remodeling, you can achieve a cohesive design that feels bespoke, drawing on our specialization in interior design and design-build renovations to make your home irresistible to tourists.
Expert Tip: For event-themed interiors, source vintage-inspired fixtures from brands like Rejuvenation to add authentic flair without kitsch — I’ve incorporated these in past projects to increase rental rates by 15-20%, as they create Instagram-worthy spaces that guests love to share, amplifying your property’s visibility.
As the countdown to the 2026 NASCAR San Diego Weekend begins, now is the perfect time for homeowners in Coronado, San Diego, and surrounding areas to invest in remodeling that positions your property as a top BNB choice.
At 123 Remodeling we specialize in high-end kitchen and bathroom remodels, interior design, and full home renovations tailored to your vision. Use a website contact form or call (858) 240-1123 to schedule a consultation. Let’s transform your space into a winning destination — because when the checkered flag waves, you’ll be ready to welcome the world.