As the weather starts to warm and schools let out for breaks, people flock to San Diego for our gorgeous coastline, along with a variety of walking tours and entertainment options. San Diego continues to be a top Spring Break destination. From beautiful beaches at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to Disney World San Diego to the best bars in our La Jolla tours to the best restaurants in Carlsbad CA, there’s always a fun activity for Spring Breakers. With all of the possibilities to choose from, let’s narrow things down and give you the top highlights of what not to miss this Spring Break.

Stop and Smell the Flowers

Carlsbad Flower Fields

That’s right, The Flower Fields reopen on March 1, 2023, with activities for everyone. In addition to tractor rides through the flowers, there’s an entire activity calendar from Tea in the Garden, Sunset Wine Tastings, Picnic and Flowers, Yoga classes for you and your toddler and even a Kids Day on March 25th. Admission can be purchased ahead of time on their website. Spring break activities in SD are bountiful, and one of the must-try experiences is the Carlsbad food tour!

Borrego Springs Blooms

Wildflowers will be in bloom from mid-February to mid-April in the lower elevations of Borrego Spring. Although it’s still too soon to tell if Anza-Borrego Desert State Park will have a super bloom year in 2023, even though some years see fewer flowers, you’ll still get to see some of those fantastic colors. So, prepare to walk and take a hike to enjoy the wildflowers up close. Please don’t pick or trample the flowers; thank you!

Japanese Friendship Garden

Located in Balboa Park near the Organ Pavilion, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a serene environment with Koi ponds and bonsai, as well as Cherry Blossoms. This year, the Cherry Blossom Festival is happening between March 10-12, with tickets starting at $12. The vibrant pink blooms are really a sight to see and not one you’ll want to miss!

Courtesy of CBS8

Amusement Parks

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park

What could be better than taking the kiddos to the new Wildlife Explorers Basecamp at the San Diego Zoo this spring break? There are lots of interactive play areas, including an expansive splash pad area, so bring your water wear. Or head on out to the Safari Park to see the platypuses—the only ones in the US, mind you. There’s also a splash pad there, so again, bring your suits.

Legoland California

Who doesn’t love rollercoasters and Legos? Put the two together, and you have the wondrous Legoland in Carlsbad. With over 60 rides, shows, and attractions, there’s enough to keep the kids busy the entire day and well into the evening. Check out the Sealife Aquarium and their Water Park for even more fun-filled spring break activities in SD.

Belmont Park

A historical wooden rollercoaster by the beach is the main attraction at Mission Beach’s Belmont Park. Along with several other rides, activities, and games, you’ll find tasty eats and delectable treats to keep you busy for hours at this boardwalk amusement park. Check out their website for seasonal promotions as they become available.

SeaWorld

Fireworks! That’s the first thing I think of SeaWorld San Diego, but there is so much more. There are exhibits, shows, activities, roller coasters, shows, culinary goodies, and more. It’s far too easy to spend an entire day absorbed in the excitement. Check out their website for discounts on date-specific tickets.

Sesame Place San Diego

Water slides, wave pool, splash pads and family-friendly rides are only a few of the highlights of Sesame Place San Diego this Spring Break. The kids will have a blast splashing around in the water and laughing in the sunshine. Cookie’s Monster Mixer has had many names over the years with the park’s refurbishment, but it is still one of my favorites!

Inflatable World

Reopening March 2023 at Westfield Mission Valley Mall, Inflatable World is open Wednesdays through Sundays, offering 30,000 square feet of fun. This set up puts those birthday bouncy houses to shame, so plan the next event here. On Fridays, get ready for their themed events and don’t forget to bring a pair of socks, as they are required for your safety.

Courtesy of 10News

Spring Break Camps

Balboa Park

The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park has full-day Spring STEM Camps for children in grades 1 through 3. This fun and the educational program allows your child to build, conduct experiments, investigate, and learn new skills all through play. Check out their website for more information as it becomes available.

Surf Camps

All along the San Diego coastline are surf camps that get your kids off the sofa and learn a new sport. Check out Surf Diva Surf School in La Jolla Shores, Pacific Surf School in Mission Beach, or Mission Beach Surfing School in Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach in order to plan your week-long Spring Break camp. Lesson pricing is competitive and includes equipment but make sure you bring that sunscreen!

Plunge and Play

Plunge and Play is an activity-based day camp experience for children ages 5 to 12 that immerses your child in STEM activities, swim and play on the Plunge obstacle course, as well as activities around Belmont Park. Depending on when your Spring Break is over, the three weeks at the end of March going through mid-April, the Plunge is one of the most exciting Spring Break activities in San Diego.

