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Best time to visit

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Best time to visit San Diego runs from March to May and from September to November. The weather during these periods is balmy, and you might catch great deals. Spring is perfect for unforgettable scenic road trips and spotting flower blossoms. Autumn attracts foodies to San Diego Restaurant Week and cinema fans to San Diego Film Festival. June through August is the peak season with lots of summer festivals, Comic-Con and spiking rooms rates. Surfing, snorkeling, cycling, and kiteboarding during this period are at their best. Frequent showers and cold ocean waters explain well lower rates and fewer tourists from December to February. However, the winter season is mild anyway, and Potato Chip Rock hiking and whale watching can be brilliant.

70 things to do in San Diego

Snorkeling with Leopard Sharks at La Jolla

August–September Activity

These species of shark are peaceful and calm creatures that love summer and enjoy warm waters

Cycling

April–October Activity

Picturesque scenery, varied terrain, and gentle weather conditions attract cyclists to the Golden State

Scenic Road Trips

all year round Activity

Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan

Paddleboarding (SUP)

May–September Activity

One of the most enjoyable and fun water activities is popular all along the California coastline

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival

May 17–19, 2024 Event

This three-day event can be the most romantic escape filled with the taste of good wine, spectacular flights, and pleasant time

Surf Dog Competition

August 23–24, 2023 Event

Dog surfers from all over the country gather along the Imperial Beach and Huntington Beach shoreline to take part in surfing competitions and win the first prize. You should witness it in order to believe it

Comic-Con International

July 25-28, 2024 Event

If you are a true comic fan this event should be number one on your list! Step into the world of fiction, act like your favourite hero, and meet your idols

Hawaii Cruises

April–August Activity

Be prepared for adventures when cruising the Pacific

Super Bloom in Anza-Borrego Desert

late February–April (best in mid-March) Nature

This unusual phenomenon proves that even dry and harsh places like deserts are actually alive!

Pacific Crest Trail

May–September Activity

From Mexico to Canada or reverse, a crest of mountains follows along the western states of the USA, washed by the Pacific waters—it's one of the world's most scenic natural corridors

San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival

June 22–23, 2024 Event

Relaxing jazz music by the waterfront is the perfect pastime during summer evenings

San Diego Restaurant Week

March 3-10, 2024 Event

Two weeks of the most delicious foods for bargain prices

San Diego International Film Festival

October 16–20, 2024 Event

Be a part of the scene and party like a star

San Diego International Fringe Festival

May 16-26, 2024 Event

Eleven days of the beautiful, the bizarre, and the unexpected

San Diego Pride Week (Parade & Fest)

July 13–21, 2024 Event

Vibrant celebration of love, unity, and acceptance

Kayaking

March–October Activity

A great way to discover the natural beauty and wildlife of San Diego County

Seals and Sea Lions

all year round (mid-May–mid-December, Children's Pool Beach) Nature

La Jolla is the best place to see seals and sea lions in San Diego

San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival

November 2-10, 2024 Event

Don't miss the West Coast's most popular wine and culinary celebration

Fleet Week San Diego

November 1–11, 2024 Event

A unique chance to observe and visit war planes and ships

Whale Watching in San Diego

mid-June–September | mid-December–April Activity

San Diego is a great place to see ocean-faring mammals

Paragliding

all year round Activity

Go flying at Torrey Pines, and you'll see San Diego from a different angle

Beach Season

May–September Activity

Enjoy the sunny weather and warm ocean waters of Southern California

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights & Other Holiday Lights

mid-November–early January Event

A beautiful holiday tradition which brings the Christmas spirit to the Bay area

Del Mar Racing Season

July 20–September 8, 2024 Event

Watch the races at one of the most beautiful racing tracks in the world

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

March–early May Nature

Be ready to immerse yourself in colours: purple, pink, white and yellow!

