
Welcome to 2025! While you’re working on your new resolutions, we figured you may need a break or distraction…and thankfully, there’s an abundance of things to do in San Diego this January! Thanks to our mild climate year-round, this is the perfect time to explore nature or go on a hike. However, enjoying food and drinks never gets old either. Here are our favorite activities to kickstart 2025:
1. Catch the last of the holiday celebrations
While Christmas and New Years are over, there’s still some holiday magic in the air during this first week of the new year. For example, the ice rink and celebrations are happening at Del Coronado until January 5th, as well as the holiday festivites at LegoLand, or Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo.
2. Enjoy an evening at these enchanting candlelit concerts
For something a bit different, try attending one of these enchanting candlelight concerts that blend together classical music and contemporary culture. A talented string quartet play lovely renditions of songs you love: think Taylor Swift, Adele, iconic movie soundtracks, or even a 90’s unplugged special event. Check out this link for the full list of events, and choose your favorite – you won’t regret this experience.
3. Take a hike up to a waterfall
San Diego is known for having amazing weather throughout the year, so why not kick off those health goals with a hike to a stunning waterfall? Afterwards, head into the nearby neighborhood for a little lunch and a celebratory beer. It’s all worth it at the end! Below are some examples, and here’s an article for more destinations.
- Borrego Palm Canyon
- Harper’s Creek Falls
- Weir Trail
- Cedar Creek
4. Start a new hobby by taking a class
New year, new you. It’s always great to start something new, but when you take a class or join a group, you may also end up with likeminded people – and who knows?! – maybe a new friend. If you don’t know where to start, or what’s your gem, South Park Yoga + Wellness offers a 2 week trial for only $39. If art is more of your thing, Mud Lily offers ceramic classes at their studio, and they’re currently booking their 5-week courses for 2025. However, if you’d like to combine a bit of art with a bit of wine, Neon Brush may be perfect for you – an amazing glow-in-the-dark painting experience. Here are all the details and tickets for this event.
5. Go whale watching
From mid-December to April, head out into the ocean to catch a glimpse of a magnificent gray whale during peak season. During this period, over 20,000 gray whales migrate along the San Diego coast, giving you a much better glimpse of the sea mammals than you would throughout other points of the year. From boat tours to kayaking tours, scout around online for some great deals on this excellent waterside activity.
6. Attend the San Diego Brew Fest
San Diegans love their beer and at San Diego Brew Fest, you can enjoy tastings from over 70 breweries that will be featuring about 200 beers, plus food trucks, lawn games, and live music. Tickets cost between $50 and $65 dollars, and the event takes place on January 11, 2025, from noon or 1 PM (depending on your ticekt).
7. Watch the 43rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
The 43rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade takes place on January 19, 2025, 11 AM. One of the largest parades of its kind in the US, join them on Harbor Drive where you can see dazzling floats, talented high school band performances, and more. Moreover, this year’s parade will feature a MLK 5k Walk/Fun Run and Festival. The parade is coordinated by the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the oldest African American fraternity in America, founded in 1906.
8. Head to Farmers Insurance Open
If you’re a golf fan, this should top your list of things to do in San Diego this January. The PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open is held annually at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, the site of the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open. This year, it will take place between January 22–25, 2025. It’s recognized as one of the city’s most anticipated occasions, so you don’t wanna miss it – expect breathtaking views and world-class golf.
9. Catch the Borrego Springs Film Festival
“One huge theater, one big screen, and endless community enthusiasm”, is how this event is described. The Borrego Springs Film Festival is a vibrant Southern California juried event celebrating narrative, documentary, animation, Latino, and short films. This single-venue festival offers an intimate experience in a desert resort town surrounded by the stunning 640,000-acre Anza Borrego Desert State Park. The festival brings together cinephiles, filmmakers and the overall community through networking events, workshops, and more.
10. Hold on to the holidays at Poway Winter Park
Not ready to let go of that holiday feeling yet? Poway Winter Park is the place to be. Here, you can feel “snow” between your fingers while sledding down the snow hill, or smell roasting marshmallows as you devour delicious s’mores. There’s also an ice rink, many twinkling lights, and seasonal tunes to complete to atmosphere.
11. Get moving with San Diego Resolution Run
Wanna start the year in a healthy way? The Annual San Diego Resolution Run has 5K, 10K, and a Half Marathon that you could join. It will take place on January 11, 2025. You’ll traverse a scenic course with stunning water views throughout Mission Bay. Following the race, you could explore the wellness village, featuring healthy food, partner offers, and products.
12. Ring in the new year with a brunch cruise
Whether you’re trying to nurse a NYE party hangover, or just love brunch with good views, January 1st is a great day for a delicious brunch. And since we’re blessed with the water right at our doorstep, a cruise would make the experience even better. There are plenty of choices for you, from City Experiences, to Flagship Cruises, and more.
13. Ring in the Lunar New Year
The San Diego Chinese New Year Fair has been a staple event in the community since 1983. 2025 is the year of the Snake, and you can kick off the celebrations on January 24, 2025, at San Diego Lunar New Year Festival. This is 3-day celebration will include folk and traditional performances, arts and cultural exhibitions, lion dances and firecrackers, and plenty of family fun activities. The festival is inclusive and free, so you’re more than welcome to join!
This is also an amazing opportunity to explore the amazing Chinese cuisine in this city, and you won’t be disappointed. Many such venues will also host special events for Chinese New Year.
14. Go wine tasting in San Diego
If you’re not participating in Dry January, and love learning more about amazing wines, this is a great activity for this January! Gather your friends and go sample some delicious wines, right here in SD. You could check out Bernardo Winery, Pali Wine Co., or Quigley Fine Wines. If you’d like to go a little further, there are many more options in cities nearby – road trip, anyone? With a designated driver, of course.
15. Check out the San Diego Rodeo
The San Diego Rodeo returns to Petco Park between January 10-12, 2025. It brings a family-friendly event, with top rodeo athletes competing for over $800,000! Featuring authentic rodeo traditions and cultural elements from local charros, it celebrates the city’s rich rodeo history. This year, expect daily after-parties with live country music by Elle King, Ryan Bingham, and Colter Wall – you’ll need separate tickets for the concerts, which can be purchased with or without rodeo admission.
And there we go – here’s your list of things to do in San Diego this January! Have a great start of the year.