Courtesy of Plunge San Diego

Brunch in the Great Outdoors

Flamingo Deck

Talk about ambiance! Flamingo Deck in Pacific Beach serves up a scrumptious brunch menu on the weekends between 10 am-2 pm, with luxe flamingo-themed decor. Might I suggest the Truffle Spinach Benedict? *Insert drooling emoji* Bask in the filtered sun on the patio and start your day off energized.

Woody’s Breakfast and Burgers

Offering brunch with primo outdoor, people-watching right on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, Woody’s Breakfast and Burgers is a laid-back, beachside restaurant. Select the Special Breakfast Bowl with Soyrizo or even a Morning Woody Burger and don’t forget your fresh hot donut holes.

Coco Maya

Looking for those Caribbean vibes here in San Diego? Coco Maya on India Street is exactly what you’re looking for. Try one of their delicious breakfast bowls served until 3 pm accompanied by one of their delectable coffee cocktails. The second-floor patio is the perfect place to start the party early.

Little Lion Café

A little more low-key and within walking distance of Sunset Cliffs, the Little Lion Café specializes in Belgian favorites. With indoor and outdoor seating as well as vegan offerings, there is truly something for everyone. Grab a specialty coffee to go and stroll along the cliffs for a revitalizing breath of fresh air.

Fig Tree Café

Snugly located in a pleasant courtyard in Liberty Station, the Fig Tree Café serves up an innovative brunch menu that will make you want to order one of everything on the menu. In fact, when it comes to mimosas, that’s exactly what you should do with their Mimosa Flight. So make sure you get the whole gang together to sample as much of the menu as you can.

Breakfast Republic

Spanning out across the city of San Diego, Breakfast Republic has gained quite a bit of a fan base lately. It’s no wonder considering they do breakfast right. With menu items like Shrimp & Grits, Breakfast Jambalaya, and Cluck Madame Benedict, their take on the most important meal of the day really hits the spot. Opt for a Chamango or Guava Mimosa or, my favorite, the Pisco Pucker. Yum!

Courtesy of SanDiegoVille

Bar Hopping in Pacific Beach

The Tavern

Start your Spring Break bar hopping off on Garnet Avenue at The Tavern. A local gem, The Tavern has an open concept with a dance floor in the back and tasty bites that accompany great happy hour deals. What more could you ask for from a sports bar that’s a part-time nightclub?

Bub’s at the Beach

It’s all about the wings! Head west on Garnet Avenue to the next stop on your bar hop, Bub’s at the Beach, as these flame-grilled wings hit the spot every time. Wing Wednesday’s feature Buy 5, Get 5 wings with $5 draft specials. College Night runs Friday and Saturday nights, 10 pm to close with additional $5 drink specials.

PB Shore Club

“Where the Grand meets the sand.” The PB Shore Club is the best combination of indoor and outdoor space hosting a young crowd in a casual beach party atmosphere. College nights on Thursdays feature $5 you-call-its and Slushys from 4 pm to close, along with $3-$4 taco specials and an incredible sunset view.

Lahaina Beach House

Walk right off the beach, a few feet across the boardwalk, and right up the steps to Lahaina Beach House. It’s as close to having a bar on the beach as you’re going to see and, thus, a San Diego local’s favorite. This little beachfront bar is cash only and specializes in tacos, burgers and brews with sunset views.

PB Avenue

With 50% off drinks during a 9 pm-10 pm Happy Hour, PB Avenue is clearly geared towards the late-night party crowd. Live DJs, epic parties, and events make this one of the most exciting venues by the beach after the sun goes down.  If partying till the wee hours of the morning is more your thing, the SD nightlife scene is on fire. There are plenty of night things to do in San Diego, including hitting up the bars on Pacific Beach. 

Courtesy of PB Shore Club

Keep in mind that San Diego city schools are out the last week of March, so expect there to be an influx of business at many of these locations. Plan accordingly and make reservations when available. Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy the sunshine while it’s here before San Diego transitions into May Gray and June Gloom, after which the summertime sunshine will inevitably return.

To get a true taste of San Diego during Spring break, check out the best tours that San Diego has to offer. Immerse yourself in the historic Old Town experience with our Old Town Tacos and Tequila Tour, or check out the culinary hot spot of Little Italy with Pizza, Pasta, and Piazzas!  No matter what you are craving, So Diego is here to explore San Diego with you. If you’re further up north, you can also consider discovering the local culinary scene with our Carlsbad food tours, another fantastic option near the city.

Written by:

This blog was written by Aleezah Davenport. Aleezah is a native San Diegan, and a second-generation PLNU alumna. She enjoys exploring the city and taking her girls out for dinner on the cliffs at Sunset Cliffs. Writing about San Diego provides her the opportunity to learn more about the local scene, and share her newfound knowledge about her hometown – two of the things she loves most. She enjoys sharing her passions with readers and is excited to be writing for a platform that provides fun information to a large audience.