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10 Thanksgiving Dinners to be Grateful for in San Diego

Whether you have a big family or you’re flying solo this Thanksgiving, you’ll find a palate pleasing way to celebrate the day in San Diego. Indulge in a tasty Thanksgiving feast cooked up by some of the best chefs in the city. Whether you prefer the traditional turkey carving with all the trimmings or an impressive unique dish created by award-winning chefs, you can count on these top restaurants to present the perfect seasonal cuisine. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this special day in all its glory without having to wash a single dish at the end.

Addison

San Diego’s one and only Michelin-star restaurant, Addison, invites you to join them this Thanksgiving for festive dining at its finest. You’ll find this New French restaurant at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar Resort. Enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving meal in the form of an eight-course extravaganza featuring Thanksgiving inspired dishes. Explore seasonal flavors in every dish and try out their luxurious wine list for a truly celebratory experience. Service is from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.

A. R. Valentine

Satisfy your taste buds with superb seasonal cuisine from renowned Executive Chef Jeff Jackson, brought to you during the holiday season. The prix fixe menu features four courses of both sweet and savory dishes paired with a tremendous wine list of worldly selections. Situated in Torrey Pines Lodge in La Jolla, a festive spirit flourishes inside the decorated, timbered dining room. Dinner seating is noon to 10:00 p.m. for a family Thanksgiving celebration to remember.

Crown Room

Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at the elegant Crown Room located inside the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. Feast under their famous crown chandeliers for a day of sophisticated dining with the whole family. Indulge in a luxurious buffet of the season’s finest dishes and delicious desserts with live music all day long to accompany your lavish meal. Thanksgiving dinner seating is noon to 6:30 p.m. As an alternative, guests may reserved their Thanksgiving dinner at the oceanfront Ballroom. 

George’s California Modern

George’s California Modern welcomes all this Thanksgiving to enjoy their special three-course seasonal meal featuring all the traditional specialties with a modern twist. Fulfill your appetite with a Diestel turkey breast with mushroom stuffing, or try their lamb carpaccio with harissa yogurt. Vegetarian and vegan guests can enjoy a Thanksgiving feast cooked up especially for them. A warm chocolate tart pairs perfectly with roasted cherry ice-cream served as the final cherry on top. Thanksgiving dinner is served 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Grant Grill

Think ricotta-stuffed figs made with local honey, bee pollen, and pistachio or roasted turkey breast with chestnut apple stuffing finished with pumpkin genocide, a combination of saffron buttercream, mustard curd, and cinnamon ice cream. All this and more is available on the heavenly Thanksgiving menu created by Chef John Duran at the Grant Grill in downtown San Diego’ iconic US Grant Hotel.Take a trip with your loved ones this festive season for the ultimate, sophisticated and traditional Thanksgiving feast.

The Marine Room

Bring your appetite to La Jolla’s iconic Marine Room on La Jolla Shores beach this Thanksgiving for an à la carte menu featuring the finest flavors of the season. Begin your meal with a tasty appetizer before indulging in a feast of the bird and all its trimmings or a vegetarian dish, depending on your choice. Of course, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without a luscious dessert, so make sure to try their sumptuous pumpkin pies. Seating for Thanksgiving dining is 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

JRDN Restaurant

Award-winning JRDN Restaurant is located along the Pacific Beach boardwalk in the Tower23 Hotel. Chef Dave’s passion for cooking shines through in this tasty Thanksgiving fare where he showcases an abundance of flavors from the season’s tastiest ingredients. You’ll give thanks for this traditional three-course turkey dinner with a special menu designed just for children on this special day. This trendy PB hot spot pairs traditional Thanksgiving fare with unbeatable Pacific Ocean views. 

Mister A’s

For Thanksgiving fine dining with spectacular views, Mister A’s presents the perfect space. Admire San Diego’s stunning skyline from a 360-degree view as you indulge in the best seasonal starters, traditional mains with all the dressings, and scrumptious desserts. Their Pumpkin cheesecake is a must. The three-course prix fixe meal has only two seating times left for Thanksgiving – 7:30 p.m and 7:45 p.m.  After a satisfying meal, grab yourself a glass of wine and take in the glimmering San Diego cityscape below.

Nine-Ten

Nine-Ten delivers a glamorous affair this festive season in the heart of the Grande Colonial Hotel in La Jolla. Savor seasonal cuisine in a sophisticated and elegant setting with every plate baked, marinated, and garnished by award-winning Chef Jason Knibb. You can count on their specialist staff to choose the perfect wine from an extensive list of global bests to compliment your meal. Their three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner is served 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and includes special pricing for children under 12.

Pacifica Del Mar

Opt for something a little different this Thanksgiving in dreamy Del Mar Village. The award-winning Pacifica Del Mar usually features sumptuous coastal cuisine. For Thanksgiving, you can expect a three-course prix fixe menu with choice of four starters, six main entrées, and four desserts. Mains include traditional turkey, prime rib, swordfish, and other choices. Give thanks and celebrate the festive season in this beautiful setting with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. Dinner is served noon to 9:00 p.m.

Wildlife Camps for Kids during the Holidays

Autumn Peltier, Greta Thunberg, Xiye Bastida and other young climate and conservation activists are inspiring kids around the world to get involved in learning about and caring for the environment. In San Diego, Living Coast Discovery Center hosts exciting, educational Wildlife Day Camps over Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks to spark interest in the environment and climate action.

Located in the heart of Chula Vista, the Discovery Center presents a zoo-quarium that educates children on coastal resource conservation. It encourages curious, young future scientists, conservationists, activists, and citizens to learn through fun and interactive day camps. Kids can experience close encounters with some of the world’s most beautiful animals, including a warm welcome from a bale of endangered sea turtles. 

The Wildlife Experience 

The Living Coast Discovery Center has created the ultimate wildlife experience for young explorers to learn about all things wildlife, science, and conservation during these fun-filled and action-packed day camps. Running over Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks, children are invited to come together and learn about the incredible creatures that live on our land. Imagine meeting the nation’s symbolic bald eagle face-to-face. Explore nature trails, discover a rare feeding experience for various species, and get involved in an array of arts and crafts, interactive exhibitions, and science-based activities.

