Things To Do In San Diego
Discover annual and special events coming to America’s Finest City before you book your stay at our hotel. Discover the special concerts taking place downtown or come watch the Padres play ball and the country’s best stadium. Learn about annual attractions holiday events and of course make a reservation early for the best fireworks show on the west coast this Fourth of July.
June 2026 Things To Do In San Diego
Kick off summer with activities on the land and sea!
Book now and get a great rate and start planning your summer trips to America’s Finest City. Plan ahead to book all adventures, activities and reservations.
Experience concerts under the stars at the Chevrolet Paddock Concert Series!
Catch incredible performances from nationally recognized artists every night at The Paddock, free with your Fair admission.
San Diego County Fair June 10 – July 5, 2026: The San Diego County Fair is the greatest story our community has ever told. It’s a tale of food, fun, friends, family, laughter, tradition, music, amazement, and pure, unbridled joy. The Fair — the largest and longest-running community event in San Diego County — makes its triumphant return from Wednesday, June 10, through Sunday, July 5, 2026 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays.) You won’t want to miss your chance to live out your “happily ever after” at the 2026 SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR.
These shows all include same-day admission to the San Diego County Fair. For the best seats in the house, purchase tickets early. Buy Tickets & Plan Ahead
May 2026 Things To Do In San Diego
Spring is in full swing along with the MLB season. If you are coming down for a quick getaway in our warm climate or to take in your favorite baseball team book your stay today with our guaranteed online special rates!
Waterfront Music and Arts Festival- Where the City Meets the Sea. A diverse lineup featuring some of the world’s hottest new breakout artists and new music from the career bands you love. You get it all; Rock, Indie Rock, Hip Hop, Rap, EDM, Adult Alternative, Reggae, Americana and Country artists. Get your tickets now.
Each night as the festival venues wind down you are mere steps away from bands and DJ’s performing club shows downtown, late night boat parties going out on the harbor, and a vibrant nightlife with more than 250 nightclubs, breweries, bars and restaurants in the Gaslamp and Little Italy. The party never stops!
With the festival grounds right on the waterfront of course we have to take the party on the water. During the festival take a harbor boat cruise on our party cat boats, or the VIP Limo Boat. Or add to your weekend experience by going on a sunset or brunch cruise and enjoy the view. Wonderfront is so much more than just great live music. It’s a celebration of San Diego’s arts, culture and beach lifestyle. So be ready for the fun and bring your beachwear. Come play! Hit the water activities, rent boards and kayaks, take a jet boat ride, go for a surf, or play soccer, volleyball, spikeball, corn hole, or just hang on the beach. May in San Diego is 70’s and Sunny!
Gazebo Festival - Jack Harlow is launching GAZEBO Festival, a new music festival he will co-headline with multiple GRAMMY Award winner, SZA, on May 7-10 at Louisville’s Waterfront Park. The line-up also includes James Blake (DJ Set), Omar Apollo, PinkPantheress, Vince Staples, Rich Homie Quan and more. The two-day event will feature 26 acts on two stages and highlight some of Louisville’s local food and culture. The Waterfront Park location uniquely marries the energy of downtown Louisville with more than 85 acres of green space on the Ohio River. GAZEBO Festival is a partnership between two Louisville institutions - Jack Harlow and Production Simple. Tixr, the world's fastest growing independent ticketing company, is the official ticketing partner of GAZEBO Festival. Click here for ticket information.
Other May Highlights Include:
Cinco de Mayo (May 1–5): Traditional celebrations occur in Old Town (May 2–3) with live music, lowrider cars, and lucha libre, while the Gaslamp Quarter (May 1, 2, 5) features mariachis and beer gardens.
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon (May 30–31): A massive running series including a marathon, half-marathon, and 5K that traverses eight iconic San Diego neighborhoods.
Asian Pacific Cultural Festival (May 16): A free, family-friendly event at Balboa Park celebrating Asian heritage through traditional and contemporary performances.
April 2026 Things To Do In San Diego
April is the end of winter and beginning of spring so get ready for Padres baseball and sunshine in America’s Finest City. Book your room now and get a great rate online.
Padres Opening Day & MLB Season– It may kick off at the end of March but April is when it gets put into high gear. Experience a ball game at the famous Petco Park in beautiful downtown San Diego. The opening homestand will conclude with a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants from April 1. Get tickets and information now!
