April in San Diego is an exciting time, with warm spring weather, ocean breezes, and a packed events calendar. Whether you’re into fishing, craft beer, running, or baseball, there’s something happening every weekend. Mission Beach and the greater San Diego area offer the perfect backdrop for these celebrations, blending outdoor adventure with world-class entertainment. Here are some of the top events you won’t want to miss this April.
Port of San Diego’s Day at the Docks
San Diego is known as a sportfishing capital, and Day at the Docks is the perfect way to experience the excitement of the industry. This annual event celebrates the start of the saltwater fishing season, welcoming both seasoned anglers and curious visitors. Fishing boats line the harbor, offering tours and meet-and-greets with captains and crew. Fishing gear demonstrations, tackle vendors, and expert seminars provide valuable insights into deep-sea fishing.
Families can enjoy kid-friendly activities, from touch tanks to casting contests, while seafood lovers can sample freshly prepared dishes. The event also features live entertainment, making it a fun and interactive way to spend the day on the waterfront. Whether you fish regularly or just want to learn more about San Diego’s maritime culture, this event offers a unique and immersive experience.
North Park Festival of Beers
San Diego’s craft beer scene is world-renowned, and the North Park Festival of Beers is one of the best ways to explore it. This lively event brings together over 50 breweries, offering a diverse selection of IPAs, stouts, lagers, and sours to sample. Set in the heart of North Park, a neighborhood known for its vibrant arts and culinary scene, the festival provides the perfect blend of beer, music, and food.
Live bands perform throughout the event, creating an energetic and social atmosphere. Local food vendors serve up everything from tacos to gourmet sliders, ensuring there’s something delicious to pair with your beer. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, the North Park Festival of Beers is a must-attend event.
San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon, 5K & 10K
For those who love to stay active while taking in stunning coastal views, the San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon is a fantastic way to experience the city. Runners follow a scenic course that winds through Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and along Mission Bay, showcasing some of San Diego’s most beautiful waterfront areas.
The event offers multiple race options, including a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, so whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, there’s a distance that suits your level. Post-race festivities include a lively beachside festival with live music, a beer garden, and awards ceremonies. This event attracts runners from all over the country and is a great way to enjoy San Diego’s iconic coastline while getting in a workout.
San Diego Padres Games
April marks the return of Major League Baseball, and catching a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park is an essential San Diego experience. Whether you’re a lifelong baseball fan or just looking for a fun night out, Padres games offer an unbeatable atmosphere.
Petco Park is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the country, featuring breathtaking views of downtown San Diego and the bay. The stadium food is top-notch, with local favorites like Cardiff Crack tri-tip sandwiches, Phil’s BBQ, and Lucha Libre tacos available throughout the park. Beyond the game itself, the stadium’s lively bars, craft beer selections, and social spaces make it a fun outing whether you’re with family, friends, or on a date.
The Padres’ April schedule is packed with exciting matchups, so there’s plenty of opportunity to grab a seat and enjoy a game.
Book Your Stay with Penny Realty
To make the most of your time in Mission Beach and San Diego, you need the perfect place to stay. Penny Realty offers a wide variety of vacation rentals across some of San Diego’s most desirable locations, including Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Ocean Beach, Old Town, and North Park.
Why stay in a cramped hotel when you can enjoy a spacious home or condo with premium amenities? Many of our rentals feature private pools, ocean views, pet-friendly options, and direct beach access. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly home, or a group vacation spot, we have a property that will fit your needs.
Plan Your Vacation This April in San Diego
April is one of the best months to visit San Diego, with beautiful weather, exciting events, and fewer crowds than the summer months. To ensure your visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, book your stay with Penny Realty. Browse our selection of vacation rentals and find the perfect home for your San Diego adventure!
San Diego comes alive with holiday spirit each December, featuring festive parades, light displays, theater performances, and seasonal events throughout the city. From theme parks to neighborhood events, San Diego’s holiday calendar has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the must-see San Diego holiday activities and events that make this sunny California city a magical destination for the season.
