Now that we’ve lived here for 3 years come June, I’ve noticed there are certain things we’ve wanted to repeat each year. I’ve categorized them by month to give you ideas of the best things to do in San Diego depending on when you’re visiting. Most of these things I’ve done at least once (many more than once). There are only a few I haven’t gotten to yet. Some events only happen during the month I mention them in, but many can be done throughout the year. Use this if you are looking for something unique to do that you won’t find on a typical San Diego itinerary.
January Events in San Diego
San Diego is a great place to start the year! If you visit during January you can enjoy meals at a great price during San Diego Restaurant Week. At the end of the month, the PGA tour comes to Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance Open, one of our favorite sporting events to attend each year (the location is fantastic). It’s also a great time to catch a show on broadway downtown. I’ve seen Hamilton and If/When in January.
February Events in San Diego
San Diego is home to a B-League hockey team, and February is a great month to cheer them on. We love going to San Diego Gull’s games! If you go on a Friday night, they have a $2 beer promotion.
March Events in San Diego
Will Ferrel puts on a fundraiser each March, so you get to drink a ton of craft beer for a good cause. Definitely check out The Best Coast Beer Fest if you’re visiting this month. Between the beer and the views you won’t be disappointed.
April Events in San Diego
This is a great time to visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields and officially welcome in spring. It is so beautiful and the photo ops are endless. If you’re wondering where the featured image of this post was taken, you have your answer!
May Events in San Diego
There are so many fun things to do in San Diego. I’ve already shared my favorite SD attractions, and May is the perfect time to check a few off the list.
June Events in San Diego
The San Diego County Fair goes on throughout the month of June. Spend a day enjoying carnival rides and eating fair food.
July Events in San Diego
We’ve come to the mutual understanding that every summer we will go to at least a few Padre’s games (MLB team). The Padre’s stadium is so nice. You definitely will want to see a game if you come to San Diego during their season, but don’t expect to eat normal stadium food; here you will be served only the best local eats and drinks. One huge event that takes place each July is Comic-Con. We’ve never been, but if it’s on your bucket list you’ll be here in July.
August Events in San Diego
Imperial Beach holds a dog surfing competition each year. If you don’t want to hang at the beach and watch dogs catch waves then I don’t want to be your friend 😉 But seriously, it’s so cute and worth checking out if you’re here in August.
September Events in San Diego
If festivals are your thing, you’ll want to visit in September and buy tickets to Kaaboo Del Mar. Past headliners included No Doubt, Jack Johnson, Pink, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Aerosmith.
October Events in San Diego
The Miramar Air Show is either at the beginning of October or the end of September. San Diego has a huge military presence and seeing the air show at Miramar is a fun and informative spectacle. To make your day at the MCAS Miramar Air Show even crazier, you can buy a VIP, all-you-can-drink ticket (obviously what we did ha).
November Events in San Diego
The Bing Crosby season at Del Mar Racetrack brings horse racing back to San Diego for the month of November.
December Events in San Diego
Even though it won’t be snowing here in December for the holidays, there are still plenty of festive activities to do. You can head over to the Hotel Del and go iceskating-by-the-sea. You can spend a few hours at the theatre watching The Nutcracker Ballet. Or you can head to Balboa Park during their December Nights festival to see it all lit up and check out some museums too!
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