Happy weekend! We’ve put together a guide for you to plan the following days. From finding the perfect burger to cultural festivals or a cool speakeasy, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what you can’t miss this weekend in San Diego.
1. Have fun at this country dueling piano brunch
Y’all ready for this?! What’s better than sharing a delicious brunch with your friends, while singing along to your favorite tunes? This Sunday, at the The Shout! House, you can do just that. The event even features a local fiddle player, Melissa Barrison. You can expect brunch classics, bottomless mimosas for just $20, and boozy cereal shots. Best part? You get to request the songs!
2. Check out these breathtaking Flower Fields
These fields in Carlsbad have been open to visitors for over 60 years, and as soon as spring hits, they become a must-do activity for San Diegans. Each year, they bloom for 6 to 8 weeks, from this weekend, to early May. On top of the gorgeous rolling flower fields of red, yellow, orange, and pink flowers, you can also enjoy other activities. Catch a tractor ride through the fields, grab tacos and pizzas from selected vendors, take part in a yoga class, enjoy a wine tasting, or amazing live music.
3. Plan your strawberry picking trip
Can’t wait to go pick up your own fruit, while basking in the spring sun? Understandable. Bery soon, the U-Pick strawberry fields at Carlsbad will open – and they’re just 30 minutes away from SD. Here, you can find 10 acres of farm land, waiting for you to pick your own strawberries. Each acre of land produces an average of 21 tons of strawberries a year – that’s an impressive 210 tons! At the moment, they already opened their stands, so you can purchase these sweet treats and try them out before you go pick them yourself.
4. Have a laugh at this hilarious show
Wanna take it easy this weekend? Nothing more relaxing than having a great laugh with friends. The hit burlesque parody The Empire Strips Back is a great shout. With comedy and allure, this show drops classic Star Wars characters into the world of burlesque. Be prepared for some seriously sultry Stormtroopers, a dangerously enticing Boba Fett, a delightfully luke-warm Taun Taun, and much, much more! Grab your tickets here.
5. Enjoy the Seven Seas food festival at SeaWorld
More foodie events? Yes, please. This much awaited festival starts this weekend, and will stick around (on weekends) until the end of April. This year, an exciting menu is curated by Executive Chef Zuric Ramirez. As the name suggests, the idea is that you’d chew and sip your way around the world. Expect flavors from Asia, Europe, Africa, and more, within the over 150 dishes. Live entertainment and carefully crafted cocktails will complete the scene.
6. Don’t miss the San Diego Latino Film Festival
This film festival was established 32 years ago, as a student festival that focuses on works by and about Latinos. Meanwhile, it has developed into a large and well-known event all over the world, with over 350,000 people attending since its debut, and over 4,000 films screened. This year, it takes place between 19 – 23 March, 2025, at AMC Mission Valley & Digital Gym CINEMA. Ticket prices vary on how many screenings you’d like to watch.
7. Grab a mystery picnic this weekend in San Diego
Looking for a fun adventure, or a different idea for a date? On this self-guided foodie journey, you will solve clues to collect gourmet picnic treats and discover a hidden, picturesque picnic spot. Your basic package will include a local spread with delicious products, the clue for the game and conversation starters, Depending on your chosen ticket, extras can include a bottle of wine, a bonus at home experience, dessert and more. Grab you tickets here.
8. Treat yourself with a heartwarming bowl of ramen
There’s never a bad time for a bowl full of creamy broth and amazing noodles…but January sure is our favorite time for it! San Diego has a couple of local favorites, like Ramen Nagi (with their famous Red King Bowl), or Tajima Ramen, where the signature dish carries the same name. Here’s a full list of the best ramen restaurants – check one out this weekend in San Diego.
9. Join this ‘Old Town Tales’ walking tour
Walk – eat tacos – drink tequila – name a better combo. Explore San Diego’s rich history by visiting ancient adobe structures from the Spanish era, Victorian-style buildings, and the city’s oldest brick edifice. Dive into three centuries of California’s past while uncovering eerie landmarks, including a historic graveyard. Complete your journey with a culinary treat, savoring handmade tortillas, tantalizing tequila, and a trio of delicious street tacos! Grab your tickets here.
