10 Things to Do in San Diego in January

With plenty of sunshine and a mild climate, this Californian city is a great winter destination, so in January the list of best things to do in San Diego is quite varied.

You can join the Sesame Street parade with all the friends of the famous yellow bird, taste up to 200 types of beer at the San Diego Brew Fest, go whale watching, participate in the San Diego Parade of Lights or witness the rising surfers at the most famous youth championship on the coast. In this article you will find a top of the must-see things to do in San Diego in January.

After the New Year's greeting, next on the list that paralyzes the city of San Diego is the WSL Junior Championship. This is a sporting event that brings together up-and-coming surfers who will compete for a shot at surfing immortality and a wildcard to the upcoming Challenger Series, a stepping stone to the elite WSL Championship Tour.

During the first two weeks of January millions of people gather around San Diego's best beaches north of the city. Among these beaches is La Jolla, where you can also sign up for activities such as surf lessons, snorkeling, kayaking and even a jet ski ride. Best of all, these are some of the activities included when you buy the San Diego Explorer Pass.

Want to live an unforgettable experience in San Diego during the month of January?Book a whale watching cruise during the best time of the year! It will be a 2-4 hour tour along the coast where you will learn details about these crustaceans while witnessing them live.

During the winter season about 20,000 gray whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Baja California. It's the perfect time to sign up for San Diego's best cruises. During their incredible round-trip journey of approximately 10,000 miles, these whales give birth off the coast of the city. You can't miss this spectacle!

If you prefer a free option, you can visit the San Diego Birch Aquarium, another attraction included in the San Diego Explorer Pass. And if you feel like watching them with your binoculars, you can also go to the Cabrillo National Monument.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is an annual event in which some 80 boats decorated with lights sail the bay on two consecutive Sundays in December. However, the awards ceremony is held in January, often on the second Sunday of the month. And just like the parade, the event is to the delight of adults and children.

This ceremony usually brings together some 100,000 spectators and the decorated boats. The best places to enjoy the awards are: the San Diego Maritime Museum, the pier and aboard a San Diego Harbor Cruise to see the participating boats up close, as well as, the bay in full.

This activity is free and is usually combined with fairs and other entertainment organized by a wide group of sponsors to ensure family enjoyment.

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at SeaWorld San Diego? In January you have the perfect opportunity to answer that question. When you buy SeaWorld tickets, you can immerse yourself in the exciting behind-the-scenes marine world and find out what it takes to keep this prestigious zoological institution running.

Listen to the anecdotes of the keepers as they guide you through their daily tasks. Imagine exploring the secrets behind the care of magnificent orcas, playful dolphins and sharks, among 40,000 other rescued animals. See up close how these dedicated people care for and protect sea creatures during your interactive tour.

For 3 days in January, you can choose the date that best fits your itinerary. Join the behind-the-scenes adventure at SeaWorld and take home unforgettable memories. Plus, this is one of the activities included in the San Diego Explorer Pass, so you can take advantage of the best price while contributing to a noble cause. For details on the event, you can visit the park's website.

If you are looking for a special date to follow the best gastronomic routes in San Diego, you should know that in January and September San Diego Restaurant Week is celebrated, the best time to enjoy the culinary art in these Californian lands.

This annual event, organized by the California Restaurant Association, brings together more than 150 restaurants in some 20 neighborhoods of the city, just imagine, eight days of pure gastronomic enjoyment! With so much variety you're sure to find the perfect place to satisfy any craving you may have. Once you have selected the restaurant of your choice, you will not need to purchase tickets, but reservations are recommended.

What will be offered during the event? Participating restaurants will offer dinner menus, generally three-course meals, starting at only 20 euros, with simple options up to exquisite 5-star meals. In addition, you can organize the restaurants by areas, for example, book a gastronomic tour of the Gaslamp Quarter, one of the most famous, where you will find about a dozen places included in the route.

This activity is perfect for those who want to know San Diego in 7 days or less, because in addition to historical facts, walks along the beaches and parks, you can taste the international cuisine in the best local style.

Because the holiday season extends into January at San Diego's Sesame Street Park, the favorite characters bring their multi-colored characters to the streets and host a themed parade titled A Very Furry Christmas. The event has become a tradition and week after week features special activities.

The space is transformed into a winter wonderland full of magic and seasonal surprises. Visitors will enjoy Christmas shows, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party and exciting attractions.

