Looking for kid-friendly things to do in San Diego at night? You’ve come to the right place!
Even though San Diego is known for its sunshine, beaches, and outdoor activities, there are tons of kid-friendly things to do in San Diego at night.
We love spending time exploring San Diego after dark. It is very safe, and the warm weather makes being outside very enjoyable!
Top 5 Picks: Family-Friendly Evening Activities
If you are just looking for a quick list of the can’t miss, very best things to do at night in San Diego with kids, I am here to help! Here are our Top 5 recommendations.
► Visit Belmont Park in Mission Beach and ride the rollercoaster, catch live entertainment, or play a round of miniature golf. You can even go down to the beach when it’s warm in the evening.
► View the San Diego skyline at night on a sunset harbor cruise.
► Dine, shop, ride the carousel, or just walk around around Seaport Village.
► Learn about San Diego’s haunted history on a family-friendly ghost tour.
► See the city lights on a nighttime tour of San Diego aboard an open-air trolley.
Keep reading for more details on these top five family-friendly things to do at night in San Diego, plus lots more ideas to help you plan an amazing trip where the fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down.
Kid-Friendly Things to Do in San Diego at Night
1. Visit Old Town San Diego
Old Town is the historic heart of San Diego. Established in the late 1700s, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is the site of California’s first Spanish settlement.
Today, the park features 12 acres of Mexican heritage and historical sites, colorful shops, museums, gardens, and a theater. It also has some of the most kid-friendly restaurants in all of San Diego County. Old Town San Diego features some of the best and most authentic Mexican food anywhere, so if you love Mexican food, this is a great spot to grab dinner.
Although most of the museums close by 6 p.m., the park itself is open late and you can still explore the grounds and interesting building exteriors. There is live Mariachi music in the Fiesta de Reyes courtyard. You can sit and enjoy the music whether you decide to eat at the restaurant or not.
Our favorite store in Old Town San Diego is Cousin’s Candy Shop. They have a wonderful assortment of old-fashioned candy that you can buy by the piece or by the pound. We never miss the chance to stop in and fill up a bag. They are open late, and candy makes the perfect late-night hotel room snack!
Old Town San Diego is the place to go for great food, folklore, and fun.
► Interested in staying near Old Town San Diego? Check out this article on San Diego hotels in Old Town.
- 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego
- oldtownsandiego.org
We love taking Old Town Trolley Tours Hop On Hop Off San Diego Tour during the day, but nighttime if a whole new way to see the city. Old Town Trolley offers the San Diego City Lights Night Tour and it is the perfect way to take in the highlights of San Diego after dark.
This narrated guided bus tour depart departs every evening from Seaport Village. It goes past some of the city’s most notable landmarks and neighborhood’s, including downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, and the USS Midway Museum.
The trolley crosses San Diego Bay via the famous Coronado Bay Bridge and stops at Coronado’s Ferry Landing, which is the perfect place to take in the expansive San Diego city skyline across the bay.
► Find out more about the San Diego City Lights Night Tour and grab discount tickets here!
If you have older kids and want to try something a little more thrilling, check out Old Town Trolley’s Ghosts & Gravestones Tour for a fun nighttime journey into San Diego’s darker side.
- 4010 Twiggs Street, San Diego
- trolleytours.com/san-diego
3. Learn About San Diego’s Haunted History on a Ghost Tour
San Diego has a long and fascinating history, and one of the most entertaining ways to experience it after dark is on a family-friendly ghost tour. While these tours lean into spooky storytelling, in my opinion they are typically more fun and educational than frightening!
My favorite tour if you are visiting Old Town is the Ghosts of San Diego Walking Tour. It’s the first tour we ever took in San Diego with my sun, who was about eight years old at the time.
The tour is creepy (lots of dark tales, old buildings, and a cemetery) but not really scary. Most kids should be fine. Tour guides are very knowledgeable and share stories of Old Town legends, haunts, and true stories of paranormal encounters.
Expect dimly lit streets, dramatic tales, and lots of local history woven in along the way and haunts. This is a really cool way to learn about the area’s history and truly one of the best Old Town San Diego night attractions!
Other great ghost tours to consider:
- The Whaley House Evening Tour – Often called one of the most haunted houses in the U.S., this candlelit tour dives deeper into the history and legends of the iconic Old Town home.
- Old Town Trolley’s Ghosts & Gravestones Tour – A guided trolley ride that visits multiple haunted locations across San Diego, blending storytelling with city sightseeing.
- San Diego Gaslamp Ghost Tours – This walking tour focuses on downtown’s Victorian-era buildings and colorful past; best suited for teens and adults.
► Don’t miss our guide to the best ghost tours in San Diego.
4. Visit Belmont Park
Located right on the boardwalk at Mission Beach, Belmont Park is San Diego’s best Southern California boardwalk destination and one of the quintessential Southern California Amusement Parks. Visiting Belmont Park is truly one of the most fun things to do at night in San Diego!
