San Diego in Spring: What to See and Do
This time last year, I was soaking in the California sunshine in San Diego with my toddler in tow! I was so stoked to return after visiting 9 years prior with my mom, when I fell in love with the city and its laid-back charm. From seals and sea lions to gorgeous cliffside views, there’s so much to love about this city.Β
Coincidentally, both times I visited San Diego was during the spring! I am now convinced this is the best time to visit. If you’re planning a visit, here are my recommendations for what to see and do – plus where to stay if booking a hotel.
Little Italy
This was my first stop last year after we got our rental car – it is very close to the airport! It’s a great neighborhood to walk around and grab a bite at one of the awesome Italian restaurants. Lots of patio seating to enjoy the nice weather! I highly recommend bringing good sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket for layering – I was very warm in the sunshine but as soon as I hit a shaded area, it was much cooler.
If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday, check out the Little Italy Mercato! Make sure to pass through the Piazza della Famiglia – the heart of Little Italy, dedicated to the neighborhood families.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a huge 1,200 acre park within downtown San Diego. There’s a ton to see and explore within the park, so I think you could easily spend half a day here. I was going to try to visit the San Diego Zoo (they have penguins!!) until I saw the prices, so I personally skipped that.Β
Balboa Park has many museums and parks – if you plan to visit multiple, you can consider getting a park explorer pass. As I was walking through last year, I actually stumbled upon the Cherry Blossom Festival which occurs mid-March in the Japanese Friendship Garden. If you visit at the right time, I highly recommend!
Coronado
Coronado is the coastal neighborhood across the bay from downtown San Diego featuring the Historic Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Beach, and Orange Avenue. They’ve got some waterfront dining options (who doesn’t like a nice view!). I also loved checking out the hotel itself!Β
Cabrillo National Park
The Cabrillo National Monument is in Point Loma, boasting views over the Pacific and San Diego bay. It costs a fee to enter but you can easily spend a few hours there – it closes at 5:00pm so plan accordingly! The visitor center and monument to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo are just in front of the main parking areas after you enter.
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, constructed in 1854, is uphill to the right of the overlooks by the monument. If you continue past the lighthouse, you can access Cabrillo’s Coastal Trail. I ended up following the Bayside Trail for awhile but I did not make it to the end because I was limited on time.
The Tidepools are a big attraction during fall and winter months, but the tide is sometimes too high during warmer seasons during their open hours. If you try to go, make sure to grab proper footwear for navigating wet rocks.
Sunset Cliffs
You can’t visit San Diego without enjoying the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, and what better place to do this than sunset cliffs! Be prepared – this is super popular and it may take awhile to find parking. There are multiple overlooks so you can pick a spot based on where you can find parking. I basically sat on a rock, so recommend grabbing a picnic blanket to enjoy the sunset more comfortably.
La Jolla
I actually stopped in La Jolla twice during my second visit because I didn’t have enough time to walk around on my first day. La Jolla is the neighborhood known for the rugged coastline and wildlife.Β
From huge pelicans flying around, to ground squirrels burrowing through cliffside tunnels, to seals and sea lions swimming and sunbathing – I needed half a day just to watch them all! I personally don’t think that a visit to San Diego is complete without seeing this neighborhood.
Childrenβs Cove is home to many harbor seals, while just a bit farther north youβll find plenty of sea lions. Posted signs help explain the differences between the two species and remind visitors to keep a safe distance and not approach the animals.
Be warned – it can get a bit stinky!!Β
Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a must visit if you are in San Diego for several days. I’d reserve minimally half a day to explore the park without rushing.
There’s many trail options throughout the park that boast amazing views over the coast. I parked at the bottom and walked up from there, but you can drive up into park.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to walk along the beach (there are trails that end there), you need to check the tides! Β The beach is not accessible during high tide, so you will not be able to exit that way if you don’t plan accordingly.Β
If you are adventurous (or even if you just want to watch) – check out the Torrey Pines Gliderport!
The Flower Fields
About thirty minutes drive north of San Diego, the Flower Fields in Carlsbad is an amazing place to visit in spring! Β For the 2026 season, they are open March 1 to May 10. You should try to reserve tickets ahead in case they sell out!Β
I spent several hours here walking around – they have food onsite and the flower field is huge! There’s a fun little maze for little ones and a butterfly encounter. I personally enjoyed the orchid greenhouse!
San Diego is a great destination in springtime – beautiful weather and endless ways to enjoy the coast. If youβre considering a spring escape, San Diego is one place that wonβt disappoint.
Have you been to the Golden Coast? What’s your favorite coastal town in California?
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