Happy weekend! We’ve put together a guide to help you plan the following days. From a local fun festival to watching your favorite team or drinking at a cool speakeasy, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what you can’t miss this weekend in San Diego.
1. PRIDE weekend
This year, Pride week in San Diego takes place between July 16 and July 20 – and we have no time to waste! From the much-awaited Pride Parade to the Pride Festival, it’s a packed schedule.
- Friday: Spirit of Stonewall Awards, Pride Block Party
- Saturday: Pride Parade San Diego, Pride Festival
- Sunday: Pride Festival
Check out this article for more details and times.
2. Check out live music at SeaWorld
Every Saturday night from June 21 to August 23 at PM, SeaWorld hosts an unforgettable musical journey featuring R&B, hip-hop, and rap hits from the ’90s and early 2000s. This weekend, catch Fat Joe, a South Bronx legend and the first Puerto Rican rapper to dominate hip-hop.
3. Best of San Diego party
San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Party, happening this Friday at Legacy Plaza in Liberty Station, is a lively summer event celebrating the city’s top restaurants, breweries, wineries, and local businesses. You can enjoy unlimited food and drinks from over 100 vendors, live entertainment, dancing, photo ops, and more. This popular event is sold out, as usual.
4. Catch the Padres
To our Padres fans, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Next week, our beloved team meets the Nationals. The game takes place away, so head to your favorite sports bar and enjoy it.
You can learn more about Padres Theme Games here.
5. Go on a weekend escape (close to San Diego)
We all need a little change of scenery every now and then, but luckily San Diegans don’t have to travel too far for it. As much as we love San Diego, it would be a shame not to explore surrounding lands and discover (or rediscover) all its hidden gems. These amazing glamping sites and Airbnbs are just perfect for a long weekend getaway, whether you’re looking for adventure, or just wanna spend a couple of days relaxing. See them all here.
6. Check out Nighttime at the San Diego Zoo
During summer, the fun at the San Diego Zoo starts after the sun goes down! It’s now open from 9 AM to 8PM, and an exciting new energy takes over. Expect live music, spectacular entertainment, one-of-a-kind moments with wildlife, and unforgettable fun for the whole family. Some examples are Rock & Roar, Zoolamoves, Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania, and so much more – check the San Diego Zoo’s website for the full schedule!
7. Enjoy Happy Hour on the water
Happy Hour on the Bay is a 1.5-hour sunset cruise on San Diego Bay featuring scenic views, a live DJ, and a relaxed indoor-outdoor dining atmosphere. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, tray-passed desserts, and drink specials from a full bar. The menu includes a variety of appetizers like bruschetta, mini quiches, mozzarella caprese skewers, and tandoori chicken skewers, along with Mediterranean dips, artisan cheeses, gourmet sliders, and more – all while cruising past iconic sights like the Coronado Bridge. You can enjoy this cruise every Friday and Saturday night, until October.
8. Check out San Diego’s first immersive cannabis lounge
Great news for all cannabis lovers! Sessions By The Bay, SD’s first cannabis lounge, just brough a whole new concept to our city. Cannabis enthusiasts in San Diego finally have a spot to enjoy flowers, concentrates, pre-rolls, edibles, or beverages. You’ll find a dispensary that has it all, a Moroccan-inspired lounge, and even a great terrace. Enjoy.
9. Pick your own strawberries this weekend in San Diego
Love the idea of picking up your own fruit, while basking in the spring sun? Understandable. The U-Pick strawberry fields at Carlsbad just opened – 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! You can also purchase these sweet treats and try them out before you go pick them yourself.
10. Practice yoga on a rooftop
On Alma’s rooftop, you can relax and unwind with a beautiful yoga session, every Saturday from 9 AM. Classes are free for hotel guests, but only $15 for everyone else. Your ticket also includes a complimentary mimosa or NA beverage, so you can mingle and connect with like minded people. Wear your comfy outfit, bring your own yoga mat, water, towel, and enjoy the unique experience.
11. 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.
12. Treat yourself with a heartwarming bowl of ramen
There’s never a bad time for a bowl full of creamy broth and amazing noodles…no, not even during the summer. 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.
13. 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.
14. Grab a tasty beer at these amazing craft breweries
Luckily for craft beer lovers, there’s no shortage of great choices in San Diego. And you can event 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.
15. 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.
16. Enjoy the freshest seafood this weekend in San Diego
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!
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. Discover amazing 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.
22. Dine at these top outdoor spots this weekend in San Diego
San Diego has perfect weather year round, which means we can always enjoy a lovely meal outdoors – but summer hits different. Take in the views, enjoy the sunshine, and sip on a crafted cocktail at these 10 local favorite restaurants. The list features Alexander’s, Born & Raised, Eddie V’s, Mister A’s, and more. Full list here.
23. Check out these black sand beaches
No, you don’t need to travel all the way to an exotic island, or to Iceland…we have 2 beautiful black sand beaches right here in California. To discover the first one, venture into the wild Lost Coast and you’ll find the incredible spectacle that is Shelter Cove – a California gem that offers a rugged 20-mile shoreline with powerful waves. The second one, is nestled deep within the woods of the Golden Gate Recreation Area in San Francisco. These dark shores are beautifully juxtaposed with the bright blue waters and lush greenery! Learn more about both here.