Events, Festivals, Beaches, Outdoor Adventures & Local Favorites
While spring may still bring chilly temperatures to much of the country, San Diego is already welcoming beach days, wildflower blooms, outdoor dining, neighborhood festivals, and long afternoons under the California sun.
This guide brings together some of our favorite ways to enjoy the season, from major events and family outings to scenic hikes, coastal stops, farmers markets, and local experiences worth adding to your calendar.
Whether you have lived here for years, recently moved to the area, or are exploring what life in San Diego could look like, consider this your starting point for a memorable spring.
Stop by Friday–Sunday, 10am–4pm to meet and feed the farm’s friendly animals, including Bonnie the mini Jersey cow, goats, alpacas, piglets, chickens, and barn cats. Explore the veggie and flower gardens, relax in the herb garden, or take a tractor train tour led by one of the farmers. A fun, hands-on farm experience for all ages – check it out and support local agriculture!
Join us for the International Award-Winning San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon. Run through San Diego’s most beautiful beaches, picturesque bays, iconic resorts, and must-see destinations, including Sea World, Belmont Park, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Sail Bay, and Crown Point. After you cross the finish line, the celebration begins with a bayside festival featuring live music, a craft beer garden, a vendor village and an awards ceremony for top finishers.
Shop the latest in all things home improvement, and attend a free seminar including how-to’s by experts, knowledgeable advice and creative inspiration. San Diego Home & Garden Show is a one-stop shop for home improvement, service and advice. Come get some inspiration for your next house project.
The Annual Avocado Festival is a celebration of all things avocado, featuring local artisans along the Artisan Walk on Alvarado, Cazadores Margaritas at the Main Stage, and live entertainment showcasing local talent. Enjoy delicious food, a wine garden, craft beer, a lively community stage, a fun-filled kids’ zone, and explore Avocado Central, where you can purchase fresh avocados and trees. It’s a must-visit event for avocado lovers and festival-goers alike!
Perched atop the stunning oceanfront cliffs of La Jolla Cove, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is an event like no other. Stroll among 125 world-class automobiles, sip champagne in elegant tasting gardens, and soak in the breathtaking Pacific Ocean views – the ultimate La Jolla luxury experience.
Experience the premier rodeo of Southern California in Lakeside, CA! Held every April, this action-packed, family-friendly event brings the excitement of rodeo to San Diego County, making it a must-see tradition for all ages.
Any day is a good day for a beach clean-up, but if you want to share your Earth Day by joining other volunteers to gather and remove harmful litter, this is the perfect event for you. The group is getting close to their goal of 3 million pounds of pollution since the event first began. Come join and do your part to keep our beaches clean.
More than 250 talented artists from across the U.S. and Mexico gather in San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy to showcase their work to 100,000 art enthusiasts. This 2-day festival offers a dynamic blend of art, live music, and interactive experiences, all set against the backdrop of charming streets lined with top-tier dining, boutique shops, and renowned galleries.
The Carlsbad Village Street Faire brings together over 750 unique vendors, offering a little bit of everything – arts & crafts, antiques, one-of-a-kind clothing, global treasures, and more. Stroll through this lively marketplace and discover something special at every turn!
The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco, this 4-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts & performances on 7 stages, wooden dance floors, shade, green grass and plenty of fun for the kids. See you there!
Experience a 3-day festival of music, food, and art along the stunning Embarcadero! This event features yacht parties, water sports, immersive art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village, and a taste of San Diego’s best local flavors – all set against the breathtaking waterfront backdrop.
Enjoy a berry sweet day of family fun at the Vista Strawberry Festival! Held in Historic Downtown Vista, this celebration brings together hundreds of vendors, delicious food, exciting activities, and more. As San Diego County’s only festival dedicated to strawberries, it’s the perfect way to indulge in all the flavors, fun, and community spirit that make this event a local favorite!
Bringing the fun to the run since 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series San Diego is a must-do race for both locals and visitors. Kicking off in Balboa Park and culminating in Downtown San Diego, this epic course takes you through up to eight of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. It’s more than just a race – it’s an insider’s tour of America’s Finest City, showcasing the vibrant communities, unique personalities, and everything we love about San Diego, CA.
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Tucked away in the hills of Escondido, Rancho Guejito Vineyard is the perfect weekend spot for wine lovers and little ones. Think bounce houses every visit, plus occasional petting zoos, horse rides, and tractor tours. Bring a blanket, sip some vino, and let the kids run wild on the open grassy fields. Family-friendly never looked (or tasted) this good!
Unlock the artist within at Art Magic Studio, where you’re invited to explore the vibrant world of creativity. Dive into the mesmerizing universe of epoxy resin and let your imagination flow with fluid art, and celebrate creativity at our lively painting parties.