Holiday Events at San Diego Theme Parks
For many, a visit to San Diego’s iconic theme parks is a holiday highlight. Balboa Park December Nights is a major seasonal attraction. This annual event features carolers, light displays, theater and dance performances, and a variety of food from around the world. On December 6th and 7th, the park’s museums offer free admission during event hours, making it a fantastic option for families.
The San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells event turns the zoo into a holiday haven. From December 12th to January 4th, 2025, Jungle Bells offers vibrant holiday light displays, a meet-and-greet with Santa, and performances by acrobatic elves. With the zoo decked out in decorations, this event provides a memorable experience for kids and adults alike.
Meanwhile, SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration is a must-visit. The park features festive lights, live entertainment, a holiday parade, and a towering 30-foot Christmas tree. Meeting Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and taking a stroll through the tunnel of lights makes SeaWorld’s celebration a fun and immersive way to enjoy the season.
Neighborhood Light Displays and Tree Lightings
Neighborhood events and light displays are popular holiday traditions in San Diego. Little Italy’s Tree Lighting & Christmas Village on December 7th, 2024, from 4-8 p.m., transforms India Street into a glowing holiday market with live music, kids’ activities, and festive treats. Santa also makes an appearance, greeting children and posing for photos. With its community atmosphere and vibrant decorations, this event adds a cozy, hometown feel to the holidays.
Over at Liberty Station’s Salute the Season, the holiday magic includes tree lightings, the Nutcracker Tea Party, and ice skating. The highlight for many is skating at the Rady Children’s Ice Rink, with proceeds benefiting the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. This festive series offers an ideal combination of seasonal entertainment, dining, and charity support.
Coronado Holiday Parade on December 6th, 2024, is another beloved local event, featuring carolers, holiday lights, and the tree lighting ceremony at Rotary Park. The parade, which winds through Coronado’s charming downtown, captures the essence of small-town holiday cheer while being set against the scenic backdrop of the Coronado Bridge and waterfront.
Unique San Diego Holiday Experiences
For a unique San Diego twist on holiday festivities, Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village is a must. Taking place on November 30th, 2024, this event kicks off the season with Santa’s arrival by watercraft. Following his arrival, Santa greets guests along the boardwalk, and families can enjoy live entertainment and craft stations. This beachy holiday celebration is one of San Diego’s most iconic, embracing the city’s seaside culture.
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, held on December 8th and December 15th, 2024, is a visual spectacle, with over 80 boats decked out in festive lights sailing along the bay. The event’s “Peace on Earth” theme this year adds an extra layer of holiday warmth, and prime viewing spots include the Coronado Ferry Landing and Shelter Island.
In La Jolla, the Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival takes place on December 8th, 2024, featuring festive floats, live performances, and Santa’s arrival. With a Christmas village full of holiday decor, this event is family-friendly and offers a true taste of a California Christmas.
Book Your Holiday Stay with Penny Realty
After a day of exploring San Diego’s holiday events, unwind at one of our welcoming Mission Beach vacation rentals with Penny Realty. Whether you prefer to stay in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Ocean Beach, Old Town, or Mission Beach, our properties provide easy access to all the holiday attractions San Diego has to offer. Enjoy a rental tailored to your needs, with options on the waterfront or inland, near attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
Penny Realty offers properties that suit any group size, from cozy beachside rentals for couples to spacious homes for families or larger gatherings. With amenities like full kitchens, private patios, and close proximity to San Diego’s best holiday events, Penny Realty rentals are designed to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Plan Your Holiday Getaway to San Diego
San Diego’s holiday season is packed with San Diego holiday activities and events that celebrate the magic of the season in sunny California style. With tree lightings, holiday parades, festive markets, and unique events by the beach, San Diego has something for everyone. Book your holiday getaway with Penny Realty and experience the best of San Diego’s holiday festivities!