Known as the Smithsonian of the West, Balboa Park hosts an incredible concentration of arts and culture offerings including 17 museums and performing arts venues. San Diego is also home to two Tony® Award-winning theaters, historic sites, public art, music venues, dance performances, film festivals, galleries, missions and much more to explore.
Get ready to enjoy more than 70 museums for 50% off regular admission during San Diego Museum Month, all February long! Just pick up your free passes online or at any of 80-plus area libraries and start exploring San Diego's incredible wealth of museums, historic sites, aquariums and more.
A San Diego sport fishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sport fishing. Signaling the official start of Southern California’s spring saltwater fishing season, Day At The Docks takes place on Sunday, April 13, 2025 against the colorful and dynamic backdrop of world renown sport fishing fleet on San Diego Bay.
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Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival
May 8 - May 11, 2025
The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco, this 4-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts & performances on 7 stages, wooden dance floors, shade, green grass and plenty of fun for the kids.
Come for the music, stay for the food. Gator By The Bay’s mouthwatering French Quarter Food Court is what foodie dreams are made of. Check off every box on your bayou-inspired culinary bucket list and chow down on authentic Cajun, Creole and Southern culinary delights, including gumbo, jambalaya, beignets and 10,000 pounds of crawfish brought directly from Louisiana. Gator By The Bay is Mardi Gras in May
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Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival
May 16 - May 18, 2025
A highly-anticipated 7+ stage, 80+ bands, 3-day music, culinary and arts festival will descend upon the stunning waterfront of downtown San Diego all along the Embarcadero. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village and plenty of local flavors. Wonderfront festival’s re-entry policy encourages festival-goers to customize their weekend experience and truly integrates the city into the fabric of the festival.
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St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
Mar 15, 2025
The Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival will be held on March 15, 2025 (rain or shine). Parade Chairman Sean Walsh is excited to celebrate three very important parts of our Irish community here in San Diego: Celtic Culture, Commerce, and Community.
Purchase general admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego and add a 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Cruise for only $10 more!
MOST DAYS. SCHEDULE MAY VARY Daily tours at 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m.,...
Join the Maritime Museum of San Diego Sail Crew for a 4-hour sail aboard the state tall ship Californian or the 16th-century Spanish galleon San Salvador and save $10.00 with this promo code...
Join us at the Maritime Museum of San Diego for a high-speed 75-minute narrated Naval History Tour!
The US Naval Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift Boat Listed In National Register Of Historic Places is...
Where to explore arts, culture and more after dark
San Diego’s museums and arts and culture hotspots offer an inviting array of nighttime programs, concerts, events, films, exhibitions and more, from Liberty Station to Balboa Park, La Jolla, Old Town and Carlsbad. Here’s a look at how to enjoy San Diego’s cultural scene after dark.
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Galleries & Museums
7 San Diego Hispanic Heritage Experiences
A city rich with authentic cultural opportunities
Embark on an immersive exploration of how Hispanic and Latin culture help shape San Diego, with vibrant, colorful art, traditional cuisine and more.
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Biking
A Bike Trek through Balboa Park Neighborhoods
San Diego's "Central Park" gem
This jaunt is called the Tweed Ride and covers around 14 miles through Balboa Park, Hillcrest, University Heights, North Park and South Park.
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Festivals
Lights, Camera, Action!
San Diego film festivals not to miss
Film lovers can find a festival or a movie screening catering to their tastes almost every weekend of the year in San Diego. Hundreds of movies are shown at festivals, showcasing the best cinema from around the world.
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