The Aquarium Experience

Inside Living Coast Discovery Center features a range of areas devoted to special underwater sea creatures for children to discover more about these magical sea-animals. Turtle Lagoon is home to the Eastern Pacific green sea turtles, an extremely endangered species. A 21,000-gallon aquarium filled with mysterious sea-life and a shallow-water touch tank allow guests to touch and feel a real-life ray. Experience a close encounter with a shark and even have a chance at feeding them. Explore Shorebird Aviary for a personal view of San Diego’s native birds. The entire grounds of LCDC are surrounded by Mother Nature’s exotic plants accompanied by almost two miles of walking trails with all routes guiding to stunning coastal views. 

All this and more is available at the Center’s Wildlife Camps.

Wildlife Day Camps 

LCDC Wildlife Day Camps take part during the week of Thanksgiving when most students are out of school, November 25th to 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These fun, educational days are divided into three separate groups that cater to various ages. Each group has a specific topic of interest suitable for those involved with relevant interactive activities. 

Ocean Outlaws

Designed for the youngest explorers, Ocean Outlaws educates Pre K and Kindergarten kids on the many weird and wonderful creatures living in our deep-blue sea. Our ocean is a magical place filled with extraordinary life, but with that comes essential precautions. Ocean Outlaws teaches little ones what lies beneath and the types of dangerous species lurking among all the beauty. From tiger sharks and sea snakes to pufferfish and blue-ringed octopuses, this day camp shines a light on both aspects of sea life. 

Built to Hunt

Predators play a vital role in nature’s food chain. Just like humans, all animals need food to survive, and for the majority of these carnivores that means the meat of other animals. Built to Hunt explores the extraordinary techniques and abilities these predators use to catch their prey. Children 1st to 3rd grade can grasp an insight into which animals hunt for their food and how they prey. Those at the bottom of the food chain must protect themselves in the process. 

Ecosystem Explorers

Ecosystem Explorers invites mini adventurers in 4th to 6th Grade to an action-packed camp. Wildlife enthusiasts can embark on an exploration of three San Diego ecosystems for an educational journey. Organized field trips will take place over three days, with a different location for each. Day One entails a visit to Cabrillo National Park to investigate tide pools. Day Two is an exploration of the swampland at Pepper Park, an active day-out for kids to run free. On the final Day Three, youngsters will put on their walking boots and hike up the habitat of Otay Valley Regional Park to really enjoy the wild side of life.

From preparing for camp to check-in details, get all the information you need. 

Unable to Attend during These Dates? 

No worries, you will have another chance reserve your child’s spot at one of the Wildlife Camps during the Christmas holidays. December 23rd, 26th, and 27th, LCDC will host the same camps again with all the same exciting activities included, so that no one misses out on this unique experience.

A family outing to the Living Coast Discovery Center is a great way to spark family conversations about environmentalism and conservation. And with a Go San Diego All-inclusive Pass, entry to this attraction is totally free (doesn’t apply to camps). With this discount card, you will also benefit from a guided nature walk and gain entry to explore a water touch tank, home to stunning stingrays, along with entry to many other top San Diego Attractions. Don’t miss your chance at a Go San Diego discount pass today and begin your journey of exploring this beautiful city.

A Complete Guide to the Holidays in San Diego

December is a magical month in America’s Finest City. Nearly all of San Diego’s major attractions host a holiday celebration of one kind or another. Neighborhoods get into the spirit with tree lightings, festivals, and parades. You’ll discover holiday favorites like a performance of How the Grinch Stole Christmas or The Nutcracker Ballet, plus the iconic San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, and so much more. Throughout the holiday season everyone gets in the spirit, including hotels, museums, and gardens. You can even find ice skating rinks! This complete guide to the holidays in San Diego brings you all the best San Diego has to offer in December 2018.

Major San Diego Holiday Attractions

How the Grinch Stole Christmas – November 3 to December 29

This whimsical musical is based on the beloved children’s book of the same name written by Dr. Seuss. This year marks the 21st year of performing the family favorite. The whole family will enjoy classic songs like “Santa for a Day” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Performances are held in the Old Globe Theater, transformed into a snowy Whoville, in Balboa Park.

SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration – November 17 to January 6

SeaWorld has tons of fun lined up for families in December, 2018. The park features a new nativity show called “O Wondrous Night.” Santa’s Christmas Village has mesmerizing Christmas lights, Santa, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Don’t miss other attractions at SeaWorld like Dolphin Island Christmas and Breakfast with Killer Whales and Santa.

Holidays at LEGOLAND California – November 17 to December 31

LEGOLAND California Resort will be dressed to the nines in holiday décor. The largest LEGO Christmas tree in the world at 30-feet tall will be on display. It’s made from over 245,000 green DUPLO bricks. There’s also a new Holiday Village inside Fun Town. Santa and other characters in holiday wear will be handy for greetings and photo opportunities. Don’t miss the holiday light show.

Birch Aquarium Seas ‘n’ Greetings – December 1 to December 31

Birch Aquarium hosts a month of magical holiday activities for the entire family. The aquarium transforms into a holiday wonderland in the Hall of Fishes. There are scavenger hunts, themed animal encounters, and Scuba Santa Dive Shows, plus weekend musical performances.

Balboa Park December Nights – December 7 & 8

San Diego’s 41st annual holiday festival kicks off December 7th in Balboa Park. As always, there will be colorful light displays, inspirational entertainers including bands, choirs, and dancers, and other fun-filled attractions. You’ll find plenty of holiday treats, eats, and shopping too.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – December 9 & 16

The 47th annual San Diego Parade of Lights is a time-honored San Diego tradition. This year’s boat parade theme is “Tropical Island Christmas.” San Diego visitors and residents can expect 80 boats, lavishly decorated, sailing through San Diego Bay in a spectacular parade of lights.

The Nutcracker Ballet – December 14 – 23

The California Ballet Company leaps on stage with a glittering production of The Nutcracker, accompanied by the San Diego Symphony. America’s favorite Christmas extravaganza is brought to life with a cast of more than 150 dancers. There will be Red Carpet Photo Ops before performances and Meet the Cast sessions after performances.

Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo – December 14 – January 6

A wild wonderland with merry performances and twinkling lights, Jungle Bells has festive foods, jazzy carols, a toy shop trampoline hop, 4-D Polar Express adventure, and a dazzling Celebration of Lights. Visit Santa’s Factory, the Northern Frontier Holiday Forest, and Gingerbread Landing. Check out all there is to do and see at Jungle Bells.