10. Learn something new at “The Nat at 150”
San Diego’s Natural History Museum has turned 150! To celebrate this amazing milestone, and all the work they’ve put into protecting nature all this time, an exhibition called “The Nat at 150” is currently open. It brings stories of collaboration to life and offers hope for the conservation challenges of today and tomorrow. You’ll see how people throughout history have created positive change for nature, whether erecting signs to protect shorebirds, writing letters, or using science to drive decision making. Don’t miss it!
11. Grab a tasty beer at these women-owned breweries
Luckily for craft beer lovers, there’s no shortage of great choices in San Diego. As March is women’s history month, support a venue that’s women-owned, while enjoying a delicious ale. Check out Mujeres Brew House, or Little Miss Brewing – which has $6 pints before 7PM! For more inspiration, read this article.
12. Have a delicious cocktail at this speakeasy
A Tiramisu ‘Tini, Cosmic Dancer or an Island Old Fashioned? You can find all of those at an amazing speakeasy, Raised By Wolves. The bottle shop, which they playfully refer to as “the library”, resembles a 1920’s liquor store with a vintage metal cash register, marble floors and a vast collection of liquor bottles from all over the world.
13. Enjoy delicious seafood at one of these spots
We’ve put together a list of our favorite seafood spots right here, if you’d like some inspiration. We recommend a visit to Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill, where you can see – and order – the freshest seafood there is. For a little bit of a fusion, have their very famous fish or scallop tacos. Their halibut is another popular choice with the locals!
14. Hike to a nearby, breathtaking waterfall
We’re so fortunate to have great weather year-around, and so many opportunities to be in nature. Just a couple of miles away, there are beautiful outdoor trails, waiting to be explored this weekend in San Diego. From Cedar Creek, to Cottonwood Creek Falls, and Los Penasquitos Falls, there’s a hike for any level and mood. Here’s a list of 12 options for you to enjoy.
15. Visit these 2 San Diego James Beard Awards semifinalists
Tara Monsod puts us on the map by making the prestigious list, for the second year in a row. The cuisine at ANIMAE is centered around the coal-fired oven and Japanese robata grill. Here, you can find a unique mix of American and Asian flavors that are sure to impress. One of the dishes featured is chef Tara’s favorite childhood dish is Palabok – make sure to try it out!
The second San Diego spot nominated, Roma Norte, is a vibrant Mexican cocktail bar. If you’ve ever visited Mexico City, you’ll understand that the vibe comes from the atmosphere of this amazing neighborhood – with a touch of San Diego. And with drinks on the menu like a Habanero Margarita, or a Tamarind Old-Fashioned, we can see why it’s having such success. Roma Norte also serves a light, refreshing Mexico City-style bites.
16. Enjoy a greasy burger at these local favorite spots
The perfectly grilled patty, melted cheese, puffy buns…mmm, who doesn’t love the perfect burger? Whether you prefer a classic, or a modern touch, we have many options around. If you’re looking to grab a burger this weekend in San Diego, check out this list that we’ve put together. From Hayes to Crazee or The Balboa Bar & Grill, you’ll find your perfect spot.
17. Go whale watching
We’re blessed with amazing nature and wildlife. During these months, it’s the perfect time to hop on a cruise or a boat, and go whale watching. While you never know how much of a show you’re about to get, if you’re in luck, it really is a unique experience you shouldn’t miss on. If you’re not sure what to choose, here’s a cruise that we recommend.
18. Explore the wonderful tide pools
This weekend in San Diego, it’s the perfect time to check out the tide pools! During low tide, the sea water recedes, and the rocks and reefs are exposed. Head to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Dike Rock Tide Pools, or Cabrillo National Monument Tide Pools for an amazing seasonal experience. Please keep in mind that these protected tide pools are home to delicate ecosystems – never remove the creatures from their coastal habitat, and never leave a trace after you.
19. Catch a movie under the stars
March means longer days, more light, and…time to get out and watch your favorite films under the stars! Rooftop Cinema Club San Diego is making its return to the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Whether you catch a film at sunset, under the midnight moon, or during the warmth of the day, you’ll get a stunning backdrop of the city skyline.
20. Discover amazing spring wildflowers around San Diego
While the Carlsbad Fields are right here, and so popular that they attract tourists from around the U.S., we have more to discover! Palos Verde Peninsula is covered in pretty blooms, and so is the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. We’ve put together this list of our 7 favorite spots, so you can draw some inspiration for your next outdoor adventure.