Winter in San Diego is a great season! We’re lucky enough to have amazing weather year-round, so this is a great time to explore nature or have fun at festivals in the city. While others hunker down in their cozy houses, we can be out and about. Here are some ideas for this winter in San Diego.
1. Catch the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
Marvel at the towering balloons in the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, the nation’s largest balloon parade. This vibrant holiday event along San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego features floats, balloons, and marching bands, among other attractions. Over 100,000 street-side spectators will enjoy the parade – the street-side viewing of the parade is free, and the grandstand tickets are $30.
2. Enjoy the Poway Winter Festival
The amazing Winter Festival at Poway Community Park will take place on January 10 and 11, 2025. What can you expect? Loads of fun, winter activities, of course! Build a snowman, sled down the snow hill, roast marshmallows by the campfire, strike a pose in the photo booth, glide around the synthetic skate rink, or become the star of a life-sized winter wonderland board game.
3. Participate in the Carlsbad Marathon
Start the year strong with a good run! You could join the marathon, opt for a half one, or do a 5K run. All events l begin and end at The Shoppes at Carlsbad. The 5K follows an out-and-back route toward Carlsbad Village, passing the scenic Buena Vista Lagoon. Both the full and half marathon courses showcase breathtaking Pacific Ocean views for most of the run, as they wind along the historic Highway 101/Carlsbad Boulevard. Get your tickets here.
4. Watch the 43rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Mark your calendar for the 43rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on January 19, 2025. One of the largest parades of its kind in the United States, it takes place along Harbor Drive and showcases spectacular floats, impressive high school band performances, and much more. This year, the festivities also include an MLK 5K Walk/Fun Run and Festival. The parade is organized by the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the nation’s oldest African American fraternity, established in 1906.
5. Golf lovers – don’t miss Farmers Insurance Open this winter in San Diego
If you’re a golf enthusiast, this event should be at the top of your winter to do list. The PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open returns to Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, the iconic venue of the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Opens. Scheduled for January 22–25, 2025, this highly anticipated event offers stunning scenery and top-tier golf, making it a can’t-miss experience.
6. Attend the Borrego Springs Film Festival
The Borrego Springs Film Festival offers an array of exciting events, including strong local attendance, a catered opening gala, a networking event for filmmakers, engaging filmmaker activities, panel discussions, a red carpet event, and much more. The approach is a “traditional film festival” style: a community of film enthusiasts coming together to enjoy authentic independent films and have a fantastic time.
7. Run at the San Diego Resolution Run
We’ve got another run: the Annual San Diego Resolution Run on January 11, 2025. It features 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon options. The event takes you through a picturesque course with breathtaking water views around Mission Bay. After the race, visit the wellness village to enjoy healthy food, exclusive partner offers, and a variety of other products.
8. Go whale-watching
‘Tis the season! Not just for Christmassy stuff or new year celebrations, but also to watch the beautiful whales. From mid-December to April, it’s peak migration season. Over 20,000 gray whales pass along the San Diego coastline, offering unparalleled opportunities to see these majestic creatures up close. Whether you choose a boat excursion or a kayaking tour, you’ll find many options to enjoy this unique opportunity.
9. Have fun at San Diego Tết Festival
The Vietnamese New Year festival will bring loads of joy this winter in San Diego, between January 31 – February 2. 2025 marks the Year of the Wood Snake in the Vietnamese zodiac. Wood Snakes are easygoing, make strong friendships, and are perfectionists who may fear mistakes. At this festival, you can expect live music, dance battles, a beauty pageant, a cultural village, a petting zoo and carnival rides for the little ones, and much more.
10. Celebrate Chinese New Year
The San Diego Chinese New Year Fair has been a staple event in the community since 1983. Now, it became one of the biggest and most popular celebrations in San Diego. In 2025, the year of the Snake, it takes places between February 8-9. You can expect live music, food, and fun activities for all ages. 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.
11. Warm up with a good bowl of ramen
Nothing says cozy like a warm, good bowl of ramen. Whether you have a guilty pleasure for a dressed up version of instant noodles, or prefer the real deal, there are many options in San Diego to indulge in your favorite noodles. Miso, shoyu, tonkotsu…choose your battle (or your broth), and enjoy!
12. Explore San Diego’s tide pools
Here’s something you shouldn’t miss this winter in San Diego: during low tide, the sea water recedes, and the rocks and reefs are exposed. You can find some real gems in and around the city! Head to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Dike Rock Tide Pools, or Cabrillo National Monument Tide Pools for an amazing seasonal experience. While enjoying our beautiful nature, please keep in mind that these protected tide pools are home to delicate ecosystems – never remove the creatures from their coastal habitat.
13. Catch a wave (or simply watch)
The winter season is paradise for surf lovers – because it’s swell season! The largest swells typically come from the north between December and February, driven by winter storms in Alaska. Would you rather just watch?
Head to Windansea at the foot of Nautilus Street in La Jolla, where the action is close to shore and the talent is always worthy of attention.