Ride the historic Giant Dipper (one of the most historic roller coasters) or several other rides. Play arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, or go on the bumper cars. Belmont Park has an old school boardwalk amusement park vibe.
You can even wander down to the beach and watch the sun set or take a stroll on the shore when the weather is nice. You may even see brave souls swimming at night!
Belmont Park has free admission. You can walk around, just pay to play! Belmont Park is open year round, but only open late every night of the week in the summertime. The rest of the year, it closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
- 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego
- belmontpark.com
5. Enjoy a Sunset Sail or Dinner Cruise
See the San Diego skyline from a wonderful new perspective when you cruise through San Diego Bay at night. Most harbor cruises depart from along the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego.
There are a number of boat companies that offer evening cruises, with many different options to fit your needs and budget. Hornblower Cruises offers a Sights & Sips Sunset Cruise, a full Dinner Cruise, and even a special Full Moon Cruise. Our favorite experience was on the San Diego Harbor Dinner Cruise aboard the “Spirit of San Diego.”
For something a bit more intimate, take a Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline. This small group tour caps at six people but is surprisingly affordable. The tour last approximately two hours. I haven’t taken this one, but it has a nearly perfect 4.9 out of 5 star average after 600 reviews.
6. Take a Ride on the Bahia Belle
If you love the idea of an evening boat ride, you can also take a moonlit cruise through Mission Bay aboard the Bahia Belle, a sternwheeler fashioned after a Mississippi riverboat. The Bahia Belle sails from the Bahia Resort Hotel and stops at the nearby Catamaran Resort & Spa San Diego, two of the best hotels on Mission Bay.
With departures from either the Bahia Resort Hotel or its sister property the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, this 75-minute relaxing boat cruise is a scenic way to spend an evening on the water.
Taking a ride on the Bahia Belle is very inexpensive, with a fare of just $20. If you are staying at either of the Bahia Resort Hotel or Catamaran Resort, the Bahia Belle is $15. The boat runs seasonally, so be sure to check their website for the current schedule.
- 998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego
- bahiahotel.com/bahia-belle
7. Visit the Gaslamp Quarter
Aside from the historic buildings and architectural beauty of this neighborhood (it dates back to the mid-1800s), San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is the place to be at night. It is located right downtown near the Convention Center and Petco Park.
There are dozens of bars, restaurants, shops and theaters, and the streets themselves in the Gaslamp Quarter are alive with activity. The sound of live music pours out the open doorways. One of the Gaslamp’s newest attractions, the Museum of Illusions, is family-friendly and open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 p.m. all other nights.
Thanks to San Diego’s warm climate, almost all of the Gaslamp’s bars and eateries offer sidewalk seating. The range of casual and fine dining options is endless, offering everything from Mexican food to sushi and pizza to steaks.
The Gaslamp Quarter is also home to many theaters, lounges, and a comedy club. It’s a great spot for happy hour or a date night if you can leave the kids behind.
A night out at the Gaslamp Quarter is a must for any trip to San Diego. But be careful to confirm your destination is indeed a family-friendly option if you are bringing the kids (there are plenty to be found)!
► Interested in staying in the Gaslamp Quarter? Check out these hotels near Petco Park and the Gaslamp.
- Downtown San Diego
- gaslamp.org
8. Visit Coronado at Night
Sure, it’s known for its amazing beaches and the iconic Hotel del Coronado, but Coronado Island is also fun to visit at night!
Orange Avenue is lined with great family-friendly restaurants, many with fire pits and outdoor seating. There is also Coronado Ferry Landing, a waterfront marketplace with over 25 unique shops and restaurants. This spot has the very best views of the San Diego skyline and it is a great place to visit at night.
► Travel Insight
Did you know you can take the Coronado Ferry from the downtown San Diego waterfront to Coronado Ferry Landing for just $9 each way? The ferry runs until 9 p.m. or later seven days a week!
Better yet, visit the Hotel del Coronado. The beach side comes alive at night, with plenty of restaurants, live music, and an expansive lawn overlooking the sea where kids can run and play.
You can even buy s’more kits and roast marshmallows on the beach in front of the Hotel del Coronado. And be sure to end the night with a gelato from the hotel’s ice cream shop, Sundae’s at The Del.
If you’re visiting San Diego in November or December, be sure to spend an evening enjoying Hotel del Coronado Christmas activities. Throughout the holiday season, you’ll find lots of festive nighttime activities including ice skating by the sea, rink-side firepits, holiday movies on the beach, and a nightly light show.
- Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
- hilton.com/hotel-del-coronado
9. Take a Stroll Through Seaport Village
Also within easy walking distance from the Convention Center and downtown is Seaport Village San Diego. Seaport Village is a lively 14-acre waterfront park with shopping and dining right on the harbor.
Seaport Village is a great place to visit in the evening to watch the sunset, enjoy a nice dinner, and poke through the shops. There is also a wonderful old merry-go-round for the kids.
Built in 1980, Seaport Village has remained on the top attractions in San Diego. It stays open until 9 o’clock most of the year, and 10 p.m. in the summertime!