Old Town State Historic Park Las Posadas – December 15

Fiesta de Reyes hosts Las Posadas for the 68th consecutive year at Old Town State Historic Park. The entire park is wrapped in festive decorations, and provides holiday entertainment all day. Las Posadas, a reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter in Bethlehem, begins at 5 p.m. Festivities end with campfire s’mores in the plaza.

Noel Noel Family Concert San Diego Symphony – December 15 & 21, 22

The San Diego Symphony presents Noel Noel, a traditional family concert, at Copley Symphony Hall this season. Broadway singer Bryonha Marie Parham will sing “Believe,” “White Christmas,” and other Christmas favorites. Choirs will sing traditional favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” and the audience will be invited to sing-a-longs with Santa and the symphony.

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade – December 31

The Holiday Bowl Parade is self-described as America’s Largest Balloon Parade. This exciting televised family event features beautiful floats, world-class marching bands, awe-inspiring drill teams, and thrilling balloons. Grandstand seats are available for pre-purchase.

Holiday Tree Lightings and Festivals by Neighborhood

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village – December 1

Little Italy hosts their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with an unusual 25-foot tower of 1,100 poinsettias in the shape of a Christmas Tree in Piazza Basilone. This festive event includes a visit from Santa, decorations, live entertainment, holiday beverages, and snacks.

Escondido Winter Wonderland Festival – December 1

California Center for the Arts in Escondido hosts their Winter Wonderland Festival where kids get to play in real snow, see Santa and a live reindeer, and create arts and crafts with a winter theme. There’s food and beverages, plus holiday shopping. Lyric Court lights up at dusk.

Del Mar Village Santa by the Sea and Tree Lighting – December 2

Del Mar Village has its annual holiday celebration and tree lighting on Sunday. There will be a visit by Santa and Mrs. Clause, holiday treats, letters to Santa workshop, holiday crafts for kids, holiday artisan shopping, live music provided by Original Dickens Carolers, and a tree lighting. Guests can bring an unwrapped gift to donate to North County Health Services.

La Mesa Holiday in the Village – December 7 & 8

La Mesa hosts Holiday in the Village with festive holiday entertainment, kids’ activities like elf face painting and reindeer games, holiday treats and shopping, and fire pits to keep warm. There will also be a pet adoption opportunity, carnival games, and train rides.

Poway Christmas in the Park – December 8

Poway hosts their annual free holiday event with horse-drawn hay rides, holiday crafts, caroling, live music, tasty holiday treats, and Christmas shopping at their craft boutique. There are also nighttime rides around the park on Poway Midland Railroad, and model trains to see. Expect a visit from Santa too.

San Diego Holiday Parades

Ocean Beach Holiday Parade – December 1

Ocean Beach has hosted one of San Diego’s favorite holiday parades for more than 30 years. This epic neighborhood parade includes marching bands, gymnasts, VW Beetles, classic Woodies, motorcycles, floats, live music, and of course, Santa.

La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival – December 2

The La Jolla Christmas Parade starts at 1:30 p.m. and heads down Girard Avenue to Prospect Street. It ends at the La Jolla Recreation Center where there is a giant Holiday Festival that includes a tree lighting ceremony. Kids will enjoy pony rides, photos with Santa, and live entertainment.

Coronado Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting – December 7

Coronado hosts the island’s 43rd Annual Holiday Parade Friday night, December 7. Attendees who arrive early can join in singing carols and waiting for Santa to arrive in a fire truck. Once he’s there, one lucky person is chosen to turn the switch that lights the giant Star Pine beginning the parade.

Alpine Village Christmas Parade and Snow Festival – December 7

The Alpine Christmas Parade and Snow Festival is a free event in Alpine, 30 minutes east of San Diego off I-8. The parade includes imaginative hometown entries ranging from pets and bikes in lights to floats and decorated big trucks. The snow festival includes an appearance by Santa, snow sledding, children’s activities, and more.

Oceanside Parade of Lights – December 8

Grab a blanket or lawn chair and head to Oceanside Harbor for the annual Oceanside Parade of Lights. (A good spot is by the fishing dock near the Harbor Police station.) You’ll see yachts, sail boats, dinghies, and kayaks all draped in holiday swag, many with their own Santas. Vessels make their way around Oceanside Harbor.

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade – December 16

The Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego hosts the 11th annual Holiday Pet Parade that begins under the iconic Gaslamp Quarter Archway at 2 p.m. The parade moves up Fifth Avenue to E Street and back down Fourth Avenue to MLK Promenade Park. Pets will then compete for prizes in costume contest categories. Cats, dogs, birds, and fish are welcome. The parade is followed by a festive Holiday Pet Market.

More Fun Holiday Events in San Diego

Holiday by the Bay – November 21 to January 25 (not open every night)

Hilton San Diego Bayfront hosts Holiday by the Bay, an exclusive waterfront holiday adventure park. This popular winter holiday tradition includes cookie decorating, a thrilling two-story Reindeer Run ice slide, iceberg bumper cars, and an hourly light show. There’s an epic Gingerbread House in the hotel lobby that’s a must-see. Sundays at Vela Restaurant, kids can have breakfast with Santa.

Garden of Lights San Diego Botanic Garden – December 1 to 30 (closed Christmas)

Garden of Lights is hosted by the San Diego Botanic Garden in the coastal town of Encinitas. Once the sun sets, the garden turns into a dazzling winter wonderland illuminated by more than 125,000 twinkling lights. There is musical entertainment that changes nightly, a musical light show, marshmallow roasting, face painting, kids’ crafts, a snow slope for sledding, and a toddler snow pit. You’ll also see Santa, so bring your camera. Horse drawn wagon rides through the garden landscape are a small additional fee.

Liberty Station Salute the Season – November 30 to December 31

Liberty Station hosts numerous holiday activities and events throughout December beginning with a tree lighting ceremony November 30th. Some of these events include ice skating at Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station, Nutcracker Tea Party with San Diego Ballet, and Liberty Station Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting, among many more.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum Polar Express Family Day  – December 15

Saturday, December 15th, San Diego Model Railroad Museum hosts their Polar Express Family Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular admission to the museum includes a screening of The Polar Express, plus a special keepsake craft, and a visit from someone important from the North Pole.

Neighborhood Holiday Lights

Rancho Peñasquitos Christmas Card Lane – November 22 to December 31

Rancho Peñasquitos residents have been entertaining San Diegans and tourists with holiday lights since 1982. About 200 residents display giant holiday greetings on their front lawns with religious images, cartoon characters, and other Christmas-themed scenes. Scouts and schools often sell hot chocolate and Christmas goodies near the displays.

