10 Things to Do in San Diego in Winter

San Diego is a subtropical city in California, located on the coast. As such, winters, which run from December to March, tend to be mild with mild temperatures ranging from 10° to 21°, with January being the coldest month. Snowfall is not as common in flat areas, but you can experience it if you decide to go up into the mountains.

During this season you can take advantage of some of the best things to do in San Diego, as there are a variety of festivals with entertainment options for the whole family. You can also take a whale watching cruise, visit a cave by the sea, stroll along Historic Highway 101, enjoy a bonfire or celebrate Valentine's Day.

If you take one of the best cruises in San Diego, you may be able to encounter a pod of whales. This activity is usually very popular between spring and fall, but in winter you are guaranteed to see this natural spectacle. You can go on your own, or opt for a guided experience.

This is an ideal activity if you are looking for things to do with kids in San Diego, as they will enjoy the experience of meeting marine animals and learning about their history. Generally, you will find cruises from 76 €.

Usually, this kind of tours are done in a completely safe sailboat, designed to protect the whales. Also, the motto of some San Diego tours is that if you don't see the whales, you can try again free of charge. From December to April, the migratory gray whale, a unique species that often plays in the water with its pod, is usually around. On the other hand, from May to September the blue whale, which is the largest whale on the planet, cruises around.

One of the best things to do in San Diego, the San Diego Trolley is a mind-blowing experience ideal for all ages. It is very easy to use and passes are available for one or two days, so it is an experience that fits any itinerary. The approximate cost starts from 46 € and you can hop on and off wherever and whenever you want. If you want to take the full non-stop tour, you will need at least two hours.

It has an ideal route if you are planning to visit San Diego in 3 days, as you will be able to see the city at your own pace and in a short time. It is a popular attraction, so I suggest you book in advance. Some of the sites you will see are Old Town, the Embarcadero, the Gaslamp Quarter and more. It's ideal in winter, as it covers major winter and Christmas event routes, such as the Chula Night Lights or the La Jolla Christmas stop.

With your ticket you can get free access to other attractions, such as the best museums in San Diego that include. It usually has eleven stops and passes through the Logan neighborhood, where there is a multicultural population of Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, African-Americans and other groups.

Visiting La Jolla Cave is one of the best things to do in San Diego during the winter, as there are fewer tourists and you're likely to see gray whales. To get to this marine trench, you must descend 145 steps to the mouth of the ocean. It is a fun excursion, but requires some physical ability. Many pirate legends were born here, as there are other small caves a few meters away.

Generally, the normal price for this type of tour is around 87 €, but you can access the activity by booking a tourist pass such as the San Diego Explorer Pass. All you have to do is make a reservation in advance and show your ticket when you get into the kayak. You can also snorkel and scuba dive to see fish, sea lions, seals and other marine life.

If you are looking for things to do in San Diego in February, you can't miss the traditions and celebrations of Valentine's Day. It is a special and romantic date, ideal to share as a couple or with friends. There are events in the ports, as well as cruises along the California coast. Some of the activities you can take advantage of are:

• Romantic dinner cruise: to celebrate love and life, you can set sail on the Pacific Ocean and enjoy a dinner under the stars. There are cruises that offer private tables for a more special evening.
• Pedal boat ride: if you want a romantic evening, you can rent a pedal boat and sail around the bay making stops at the most beautiful places.
• Winetasting in a vineyard: wine cannot be missing in a romantic celebration, so you can take advantage of a trip to the local vineyards to learn about history and culture. In addition, you will taste wines and foods unique to the region.

The California Coast only has snow on the highest parts of the mountains, but that doesn't stop the locals from spending a winter on ice. If you are looking for things to do in San Diego with kids, you can try an ice skating experience.

Usually, at this time of year you can take advantage of some of the things to do in San Diego for Christmas. From the beginning, the Christmas spirit arrives to the city and the events are dressed with decorations, lights and joy. Some of the tracks I recommend you to visit in winter are:

• Liberty Station Rink: Liberty is a neighborhood full of events ideal for making the most of winter. You'll find an ice rink surrounded by flea markets, as well as live music and Nutcracker shows. It is open between December and January, the price per person starts at 11 €.
• Viejas Casino and Resort: it is a rink located in a hotel in southern California, in the Alpine area, thirty minutes from downtown. It is ideal for sliding on the ice for about 16 €. You can also take advantage of the flea market, the outlet, and the light shows in December.
• Hotel Coronado: it is a beachfront rink, so it is one of the busiest in San Diego. Tickets sell out quickly around the winter season, so I suggest you book in advance. Near the rink there are places to eat, usually in winter there are bonfires in front of the ocean.

On the outskirts of the city you will find some great places to unwind, ideal for getting a panoramic view of the city. You can't miss the wind against your face on the curves of Historic Highway 101. Plus, the mountains are a must-see if you're looking for things to do in San Diego in December, as the altitude makes it easy to find snowfall.

