January – Restaurant Week
Nearly 200 of San Diego’s best restaurants offer deals and discounts on specialized lunch and dinner menus. Diners from around the country descend upon America’s Finest City to sample the extraordinary cuisine offered from casual and class-act restaurants alike.
February – Pupping Season in La Jolla
The harbor seal colony that makes its home on the Casa Beach in La Jolla begins having pups around early February. The seals continue to give birth through mid-March. Pups and families can be seen lounging on the beach during those months. Anyone visiting La Jolla can stop by and see the pups for free.
March – The Flower Fields in Carlsbad
In March, the 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus bloom at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad. The bloom, with flowers of all different colors arranged in rows, last between six and eight week and can be seen for miles around. Visitors can walk through the fields during the spring to fully enjoy the beautiful sight. Tickets can be purchased online; season passes are also available.
April – Padres Opening Day
San Diegans love their Padres, and Opening Day is a celebration that sweeps up the entire city. You can enjoy the game from anywhere in the city (try finding a TV that isn’t tuned in) though you’ll want to plan ahead with rooms and tickets if you actually want to go to the game at Petco Park.
May – Springtime at the Zoo
Many animals at the San Diego Zoo give birth in the spring, and May is about when many of them are reintroduced into the exhibits with their parents for public view. So far the zoo has become the proud home of a newborn hippo, panda, tapir, giraffe, royal antelope, gecko, gorilla, Malayan tiger, bonobo, and takin.
June – Spreckels Summer Organ Festival
Starting in June, visiting organists give free concerts on Monday nights. The entire outdoor pavilion is decked out with lights so spectators can enjoy the extraordinary music produced by the 4,518-pipe organ.
July – Del Mar Races Opening Day
The world-famous rack opens for horse racing in late July, welcoming upwards of 40,000 fans (and their Ascot-inspired hats) to cheer on their favorite steed. The regular ticket price on the day of a Summer Concert Series event includes free admission to a concert after the races; previous performers have included Weezer, Cake, Ziggy Marley, Jason Mraz, and ZZ Top.
August – U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition in Imperial Beach
Master and amateur sandcastle builders flock to Imperial Beach to test their skills right on the surf. Thousands of visitors stop by to see towers, creatures, and characters come to life out of the sand.
September – Festival of Sail with Maritime Museum
Every Labor Day weekend, the Maritime Museum puts on the Festival of Sail, the largest tall ship festival on the west coast. Anyone can enjoy the ships from the dock, though tickets do go on sail if you want to take a sunset cruise on a tall ship or stand on board a pirate corsair during a mock canon battle. Members of the museum receive discounts on Festival events.
October – Haunted Trails in Balboa Park
Starting in late October and ending on Halloween night, Balboa Park is transformed into an outdoor haunted house filled with ghoulies and gastlies that follow you on your journey back to hallowed ground. Groups of ten or more receive discounts on ticket prices; contact the box office for details.
November – Ice skating at the Hotel Del
Only in San Diego can you go ice skating at a beach hotel around Thanksgiving in 70 degree weather. The Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island transforms one of their oceanview lawns into an ice rink for the enjoyment of guests and visitors alike. Proceeds from skating ticket sales go towards local charities.
December – Garrison Street Lights
One of the most spectacular light displays during the city’s holiday season is not at one of the theme parks or grand hotels, but on Garrison Street in the residential suburb of Point Loma. Residents deck their houses out in spectacular fashion, covering every visible surface in electrified holiday spirit. Visitors can wander up and down the street for free, though you may want to bring a dollar to buy hot chocolate from the local children.
Analise Marcus has lived in San Diego for five years. With all her Northern California and Midwest friends and relatives stopping by for the good company and great weather, she’s become a pro at finding fun adventures that everyone can enjoy. With its beautiful weather all year and world famous attractions, San Diego is one of the best cities to visit no matter what month you travel. Whether you have local connections or use online deals, you’re bound to have a great time without breaking the bank at any of these spots around San Diego.