Tierrasanta Belardo Lights Home – November 24 to December 27

This is the 6th year of the computerized holiday lights display at the home of Randy and Brandon Schimka in Tierrasanta. This unforgettable light show with over 100,000 lights is synchronized to music, which you can tune to on FM 106.1. You’re encouraged to sign the guest book by the mailbox. The address is 5306 Belardo Drive. Donations go to Stein Education Center, which works with autistic children.

Point Loma Garrison Street – December 1 to December 31

Garrison Street is an area of luxury homes in the Point Loma neighborhood. Each year, they go all out to bring the holidays to light. The 3D extravaganza is a sight to behold, since the sheer number of lights is breathtaking. Park nearby and stroll down this holiday bedazzled street for the best experience. Lights go on at dusk and off at 10 p.m.

Poway Candy Cane Lane – December 1 to January 1

This area off Twin Peaks Road in Poway brings another year of spectacular holiday lights. Residents go all out to decorate their homes for the holidays with giant inflatables, and over 50,000 dazzling lights per home. You’ll find them at Hickory Court, Hickory Street, Butterwood Court, and Rockrose Court. The cul-de-sac resembles a street from the North Pole. You can walk or drive by the displays.

Old Town Trolley Holiday Lights – December 7 to 30 (Closed Christmas Eve and Day)

Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley Lights and Sights Tour. This tour leaves Old Town to tour the festive Christmas lights of Old Town San Diego, Garrison Street in Point Loma, Balboa Park, and the Embarcadero. There will be sing-along carols, plus fun holiday facts, traditions, and history. Tours are 75 minutes.

Carmel Mountain Ranch – December 10 to January 2

Nearly 100 homes in Carmel Mountain Ranch participate in this stunning holiday lights display. They’ve been at it for years and earned their place as one of the best holiday neighborhood displays in North County. Cookies and cocoa are available during their holiday block party. If you’re lucky, you may see Santa’s red fire truck shuttling elves around.

Coronado Holiday Surrey Sleigh Rides – December 14 and January 6

Guests tour the festively decorated neighborhoods of Coronado Island on a pedal-powered surrey “sleigh.” Riders are given wireless headsets to listen as knowledgeable guides explain the holiday sights along the way. Hour-long tours leave from Hotel Del Coronado at 6 p.m.

San Diego Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

Viejas Ice Rink – November 2 to January 6

You’ll need to travel 40 minutes east of San Diego on I-8 to get to Southern California’s largest skating rink at Viejas Casino & Resort. The entire resort is decked out in holiday lights, and they put on a seasonal water show, so it’s a perfect holiday destination for a day of ice skating.

Rady Children’s Ice Rink – November 17 to January 6

Another season of ice skating is in full swing at Rady Children’s Ice Rink Liberty Station. The outdoor ice skating rink is open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Proceeds from admissions go to Thriving after Cancer (TAC), a program that works with pediatric cancer survivors and their families.

Hotel Del Coronado Skating by the Sea – November 22 to January 6

Skating by the Sea, a spectacular oceanfront ice skating rink, makes its 14th seasonal appearance at Hotel Del Coronado in 2018. Proceeds go to Make a Wish Foundation. Guests can watch skaters from rink-side lounges with a warm fire pit at Frostbite. They serve holiday-themed libations, snacks, and unlimited coffee or hot chocolate. (Skating with Tara Lipinski December 15th for up to 50 children.)

Explore San Diego’s Military History & Heritage This Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer. It marks the beginning of long sunshine filled days, water-soaked afternoons, and cool nights relaxing at barefoot bars and restaurants along the boardwalk. It brings with it the excitement of change, the thrill of the ocean, and an exhilarating number of activities and celebrations.

You have every right to summer indulgences – enjoying the feel of sand between your toes, ice cream dripping down your fingers, and the kiss of sun on your skin. But, it’s also important to remember that Memorial Day does more than mark the beginning of summer, it’s a time to reflect on and be grateful for the city’s rich military history, heritage, and culture. And to remember those who gave their lives and liberty, so you could have yours.

San Diego’s Kumeyaay Roots

With its Kumeyaay roots, Spanish Mission heritage, Mexican rancheros era, Mormon military legacy, and modern military history, San Diego has been shaped by wave after wave of cultural influences brought to bear through its military history.

The best place to learn about Kumeyaay Native Americans and their role in shaping San Diego, is at Barona Cultural Center and Museum in Lakeside. The Museum of Man in Balboa Park has an exhibit dedicated to the tribe and its history. You can also learn more about Kumeyaay in San Diego at Presidio Park in Old Town. You won’t want to miss the park’s dramatic bronze statue of The Indian on the way to Inspiration Point.

Old Town San Diego: Birthplace of California

Often acknowledged as the birthplace of California, San Diego’s Old Town neighborhood offers visitors one of the best overviews of the city’s historic path to the modern city it is today. Presidio Park and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park tell the stories of the era of Spanish missions and accompanying conquistadors, the ranchero era where missions were confiscated and the lands redistributed to wealthy Mexican rancheros, and the early pioneer experience and California statehood.

Old Town presents carefully preserved architecture, over one hundred specialty stores, twelve art galleries, thirty restaurants, seventeen museums, and twenty-five historic sites and original structures from the 1800s. It’s also home to the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, an iconic must-see where volunteers dress in traditional garb and act out scenes of the past while leading visitors on a tour.

Presidio Park was originally Fort Presidio, the first permanent European settlement. It is home to Junipero Serra Museum, which explores the history Kumeyaay Indians, Spanish explorers, and Mexican settlers via archaeological artifacts. You’ll also find numerous historical statues and murals commemorating the Mormon Battalion from the late 1840s. It was the U.S. military’s only religious-based unit and played a key role during the Mexican-American War. Look for the statue of a Mormon Battalion infantryman.

Traveling further up the coast you’ll find what many refer to as the mother of the 21 missions of California’s shore, the Mission Basilica San Diego de Acala. The largest of these missions, known as the King of the Missions is the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, which was established in 1798 and is nestled in the North County town of Oceanside.

San Diego Military History Tucked into Neighborhoods

Hillcrest is home to Balboa Park, a cultural complex with over a dozen museums including the San Diego History Center, the San Diego Museum of Man, and San Diego Air & Space Museum where you can catch up on much of San Diego’s cultural and military history. The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center is adjacent to Veterans Memorial Garden and San Diego Vietnam Peace memorial garden in the park.

