Celebrate Springtime in San Diego
Ah, springtime in San Diego. Even though we enjoy considerable warmth and sunshine year-round — spring still brings a sense of renewal. The city truly comes alive during this season, and all of the amazing things there are to do around here only become that much more appealing. So if you’re looking for ways to get out and enjoy “America’s Finest City” during one of the best times of the year, we’ve got some great suggestions for how to do it with style and substance.
What To Do
Go Whale Watching (just steps away!)
(Reel: @nxtlevelsailing)
San Diego is home to dozens of marinas, and lots of opportunities to get out on the water. So we recommend taking a short stroll just across the street to our partners at Next Level Sailing and chartering a whale watching trip on the yacht America. This time of year is peak migration season for many species of these gentle titans of the deep, so there are countless opportunities to spot them. If you’d like to know more about Next Level, take a look at this recent chat we had with them that goes more in-depth about what they offer.
2050 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Drop Your Hook (just steps away!)
(Photo: @wordofmouthsandiego)
Feel like getting a little angling in? Shelter Island Pier is just a short beach walk from us. It’s a scenic spot great for taking in amazing downtown views, as well as catching bonito, barracuda, calico bass, halibut and many others. The pier opens at 6 am and closes at 10:30 pm, and fishing there is free. Finding yourself a little light in the tacklebox? Just stop by Fathom Bistro, Bait and Tackle and load up. You’ll not only find fishing gear here, they’re also well-known for great food and a deep craft beer selection.
1776 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Humphreys Concerts By the Bay’s 2023 Season (0.3 miles)
(Photo: @humphreysshows)
Humphreys Concerts By the Bay is San Diego’s favorite live music venue, located right on the water at our sister hotel Humphreys Half Moon Inn. After a record-breaking 2022, the team has been hard at work booking a 2023 schedule that’s sure to raise the bar even higher. Fantastic shows from acts like They Might be Giants, Graham Nash, Little River Band, Natalie Merchant, and many more start in spring. Want to keep up with the latest? Follow Humphreys Shows on Instagram for all the updates!
2241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
SeaWorld Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival (5 Miles)
(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)
One of the year’s most anticipated events returns to San Diego’s Sea world from March 3–April 30. The Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival is a two-month long celebration featuring lots of local craft brews, live entertainment, in-park events, and (of course) no end of incredible global flavors — all prepared fresh by some of San Diego’s most skilled culinary experts. The festival also has a focus on sustainability, so you know you’ll be enjoying the best of the city responsibly.
500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Check Out a Padres Game at Petco Park (8.9 miles)
(Photo: @petcopark)
Baseball fans are in luck when visiting us here. Our own hometown heroes the San Diego Padres have been delivering satisfying slug-fests in the city for more than 50 years. The Padres’ hallowed-ground home of Petco Park is widely recognized as one of the finest stadiums in the league, too. So much so that it was recently named the league’s #1 park for 2022 by USA Today, who called it “the best stadium in baseball.” The Padres’ home opener against regional rivals the Colorado Rockies happens at Petco March 30th.
100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
What To See
Kiss the Sky On San Diego’s Secret Swings (various locations)
(Photo: @onegirl.twopassports)
San Diego’s “Hidden Swings” are the stuff of legend around here. Occasionally, someone in the area will stumble across a solo playground-style swing hung in a sturdy tree, usually with a beautiful view of the ocean. Nobody’s really sure who put them up. Sometimes they disappear for a while, only to reappear later — either in the same place or somewhere else entirely. It’s a mystery! One thing’s for sure: The search for these carefree delights is often an enjoyable scavenger hunt. And once you find one, you’re in for a renewed sense of childlike wonder when you have a seat, and start swinging.
Experience International Community (8.9 miles)
(Photo: @jfgsandiego)
Established in 1991 as an expression of fellowship and community, the Japanese Friendship Garden within Balboa Park explores our fundamental human connections. Featuring exhibits on Japanese culture courtesy of San Diego’s sister city Yokohama, the garden offers visitors a wholly unique experience in music, art, crafts, and architecture. Plus, Balboa Park is chock-full of amazing restaurants, museums, and even the San Diego Zoo — so you can make a day (or even a weekend!) out of enjoying all it has to offer.
2215 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101
Sunny Jim Sea Cave (12.8 miles)
(Photo: @thecavestore)
Nestled beneath the cliffs of La Jolla Cove is a cave unlike any other you’ll ever explore. Originally hand-dug beneath the home of miner Gustav Schultz in 1902, Sunny Jim Cave was first plumbed for minerals before being turned into a bootleggers’ smuggling passage during the Prohibition. Today, the cavern sits beneath The Cave Store, a popular La Jolla gift and souvenir shop. The store offers self-guided cave tours by reservation, too.
1325 Coast Blvd. La Jolla, CA 92037
Enjoy Spring in Full Bloom (31.8 miles away)
(Photo: @enchantedalexandra)
The breathtaking Carlsbad Flower Fields draw tens of thousands of visitors to a beautiful super-bloom of giant Tecolote ranunculus flowers every year. Row after row of brilliant rainbow colors ripple across the landscape during the peak months in spring. When visiting, guests are treated to not just the brilliant botanical display, but also a wide range of family-friendly activities — such as antique tractor rides, fruit picking, and more.
5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
What To Eat
A City-Wide Food Festival (various locations)
(Photo: @sdrestaurantwk)
San Diego’s favorite annual foodie event is back! More than 180 eateries will be participating in this year’s San Diego Restaurant Week (from March 26–April 2) which is a celebration of our world-renowned food scene. This year’s event will feature specials, discounts, and event-specific menu items that you simply can’t enjoy at any other time on the calendar. There’s no better time to get out there and enjoy some great taste in a great city! A full list of participating restaurants can be found right here.
Get a Taste Of St. Paddy’s Day (various locations)
(Photo: @hooleys_publichouse)
Irish culture is well-represented in San Diego’s global melting pot, and there’s no better time to celebrate than on St. Patrick’s Day! So don your best green duds, and set out to discover any number of fantastic festivals on the luckiest day of the year. Start by grabbing some corned beef and cabbage at Lucky’s Lunch Counter. Then head over to Hooley’s Public House for some live Celtic music. Finish up with craft beer and cocktails on the Irish 4 a Day pub crawl through the Gaslamp Quarter. Above all, have fun!
Uncorked San Diego Wine Fest (2.7 miles)
(Photo: @uncorked_san_diego)
Pop (like a cork!) down to Spanish Landing Park on April 8 to take part in Uncorked’s San Diego Wine Fest. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in over 150 vintages from across the world — along with impeccably crafted ciders, seltzers, and specialty cocktails. If you ask us, springtime just doesn’t get any better than delicious beverages, local food trucks, live entertainment, and some stunning views. So don’t miss this amazing event!
3900 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Catch the Blue Wave (just steps away!)
(Photo: @bluewavebarandgrill)
We’d be remiss if we didn’t put in a hearty recommendation for our very own Blue Wave Bar & Grill! Blue Wave always offers the very best in fresh, SoCal-style coastal cuisine, especially in the spring. Guests tell us they especially appreciate our fresh seafood items this time of year, like the Calamari and panko-crusted Coconut Shrimp. The Raspberry Gorgonzola Salad, island-inspired Luau Ribs and Tiki Salmon Sandwich are also favorites.
Plan Your Springtime Stay at Island Palms
Best Western Plus Island Palms is the ideal home base for exploring all the best springtime activities San Diego has to offer. When you’re ready to plan your visit, take a look at our Special Offers page for all of our latest and greatest San Diego travel deals. We look forward to seeing you!