Things to do in San Diego for Pride Day

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
Couple gazing at the sea from San Diego's cliffs

While the rest of the planet celebrates Pride in June, San Diego (contrary as ever) holds its party in July. Why? Well, SoCal’s famous ‘June Gloom’ almost saw the parade rained off completely back in 1990. It was the last straw in a long and bitter weather-based war of attrition, which ultimately led to a permanent shift of date to July’s more reliably clement climes. The result: a far sunnier week-long celebration that pulls in some 300,000 spectators for its climax: the Pride Parade and two-day Balboa Park festival/love-in. Now we’ve cleared that up, read on for our guide to all the best things to do during Pride Week in San Diego.

Pride Week Events

Pride festival 'love is love' placard

July sees San Diego painted all the colors of the rainbow, with flags, bunting and balloons bedecking the streets from Hillcrest to La Jolla. Uptown Hillcrest is the beating heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene and therefore, perhaps unsurprisingly, the epicenter of all the best Pride Week events and activities. We’re talking beer-fueled bacchanalias at the world’s first gay brewery, drag pageants and karaoke nights, and club all-nighters with celeb DJs. Pride Week usually takes place mid-July, with the Parade landing on a Saturday and the festival running through the weekend. Check the official Pride website for info on specific Hillcrest and Pride Week events, and read our guide to fun things to do in Hillcrest here. Don’t miss:

She Fest

This celebratory event kicks off the Pride Week party in earnest, with a colorful Hillcrest shindig that includes live performers, workshops, community-building activities and more.

Spirit of Stonewall Rally

Getting the people parade-ready on the eve of the big march, the Spirit of Stonewall Rally recognizes and honors LGBTQ+ community leaders with a range of awards for achievements in activism, leadership and fundraising, before raising the Hillcrest Pride flag in front of a crowd of thousands.

Pride Parade

Happy revelers at a Pride festival

San Diego’s Pride Parade is one of the biggest in the States, with a 1.5-mile rainbow route that draws around 300,000 cheering spectators. Expect flamboyant floats, outlandish costumes and marching bands as the parade weaves its way from the Hillcrest Pride flag to Balboa Park. The fun starts at 10AM.

Pride Festival

There are four stages of live entertainment at this epic Balboa Park festival, which brings the Pride party to a close with a bang across Parade weekend. This event is ticketed, but relatively cheap, at under $40 for a weekend pass. More info and tickets here.

Pride 5k

And, if all that Pride partying has left you needing to offset the martinis and mimosas with a little light exercise, the Pride 5k may be for you. The annual race takes place at 8AM directly before the Pride Parade and welcomes runners (and walkers) of all abilities. Register to take part here.

LGBTQ+ Attractions in San Diego

The Botanical Building and lily pond in Balboa Park

Not only is San Diego’s epic Balboa Park central to many of the Pride Week celebrations, it’s also at the heart of the city’s cultural scene, with eye-catching Spanish-Colonial architectural gems galore, a Japanese garden, a pavilion, an old-school carousel, and more world-class museums than you can shake a very large stick at. Insta-perfect edifices along the broad El Prado boulevard, including the ornate Casa del Prado and lavish California Building bell tower, are adorned with LGBTQ+ flags and bathed in rainbow light in the evenings, and the park takes on a carnival atmosphere throughout Pride Week. Hit up the San Diego Museum of Art for Pride-affiliated performances (including music, dance, spoken word, visual art) and self-guided tours of celebrated works by LGBTQ+ artists including Berenice Abbott, Jasper Johns and Marsden Hartley. The nearby Museum of Us also usually hosts a Pride party with activities like crafting with drag queens, cookie-decorating contests, and more.

Group of friends drinking beer

Just north of Balboa Park, Hillcrest is of course where it's at for all things LGBTQ+. There’s an LGBTQ+ community center that’s been running a variety of social and cultural programs here since 1971. Then there are the many gay bars, cocktail joints and nightclubs, both here and in the similarly LGBTQ-friendly North Park neighborhood next door. Not to mention the endless cute brunch spots, cool boutiques, and the quite fabulous Hillcrest Brewing Company, self-styled ‘first gay brewery in the world’, with a colorful cast of craft ales that includes its signature Crotch Rocket and hangover-guaranteeing Banana Hammock (10% ABV!).