Cabrillo National Monument in the Point Loma neighborhood marks where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo arrived as the first European explorer to the West Coast in 1542. It’s a great vantage point for overlooking Navy ships, submarines, and Coronado Island’s naval aviation hub. Liberty Station, also in the neighborhood, is the former Naval Training Center repurposed into a retail, dining, and cultural hub. The Navy’s Marine Mammal Program is located in the channel between Liberty Station and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. And nearby Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery holds the graves of many Medal of Honor recipients.

You’ll find the Naval Amphibious Base, where Navy SEAL candidates train, on Coronado Island. From Hotel del Coronado, lucky guests may see SEAL candidates during Hell Week completing “rock portage” where teams simulate landing boats on a rocky shoreline and carrying them out of the water above their heads. It’s also a flight line for aircraft landing at the island’s base. Mc P’s Irish Pub is a good place to hang out with off-duty members of the Navy.

Memorial Day Celebrations

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean much of the city’s history comes from its large naval community. Head to the Marina downtown for Legacy Week where you can hop aboard one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers, USS Midway Museum. You can meander through the ship and its twenty-five restored aircrafts and participate in a host of Memorial Day events and activities. Don’t miss Kids Adventure Discovery Zone, Meet the Aviators, and the Veteran’s Wreath Ceremony. Snap a photo next to the iconic 25-foot Unconditional Surrender sculpture nearby.

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial displays over 4,800 granite plaque tributes to veterans mounted to a wall encircling a cross (for now) at this site overlooking San Diego. Although it is open to the public every day, each Memorial Day there are ceremonies and speakers honoring different aspects of San Diego military history. Catch this and other Memorial Day celebrations throughout San Diego County.

Memorial Day is a day to commemorate the U.S. men and women who have given their lives while serving in the military. It’s a day to show gratitude to them, to honor them, and to appreciate their sacrifices and those of their families. And with the city’s robust military community, it’s especially important to San Diegans. This holiday brings families, communities, and friendships closer through backyard barbecues, beachside bonfires, and an array of day-time activities. It’s a time where we mourn our losses with moments of silence and grand military displays, and celebrate all lives by reflecting on the military history and culture that’s defined us.

San Diego’s Military Celebrations beyond Memorial Day

Besides Memorial Day events and activities, visitors to San Diego at other times of the year can catch additional military-inspired events like Tuskegee Airmen Day earlier in May at the Veterans Museum. Fleet Week San Diego, which is the largest event in the country to celebrate and show appreciation for the military, is held each fall. MCAS Miramar Air Show is also in the fall, often coinciding with Fleet Week. It’s been voted “World’s Best Military Air Show” by the International Council of Air Shows. And, of course, there’s the exuberant San Diego Veteran’s Day Parade where visitors can watch active military, veterans, floats, military bands, and more.

The Complete Guide to New Year’s Eve in San Diego

Who needs a cold, damp, over-crowded Time Square New Year’s Eve experience? Instead, you can find a San Diego New Year’s extravaganza that suits your personal style where it’s always sunny and 72°.

It’s your world. How will you ring in the New Year?

Choices make New Year’s Eve in San Diego special. No two people are the same, so the way they ring in the New Year shouldn’t be either. From romantic to family-friendly and everything in between, San Diego has the perfect NYE event for you. Here’s a peek at the options.

  • Families can enjoy NYE festivities at our famous attractions and museums throughout the city, all of which end conveniently right before bedtime.
  • Craft breweries are prolific in San Diego where partiers can indulge in artisan beers with friends in a relaxed and casual environment.
  • For those who call the beach their second home, a beachfront party that incorporates a party boat option is surely a no-brainer.
  • Loved-up couples who want the night to themselves can reserve a private table at one of San Diego’s premier restaurants.
  • The ultimate partier might want to choose a hotel that’s hosting a party, so when it’s time to crash they’re only steps from their hotel room.
  • For the traditional NYE experience, the Gaslamp Quarter has some of the city’s hottest nightclubs.
  • Epicurean travelers with a fondness for exclusivity will feel at home at a NYE party aboard one of San Diego’s luxury yachts.

Who Does it Best?

Now that you know the variety of New Year’s Eve celebrations offered throughout the city, here are the ones we think do it best. Our favorites may not be your favorites, but you can’t go wrong ringing in the New Year at any of these festive events.

Family Friendly

Our favorite choice for a family-inclusive New Year’s Eve bash is the 2018 New Year’s Eve Family Party at the Living Coast Discovery Center located in Chula Vista. The tickets are moderately priced ($20 to $25), and the party lasts two hours, (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) making sure you get the little ones tucked in long before midnight.

The two hours are jam-packed with activities. There will be a hot chocolate bar, cookie decorating, wildlife animal encounters, and a photo-booth, as well as a kid’s room with arts and crafts and a teen room with band karaoke.

Adults will enjoy the NYE party room with trivia, games, champagne, and live coverage of Times Square New Year’s Celebration (9 p.m. PST/Midnight EST). When it’s all over everyone will leave with NYE party favors, the perfect end to the perfect night.

Blue-Collar Casual

With a theme of blue collar chic the AleSmith New Year’s Eve Hop Drop hosted by the AleSmith Brewing Company is the ideal venue for a casual good time. This special dinner and beer pairing event includes live music and dancing, specialty AleSmith craft beers paired with MIHO Catering Co. cuisine, a celebratory AleSmith “Hop Drop” East Coast NYE cheers, and a take-home commemorative tasting glass.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with ticket prices between $55 and $250 per person leaving guests plenty of time to get home and watch the NYE ball drop from the comfort of their living rooms.

Beachside Shindig

Say goodbye to 2017 with the VAVI Legendary NYE Experience hosted at the luxurious Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in Pacific Beach. Not only does the event overlook scenic Mission Bay, but the all-inclusive tickets ($140 to $160) provide four ballrooms with premier DJs and entertainment, craft cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and themed photo booths.

For those of you who want to kick the experience up a notch, the optional VIP party boat upgrade is a must. It includes everything from the main event, plus a cruise around the bay aboard the three-story historic William D. Evans Sternwheeler. While on the boat, you’ll enjoy complimentary buffet appetizers, two open bars, casino games, and multiple decks featuring music.

