Situated along the sun-kissed shores of Southern California, San Diego emerges as a vibrant coastal gem, where the allure of Pacific waves meets the dynamic pulse of a diverse urban landscape. Known for its year-round temperate climate and laid-back charm, America’s Finest City seamlessly blends a rich tapestry of cultures, stunning natural beauty, and a myriad of attractions.
From the iconic skyline to the bustling waterfront, San Diego captivates visitors with its eclectic neighborhoods, world-class dining and a palpable sense of adventure. Whether exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter, relaxing on pristine beaches, or immersing oneself in the captivating history of Balboa Park, San Diego beckons with an irresistible blend of relaxation and excitement, making it a quintessential destination on the West Coast.
Spring will bring more than just fragrant blossoms to the city. New attractions, events, celebrations and restaurants will give locals and visitors even more reason to get out and explore this stunning So Cal playground.
LEGOLAND California
Gearing up to celebrate its 25th birthday (aka “brickday”), the beloved kiddie park will introduce Dino Valley, a new land with three rides, a wholly transformed dino-dig space, and character meet and greets this spring.
New attractions include DUPLO Little Dino Trail, Explorer River Quest, and Coastersaurus.
SeaWorld San Diego
This animal-focused marine mammal park invites guests to experience the world of jellyfish in a new and interactive way with the debut of “Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience” this spring. Visitors can see striking habitats, from one of the largest jelly cylinders in the country to an iconic walk-through arch and a giant viewing wall.
World Design Festival
San Diego and Tijuana have been named the 2024 World Design Capital. This distinction gives a platform to and celebrates the cities’ contributions to art and design. From May 1-5, 2024, The World Design Festival will take place in Tijuana.
The festival will engage the cross-border community and international visitors to experience design in Tijuana through multiple programmatic activities, which include lectures, design exhibitions, public design workshops and design studio open houses.
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina
Anyone who’s ever stayed at this hotel knows the benefits of its prime location. It’s just minutes from the airport and offers stunning waterfront and downtown skyline views.
The hotel is currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation of its Marina Tower. The redesign focuses on the hotel’s public spaces, guest rooms, and suites. The resort will also welcome four new food and beverage concepts: Rumorosa, a Cali-Baja-inspired dining outlet, the first San Diego Brewery X location, Sunglow harborside bar and cabana club, and Strada, a casual grab-and-go eatery.
Japanese Friendship Garden
Located in picturesque Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum represents the close relationship between San Diego and its sister city of Yokohama, Japan.
The friendship garden is considered in Japanese culture to be a living work of art and designed to present an atmosphere of elegant simplicity and beauty. From March 7 through 10, 2024, the garden will celebrate the annual tradition of Hanami with the 2024 Cherry Blossom Festival, hosting a variety of daily performances and fun activities for the entire family, including taiko drummers and a cosplay contest.
Visitors will be able to stroll the upper and lower gardens to experience the various features of the property and enjoy the beauty of the blossoming Cherry Blossom Trees.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Celebrating its 150th birthday in 2024, the museum is offering free, one-time admission during the visitor’s birthday month.
In addition, the museum is opening a new outdoor nature trail this spring, showcasing varietals of beneficial plants native to the San Diego and Baja, California regions.
The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center
The NTC Foundation and Cygnet Theatre recently broke ground in the Liberty Station’s Art District for the new theatre which will open in spring 2025. The 289-seat proscenium theatre and 150-seat flexible studio area will include state-of-the-art back-of-house support spaces such as dressing rooms, two green rooms, a costume shop, dedicated rehearsal and orchestra spaces and more.
Wildflour Liberty Station
Award-winning chef Phillip Esteban is adding to his growing list of fast-casual restaurants with the opening of the long-awaited Wildflour in Liberty Station this spring.
Influenced by minimalist bakeries, hustling and bustling deli services from around the world and integrating a mix of Southern California vibes, Wildflour will offer an all-day menu for a casual sit-down or takeout experience. From its namesake in the Philippines, the restaurant will focus on local ingredients, seafood and provisions.
Whaling Bar
Following a 10-year closure, the iconic bar at La Jolla’s classic waterfront hotel La Valencia has reopened to the delight of locals and visitors alike.
The nautical-themed cocktail lounge opened in 1949 and regularly played host to star-studded parties and notable regulars, including Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), novelist Raymond Chandler, Hollywood luminary and founder of the La Jolla Playhouse’s famed summer theatre, Gregory Peck, and actors Robin Williams and Tom Hanks.
Lafayette Hotel’s Lou Lou’s Jungle Bar
San Diego’s historic hotel revealed the latest of its transformation with the addition of Lou Lou’s Jungle Bar. The bar brings a New York jazz nightclub atmosphere and live music to the historic clam shell stage, as well as prix fixe dining and elevated craft cocktails.
The property is also set to debut Le Horse, a luxurious European-style restaurant that will pay homage to early 20th-century hotel fine dining in later spring 2024.
San Diego International Airport
As renovations continue at this airline hub, aviation analytics specialist, Cirium, ranked the San Diego International Airport among the most punctual in the world.
Additionally, the travel website Upgraded Points analyzed 50 of the busiest airports and named San Diego the No. 1 best U.S. airport for a layover thanks to its plentiful lounges.
The airport will welcome Breeze Airways this spring offering five new flight options in and out of San Diego. Starting in late April, the airline will offer nonstop flights to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, followed by Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
International airlines have recently announced their spring operating schedules for the San Diego International Airport. British Airways stated that they plan to increase flights to twice daily to accommodate the rising number of travelers.
Lufthansa and JapanAir will continue their current operation of five and four weekly flights, respectively. Both Air Canada and EasyJet have announced tentative schedules with near-daily service for various cities.