Mosey over to University Heights to catch queer cabaret shows and more at the Diversionary theater, or take it easy on Black’s Beach, a secluded LGBTQ+ beach beneath the Torrey Pines bluffs, with golden California sands, and epic weekend parties to boot.

Best of the Rest: San Diego’s Top Attractions

Flamingos at San Diego Zoo

Don’t miss the opportunity to check out some of San Diego’s best tours, activities and attractions when you’re in town. You could save up to 50% with a Go San Diego pass, which just happens to include a few of the attractions mentioned in this blog, such as the Museum of Us and the San Diego Museum of Art. It also includes entry to several other San Diego bucket-listers, such as:

  • Meeting the cute (and not so cute) critters at San Diego Zoo
  • Sampling some of that world-famous boysenberry pie (and the rides, of course) at Knott’s Berry Farm
  • Ogling majestic blue whales up close on a whale-watching bay cruise
  • Touring Petco Park, home of the legendary San Diego Padres
  • Topping up your California tan with La Jolla bike, snorkel and surfboard rental
  • Nabbing a selfie with Madonna and Marlene Dietrich at Madame Tussauds
  • Getting spooked at the Whaley House Museum, said to be America’s most haunted house
  • ….and many more!

Find out more about the different types of Go San Diego pass and choose yours here.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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10+ Things to Do in San Diego When it Rains (Popular Indoor Activities)