10. Summer Nights at the Parks
If you are visiting San Diego in the summer, you’re in luck! Several of San Diego’s theme parks and attractions stay open late and add extra family fun so you enjoy great things to do at night in San Diego with kids.
- The San Diego Zoo – Every summer Nighttime Zoo features “rock and roar” with live music, shows, and special animal encounters, in addition to the zoo’s regular exhibits. The San Diego Zoo is open daily until 9 p.m. from June through Labor Day.
- San Diego Symphony Bayside Nights – On select nights June through September, the San Diego Symphony hosts concert and events at the Embarcadero Marina Park.
- SeaWorld – SeaWorld Summer Nights includes fireworks and special nighttime shows. SeaWorld San Diego is open until 10 p.m. in the summer, so you can enjoy all the exhibits at a more leisurely pace.
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park – Splurge on a San Diego luxury experience for your family with the Roar & Snore sleepover at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Spend the night in the park and enjoy guided walks, activities, campfires, dinner, nighttime snacks, and breakfast the next morning. This is a truly unique experience that even young children can enjoy! You’ll feel like your whole family is on safari.
11. Check Out the Nat at Night
On the third Friday of every month, the San Diego Museum of Natural History stays open until 10 p.m. so families can explore the museum at night.
The San Diego Natural History Museum has a rooftop patio offering one of the best views in Balboa Park. It’s open to all visitors and serves beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks including kids’ beverages. Sip a signature cocktail as you leisurely explore the Museum!
The Nat has four floors of exhibits, a giant screen theater, and a research collection of more than 8 million specimens. All stay open during Nat at Night events, and admission is half price after 5 p.m. If you happen to be visiting America’s finest city on a Friday, parents and kids of all ages will enjoy this museum.
- 1788 El Prado, San Diego (Inside Balboa Park)
- sdnhm.org
► For more information on Balboa Park’s most popular attractions, be sure to check out our Complete Guide to Balboa Park Museums.
12. Go to the Theater
Experience San Diego’s cultural side – go to a show, a concert or even the ballet. San Diego has a number of venues both downtown and in the surrounding areas.
Some popular options include the historic Spreckels Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Lamb’s Players Theatre, San Diego Civic Theatre, and of course, The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park.
13. Light a Beach Bonfire
One of the most classic and kid-friendly things to do in San Diego at night is a beach bonfire. Few experiences feel more “California” than gathering around a fire as the sun sets, waves crash nearby, and the sky grows dark.
Several San Diego beaches have designated fire rings that are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular family-friendly spots include Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Silver Strand State Beach. These areas are lively but relaxed in the evenings, making them great for families.
Many hotels also offer this as a service. When we stayed at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort, a bonfire on the beach was one of the activities offered. Many other hotels also offer this amenity, though there is usually an extra charge. (Marshmallows are included!)
Bring along a blanket or beach chairs, warm layers, and everything you’ll need for snacks and drinks. Do plan to arrive before sunset to secure a fire pit and enjoy the changing colors of the sky. You can also work with companies such as San Diego Beach Fires who will deliver chairs and equipment, do all the set-up, and clean-up afterwards.
Beach bonfires are especially fun in the summer months, but they can be enjoyed year-round in San Diego’s mild climate. Just be sure to follow local fire regulations and clean up when you’re done.
14. Go for an Evening Swim
This one may sound too obvious, but don’t underestimate the fun of a nighttime swim. No doubt if you are staying at a hotel in San Diego, it has a fantastic pool. Use it at night!
A lit up pool is a lovely sight, and if there’s a bubbly hot tub at your San Diego hotel this is a great time of day to try it out. Evening swims are a great way to unwind after a long day, and you don’t have to worry about sunscreen once the sun goes down!
15. Go Stargazing
The San Diego Astronomy Association offers various opportunities for stargazing in San Diego County throughout the year. You might have to drive a bit to get to a location with dark skies.
Some of their special events include the Julian Starfest, Stars in the Park, Oak Oasis Star Party, and Stars at Mission Trails. The San Diego Astronomy Association also offers monthly lectures.
How to Save on Your San Diego Vacation
There are a variety of ways to save money on hotels and tickets to San Diego’s many theme parks and attractions – including AAA discounts, military or student discounts, and CityPASS San Diego.
I highly recommend CityPASS when visiting San Diego, as you can bundle and save up to 45% on admission to the top theme parks and attractions in San Diego. Choose either SeaWorld San Diego or LEGOLAND and then add three other attractions of your choice, with options including the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Old Town Trolley Tours, and more! It’s a great way to save money and makes planning your itinerary easy.
Final Thoughts: Fun Things to Do in San Diego at Night
With its famously perfect weather and warm, mild nights, you’re going to want to stay out late when visiting San Diego! And as you can see, in this family-friendly city, options aren’t limited to adults-only nighttime activities.
When the sun goes down and the city lights turn up, you’ll find plenty of fun and kid-friendly things to do in San Diego at night.
Save These San Diego Night Activities for Later!
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