Spring in San Diego: The Ultimate Guide
Leap into vacation mode this spring in San Diego. Our beautiful weather and picturesque beaches attract visitors year-round, but springtime is even more special, with tons of excitement blossoming in America’s Finest City.
See why spring is a favorite for travelers like you. Get outdoors with beach activities and local hikes during the perfect weather. Delve into seasonal fun like sports and theme park openings. There’s plenty to see, from marine life to plant life.
Keep this guide handy while e booking your San Diego spring vacation.
Best Things to Do During Spring in San Diego
Hit the Beach
The Pacific waters haven’t yet warmed up from the Winter season, so they’re much better to look at than splashing around in. But our beaches are so stunning that even a sideline view is worth it—and there’s tons to see and do at San Diego’s best beaches.
Spend the day at Mission Beac, having a blast on the rides and games at Belmont Park. Stand on the shores of Ocean Beach and watch surfers braving the chilly waters. Stroll the charming cottages lining Crystal Pier on Pacific Beach. Take the ferry to Coronado Island to wander the sandy shores with views of the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
If you still crave surfing action, grab your wet suit and head to Black’s Beach in La Jolla for some of our best swells.
Welcome the New Zoo Babies
Photo Credit: Simone Hogan
Want to know what could make the #1 zoo in the world even better? Animal babies! Spring is a popular time to welcome new arrivals to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. In past seasons, the zoo introduced babies from species like the Nubian Ibez, Fijian Iguanas, Arabian Oryx, Andean bear cubs, and the Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo. It’s always local news when the new Spring babies get here!
More than 14,000 animals are spread across 100 acres (imagine 75 football fields!) inside Balboa Park. Seeing everything in one visit is challenging, so plan your route to see the latest zoo births, then prioritize your other favorite zoo animals.
See Flower Blossoms
Photo Credit: Larisa Grib
Flowers bloom all around town, transforming our green spaces into vibrant, colorful landscapes. Inhale the aromatic air and admire nature’s wonders while exploring the flower-lined paths of our favorite flower spots.
Frolick is in the flower fields at Carlsbad Ranch, blossoming with the radiant ranunculus flowers. Brighten your day with the desert sunflowers growing in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Ascend the cliffs to the Cabrillo National Monument, where you’ll encounter tons of the orange California Poppy. The historic Botanical Building in Balboa Park finishes its 2024 makeover to begin exhibiting its collection of exotic flowers again.
Enjoy Spring Break Nightlife
Photo Credit: Carl DeAbreu Photography
Spring Break brings out San Diego’s wild side—the beaches are full of teen spirit during the day. But nighttime is even more exciting when the Gaslamp Quarter comes alive.
Approximately 200 bars, restaurants, breweries, and other storefronts line the 16 blocks of San Diego’s historic commercial district. Spring Break shines a new light on the Gaslamp District as the night revelers experience SD’s favorite nightlife spot.
From live music at the 3-story Tipsy Crow to dueling pianos at the Shout! House. Indulge in 30+ craft beers on tap at Barleymash and handcraft cocktails in the hit Fifth and Rose. And if you’re itching to dance, the Toro Night Club keeps the music going until 2 am.
Swing into Sports Fun at Petco Park
Photo Credit: randy andy
Sports fans visiting San Diego in the spring will have a chance to cheer on the San Diego Padres in Petco Park. Celebrate the stadium’s 20th anniversary in 2024 with another exciting season for the ‘Swinging Friars.’
The MLB baseball season starts as early as Late March, and visitors love attending baseball games at Petco Park. The stadium has one of the best San Diego skyline views as the backdrop to the outfield. It also has fireworks and drone shows on select nights, so check the calendar so you don’t miss the post-game spectacle.
Take Advantage of Whale Watching Season
Photo Credit: The Image Party
It’s no secret that San Diego is one of the best places in the world for whale-watching. And spring is the best time to catch a glimpse of these deep-sea dwellers.
Spring is when gray whales begin to migrate from the warmer waters in Baja California to their northern Alaskan habitats with their calves. Adventure Whale Watching has cruise tours for up-close encounters in Mission Bay.
Alternatively, stay on La Jolla Shores and watch for their tails at the Scripps Memorial Pier or Point Loma Peninsula. You can watch for whales from your deck at these oceanfront view vacation rentals!
Hike Torrey Pines Coastal Trails
Photo Credit: Gerald Peplow
The moderate spring temperatures are ideal for outdoor adventures. Hiking the Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve’s coastal trails rewards you with breathtaking views—and you won’t even break a sweat to reach them!
The natural park extends 1,750 acres along the Southern California coast. Spot the namesake Torrey Pine while trekking the 2.3-mile-long Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop, complete with ocean views. Gaze over dramatic coastal cliffsides on the Razor Point Trail. Hike the Broken Hill Trail down to the beach for tide-pooling.
Head to the Theme Parks
Photo Credit: Hayk_Shalunts
The parks are one of the most fun things to do around San Diego County for the whole family when you include visiting amusement parks on your itinerary. Since some of the local parks are closed during the winter, you can finally enjoy their thrills again when visiting in spring.
Pile on the fun a LEGOLAND California. It’s celebrating its 25th anniversary and opening a new Dino Valley themed area, all in Spring 2024. The Spring Safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the Butterfly Jungle experience are always popular. Kids will have a splashing good time at the Sesame Place San Diego, which re-opens in early spring. Browse our spacious San Diego vacation homes for families.
Spring Events in San Diego
Spring breathes new life into San Diego with a calendar full of exciting events. With tourism picking up after winter and locals looking for a way to get outdoors, the city has many upcoming events and festivals you can get excited about. Here’s what you can look out for every Spring.
SeaWorld Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival
- When: March to April
- Website: seaworld.com/san-diego/events/seven-seas-food-festival
Taste international cuisines and beverages from 200+ offerings.
Sicilian Festival in Little Italy
- When: May
- Website: seecalifornia.com/festivals/san-diego-sicilian-festival.html
Celebrate the rich Sicilian heritage with music, dancing, and—of course—food!
Old Town First Cinco de Mayo
- When: May
- Website: cincodemayooldtown.com
A family-friendly celebration of Mexican heritage with live music, food, DIY crafts, and more.
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival
- When: May
- Website: wonderfrontfestival.com
Get tickets to participate in this multi-day music fest that takes over the Downtown San Diego waterfront. Jam to 80+ bands of different genres across 7+ stages set up in Seaport Village and the Embarcadero. You’ll see why it’s the best San Diego pier.
Finding a Place to Stay in San Diego
Spring brings its own kind of perfection to San Diego. The weather is in the pocket of perfectly comfortable, It’s the shoulder season, so you’ll have fewer crowds on the beach, restaurants, and attractions and there is more availability for accommodations.
Check out our San Diego Vacation Rentals available during the spring to find your dream accommodation.
