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Things to Do in San Diego During the Spring

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Spring is in the air!

Perhaps one of the most loved seasons of the year, spring brings with it glorious weather, blossoming flowers and an abundance of outdoor activities and events. In San Diego, there are many celebrations, attractions and things to do and see. Read on for the best things to do in spring in San Diego.

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Popular Attractions

san diego balboa parkVisit Balboa Park

Always worth a visit, Balboa Park is much more than one of the city’s most beloved parks. It is home to 15 museums, the San Diego Zoo, performing arts venues, cultural organizations, exquisite gardens, walking, biking and hiking trails, restaurants and much more. During spring, or any time of year, this magnificent urban cultural park is a great way to spend the day while in San Diego.

picture of polar bear swimmingSan Diego Zoo

The world famous San Diego Zoo is a must do – no matter how old you are and even if you didn’t bring the kids. It’s an ideal outing on a warm and sunny spring day and the zoo is home to more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals of more than 650 species. Witness the beauty of the snow leopards, watch as playful orangutans swing amongst the trees and be awed by the African gorillas. You’ll also see polar bears, giraffes, numerous reptiles, koalas, anacondas, Chinese alligators and so much more. Walk through the 100 acres of this beautiful zoo and enjoy the botanical gardens, numerous habitats, animal exhibits and special activities designed for children.

Visitors Center in Balboa ParkRide Through History on the Old Town Trolley

For an exceptional sightseeing experience, get your seat on our San Diego tour. This comprehensive tour is fully narrated and transports you to more than 100 points of interest. You’ll have a chance to get off and stay as long as you wish at any of the stops including the Maritime Museum, the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, Seaport Village, Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter, the Whaley House, Hotel del Coronado and much more. The Old Town Trolley conductor shares interesting history and entertains with amusing anecdotes. Also, there are trolleys coming along all day long so you can enjoy lunch in Coronado or downtown San Diego, shop or just explore Old Town. You can even spread out your tour over a few days.

See the Sights by Land and Sea Aboard the SEAL tour

It’s a bus and a boat! The San Diego SEAL Tour takes place aboard an amphibious vehicle that is both street and water ready at all times. So you’ll start out seeing the sights on the city streets, then take the plunge into the harbor without missing a beat. The open design of the SEAL offers great views for all aboard and a delightfully warm and breezy experience.

Overlooking ocean aboard Old Town Trolley Beach TourHit the Beach

No tour dates currently available. Please check back in 2024.

Surrounded by beach towns, majestic cliffs, and 70 miles of pristine coastline, the beaches of San Diego are a world unto themselves and the best way to explore them is on the La Jolla & San Diego Beaches Day Tripper Tour. Get comfy as the trolley climbs to the top of Mt. Soledad for an excellent overlook of La Jolla proper. Wind back down Pacific Coast Highway and pay a visit to the Children’s Pool where seals frolic in the sand and the dramatic seven Sisters Caves. La Jolla’s beauty begins on its sandy shores. Discover this charming beach town and its neighboring areas. Just a short stroll through the Village and you’ll be treated to some of the finest shopping, galleries, and dining anywhere in Southern California.

Activities & Festivals

Witness the Beauty of the Flower Fields of Carlsbad

An extraordinary spectacle, the Flower Fields of Carlsbad in north San Diego will astound you. If you’re visiting the city between early March and early May, be sure to make some time to stop by these famous fields for an incredible experience. The 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers burst into bloom with the most vibrant display of red, pink, yellow, orange and green hued blossoms. This official arrival of spring has been dazzling guests and locals for more than 50 years. Daily tours are given to the public 7 days a week.

Spring Busker Festival

Each year, San Diego’s Seaport Village hosts the free Spring Busker Festival. Acrobats, jugglers, sword swallowers, unicycle riders, street dance teams, musicians and more gather to entertain crowds of all ages. Festival attendees can also sample food from participating Seaport Village restaurants and vendors. The Spring Busker Festival is a unique cultural event not to be missed.

EarthFair in Balboa Park

The largest free environmental fair in the world takes place annually in San Diego’s historic Balboa Park. The fair’s 60,000 visitors enjoy more than 300 exhibitions, special theme areas, entertainment venues and even a children’s activity area. A variety of environmental organizations set up booths at the fair, including wildlife preservation groups, ecotourism agencies, organic gardening clubs and more. This family-friendly event is perfect for a fun daytime excursion.

Sicilian Festival

The annual Sicilian Festival is held in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy each spring. The festival celebrates the rich Sicilian heritage of the area and visitors enjoy unique entertainment and delicious cuisine. With free children’s rides and entertainment, this event is ideal for families and food lovers.

Festival of Science & Engineering at PETCO Park

EXPO Day at Petco Park is the Festival’s culminating event with over 130 local businesses, corporations, and organizations providing interactive, hands-on activities showcasing STEM from all parts of Southern California. In 2014, more than 24,000 children, parents, and STEM enthusiasts attended EXPO Day, and over 60,000 people participated in festival week events.

Grunion Runs

March is the beginning of the annual grunion run when thousands of tiny, silvery fish mate by the light of the full moon in the Pacific Ocean.

Find more monthly events this spring by visiting our San Diego events calendar

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