Romantic Island Vibes

Whether you’re looking for an early romantic NYE dinner before heading out on the town or an intimate late dinner experience that ends early enough to make it home before midnight, the Tidal restaurant at Paradise Point Resort has you covered.

They’re offering two extravagant sit-down dinners, the three-course dinner seats at 5 p.m. and the five-course dinner seats at 8 p.m. The latter features a champagne toast, dancing to live music performed by The Cronies, and take-home party favors.

You can expect to dine on gourmet selections such as Spiny Lobster Bisque, Ginger Rubbed Atlantic Salmon, and Caramelized Pineapple Carrot Cake, among other scrumptious selections. Tickets for the first dinner are priced at $70, with the second seating priced at $95.

Stay N’ Play

For those of you who want to end 2017 with a bang, and enter 2018 with an even bigger bang, the Kimpton Solamar Hotel is the ideal NYE venue. The main event will take place on their newly renovated Upper East Bar and rooftop terrace featuring a beach luxe lounge overlooking the bustling city streets.

DJ Sabor will be spinning the tracks all night long from 8 p.m. on the 31st until 2 a.m. on the 1st while you enjoy refreshing Vueve Clicquot Champagne and a creative menu of craft cocktails and accoutrements designed by JSIX Executive Chef Anthony Sinsay.

Solamar will also feature outdoor games, cozy fire pit areas, and of course a large dance floor. Tickets are just $25 per person. At the end of the night you can retire to your guestroom or suite just an elevator ride away.

The Traditional NYE Experience

New Year’s Eve is traditionally one big party. You’re saying goodbye to the past whether you loved it or can’t wait to leave it, and saying hello to what we all hope will be an exciting future.

Double Deuce in the Gaslamp Quarter is offering revelers a wildly good time while saying farewell to 2017. Tickets range from $25 to $750 and include four rooms of NYE entertainment, music and DJs, bull rides, boots + booze, and a midnight confetti pop celebration.

This is the biggest party place for the 21 and up crowd and sure to be a night of wild abandon, so make sure you have your designated driver or Uber ride planned in advance.

Exclusive Opulence

When it comes to NYE Cruises it doesn’t get any more luxurious than the Moonlight San Diego NYE Cruise 2018 aboard the $15 million dollar luxury yacht, California Spirit. This annual excursion is in its sixth year and they’ve more than outdone themselves. The price tag ($155 to $1,695) per person tells you everything you need to know about this stylish and exclusive event, so plan on dressing to the nines if you hope to set sail.

You’ll be rewarded with an open bar for the entire cruise, two amazing DJs on two separate levels, each with dance areas, and complimentary gourmet bites while enjoying picturesque views of the San Diego skyline, Harbor, and Coronado Bridge. This event goes from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a check-in time of 9:30 p.m. and is only for the 21 and up crowd.

That rounds out the San Diego New Year’s Eve list. How do you plan to ring in the New Year? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy New Year’s everyone! May 2018 be your best year yet!

 

 

 

Father’s Day: Your Guide to Making His Day Extra Special

As the official first day of summer approaches next week, another special day is also on the horizon – Father’s Day. June doesn’t just bring sunny skies, warm breezes, and sand-filled days at the beach, but it also gives us the chance to celebrate the men in our lives – the dads, husbands, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and other special men who’ve been there for us for a lifetime. If you’ve yet to come up with the perfect ideas for gifts and activities that express the level of gratitude you have for your personal hero, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places in San Diego to celebrate the day with your favorite man, as well as a few great gift ideas.

Take Dad out to Eat

Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge

This Pacific Beach hot spot has partnered with Spa Kingston to provide an ocean view lunch and afternoon massage package for the hardworking dad in your life. For $70, dad will receive a one-hour massage, followed by a delectable Firehouse burger paired with a Bloody Mary. Spend some special time with dad and get him a relaxing Father’s Day gift all in one easy package.

Café Sevilla

Have big plans for Father’s Day, but still need the perfect place to eat out? Treat him to “Father’s Day in Spain” at Café Sevilla. They’ve planned an epic nine-course tapas brunch for $29.50 per person. Dad will love the tortilla Española, chimichurri, seven-hour braised rioja short ribs, and other tantalizing courses. Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, this is a great place to kick off the day before heading out on a fishing excursion or a brewery tour.

Red O La Jolla

The Red O La Jolla restaurant is the perfect eatery for an upbeat and fun brunch experience. For $49 per person, they are offering a special Father’s Day brunch buffet filled with Mexi-Cali dishes that will not disappoint. You’ll find everything from chilaquiles and made-to-order omelets stations to lobster mac & cheese and prime steak carving stations. You can also add on bottomless mimosas, sangrias, tequila sunrises, and Bloody Mary’s for just $20 more.

Spend Special Time Together

Cinema under the Stars

This is the ideal evening out for dads with young children. This Mission Hills outdoor movie venue is family-friendly at under $20 per person, with the option of purchasing snacks and beverages for $2 each. Dads can nestle under cozy blankets with their loved ones while the stars twinkle above them as they watch a classic movie. Share the nostalgia of an outdoor movie with dad, and make new memories with the kids at this screening of Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Flagship’s Father’s Day Cruise

For dads who appreciate a touch of nautical luxury, take them on Flagship’s Father’s Day Cruise, leaving from North Harbor Drive in Downtown, San Diego. Experience cruising across 25 miles of picturesque ocean scenery as a live soloist beguiles the ears. You and dad can indulge in Beer N’ Brats brunch on a day cruise, or enjoy a three-course Prime Rib dinner on a later cruise. Dad gets a mimosa upon boarding the ship and unlimited domestic beers along the ride, all for under $80.

Hotel del Coronado

This Coronado Island event is the perfect setting for your favorite military dad. This annual Father’s Day concert and barbecue is open to everyone at under $80 per person and supports America’s military and veteran families. It kicks off with an amazing skydiving show by members of the Naval Warfare community, and is followed by a delectable barbecue. To top it off, live music is provided by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band who cover hits from well-known artists like The Police, Bruno Mars, and Bruce Springsteen among others.

Give Dad Something Awesome

Noise-cancelling Headphones

Let’s be honest, our dads adore us, but everyone needs a little peace and quiet now and then, an escape from life’s hectic pace. That’s where BOSE QuietComfort Wireless Headphones come into play, although they may be on the pricier side of gifts, they will most certainly never go out of style, or usefulness.