The Padres also will play interleague games at Petco Park against the Seattle Mariners April 14-16, Chicago White Sox May 1-3, Athletics May 18-20, Toronto Blue Jays July 10-12, Houston Astros Aug. 7-9, Minnesota Twins Aug. 21- 23 and New York Yankees Sept. 4-6.
The Padres will be at home for Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, Mother’s Day on May 10, Memorial Day on May 25, and Labor Day on Sept. 7.
The traditional opening date of March 26 will be the earliest in Major League history, excluding special season-openers and international openers. Previously, the earliest traditional Opening Day for MLB had been March 27 this season.
Other Great Events in April 2024:
SoCal Taco Fest – Waterfront Park is the perfect setting for the SoCal Taco Fest featuring amazing tacos, margaritas, and live music. The Chihuahua Races & Beauty Pageant is another can’t-miss annual event, and if you’ve never experienced Lucha Libre wrestling, don’t forget to set aside time to go watch. Live matches will be held throughout the day. General admission and VIP passes are available.
Beyond Van Gogh: An Immersive Experience – Make sure you check out this highly talked about and sought-out exhibit. Successful in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and with over 2 million attendees in America, get a chance to experience the classic artworks of Van Gogh like never before. Surrounded by vibrant projections, you’ll feel as if he painted you within one of his pieces. Tickets will sell fast, so get them while still available. Entry prices Start at $53. More info and tickets are available online.
Fallbrook Avocado Festival – If you love avocados, you won’t want to miss the 37th annual Fallbrook Avocado Festival. The popular annual event in downtown Fallbrook features avocado-themed dishes, live music, a beer & wine garden, contests, arts & crafts booths, food and retail vendors, and more. Admission is free.
Stagecoach Festival – Country fans won’t want to miss the Stagecoach Festival this April. Celebrating the best of country music, this year the three-day outdoor event features Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Willie Nelson, and more. There will also be late-night shows, a dance hall, games, Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse BBQ, restaurants, and bars. Get tickets now.
March 2026 Things To Do In San Diego
Celebrating Mexican Musical Heritage – Join us on a journey through the heart and soul of Mexico as we present an enchanting concert spotlighting the rich tapestry of its traditional music. Let the evocative sounds of these time-honored genres transport you to the Mexican musical heritage for generations. Hermanos Herrera is a family group consisting of five brothers and their younger sister. They play various styles of traditional Mexican music. The group performs with an energetic style that is both passionate and exhilarating.
United by blood and love of their art, Hermanos Herrera see themselves as creating the future of regional Mexican music. Third-generation Mexican-Americans, they grew up in a family of musicians in Fillmore, California. Motivated by their family’s devotion to traditional music, the siblings made frequent trips to Mexico, immersing themselves in a quarter century of mentorship.
Hermanos Herrera have shared their music with a wide audience, performing throughout the U.S. and Mexico. They have performed at world-renowned venues, alongside the biggest names in the music industry, and on numerous national and international television programs. Artists with whom have shared the stage include Los Tigres del Norte, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Linda Ronstadt, Conjunto Primavera, and Banda el Recodo.
In addition to their musical accomplishments, Hermanos Herrera have maintained an active presence in their home community of Fillmore, CA. Through their music, they have raised over $120,000 for local charities. This event is on March 8th with tickets starting at $50.00.
For more info visit www.hermanosherrera.com.
Old Town History Tour– Experience a World Steeped in Covert Sagas
Looking for an entertaining and enlightening experience? Our Old Town History Tours offer a delightful stroll through Heritage Park and Old Town San Diego, brought to life by our knowledgeable and engaging guides. Get ready for amusing tales, fascinating facts, and a dose of local history served with a side of fun. Don’t miss out on this entertaining historical journey!
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the vibrant history of Old Town San Diego with our Old Town History Tour. This engaging and informative experience promises a unique blend of entertainment, education, and fun for all ages.
Your adventure begins at the beautifully preserved Heritage Park, a treasure trove of Victorian architecture. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore seven different locations, each with their own unique story to tell. Learn about the influential Cherokee newspaper magnate who founded the San Diego Union-Tribune.
