Spring has sprung and San Diego has been named among the best places to visit this time of year! We’ve got you covered with our all-new Spring Fun Guide featuring outdoor FUN across San Diego County.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Plan ahead and reserve your spot now for Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Cinco de Mayo San Salvador Sunset Sail. Tickets include two-hour 16th century galleon San Diego Bay cruise, music, specialty cocktail and light appetizer. Tickets and info here.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The 100th anniversary of the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve’s landmark adobe lodge, once the gateway to San Diego, will be celebrated from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 8. FOX 5 San Diego talks with Torrey Pines Conservancy President Rick Gulley about the history of the Reserve’s landmark adobe lodge and this weekend’s celebration. Find out more here.
This oceanfront reserve features 1,750 acres of unspoiled land, including the Torrey pine, America’s rarest pine tree. There are approximately 3,000 Torrey pines in the reserve alone. The reserve is open from 7:15 am to sunset and the Visitor Center-Museum Shop is open from 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m. There are guided hikes at 10 a.m., Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays and Mindful Walks are 8 AM to 10 AM on Sundays.
Japanese Friendship Garden
There’s still time to catch the annual cherry blossoms at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. Celebrate the annual Japanese tradition of hanami (flower viewing) along the meandering pathways. Get more information and tickets here. To make your experience even more FUN, download the Garden’s App here before you get the park.
San Diego Botanic Garden
See many of the world’s most striking and colorful flowers at the final weekend of World of Orchids, the annual spring showcase at San Diego Botanic Garden. Step inside the 8,000 square-foot glass conservatory and enjoy beautiful and immersive displays. You can even buy plants to take home from various vendors. The show runs to April 9 in Encinitas. Get your tickets here.
San Diego Natural History Museum
While enjoying the great spring weather at Balboa Park, explore the FUN exhibits, see the Giant Screen Theater films, pop by the Living Lab, and more at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Buy your tickets here.
Fun Tip: Nat at Night is back and you can join the FUN on Friday, April 21. It’s not just for summer anymore! Grab your friends and head to the San Diego Natural History Museum to enjoy access to all exhibitions, drawing with @sketchpartysd, and more. You’ll love the rooftop deck views, the great vibes, and the amazing food from Wolf in the Woods. Plus, admission is half-price after 5 p.m
Fleet Science Center
Explore the outdoors from the comfort of a theater seat. Catch the new movie Ancient Caves on the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater now showing at the Fleet Science Center with tickets here. You’re invited to the Public Opening Party for the new documentary film Ancient Caves!
USS Midway Museum
This floating city offers a rare insight into life at sea and has plenty to offer both kids and adults. In fact, it’s the cities top-rated attraction. The four-acre Flight Deck of the USS Midway Museum is home to 26 restored aircraft, including jet fighters, helicopters, bombers, and other rare designs. Grab your tickets here and experience over 60 exhibits throughout the historic aircraft carrier.
Living Coast Discovery Center
Animal encounters are just part of the fun at the Living Coast Discovery Center. The Living Coast Discovery Center provides access to trails in the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, including a 0.9-mile loop alongside the Sweetwater Marsh. The UC San Diego Blue Line trolley stops at the E Street Transit Center, a six-minute walk to the coastal preserve along E Street. Note that you must use the Living Coast Discovery Center’s free shuttle — which picks up visitors from the center’s parking lot — to access the trails.
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
Experience Southern California’s largest coastal wetland. The Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center is good place to start. You’ll have access to the many trails at the reserve, including the North and South McCoy trails and the River Mouth Loop, which feature flat, dirt paths and coastal birds and plants.
San Diego Coast District and State Beaches
San Diego Coast District manages 13 parks from Carlsbad State Beach to the extreme southwest corner of the continental United States at Border Field State Park. Some of the most visited parks in the system are included in these urban areas. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the home of the original Mexican pueblo of San Diego, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, the home of the endangered Torrey Pine, both enjoy hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Click here to find out whats happen at State Beaches all over San Diego County.
Are you a frequent visitor to a favorite state park, or love to sample the beauty of the state from north to south? A California State Parks Annual Pass may be for you. Our Annual Passes offer something for everyone, and make great gifts throughout the year! Please visit the passes page for additional information.
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
Nature Night is a couple weeks away! Explore the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum after hours and find your passion for science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math (STREAM) on Earth Day, April 22 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy fun hands-on activities, a performance from Ruth and Emilia, and treats. Learn more and register here.
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
Join the Gaslamp Museum on Thursdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. for a tour of Gaslamp Quarter! Your guide will share with you the history and stories behind some of the districts most unique Victorian era buildings. For more information and to reserve your spot here.
La Jolla Historical Society
Join the La Jolla Historical Society and experience extraordinary private gardens in the company of garden enthusiasts and friends! Get your tickets now for the “Friday Secret Garden Party” on May 19. Enjoy a lively gathering in a beautiful garden setting with music from The Gand Band and specialty cocktails. On May 20, experience the gardens with either Self-Guided or the popular Platinum Tour which includes catered lunch, docent-led shuttle service to the gardens, and an exclusive seventh garden. Tickets and info here.
Fun Tip: Stop in at the Wisteria Cottage Gallery and see the new exhibit, “Rare Trees & Sacred Canyons: Torrey Pines – San Diego’s Symbol of Preservation” now through May 28.
Marston House Museum & Gardens
Visit the Marston House Museum in Balboa Park and spend some time exploring the grounds, formal gardens and canyon pathways in the shade of towering pine, eucalyptus and oak trees. Learn about one of San Diego’s most prominent families and the master architects and landscape designers who worked with the family to create one of the region’s most important estates. Get tickets and more info here. Find other SOHO adventures like the Warner Carrillo Ranch House here.
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
Explore the FUN at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo this weekend, from 9am-5pm. Train rides will depart the historic Campo Depot at 10:30am, 11:45am and 2:00pm. Tickets and Info here.
Fun Tip: The Bunny Train excursions take place annually to celebrate Easter. Festivities include a 45-minute train ride in San Diego’s mountain countryside, a visit with the Easter Bunny and an Easter Egg hunt. Saturday, April 8 is the final day! Please visit their website for a full description and schedule of the events. We recommend reserving your desired seats in advance here.
Springtime Fun in Carlsbad
Explore the fun in Carlsbad this weekend. Check out the live music and interactive exhibits at the Museum of Making Music or be amazed by the animated toys, miniatures and more at the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum. Strawberry Season is underway at Carlsbad Strawberry Fields and the The Flower Fields are in full bloom.
Oceanside Sunset Market
Every Thursday night the streets of downtown Oceanside come alive between the hours of 5 – 9 p.m. for the Sunset Market. In the spring and summer months, alive means, really alive!!! It is located right by the pier off of Mission Ave and Tremont Street. Come early and and visit the California Surf Museum located right in the heart of the Market. The Surf Museum is open daily form 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