Historic Highway 101 Tour

Historic Highway or U.S. Route 101 offers scenic views of the coastline as well as San Diego's best beaches. It is ideal for stops at beautiful sites such as La Jolla Harbor and Oceanside. In addition, it takes you to eclectic communities that hide mythical treasures and houses dating back to 1800.

This road connects the city with Los Angeles and San Francisco, an ideal option if you are planning to visit San Diego in 5 days and want to organize a getaway to nearby areas. It is a route that I recommend you do by car or with a guided tour, important scenes of series and movies were filmed here, so it will probably look familiar to you.

In winter it is a fun stop, as there are beach towns everywhere, where special events are organized, such as the San Diego County Winter Fair where there is a craft beer contest, bonfires, live music and fireworks shows.

Hiking in the Mountains

In the mountains of San Diego you can see small or large snowfalls, depending on the altitude at which you are. I recommend hiking or biking in the Cleveland National Forest located about an hour from downtown on Interstate 8.

There are cabins and recreational areas to rest, as well as park rangers. It is an ideal plan for all ages, from here you can see the sea and feel the cool and pleasant breeze of winter. In fact, during this season there are many cycling events. Other places where you can enjoy the day outdoors are:

• Mission Bay Trails National Park: it is a free park ideal if you are looking for things to do in San Diego at night, as they are short and well-lit trails. Along the way you will see many Kumeyaay Indian buildings and Cowles Mountain which offers views of the Mississippi.
• Balboa Park: has flat trails as well as hills with challenging descents. It is ideal for strolling through the heart of the city, in winter there are organized hikes and obstacle courses.

In winter, many species of birds make their migratory passage through the skies of the Californian coast. In fact, between February and March, the San Diego Bird Festival is held to promote respect for the habitats of the different species. During this event, tours are offered to the coasts, fields and mountains of the area, to get the best photographs.

Many activities are free and allow you to connect with nature. Generally, you will have professional guides who will lead you to the Cuyamaca Mountains which are located one hour from downtown and is an impressive peak in winter. You can also venture out on a tour of the San Diego Zoo to learn about bird preservation.

If you plan to visit San Diego in 7 days, keep in mind that in winter there are other birding options in the city. For example, you can take advantage of the winter carnivals that include bird watching and Mexican kite making.

Winter is a special season, with cool mornings and warm evenings. To escape the cold, winter festivals are organized with lots of fun activities. Plus, San Diego is a multicultural city, so you'll find a variety of traditions.

Poway Winter Festival

If you're looking for things to do in San Diego in January, you have to take advantage of the Poway Winter Festival. It's one of the most fun free activities in the winter, as it offers a different concept.

Usually, due to the coastal location, winters are mild, dry and snow-free (unless you escape to the mountains). To enhance the season, the Poway Winter Festival brings snow to rural San Diego, where you can play and sled. You'll also have a chance to ice skate and warm up by the campfire.

San Diego's China Taste Festival

Due to the diversity of cultures and ethnicities in the region, you will find interesting activities in San Diego. The China Taste Festival or Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair is a free event, which usually takes place in February. Each year the theme varies according to the animal that represents the Chinese horoscope.

During this event you can enjoy martial arts demonstrations, traditional dances, acrobatics, parades and gastronomic tastings. It is an event where you will have such a good time that you will want to go to every available date, so it is ideal if you are thinking of spending 5 days in San Diego.

San Diego Tea Festival

The Tét Festival is a free winter event, ideal if you're planning things to do in San Diego in February. It features family activities, live shows, food tastings, Christmas and winter markets.

It is ideal if you want to visit San Diego in 3 days, as this is usually the estimated duration of the event. This celebration comes from Vietnam, so it fuses two cultures. You will see Vietnamese-style beauty pageants, traditional dances, fireworks shows and much more. To get there, head to Mira Mesa Community Park on New Salem Street.

To keep warm, bonfires are held on San Diego's best beaches. This activity is also part of the city's festivals, fairs and cultural events. It is ideal for tasting marshmallows and hot chocolate, while enjoying the view.

Bonfires are a fun experience, however avoid organizing them on your own. The San Diego government prohibits bonfires on the beaches to prevent accidents and pollution. Only authorized event organizers can plan this activity.

To enjoy an authentic snowfall in San Diego, you just have to climb to the top of Mount Laguna. It is located between Tijuana and California, about 50 minutes from downtown. You can sled down the slopes and take advantage of the piles of snow. If you want to build snowmen, this area is ideal for that.

It's a great option if you're planning things to do in San Diego with kids, as there are snowball tournaments for family fun. Keep in mind that it is preferable to opt for a guided tour, especially if you don't know the area. Also, to get to the mountain it is important to have good weather conditions. It is not recommended to take this adventure during snowstorms.