As we descend from the park into the heart of Old Town San Diego, you’ll walk the same streets that San Diego’s early residents once did. We’ll visit the area’s oldest golf course, which has seen legendary players like Tiger Woods and Lorena Ochoa. We’ll also stop by one of the city’s most historic hotels and venture into San Diego’s oldest cemetery.
Our tour wraps up with a visit to the houses of many prominent early San Diegans and the renowned Whaley House, a fascinating slice of history filled with intriguing tales.
Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides bring history to life with their engaging storytelling. They’re passionate about history and sharing this city’s remarkable story, so come prepared to be entertained and enlightened.
Whether you’re a visitor wanting to explore San Diego’s roots or a local keen to discover more about your city’s history. Don’t just read about history – come experience it with us on the Old Town History Tour. Book your spot today!
San Diego Tequila Tour– Join Me In My Appreciation Of Great Tequila
PLEASE VISIT https://sandiegotequilatour.com/ FOR BEST AVAILABLE RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION Read Over 300 5-Star Reviews in the Review section of Award Winning San Diego Tequila Tour website!
What I’ll Provide:
*5 Full Shots of Tequila (blancos, reposados, anejos)
*1 Huge Fish Taco (veggie/chicken optional)
*Chips with dip and salsa
*Discuss local history and landmarks as we walk throughout the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego
*Learn about the process of producing tequila and the different tastes barreling tequila brings out
*Leave San Diego Tequila Tour with a whole new understanding and appreciation of tequila!
**All guests will be emailed a Professional Google Photos link to relive their experience for a lifetime to come!
Since 2019, San Diego Tequila Tour has been creating memories for a lifetime! Come to life with the spirit of agave and enjoy some of the world’s finest Tequila! Great for birthdays, anniversaries, bachelorette/bachelor parties, corporate events or just fun! The group will meet in Old Town San Diego at Rockin’ Baja Lobster, a notoriously fun Mexican restaurant! We begin with a brief background on tequila and its production process. We’ll sip our first tequila shot, looking for specific profile tastes, while enjoying chips and a full salsa bar!
As the tour continues, we learn about the Whaley House, early California, grave sites, historical markers, and other Old Town facts as we pass them by on our way to our final stop.
Saving the best for last, the restaurant, bar and tequila museum El Agave. This is a top shelf tequileria and carries over 2,000 tequilas. Here, each guest is treated to your OWN PERSONAL FLIGHT of tequila that is highly rated by the bar vendors while enjoying the fine dining establishment ending our tour!
February 2026 Things To Do In San Diego
Museum Month
San Diego’s Museum Month 2026 will be BIGGER and MORE FUN with more than 70 museums, historic sites, gardens, zoos, aquariums and more.With so many museums to explore during San Diego Museum Month this February, you may be wondering where to get started. We have created a series of handy Neighborhood Guides to Museum Month to help you find your next cultural adventure.
Mardi Gras West Coast
Any opportunity to eat, drink and be merry – then eat some more – should be embraced, and San Diego’s Mardi Gras celebrations are no exception. Head downtown to the Gaslamp Quarter for a carnival of dance, live music and flamboyant costumes on and around Shrove Tuesday. Be sure to fill up on Creole-spiced jambalaya and as many beignets as you can manage – these sugar-coated slabs of deep-fried deliciousness (basically a square, holeless doughnut) are a Mardi Gras staple, and you’ll need the energy for all that dancing! Missed the main event? Fear not: Mardi Gras celebrations run every weekend through February at SeaWorld San Diego.
Chinese New Year
Sure, San Diego’s Chinatown ain’t the biggest on the planet, spanning a relatively meager eight blocks downtown. But, for such a (relatively) diminutive enclave, its annual lunar New Year celebrations still pack a mighty punch. Mosey on down to the Gaslamp Quarter for two days of family friendly fun, featuring all the entertainments you might reasonably expect from such an event. We’re talking vibrant lion and dragon dances, awesome martial arts demonstrations, traditional Chinese music, and sunset red-and-orange lanterns dancing on the breeze. Then, of course, there’s the food. Oh boy, the food. Are yourself with some chopsticks and follow your nose through great clouds of garlic-and-galangal-infused steam to stalls hawking the very best in authentic Chinese cuisine. Come hungry!