On the other hand, there will also be games, special items and the chance to have your picture taken with Sesame Street friends dressed in their finery. If you are visiting San Diego for at least 5 days and you have your kids with you, it is worth dedicating a day to this activity. Where is the event? At Sesame Place San Diego 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista. Visit their website for more information about the event.

The premise already draws an almost impossible imprint, however, the iconic Hotel del Coronado brings this event to you. Skate on ice by the sea in January in San Diego with Skating by the Sea!

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic ocean views as you skate over the marina and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach as a backdrop. Whether you are an experienced skater or just taking your first steps on the ice, this activity is perfect for all ages. You can enjoy the winter magic while exploring San Diego in an original way.

Skate alone, with friends or with your family and immerse yourself in the joy of this unique experience that combines winter with the coastal charm of San Diego. Where is the appointment? At the Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave Coronado. You can sign up for this activity in the afternoon or schedule it among your things to do in San Diego at night. Visit their website and find out the details.

This is one of the best things to do in San Diego in winter. This festival has two editions to celebrate the city's growing beer scene with tastings of local and national craft beers.

The first annual gathering takes place in January to kick off the year by exploring the flavors of some 200 types of beers offered by more than 60 breweries. Plus, for a good time with friends, about a dozen food trucks are available, while emerging bands liven up the music scene in the vicinity of NTC Park, better known as Liberty Station.

Importantly, the San Diego Brew Fest is an adult-only event where you meet the brewmasters and learn about the brewing process. Don't miss the opportunity to sample some of the world's best beers in a fun and festive atmosphere!

Every January 15, Dr. King's legacy and accomplishments are honored. To do so, a huge parade is organized, filled with joy, music and celebration. You can join the local community in a festive atmosphere while honoring the struggle for civil rights.

During the parade hundreds of people parade through the main streets of San Diego including North Harbor Drive on the Embarcadero. It features floats, dance groups, marching bands and more. It is one of the things to do in San Diego with kids to learn about the history of equality and justice in the United States in a fun and educational way.

Attending the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade is an experience not to be missed. No matter your age or background, this event will leave you with a sense of unity and hope. For the event's schedule and location, you can visit their website.

Get caught up in the vibrant world of contemporary music at the soundON Festival in San Diego! Organized by San Diego New Music and the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, this January event offers an avant-garde musical experience you won't want to miss.

The soundON Festival, formerly known as the soundON Festival of Modern Music, takes you on a sonic journey through the frontiers of contemporary music from around the world. From emerging voices to renowned international composers, this festival highlights the diversity and innovation in today's music scene.

At this event, you can explore an eclectic collection of boundary-defying compositions, while being invited to discover new ways to experience and appreciate contemporary music. The roster of past artists includes names from all corners of the globe, such as Uri Kochavi (Israel), Yu Kuwabara (Japan), João Pedro Oliveira (Portugal), Alyssa Aska (Austria), D. Edward Davis (USA) and Peter Hager (Philippines), to name a few.

On the other hand, you also have the works on the boards, which range from imperfection to chimerical adaptation to tension to a cautious return to the beauty of the world. So, if you're looking for a unique cultural experience in January in San Diego, the soundON Festival is definitely a must-see. Where's the date? Usually at the Athenaeum in La Jolla. Check out their annual schedule of events for details.

Get caught up in the energy of California's seventh art during the month of January with the San Diego Black Film Festival! This exciting event celebrates diversity and creativity in the film industry by presenting a variety of outstanding films that celebrate the community of African descent. Enjoy a unique cinematic experience while exploring a wide range of genres, from poignant dramas to comedies and indie cinema.

The festival offers a platform for talented directors, screenwriters and actors, providing a fresh vision, told from diverse perspectives. Whether you're a film lover or simply looking for an entertaining way to pass the time, this festival is ideal for discovering new voices and perspectives on the big screen.

When is the date? The last week of January, however, the event runs through the first days of February. Don't miss the opportunity to see the opening of the San Diego Black Film Festival and all they have to offer. Visit their website and check out the film schedule.

Get ready for the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego! This exciting PGA TOUR tournament occurs annually at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, where the U.S. Open was held in 2008 and 2021.

Mark your calendar, as this must-see event returns with a bang every January. Join golf fans for an unparalleled social and sporting experience at one of the most iconic courses. Enjoy breathtaking views, world-class golf and the vibrant atmosphere of Torrey Pines. Golf lovers and social event enthusiasts won't want to miss this highlight on San Diego's January calendar.