If you are thinking of spending spring break in San Diego and want to know what to expect, you’ve come to the right place!
Spring break in San Diego is an excellent choice if you’re looking for sunshine, family-friendly attractions, and a relaxed coastal vibe without the chaos you’ll find in some other spring break “party” destinations. There are tons of options when it comes to fun things to do.
As a San Diego local, I’ve put together this guide covering the best things to do during spring break in San Diego, plus an overview of spring weather, practical tips, and helpful FAQs to help you plan an amazing getaway.
Why Choose San Diego for Spring Break?
San Diego stands out as a spring break destination thanks to its year-round mild climate, clean beaches, and variety of attractions packed into an easy-to-navigate city. Spring brings blooming gardens, active wildlife, and ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
Unlike many spring break hotspots, San Diego offers a more laid-back atmosphere while still delivering plenty of excitement, making it especially appealing for families.
Top Things to Do During Spring Break in San Diego
1. Spend Time at San Diego’s Beautiful Beaches
Beach time is a must during spring break in San Diego, even if swimming is limited to those who can handle the chilly water! Spring is perfect for long beach walks, tide pooling, picnics, and soaking in ocean views.
One of the wonderful things I love about San Diego is its variety of beaches. For instance, in spots like Mission Beach and Oceanside, you’ll find endless stretches of smooth sand and an energetic boardwalk scene, while La Jolla is known for its gorgeous cliffs and tide pools.
Many beaches in San Diego also have piers you can walk out onto and grab an ice cream, go fishing, or just enjoy the views. During spring break in San Diego, you will also find most beaches staffed with lifeguards, and all have restroom facilities.
Here are a few of our favorite beaches.
- La Jolla Shores is ideal for families thanks to its wide sandy beach and gentle waves.
- Coronado Beach offers soft white sand and iconic views with the historic Hotel del Coronado as a backdrop.
- Del Mar not only has a beautiful beach, there are tons of restaurants and fun things to do in Del Mar nearby, including Torrey Pines State Park.
- Mission Beach features a lively boardwalk, bike rentals, and easy access to Belmont Park’s rides and arcade.
2. Visit the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park
Spring is one of the best times of year to visit the zoo. Cooler weather means animals are more active, and walking the expansive grounds is more comfortable than during summer in San Diego.
With over 100 acres to explore, plan on spending most of the day here. The zoo is hilly, so comfortable shoes are a must. This is especially true if you’re pushing a stroller!
Kids love the Skyfari Aerial Tram and interactive exhibits, while the Kangaroo Bus – a complimentary, non-narrated transportation service – makes it easy to hop on and off at different stops around the zoo.
For a different experience, head to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where you’ll find open-air habitats, tram safaris, and up-close animal encounters. It’s especially popular with families and teens during spring break.
► Click here for discount tickets to The San Diego Zoo
3. Go Whale Watching
One of the most unique experiences during a spring break in San Diego is whale watching. Spring marks the tail end of gray whale migration season, making March and early April prime time for whale watching as they travel north up the coast.
Whale watching tours depart from San Diego Bay and typically last two to four hours, offering chances to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Many operators offer kid-friendly trips, making this a memorable experience for the whole family.
4. The Carlsbad Flower Fields
One of the most breathtaking sights in spring is the blooming of The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
Open for just a few months each year, nearly 50 acres burst into vibrant color with rows of ranunculus flowers. You can explore the fields, take guided wagon tours, and capture incredible photos of this seasonal wonder. There are lots of activities for kids, too!
For the 2026 season, the Flower Fields will be open every day between March 1 and May 10, but the best time to visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields is during the month of April when the fields will be hitting peal bloom. Check the official Carlsbad Flower Fields website and click the “Bloom Status” button for current conditions.
5. Explore Balboa Park
At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and an absolute must-see attraction in San Diego. It’s home to 18 museums, gardens, playgrounds, a carousel, the Spanish Village Art Center, Balboa Park International Cottages, the Old Globe Theatre, and of course, the San Diego Zoo. There’s even a free tram to help you get around.
Spring is an ideal time to explore thanks to blooming gardens and comfortable temperatures. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, the Balboa Park Explorer Pass can help save you money.
If you are in San Diego in March, be sure to check out the Japanese Garden & Museums Cherry Blossom Festival. The event celebrates spring with cherry blossoms, cultural performances, food vendors, and hands-on activities for kids.
6. Step Back in Time at Old Town San Diego
Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town State Historic Park is the site of the first Spanish settlement in California, founded in in 1769. Today, it is a lively attraction with 50 shops and restaurants and numerous museums, historic sites, and educational experiences – many of which are free to explore. In fact, Old Town San Diego tops our list of best free things to do in San Diego with kids.