The cutest cafe in SoCal with real life bunnies that you can pet and feed! The cafe is called Grange Garden in Solana Beach and has pastries, hot chocolate and coffee! We hear the croissants are pretty amazing too. It’s $7/person to go in the bunny enclosure. Money goes toward bunny rescues around San Diego!
A brand new park right by San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium. The coolest part? A train goes right over the playground! Looking for the best way to visit? Search SDSU Mission Valley River Park in Google Maps. There is a free two hour parking lot. Complete with a play structure, rubber ground surface, multiple climbing structures, basketball court, large green space perfect for soccer, flying a kite, and running around, footpath with bike lanes perfect for bikes, scooters, and strollers… you’re guaranteed to keep the kids busy for an afternoon.
Plant lovers unite! Spend the afternoon strolling through Terra Bella Nursery. This isn’t just any ordinary nursery though…Their Midway District location features a darling cafe called Selva Coffee House. This is the perfect spot to grab a unique drink, chat with friends, and do some plant shopping, making it the perfect hang-out spot.
Not your average zoo experience. Enjoy an incredible view of the African Plains at the Safari Park’s newest gathering spot: the Watering Hole restaurant and bar. Watch rhinos and giraffes as you dine on menu items including tasty sandwiches and fresh salads, or relax with a refreshing beverage from the full-service bar with a wide selection of craft beers, wine, and mixed drinks.
The Liberty Station Public Market has been popular with San Diego locals and tourists since it first opened. If you’re a sushi aficionado then you’ve got to try it out. The Sushi Stand offers a fun, vibrant and authentic hand-rolled experience.
Where a delightful beach cottage has been magically turned into a cozy spot for breakfast and lunch. Indulge in scrumptious cuisine and refreshing beverages amidst the welcoming patio ambiance! Discover your new favorite brunch destination in Del Mar, where furry friends are always welcome on their pet-friendly patio.
Looking for a date night with some yummy modern Mexican food and the best cocktails in town? Look no further than Salt + Lime, voted the best Mexican restaurant in Del Mar. Salud!
It’s not your traditional transportation, but this experience will be one you’ll never forget. Grab your helmet and your goggles and embark on an extraordinary journey as you tour San Diego in a sidecar. They offer all types of tours including wine tours, scenic tours, special event tours and more. What a unique way to take in San Diego and all of the fun experiences it has to offer.
Want to experience the San Diego Bay like never before? Get the full force experience by reserving a high-powered jet boat. Race through the scenic waterways as your captain points out local landmarks and takes you on a thrilling ride with speed, spins and splashes!
Mellano Farm Stand is fun for the whole family! You’ll find tractor rides, u-pick strawberries, fresh flowers and produce, food trucks, live music…and even pigs! This farm truly brings the farm-to-table vibe with its wholesome events and activities. Be sure to check their website for all the up-to-date events and activities – there is always something fun going on at the farm!
Not quite warm enough to hit the sand and surf, no problem! Enjoy the one-of-a-kind hot tub boat and cruise through Mission Bay while relaxing in a warm, bubbly jacuzzi. The boat seats up to 12 people and comes with a sound system to play your favorite tunes as you cruise in style and take in the bay views and toast to the amazing San Diego lifestyle!
Take your driving range to a whole new level and check out Arrowood Golf Course’s Flight Deck. The Toptracer technology will track your ball with real-time results as you hit on the “live” range. Enjoy playing some fun and interactive virtual games while relaxing in your private furnished bay with TVs, full-service staff and fun for the whole family! Have a blast at the Flight Deck any day of the week or take advantage of their Sunday Funday package on the last Sunday of each month for $25 per guest and includes a pitcher of beer and an appetizer. See you there 😉
You know the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” well how far would you hike to get your most Instagram worthy photo? Depending on where you start from the hike time can vary, but plan on about 2-3 hours to accomplish the hike and experience one of the most photographed landmarks in San Diego County. Due to its popularity and daredevilish feat, expect crowds and lines of people waiting for their chance to take a photo to add to their feed.
Tour the bay the tiki time way! Daily tours of San Diego Bay with a tropical theme and comedic twist. Spend a day in the sun with good friends, premium drinks + lots of tiki. A fun and memorable experience for all ages.
Donut Bar has now become a franchise that is spreading across the nation, but the very original still stands in downtown San Diego. Featured on various talk shows and TV programs, you “donut” want to miss this yummy treat! Warning: You might have to wait in line, that’s how good they are.
In less than an hour drive, you can hit some of our favorite wineries in Temecula, Escondido, or even Ramona. We might not be in Napa or Sonoma wine country but we are in the heart of Southern California, and with that being said, there is some delicious wine to be had here. A not-so-known favorite in Temecula is Akash Winery with their artful and lively tasting room, or be sure to check out Speckle Rock in Escondido with magnificent views of the speckled granite boulders that are the survivors of the 2007 Witch Creek Wildfires, or enjoy Woof’N Rose in Ramona with a mom and pop feel and the mascot dogs roaming the property. You’re guaranteed a beautiful spring day in the vineyards at any of these great wineries.