Portable Gas Grill

You’ll be the outdoorsy dad’s favorite when you gift him the RoadTrip Portable Gas Grill from Coleman. It’s great for summer camping and fishing trips, and a must-have for NFL weekend tailgating. It folds out for easy grilling, and folds into a pull-cart for easy transporting. This moderately priced gift is lightweight and easy to use. Take Dad to Mission Bay Park and initiate it with a Father’s Day cookout.

Gear VR Headset

Is your dad a total techie? If so, look no further than the Gear VR Headset from Samsung; a virtual reality headset that is sure to impress. He gets to sit back and totally immerse himself in an alternate reality without ever having to leave his favorite chair. It boasts 360-degree panoramic views and works for games, videos, and images.

How about you? What’s on tap this weekend for your dad?

20 Fabulous Things to Do for Mom on Mother’s Day

Oh to be a mom on Mother’s Day in San Diego! Whether you’re a tourist or a local, your kids are little or grown, you have a big budget or a small one, we may have found the perfect way for you to celebrate motherhood. Choose from 50 fabulous DIY brunch recipes or a sophisticated brunch out, family-fun activities or something just for Mom, an outdoor nature hike or a relaxing spa treatment. There are plenty of things to do on Mother’s Day in San Diego, so dive in and find what clicks for the special woman in your life.

Just for Kids: Mother’s Day Confections – This one requires some planning, because kids make and package chocolates for mom the weekend before Mother’s Day. Make chocolate bark, almond cakes with strawberries, or cardamom shortbread cookies at The Curious Fork in Solana Beach.

Carlsbad Flower Fields – It’s the year of the California super bloom. Celebrate mom with a season-ending tour of flower displays. Watch the colorful BV High Ballet Folkorico dancers. Let Mom create her own self-made mixed bouquet for $5.

Brunch at Home – It’s fun to take Mom out to brunch (so you can eat out too!), but how about surprising her with a fabulous brunch that you made yourself? Set up on the patio, bring it to the beach or park, or serve her brunch in bed. Here are 50 fabulous recipes.

Hops and Shop Spring Market – This one’s on Saturday, the day before Mother’s Day. 32 North Brewing Co. hosts a spring market with numerous vendors. Bring Mom to attend workshops and demos while snacking from food trucks and drinking a beer or two. Swag bags for early birds!

Elfin Forest Way Up Trail – If your mom is the outdoorsy type, Elfin Forest is a great place for hiking, mountain biking, photography, botanical nature walks, and picnics. The best part is that you can spend the whole day with mom, and it’s free – including the parking.

San Diego Golf – San Diego’s perfect weather makes America’s Finest City a haven for avid golfers. Treat mom to 18 holes at one of two premier public courses Torrey Pines Golf Course or Coronado Golf Course. With 90 public and private courses in San Diego County, you’re sure to find the right one.

Gaslight Gathering 7 – If you’re looking for unique, this is it. Gaslight Gathering Steampunk and Victoriana Convention. The event, held at the Handlery Hotel San Diego, Mission Valley, features science fiction and fantasy fashion shows, a makers room, and more. Come for the weekend or just the Mother’s Day Tea.

Brunch at La Valencia – For an opulent brunch that’s sure to impress Mom, take her to The MED ocean view California-Mediterranean restaurant in La Jolla’s famed La Valencia Hotel. Share bottomless mimosas and champagne with brunch and listen to live music.

Padres Mother’s Day – Hit Mother’s Day out of the park by ordering Mom a Padres “Mom #1” shirt that she can wear to the Monday night game (the day after Mother’s Day) when the Padres take on the Milwaukee Brewers. It’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Petco Park.

Mama’s Day – The 26th Annual Mama’s Day tasting event is Friday evening of Mother’s Day weekend at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla. Over 50 restaurants will offer tastes at this premier tasting event. There is music and a silent auction. The event benefits Mama’s Kitchen.

Tacotopia – Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, The San Diego Reader sponsors the third annual Tocotopia in Golden Hill Park. At this fun event, 50 of the best taco vendors from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Tijuana compete for the honor of best taco…and attendees decide.

Coronado Historic Home Tour – Is your mom a local history buff? Maybe addicted to HGTV? Either way, the annual Coronado Historic Home Tour of six beautiful homes that capture the essence of the island will make her Mother’s Day special.

Ron Funches Standup – Another pre-Mother’s Day event here. Catch comedian Ron Funches from NBC’s “Undatable” and Comedy Central’s “Drunk History” at the American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend.

Chocolate Festival – Here’s a scrumptious pre-Mother’s Day event that’s sure to make Mom happy. Saturday, the day before Mother’s Day, San Diego Botanic Garden hosts their famous Chocolate Festival. The family-friendly event has tastings, demos, a chocolate fountain, and more.

Art, Garden & Studio Tour – The San Dieguito Art Guild presents its 52nd Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday. The self-guided driving tour is in Encinitas and Carlsbad featuring artists showing and selling their work and free refreshments.

Koi Paint Night – Koi Bar presents its Koi Paint Night with “Bob Ross” Mother’s Day Edition on Friday evening of Mother’s Day weekend. The artist/instructor will help you and Mom create your masterpieces together. Session includes a free Happy Hour drink.

Jazz Brunch at the Abbey – Here’s another extraordinary Mother’s Day Brunch to consider. Held at the historic Abbey on Fifth Avenue downtown, it includes free-flowing mimosas and champagne, a sumptuous brunch buffet, live jazz, and a flower for Mom.

Gator by the Bay – The four-day Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival wraps up on Mother’s Day. There’s a full menu of music with zydeco, blues, Cajun, swing, salsa, country, and jazz There’s dancing, Cajun and Creole food with 10,000 pounds of crawfish, and plenty of family-friendly fun in Point Loma.

inBloom Tea Party – What says tradition better than Mother’s Day tea? inBloom at Flower Hill Promenade hosts a traditional English tea party in Del Mar. You’ll sip tea from fine china and nibble handmade scones, fruit, cookies and finger sandwiches for an elegant experience together.

The Catamaran Spa – Pamper Mom with a spa day at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa in Mission Beach. Build your own spa package from a menu of treatments. Amenities include robe and sandals for the day, relaxation lounge, secluded Mission Bay-view whirlpool, and more.

These are our San Diego Mother’s Day picks, but there are tons of spring activities to choose from for enjoying time with Mom. The Mother’s Day Brunch list alone is nearly endless! Tell us how you like to spend Mother’s Day in America’s Finest City.