Old Town is one of my favorite spots in San Diego. It’s the kind of place I always bring friends and family when they are visiting from out of town. The area is also known for its many fantastic Mexican restaurants, many with outdoor seating where heat lamps allow you to dine outdoors even if the springtime air is cool.
7. San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley
Taking a ride on the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley is the perfect way to maximize your time and get around, all while learning some cool facts about America’s Finest City. In fact, almost all of the activities on this list of top things to do in San Diego with kids are accessible via the trolley.
► See why the hop on hop off trolley tour is the best way to see San Diego in one day.
The fully narrated bus tour lets you get on and off at any of 11 stops, including Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway, Old Town, Little Italy, and many more.
► Grab your discount tickets for the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour
8. Visit SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego combines rides, exhibits, shows, and more, making it a favorite spring break destination for families.
In recent years, the park has added several roller coasters—including Emperor, Manta, Electric Eel, Journey to Atlantis, and Arctic Rescue. This is great news if you are visiting San Diego with teens! Younger kids enjoy interactive exhibits (like touching bat rays!) and the numerous rides for kids.
Spring break often brings extended hours and special events, including the Seven Seas Food Festival, typically held from late February through April. During the festival, visitors can sample international-inspired dishes throughout the park while enjoying live entertainment on select dates, adding an extra layer of fun to a SeaWorld visit.
9. Head to Legoland California
Located north of San Diego in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND offers more than 60 interactive play areas, shows, and kid-friendly rides.
When my son was younger, we visited LEGOLAND all the time! The park’s emphasis on creativity and learning through play makes it an ideal destination for families with younger kids. Not only can they build things with LEGO bricks, but they can wander through Miniland USA, which features more than 30 million LEGO bricks in its fascinating displays.
10. Catch a San Diego Padres Game
Spring marks the start of baseball season, a catching a San Diego Padres game is a must if your family is into baseball! Petco Park is located right downtown near the Gaslamp Quarter and waterfront, and the stadium’s family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great way to spend a few hours for fans of all ages.
Kids will love the Park at the Park, an open grassy area with a playground and plenty of space to run around.
Even if it’s not game day, you can still take a behind-the-scenes at Petco Park tour. The ballpark is conveniently located right in downtown San Diego near the Gaslamp District.
San Diego Weather in Spring
Spring is one of the best times of year to visit San Diego, especially for a spring break getaway. The weather is comfortable, crowds are lighter than summer, and everything from beaches to gardens feels fresh and vibrant.
You’ll enjoy cool mornings, warm afternoons, and plenty of sunshine—perfect for sightseeing, theme parks, hiking, and coastal walks. While there’s always a small chance of rain early in the season, most spring days are dry and pleasant.
You can expect:
- Daytime highs: 65–72°F
- Evenings: Cool, especially near the coast, with temps in the low to upper 50s°F
- Rain: Minimal, with March having the highest chance of brief showers
- Wind: Coastal breezes are common, especially in the afternoons
- Ocean temperature: Still cool, so wetsuits are recommended for swimming and surfing
While the ocean may be chilly for casual swimmers, spring is ideal for tide pooling, beach walks, and watching surfers enjoy the waves.
Tips for Visiting San Diego During Spring Break
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when planning your vacation.
- Book hotels and attractions early, especially near beaches
- Visit major attractions early in the day to avoid crowds
- Pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings
- Consider staying slightly inland to save money
- Plan beach days around warmer afternoons
FAQs About San Diego Spring Break
How many days do you need for spring break in San Diego?
Ideally, plan for 4-7 days to fully experience San Diego during spring break.
With 4 days, you can cover highlights like the beaches, Balboa Park, and either the San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld. With 5-7 days, you’ll have time to add a lot more attractions, plus a relaxed beach day or two.
If you can stay for a full week, mixing busy attraction days with slower beach afternoons will keep kids from getting overtired.
Is San Diego good for families during spring break?
Yes. San Diego is one of the most family-friendly spring break destinations in the U.S., offering attractions for all ages and a relaxed atmosphere.
Is San Diego crowded during spring break?
Some attractions can be busy during peak spring break weeks, but crowds are generally manageable with early starts and weekday visits.
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: Is Spring Break in San Diego Worth It?
With mild weather, beautiful beaches, and world-famous attractions that appeal to all ages, a San Diego spring break offers the perfect balance of relaxation and fun.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed beach vacation or a packed itinerary, San Diego delivers an unforgettable spring getaway.
► Check out these reasons to visit San Diego in spring for a better idea of what to expect this time of year!
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