January 2026 Things To Do In San Diego
January 2026 Art Walk
La Jolla Village Merchants Association will be hosting its monthly Art Walk on the first Friday of the month. Daily from 4 pm to 7 pm. La Jolla has long been known for its iconic and cutting-edge galleries and proudly presents First Friday Art Walks a free sip, snack, and stroll through 16+ iconic galleries. Whether you are a serious collector. Enjoy being part of a creative scene or love learning about new and emerging talents; you won’t want to miss this free event. There will be food, drinks, entertainment, and more. Register today!
Coin Op Game Rooms
If you’re looking for an evening activity that is more than just hitting a bar, try visiting Coin Op Game Room, an adult arcade with artisan cocktails and classic games. Enjoy a po’boy as you aim for the high score on Ms. Pacman or relive your college days with a little Beer Pong. It’s a stellar way to spend an evening
Spend some time at Liberty Public Market
Open 7 days a week, there’s a little bit of everything at the Liberty Public Market. It is located in an old Navy building with hip eateries, bars, specialty food, and craft vendors. You can walk around and see the art galleries, you can hang out in the park near by, or you can of course get something delicious to eat.
Go paintball with friends at San Diego’s Paintball Park
San Diego Paintball Park has everything you need to have a fun-filled paintball fight with your friends or family. You can go solo and compete with strangers or bring a whole party with you! Prices start at $49 for each person, but parties of 6 or more can book 24 hours in advance and get a deal that would come out to $37 per person. Prices vary depending on which package you get.
Transportation Options in Old Town and San Diego
SD Flyer
The San Diego Flyer is a free new electric shuttle service between San Diego International Airport and the Old Town Transit Center.
Trolley Service
The San Diego Trolley is a light rail system serving San Diego County, operated by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).
Ride Share Services
San Diego has fast pick up times with ride shares services including major carriers like Uber and Lyft.
Experiences and Things To Do In San Diego
The San Diego Zoo
San Diego is a city full of sunshine, culture, and world-class attractions, making it an ideal spot for your next getaway. By pairing a stay at the Western Inn with admission to the San Diego Zoo, you’ll enjoy both comfort and excitement—all while saving money and simplifying your travel plans.
The Western Inn Old Town San Diego is perfectly located near the city’s historic district, offering charm and convenience in one. Guests appreciate easy access to Old Town’s shops and restaurants, while still being just a short drive from top attractions across the city. With welcoming accommodations and thoughtful amenities, the hotel provides a comfortable retreat after a full day of adventure.
No trip to San Diego would be complete without visiting the San Diego Zoo. Recognized as one of the best zoos in the world, it features thousands of animals across beautifully designed habitats.
Old Town Trolley Tours
San Diego offers an abundance of stunning natural beauty, rich history and an array of cultural, iconic and entertaining attractions. The best way to see it all is on board the city’s original sightseeing tour, Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego. Hop aboard, see the sights, and then stay at Western Inn. Select the number of tickets and nights you need and start planning your San Diego vacation today!
Explore "America’s Finest City" with Old Town Trolley Tours San Diego. Enjoy a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour with live narration, panoramic views, and unlimited reboarding at 11 convenient stops. Choose a 1- or 2-day pass for flexible, family-friendly fun.
Western Inn Old Town San Diego features spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and refrigerators, plus a complimentary continental breakfast. This budget-friendly hotel is minutes from Old Town’s historic charm, local dining, and top attractions like SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo.
SeaWorld Adventure
San Diego is a destination where coastal charm meets world-class attractions. By bundling the Western Inn with admission to SeaWorld San Diego, you’ll enjoy the perfect mix of comfort, excitement, and value—all in one convenient package.
Located near the city’s historic district, the Western Inn Old Town San Diego provides a welcoming base for your getaway. Guests appreciate its comfortable rooms, helpful amenities, and easy access to Old Town’s dining and attractions. Its central location makes getting to SeaWorld and other iconic San Diego experiences simple and stress-free.
SeaWorld San Diego is a must-see for visitors of all ages. From thrilling rides like the Electric Eel roller coaster to captivating shows featuring dolphins and orcas, the park blends entertainment with education. Interactive exhibits, marine life encounters, and up-close animal experiences make each visit unique and memorable. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping fun or unforgettable family moments, SeaWorld delivers.