Sunny San Diego is in full bloom! Strawberries are in season, flower fields are at their peak, and there are so many great things to do to get the most out of your next outing. We’ve put together this list of 20 wonderful seasonal activities – here’s what to do this May in San Diego.
1. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Here in San Diego, we’re blessed with so much influence from Mexico, which enriches every aspect of every day life. Almost every Mexican celebration is widely celebrated in our city – and Cinco de Mayo is no exception! Here are some of the fiestas in town:
- Free block party @ Gaslamp
- Frida Fiesta @ Cinco de Mayo SD, Gaslamp Quarter
- Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo
- Cinco de Mayo @ Above Ash Social
- CINCO DE MAYO Bar and Club Crawl San Diego
2. Don’t miss Wonderfront Festival
One of the most awaited spring festivals takes place this May in San Diego. A diverse lineup offers all-in: rock, indie, hip hop, rap, EDM, country, and more. Wonderfront features Peggy Gou, Foster the People, Jason Mraz, The Fray, 4 Non Blondes, and more. General admission for 1 day costs $165, while a pass for 3 days is $375.
3. Have the best time at San Diego Zoo Food, Wine and Brew
Get ready for a night filled with all the best things in life: food, drinks and fun, all at the San Diego Zoo! This is an annual all-inclusive tasting event, that features SoCal’s best breweries, wineries and food vendors. Expect live music, and all kinds of entertainment, too. Stop by the brand new Conservation Stage, and interact with wild life like never before. Don’t miss it on May 3, 2025.
4. Catch a move at the San Diego French Film Festival
French language, culture, and cinema come together at the 5th annual San Diego French Film Festival, between May 4–7, 2025. The festival takes place at the THE LOT in La Jolla. This year’s theme – Love in All Its Forms – explores connection through a curated selection of Francophone films, with English subtitles.
5. Pick your own delicious strawberries this May in San Diego
Fun fact: nearly 80% of the strawberries grown in the U.S. come from California. Just 30 minutes away, you can visit a charming, family-owned strawberry farm and pick your own fresh berries! The U-Pick fields at Carlsbad are a San Diego experience you won’t want to miss. Grab a basket (it holds about 2 pounds of strawberries), choose your favorites, and snap some stunning photos while you’re at it.
6. SoCal Taco Fest at SeaWorld’s Viva La Música
On May 3 and 4, 2025, SeaWorld will host an exciting taco festival, filled with flavor, entertainment, live music and fun for all. There’s also a Chihuahua Beauty Pageant, a karaoke stage, Lucha Libre wrestling, and of course…delicious tacos, from beloved local spots like BajaFish, El Tiangus, and more. A day ticket is $69, and a package for both days is $99 – the latter comes with unlimited admission to SeaWorld San Diego for all of 2025!
7. Candlelight Shows
When you’re looking for a break, or a relaxing, romantic night out…we know the perfect activity. Candlelight concerts take place in the best venues in San Diego with the city’s most talented musicians. You can choose from a range of concerts like jazz, rock, pop, and more. Check out what’s available and grab your tickets here.
8. A Louisiana party, San Diego style
Get a taste of Louisiana right on San Diego Bay at Gator By The Bay – Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival. This returning event takes place between May 8–11, 2025. It’s a four-day, family-friendly celebration features 100+ live performances, and nonstop fun. Expect authentic Cajun Creole and Southern eats, such as jambalaya and a looot of fresh Louisiana crawfish. Imagine Mardi Gras in May, but San Diego-style!
9. Carlsbad Flower Fields
Spring is in full bloom, which means Carlsbad is the season’s must-visit spot! You can enjoy an excellent outing and take in all of the natural splendor of the season, as you marvel at the plethora of colorful flower fields.
10. Visit the wildflower fields this May in San Diego
Carlsbad may be the most popular, but it’s not the only field to explore for wonderful seasonal blooms. Here’s a list of other great spots, such as Millenia, Anza-Borrego, and more.
