San Diego Events, Beaches & Things to Do 2025

Sunshine, surf, harbor sails, and world-class parks—stack your days with shows, zoo time, ocean adventures, and Gaslamp nights. Use this guide to compare tickets, book must-do tours, and stitch together a San Diego trip you’ll actually brag about.

Top Deals in San Diego

Jump to: Concerts & Venues · Sports · Zoo, Parks & Theme Parks · Water & Whale Watching · Neighborhood & History Tours · Beaches & Outdoors · Festivals & Big Weekends · By Month · FAQ

Concerts & Venues

Harborfront nights, outdoor amphitheaters, and historic halls—San Diego’s live calendar runs year-round. Lock seats early for summer shows.

Major Venues

• Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
• North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre (Chula Vista)
• Pechanga Arena San Diego
• Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre (SDSU)
• House of Blues San Diego

Sports

Ballpark sunsets and big-match energy. Compare seats across marketplaces and snag rivalry dates early.

Home Teams & Venues

• San Diego Padres (MLB) — Petco Park
• San Diego Wave FC (NWSL) — Snapdragon Stadium
• College & special events — Snapdragon Stadium / Viejas Arena

Zoo, Parks & Theme Parks

From Balboa Park’s museums to the world-famous Zoo and Safari Park—plan timed entries on busy weekends.

Top Picks

• San Diego Zoo (Balboa Park)
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Escondido)
• SeaWorld San Diego
• LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad)
• USS Midway Museum
• Balboa Park museums & gardens

Water & Whale Watching

Kayak sea caves, spot leopard sharks in summer, sail the harbor, or join seasonal whale-watching cruises. Mornings are usually calmer on the water.

Easy Wins

• La Jolla sea caves kayak tour
• Snorkel with (harmless) leopard sharks (seasonal)
• San Diego harbor sightseeing or sunset cruise
• Whale watching (seasonal migrations)
• Coronado ferry and beachfront bike ride

Neighborhood & History Tours

Old Town stories, Gaslamp nights, Little Italy bites, and murals from North Park to Barrio Logan—mix culture into your beach days.

Don’t Miss

• Old Town + Gaslamp guided walk
• Little Italy food tour
• Balboa Park architecture & gardens tour
• North Park / Barrio Logan street art

Beaches & Outdoors

Surf lessons, tidepools, bluffs, and golden-hour overlooks—San Diego outside is the main event.

Quick Picks

• Torrey Pines State Reserve hike
• Surf lesson (Pacific Beach / La Jolla)
• Sunset Cliffs photo stop
• Point Loma tidepools (seasonal)

Festivals & Big Weekends

Hotel rates jump for marquee weeks—book early.

• San Diego Comic-Con (Jul): citywide events & exhibits
• Del Mar racing season (summer): track days near the coast
• San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival (Nov): tastings & chef events
• Holiday Bowl (Dec): game week & downtown parade

San Diego by Month

Weather is mild most of the year—layer up for cool evenings near the water.

• Jan–Mar: Whale watching, clear coastal days
• Apr–Jun: Bloom in Balboa Park; beach season ramps up
• Jul–Sep: Peak beach & concert season; Comic-Con
• Oct–Dec: Warm days, crisp nights; holiday harbor parades

San Diego FAQ

Do I need a car?

Not strictly—stay downtown or at the beach and use rideshare or trolley; many tours cover outer stops.

Where should I stay?

Downtown / Gaslamp for nightlife & harbor; La Jolla for coves & coastal walks; Coronado for quiet beach days.

Do I need timed tickets for the Zoo or attractions?

On weekends and holidays, yes—reserve early to skip lines and guarantee entry times.

How do I save?

Bundle attractions, book weekday shows, and compare prices across marketplaces.