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The Bali Hai is one of those places that you need to try at least once. We don’t know what’s better, the views or the Mai Tai’s… One of the strongest drinks you’ll find in the city, they say you can’t have more than two, if that tells you anything.
La Jolla is well known as one of the most beautiful, picturesque neighborhoods. If you’re a local here, you more than likely have heard of the secret swings. Although they are hidden, they offer some of the most jaw-dropping views you can take in. Tucked away near the hills of the Birch Aquarium, the secret swings are an ultimate insider and a must to see. Half the fun is trying to find them…so good luck! 😉
One of the best restaurants in La Jolla. If you are lucky enough, you can catch the tide at a time when the waves are crashing straight onto the windows looking out into the ocean. It’s definitely a San Diego bucket list item.
If you’re up for a road trip, one of the best day trips we could recommend would be Anza-Borrego State Park. Known for their extraordinary spring wildflowers, and plentiful majestic views of so many of nature’s wonders. Visitors can expect cacti-studded hills, peninsular ranges, natural palm oases and gorgeous slot canyons.
Where: 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs
Nothing quite screams spring break like catching a Padres home game! Not to mention, the stadium is conveniently in downtown San Diego and walkable to many of San Diego’s most popular restaurants and shops, so you can make a whole day out of it.
The perfect day trip. Often known for apple picking, there is actually a lot of fun stuff to do when venturing to the small town. Of course, you must stop at Julian Pie Company to try the famous and delicious apple pie, but you can also hit one of the many wineries, check out the historical district downtown or explore the picturesque mountains.
If you’re in San Diego at all during March & April, the Carlsbad Flower Fields are essential for any spring break itinerary. The iconic ranunculus bloom a rainbow of colors during those months, offering vibrant flowers that can be viewed in over a dozen different colors. Not to mention the adorable tractor rides, and other events offered. Also a popular spot to capture your next best Instagram photo.
Combining land and water, climb aboard the big, bright blue amphibious vehicle and rumble around San Diego’s oh-so-fun and active waterfront areas. Perched high up, you get to see things from a different perspective. Cruise around until you get to the boat ramp on Shelter Island, where the Captain switches gears from land to sea mode, and takes off for the splash-in! A crowd favorite is circling the floating bait cages to watch sea lions basking in the sun and frolicking around.
Looking for a unique and memorable experience that brings a little piece of Italy? Book a 50 minute long Italy-inspired gondola ride through the Coronado Cays. It’s one of the best things to do in San Diego for couples wanting a romantic date night. Make sure to make a reservation though, because they tend to get booked up in advance.
The Vista Conservancy Trail is a really fun spot to stumble upon. So much lushness in these woods, which takes you right along a creek. There are bridges and dams to find along the way and plenty of shade, making this a great hike all year long. It looks like the trail will be added to in phases which means there’s reasons to keep returning again and again!
Reserve yourself a night of fun when you dine underneath the stars while at sea. The Classic Harbor Dinner Cruise could be the best romantic evening for a significant other or an elegant girl’s night out. Escape land and set sail for over 2 hours while dining, enjoying sensational scenic views, live entertainment, and more.
Need to occupy some little ones for the day? Introduce them to the wild world of wonder that gets exposed during San Diego’s low tide. San Diego’s tide pools can actually be a great educational afternoon, searching for volcanic rocks, sandstone, seals, shore crabs, barnacles, mussels, fish, and even octopus.
If you’re looking for the highest peak in San Diego, with some of the best panoramic views you could ever ask for, Cowles is the hike for you, serving up 3 miles there and back with soaring views from Mexico all the way to Orange County. Because of the wide scenic presence, it is one of San Diego’s most popular hikes.
Spring Break is gray whale migration time. From December to April, these magnificent creatures migrate down to the California coast on their journey from the Bering Sea to the breeding grounds of Baja California. As you can imagine, sighting these gigantic mammals breaking the water’s surface with a huge splash is a jaw dropping experience that is sure to please the entire crowd!
Sightseeing has never been more fun! Get into the beautiful sunshine and cruise through San Diego gliding on a segway. Another Side of San Diego Tours offers a 1.5 hour training and ride through Gaslamp District. You have a tour guide to lead the pack and narrate along the way. If you love that one, catch one of their others, Coronado, Balboa Park, Embarcadero, Downtown and City tours.
History, science, and stunning biological beauty all collide in Balboa Park, where over 16 museums, multiple theaters, an abundance of lush gardens and trails are present. You could easily spend a day wandering around the many things Balboa Park has to offer. Fun Fact: Several museums offer free general admission on a rotating basis throughout each month to residents of the City and County of San Diego, and to active military personnel and their dependents.