11. Sip a delicious drink on these San Diego rooftop bars
The verdict is in – these San Diego rooftops have the best views in town, and there isn’t a better time to enjoy those than May! Our city is famous for its fabulous weather and sunsets, so we couldn’t think of a better spot to snap our latest sunset pic. From the Gaslamp District to La Jolla, we rounded up our 8 favorite rooftops in San Diego. Check them out here!
12. Go on a picnic
Grab a pizza and some kombucha and head over to a beautiful outdoor spot for a picnic. It’s cheaper than a fancy restaurant and you get to take in the the city. La Jolla Hermosa Park has beautiful ocean views and Balboa Park also has a ton of museums to stroll through after your picnic. If you wanna enjoy the perfect sunset views, head to The Torrey Pines Gliderport.
P.S. looking for a foodie adventure, AND a picnic? Check this out.
13. Catch a Surf class this May in San Diego
May is as good a time as any to up your San Diego rep and, finally, be able to say you surf. Nobody has to know you’ve only gone to a few classes! We recommend Pacific Surf School, as they have locations in La Jolla, Ocean Beach, PB, and Mission Beach. They also do Surf Camps.
14. Enjoy a Food Truck lunch
We all know what bar hopping is, but what about food truck hopping? You can visit the best spots in San Diego and get a bite at each along the way. You have to try Señor Wooffle in South Park. They serve up delicious bites like their BBQ Whiskey torta and amazing milkshakes.
15. Enjoy the best seafood this May in San Diego
Spring months are the absolute best to enjoy fresh oysters, fresh fish, and the best seafood tacos. Have the grilled octopus at Sally’s Fish House & Bar, try the sushi at Water Grill San Diego, or go for the surf and turf at Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar. Here’s a full list of our favorite spots.
16. Enjoy Sinatra Under The Stars at Sunset Terrace
On May 10, you can experience live music like never before at one of San Diego’s top rooftop spots. Step back in time with Sinatra Under The Stars on the Sunset Terrace at the Intercontinental Hotel, where you’ll be serenaded with the legend’s greatest hits. Enjoy an evening of light bites, classic cocktails, breathtaking views, and top-tier musical talent. Grab your ticket here.
17. Check out the annual Spring Arts and Crafts at Bernardo Winery
On May 10–11, between 10 AM-5PM, the 48th annual Spring Arts & Crafts Fair takes place at Bernardo Winery. At this beloved San Diego tradition, you can browse over 125 artisan vendors, offering handmade goods like jewelry, art, and more. You can find amazing wine bars, a food court, and family-friendly fun. Best part? Free admission!
18. Find some gems at Carlsbad Spring Village Faire
This May in San Diego, don’t miss the Carlsbad Village Street Faire. It features over 750 vendors that offer everything from handmade crafts and antiques to unique fashion. Kids can enjoy the rides, you can get great bites at an international food court, and there’s even a a classic pancake breakfast.
19. Take the little ones to Elmo’s Springtacular
Elmo’s Springtacular is at Sesame Place until May 18, and it’s packed with fuzzy fun! Enjoy action-packed rides, lively shows, energetic dance parties, and the acclaimed Sesame Street Party Parade. There are also special Springtacular activities like Spring Storytime, a Spring Scavenger Hunt, and unique photo opportunities with Sesame Street characters dressed in their festive spring outfits.
20. Get nostalgic with Grease
Can Danny maintain his cool dude status and still make Sandy his girl? Find out at this nostalgic musical, which is sure to get you singing along to hits such as “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together.” Moonlight Stage Productions kicks off their summer season with this beloved title, and you can catch it until May 17, 2025.
21. Discover the World of Orchids at San Diego Botanic Garden
This spring exhibition returned for its 5th year, and you can check it out between May 4 – June 1, 2025. This opulent world brings you back to 19th century orchid-mania, filled with rare and exotic plants. You’ll see hundred of beautiful flowers with vibrant colors, you can attend workshops, and of course, take some home from local vendors (on select weekends).