10 San Diego Halloween Events from BOOtacular to Supernatural!

The holiday season is upon us, and first up is the scariest of them all, Halloween! Whether you have little trick-or-treaters looking to cash in on their adorable shenanigans, or you’re a costume enthusiast dying to show-off at your favorite Halloween bash, San Diego has something up its wizard’s sleeve for you. From puppet shows to zombie crawls and everything in between, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best Halloween events in October.

Fall decorations at the Old Town in San Diego, California

October in Old Town

Halloween Fun for the Little Ones

Brick-Or-Treat Party Nights at LEGOLAND

This yearly event is back on for the entire month of October at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad. You’ll have loads of family fun when you treat your kids to a night out at the park after dark. Watch live entertainment, participate in costume contests, meet and greet your favorite characters, and so much more. Grab hands on a spook-kooky Ghost Cruise adventure, and enjoy wacky decorations and sweet treats in SEA LIFE aquarium.

Halloween Puppet Show in Balboa Park

Tiny tots will be especially enthralled with the one-of-a-kind puppet show at Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, although it’s designed for kids of all ages. Children get the chance to help Tommy the Ghost who is on the verge of losing his Halloween cred if he can’t figure out how to be scary before Halloween. Bring the family together to help the goofy ghost realize his destiny before the big day! The show plays on several dates in mid-October.

Haunted Birch Aquarium

Get up close and personal with underwater creatures you’ve never seen before at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. You’ll be amazed by glowing beasts of the sea, both large and small during this spookalicious month. Hear ghostly stories of shipwrecks, enjoy live music, and get in on some sticky slime! These are just a few of the BOOtacular activities you’ll enjoy at Birch Aquarium. The whole family, ages two and older, are invited to join a scary good time. The event is on two days in late October, check their online calendar for this year’s dates.

 

Chills and Thrills: Best Museums, Houses, and Hayrides

The Scream Zone

This annual event is the Halloween destination for locals, and therefore should be on your must-do list. Every October, the Del Mar Fairgrounds is transformed into a spine-chilling thrillfest for the entire month. Best suited for teenagers and young adults, you can take a terrifying walk inside the House of Horror, ride through the dark night on the Haunted Hayride, and experience Scream Zone’s latest nerve-racking attraction – KarnEvil. Don’t miss Walking Dead Prison, The Exorcist, and Dusk Till Dawn Bar (21 and up). Check over your shoulder often for Pennywise the Clown; you don’t want him to get his hands on you!

Whaley House

You’ll need to put on your big kid pants for this tour. Whaley House in Old Town San Diego has been deemed the most haunted house in America by Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted, so you can imagine how spooky it feels in October. Get your thrills on a Past & Presence Ghost Tour inside Adobe Chapel, through El Campo Santo Cemetery, and ending in Whaley House, while learning the true and fascinating stories that go along with them. Join the staff at Whaley House for a 90-minute paranormal investigation on select dates, or watch hair-raising Silent Screams suspense and horror classics in San Diego’s first theater. Think you have nerves of steel? Spend Halloween night at Whaley House where historic lighting, period music, and tales of paranormal encounters set the stage for an authentic Halloween ghost encounter of your own.

The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park

Located in San Diego’s vast Balboa Park, a mile-long haunted trail of all trails stretches through gnarled oaks and twisted pine groves and will have you constantly looking over your shoulder. You’ll never know when the next alarming encounter with the supernatural or legendary horror icons will happen on this all outdoor haunted attraction. Will you encounter a Krampus from Stranger Things? Or will Mike Myers, Freddy, and Jason be the ones to get their hands on you? A busful of Ghouls, chainsaw wielding menaces, and the Ring Girl are among the dark presences lurking all around you. Beware, this trail is not for the lilly-livered.

Savage House

This is horror like you’ve never experienced it. Created by a production company, they’ve gone all out to scare the bejesus out of you. Unlike most haunted house attractions, Savage House is an immersive experience where you are part of the horror story-line from ticketing to exit. Expect the heart-stopping feel of a horror movie. If you’re not too weak-kneed to continue on, Savage House Museum offers character and vehicle displays from your favorite horror films, and on particular dates can even meet horror movie celebrities in person.

 

Halloween Bashes, Crawls, and Parties: Adults Only

San Diego Monster Bash

This is by far one of San Diego’s most notorious block parties for Halloween. Located in the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village neighborhoods, guests can enjoy this eerie extravaganza covering more than eight blocks from 6 p.m. to midnight one night only. Meander through five of San Diego’s Mega Clubs, where shocking spectacles meet you at every turn. Booming beats, freaky stages, and an epic costume contest are just a few of the treats on this tricky night. Check their online calendar for this year’s date.

Hallo-wine And Spirits Halloween Party

Have you always wanted to be a vixen or a villain? If the answer is yes, head over to the famous haunted Hotel del Coronado for the 7th annual Hallo-wine and Spirits Party. This spooky spectacle features delicious eats, delightful drinks, and don’t stop till you drop booming music from 7 p.m. to midnight. Let your hair down at this themed event where a few lucky winners will be crowned best costume winners. You’ll also be treated to a few surprise special guest appearances. Check the hotel’s website for this year’s date.

San Diego Zombie Crawl

Known as one of the most unique and progressive Halloween events in San Diego, you’ll get to enjoy visiting over 25 Gaslamp Quarter parties with just one simple ticket. Welcome shots, parking discounts, and various ticket packages are offered to make your night as extreme as you’d like it to be. This twist on a pub crawl is a two-night event from 7 p.m. to midnight. When you can’t decide where to party, this is the solution for you! It’s a perfect way to experience the Halloween festivities the Gaslamp Quarter is known for each year.

The Fun Doesn’t Stop Here

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the San Diego Halloween fun, but it will give you a good start. Other attractions worth mentioning are the Old Town Trolley 90-minute Ghosts and Gravestones Frightseeing Tours, and Haunted Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. Haunted Hotel was named among the top thirteen haunted houses in America by Haunt World Magazine. In fact, it’s so scary that they have a health disclaimer and offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you aren’t ridiculously afraid, good news for you hardcore horror fanatics. Get ticket details from their websites.

Pumpkin patches, Harvest Motel Escape Room, San Diego Art Institute’s Halloween Exhibitions, and Seaworld’s Halloween Spooktacular are a few other spectacular events going on in October. Whether you’re a family with small children, or a young adult looking to dress up and show out, you can easily find a Halloween event that caters to you.