San Diego 4th of July Events, Fireworks and Parade

July 3–July 4 Event

San Diego is a great choice for an Independence Day celebration

Fishing

April–October Activity

Summer is marked by the long-awaited sportfishing season in San Diego

Surfing

August–November Activity

Southern California has the biggest number of surfers in the world for a reason

San Diego Beer Week

November 1-10, 2024 Event

Time to drink the finest beer in the capital of craft

Potato Chip Rock Hike (Mt. Woodson)

September–May Activity

The iconic rock is one of the most photographed places in the San Diego region

San Diego Blues Festival

July 14–16, 2023 Event

Fans of the blues flock to San Diego every fall

Rock'n'Roll San Diego Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

June 1-2, 2024 Event

A great summer race, one of the largest on the West Coast

Bubble Run

October 12, 2024 Event

A fun 5K race that will wake up your inner child

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

all year round (best in January–May) Nature

Rumoured​ to be the San Diego area's most haunted place, this mystic forest is popular with hikers

San Diego Chinese New Year Fair

February 24–25, 2024 Event

A colorful carnival with plenty of entertainment

St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival

March 16, 2024 Event

The biggest celebration of the Patron Saint of Ireland west of Mississippi

KAABOO Del Mar

September 18–20, 2020 Event

San Diego's biggest music, comedy, art and culinary event

Borrego Springs Metal Sculptures

October–April Activity

A very Californian desert attraction

Cherry Blossom

March–late April Nature

Delicate sakura opens the tree blooming season in the Golden State

Cinco de Mayo in San Diego

May 5, 2024 Event

One of the largest celebrations of Mexican culture north of the border

Memorial Day Weekend

May 25-27, 2024 Event

A rodeo, a beer festival or a strawberry festival—choose your way to spend the long weekend in San Diego

Carlsbad Music Festival

March 11, 2023 Event

Excellent and innovative music by the scenic beach

Miramar Air Show

September 27–29, 2024 Event

The largest military air show in the country

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

March–October Activity

Go with the wind in Southern California

Halloween in San Diego: Parties & Events

mid-September–late October Event

The spookiest time of the year brings tons of attractions and events to San Diego

San Diego Mardi Gras

February 13, 2024 Event

Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego is home to one of the merriest Mardi Gars celebrations in America

California Fall Colors

late September–early November Nature

Admire bronze and amber foliage throughout the Golden State

Poway Winter Festival

January 13 Event

Experience winter fun in Southern California

Christmas Lights and Events in Palm Springs

late November–December Event

Winter holidays in the desert can be fun!

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Rock in the New Year at one of the upscale parties in America's Finest City

Tarantula Migration

September–October Nature

Watch a fascinating natural phenomenon in California's parks and deserts

Painted Lady Butterfly Migration

March Nature

The skies get filled with beautiful winged creatures

Monarch Butterfly Migration in San Diego

mid-October–early February Nature

See beautiful black-and-orange butterflies on their wintering grounds

Great White Sharks

August–September Nature

As ocean waters warm up, white sharks start their annual migration between Mexico and Southern California

Cherry Blossom Festival

March 20-April 14, 2024 Event

Enjoy the transcendent beauty of the cherry blossom together with endless family fun

San Diego Zoo

all year round Activity

The world-known zoo surprises with a variety of entertainment for everybody

Cedar Creek Falls

November–April Nature

One of the most popular watefalls in San Diego County

Three Sisters Falls

all year round (Best time: March–May | December–February) Nature

Enjoy the hike to one of the most beautiful falls in the area

Lane Field Park Market

all year round (Saturday and Sunday) Event

A weekend market with lots of food options and live music

Hummingbirds in San Diego

December–August Nature

The tiniest birds could be observed in South California almost year-round

Stargazing

all year round (but the best time is June-August) Nature

Don't underestimate San Diego's stargazing spots

La Mesa Octoberfest

October 4-6, 2024 Event

San Diego’s largest Oktoberfest celebration

San Diego Beer Fest

June 8, 2024 Event

Over 70 breweries showcase their best beers in Liberty Station

San Diego Bayfest

July 20, 2024 Event

Soak up SoCal's sun and lifestyle at the annual music and food festival

Padres Beerfest at Petco Park

April 26–September 6, 2024 (on selected dates) Event

Enjoy tons of beer at Petco Park and cap it all with a baseball game!

Mexican Riviera Cruises

November–May Activity

The best cruise destination for the active type of travelers

Balboa Park December Nights

December 1–2, 2023 Event

An amazing two-day celebration of Christmas and winter holidays

Escondido Renaissance Faire

April 20–May 5, 2024 | October 26–27, 2024 | November 2–3, 2024 (weekends) Event

A biannual medieval festival in southern California

Pacific Surfliner Train Trip

all year round Activity

A comfortable trip along the coast of California, passing vibrant beaches and surf cities.

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

October 2–7, 2024 Event

A recent exciting addition to the food fest scene in Southern California

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