It’s the most wonderful time of the year…okay, some may ague that’s Christmas, but spring is close! Nature comes to life, there are fun events around the city each weekend, and it’s the perfect time for day trips, too. We’ve put together the ultimate spring bucket list, so you can make the most out of these gorgeous days.
1. Go to the legendary Bali Hai
The Bali Hai is an essential San Diego eatery. The food, such as their Coconut Shrimp, is outstanding, and their Mai Tais are to die for. Sit back, enjoy some great seafood tacos, sip on a cocktail, and take in the views.
Location: 2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
2. Pick your own strawberries
Did you know that California produces almost 80% of the strawberry crops in the U.S.? Just 30 minutes away, you can head to a beautiful family-owned strawberry farm, where you can pick up your own? That’s Carlsbad Strawberry Company! Get a basket (holds about 2 lbs of strawberries), pick your favorites, and take loads of beautiful pictures.
3. Chow down on the best fish tacos
It’s no surprise our seafood is no joke. Now picture the delicious array of delicious fish tacos in the city. Blue Water Seafood, for example, has amazing giant tacos. Mitch’s Seafood also has great food and views to match! And don’t forget about Kiko’s Place, an outstanding food truck with great Baja-style tacos. If you’re looking for more favorite spots when it comes to seafood, check out this link.
4. Visit breweries in North Park, or attend a beer fest
North Park is a lovely neighborhood with so much to do. Among all those great spots are over a dozen breweries and tasting rooms! Take your pub crawl to the next level and visit these fantastic spots on foot, given they are all within walking distance. You should definitely check out North Park Beer Company and Fall Brewing Company.
During spring, San Diego also hosts loads of beer festivals – don’t miss the North Park festival of beers in April, for example, or San Diego Brew Fest.
5. See the vibrant murals in Chicano Park
Chicano Park is one of the most beloved parks in the whole city. It hosts the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world, with over 100 works of art to admire. It’s always a pleasure to walk around these, and you can totally make it a whole day affair, with the neighborhood always having something going on: markets, live music, exhibitions, festivals, and so on. Make sure not to miss Chicano Park Day, held each April on the Saturday closest to April 22 – it’s a must on your spring bucket list.
6. Visit the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market
If you’re looking for a great way to enjoy the fantastic San Diego weather this weekend, you should stop by the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. This open-air seafood market is the pride of the Port of San Diego and is open on Saturdays from 8 AM until 2 PM.
Location: 598 Harbor Ln, San Diego, CA 92101
7. Don’t miss the Carlsbad Flower Fields
This is on every local’s spring bucket list. The mesmerizing Carlsbad Flower Fields brings joy and color to San Diegans every spring. Each year, they bloom for 6 to 8 weeks, from early March to early May, but that could change depending on weather conditions. The bountiful fields will capture bright oranges, vibrant pinks, soulful purples, and every hue in between!
8. Catch a game at Petco Park
The springtime is probably our favorite time of the year to enjoy a ball game in San Diego. It’s Padres season! Catch a pre-game party at Petco Park, and enjoy a game full of cheering and good vibes. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of the sport, it’s something you have to do at least once. There are plenty of snacks and drinks, too – it is, really, a whole thing.
9. Discover La Jolla’s secret gardens
Every year, this special event lets you peak inside La Jolla’s private, most beautiful gardens. The gardens’ location remains a secret until the day of the tour. They all feature beautiful views and unique settings. Besides their natural beauty and architecture, in each garden you’ll find live musicians, plein air artists, and dining table designs. In 2025, the tour takes place on May 17 – more info here.
10. Enjoy high tea at the Coral Tree Tea House
If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious spring outing, we recommend having high tea at the Coral Tree House. This beautiful Victorian home is located in Old Town’s historic Heritage County Park. Sit back in one of their beautiful dining rooms where you’ll have views of its tranquil park. They serve delicious treats such as sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and decadent desserts.
11. Hike to an amazing waterfall
The waterfalls in and around San Diego are great spots to visit, any day. For example, Three Sisters Falls, which is at its best after heavy rain, is very beautiful and the hike is only 4 miles long. Cottonwood Creek Falls is another great example, and so is Weir Trail – which doesn’t lead to a waterfall, but rather a beautiful cascade. You can find more options here.
12. Have a picnic date at Torrey Pines Gliderport
What’s better than a springtime picnic? Probably only a picnic with some of the best views in the whole city! At the Torrey Pines Gliderport, you enjoy an aerial show made up of paragliders and hang gliders, while you can sip on a kombucha and enjoy a great cheeseboard.
13. Head to a winery and sip away in the sun
Spring is the perfect season to visit a winery, learn more about the nectar of the Gods, and have a degustation. It’s the perfect date day, weekend getaway, or weekend girls’ trip. For example, Bernardo Winery hosts many events throughout the season – arts & crafts fairs, Winemaker dinners, and more. Orfila Winery is also a local favorite, and it hosts many nights of live music.
14. Drive to Julian for the day
This historic mining town was once San Diego’s only gold source – but nowadays is better known for its award-winning apples! You can explore the town’s historical legacy by taking a tour of the Eagle Mine and panning for real gold, or enjoy apples galore by visiting one of Julian’s many orchards. But whatever you do, make sure to get your hand on an apple pie from one of the town’s many purveyors. You won’t want to miss out on all that sweet goodness!
15. Visit Hotel del Coronado
The iconic Hotel del Coronado is an excellent San Diego institution, known for the classic Hollywood film Some Like It Hot. The film, starring Marilyn Monroe, was almost entirely filmed here! If you’re around, don’t forget to also visit Serẽa. This restaurant is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel, and it’s known for its exquisite sea-to-table dining experience – it comes with amazing views! This has to be on top of your spring bucket list!
16. Visit the Sunny Jim Sea Cave
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, head to the Cave Store. This shop, located on Coast Boulevard, offers access to Sunny Jim’s Cave through a century old man-made tunnel. In fact, it’s the only sea cave that you can visit in La Jolla without traveling over water. That’s not to say this attraction won’t cater to your adventurous side. After entering the store, visitors must descend 145 stairs – watch your step, and enjoy the quite unique views!
17. Museum hop in Balboa Park
San Diego’s Balboa Park has the best museums in the city. So, visiting them all on a lovely spring day is a fabulous idea. Keep an eye on museum days, where entry is free for residents only. You have to see the San Diego Natural History Museum and The Museum of Us on your visit.
18. Climb the California Tower
Another must- add to your spring bucket list. This imposing and breathtaking landmark is a must-visit on a beautiful spring day. Once you get your ticket, you can begin your ascent. Keep in mind that there are 125 stairs! You’ll learn intriguing historical facts with each flight you climb – and once you make it to the top, you’ll be treated to truly spectacular views of San Diego.