While San Diego is typically sunny and temperate year-round, it does get its share of rain on occasion. If any of those rainy or gloomy days happen to pop up on your vacation, don’t worry! There are plenty of fun indoor activities and things to do in San Diego when it rains, from museums to aquariums and more. Looking for some fun things to do indoors? Try out some of these: Balboa Park Museums USS Midway Museum Birch Aquarium The New Children’s Museum Museum of Contemporary Art And more! San Diego Air & Space Museum Fans of science, particularly the history of flight, will want to make sure not to miss out on a chance to visit this Balboa Park mainstay. The San Diego Air & Space Museum is one of the country's best, reflecting San Diego’s naval heritage and the important role it plays in the development of flight across the 20th and 21st centuries. Of course, the history of space flight spans much further back than the 1900s – which you’ll learn after a visit to this exciting museum. See the actual balloon flown by the Montgolfier Brothers in 1783, Wright-era aircraft, navy bombers, and even the Apollo XI Space Pen. There’s so much to explore inside this attraction that you’ll forget all about the weather outdoors. San Diego Natural History Museum Another Balboa Park favorite, the Natural History Museum is filled with fascinating exhibits and artifacts. There are five floors filled with dozens of interactive exhibits that house everything from gigantic dinosaur bones to tiny gemstones. You’ll also get the chance to watch a selected film at the museum’s theatre, with films offered on topics such as “Ocean Oasis” and “Wild Africa.” Don’t miss out on the chance to take the whole family here. USS Midway Museum The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and it’s a great rainy day option because you’ll probably beat many crowds by visiting on a less-than-sunny day. The inside of this amazing retired aircraft carrier is fascinating for military buffs of all ages, with areas like crew sleeping quarters and the flight control deck available for touring. Visitors will learn all about the history of this iconic craft and her 50-year service, which spanned several wars and multiple campaigns. Keep in mind that parts of this attraction are outdoors. Birch Aquarium If the animal lovers in your life are down about missing the San Diego Zoo on their rainy day, then be sure to take them to the delightful Birch Aquarium for a chance to encounter some fascinating wildlife. Explore an extensive variety of marine habitats and informative exhibits, including topics like “Boundless Energy,” “Wonders of Water,” and “Live Tide Pools.” There are also exhibits organized around specific types of marine life, such as “There’s Something About Seahorses” and the popular “Hall of Fishes and Shark Reef.” Plus, you’ll get an amazing view of the water from inside the aquarium – a great chance for stunning coastline photos without worrying about getting wet. Fans of the Birch Aquarium may also find the Living Coast Discovery Center of interest, which is located south of San Diego. Fleet Science Center This amazing scientific complex is not to be missed by those with an interest in the natural world or technology. The Fleet Science Center is filled with interactive exhibits, displays, and programs that allow visitors to make the most of their learning experience. Try out the Tinkering Studio for a chance to make your very own great invention, or check out Dream! Design! Build! This exhibition features hands-on building activities to help you dream like a visionary, design like an architect, and build like an engineer. It’s also home to the first IMAX dome theater, so be sure to use that complimentary IMAX ticket that comes with Go City® admission! More Balboa Park Museums Of course, there are plenty more museums in Balboa Park to choose from. Whether you’re interested in the history of human civilization, or just love to look at old cars, there’s something for you to explore. One of our favorites is the San Diego Museum of Us, which provides an excellent study of human history through art, anthropology, archaeology, and much more. Others will get a kick out of the Automotive Museum and the Model Railroad Museum, which are just perfect for collectors and excited kids. The best part is, that a few of them are relatively close together so you aren’t getting soaking in transit. If you’re looking to explore museums that are further apart, take advantage of the free Balboa Park tram to get around. Art Museums If you prefer artwork to automobiles, there are many opportunities for you to enjoy as well. Indulge your creative side with a visit to one of the region’s many art museums. For example, the San Diego Museum of Art is the most traditional, featuring all paintings, sculptures, and craftwork. The Museum of Photographic Arts features some truly compelling examples in this genre. If modern art is more your thing, then a trip to La Jolla is in order to scope out their fantastic contemporary collections. San Diego is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the San Diego Art Institute. New Children’s Museum Families know that sometimes the hardest part of traveling in bad weather with kids is the lack of opportunities for them to get out and burn off some energy. That’s where the New Children's Museum comes in. This exciting and interactive museum offers dozens of exhibits and themed areas for children to explore, climb, play, and create. With a particular focus on the inspiring potential of art, this museum offers plenty of chances for kids to express themselves through creativity, whether that’s by crafting their own sculptures or by participating in guided art-making activities. Whaley House Many visitors forget that San Diego is a city with a ton of history. With American roots stretching back to the mid-nineteenth century, you shouldn’t be surprised to come across historical homes that date back to California’s debut as a state.  That’s why a visit to the lovely Whaley House is in order. Built by San Diego pioneer Thomas Whaley, this house first served as his family home before later being used as a general store, a theater, and even the San Diego County Courthouse.  Mingei International Museum The Mingei International Museum is a globally focused institution that tells the history of humanity’s relationship with art and how artistic works impact culture. You’ll see art and artifacts from around the globe and throughout history, although the collections have particular strengths in African and Japanese art, contemporary American craftwork, and pre-Columbian artifacts.  Of course, with 26,000 objects in their collections, it’s clear that they represent a little bit of just about everything. Quick Rainy Day Recap  So if you’re in search of some ways to spend some time indoors and things to do in San Diego when it rains, we hope we’ve given you plenty of attractions and activities to choose from. There are, of course, plenty of other options too, such as shopping in fun downtown areas like Seaport Village, taking in a theatrical performance, or exploring the local cuisine.  Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Diego must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. ☀️Compare San Diego passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️
Katie Sagal
Parasailing off the cliffs of La Jolla, San Diego
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Adventurous Things to do in San Diego

San Diego is an adrenaline fiend’s playground, a sprawling city of beaches, cliffs, canyons and theme parks that promise all manner of thrills, from century-old wooden rollercoaster rides to paragliding from the bluffs high above La Jolla’s pristine sands. Brace yourself for our pick of the 10 most adventurous things to do in San Diego... Kayak Through the Sea Caves Set sail from La Jolla Shores and paddle your way gently across the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, an astonishing marine reserve with gin-clear waters where you might spot friendly leopard sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, harbor seals and bright orange Garibaldi fish darting under your boat. You’ll soon reach the seven secret sea caves at La Jolla Cove. Steer your kayak inside to follow in the footsteps (boatsteps?) of smugglers who snuck alcohol and opium into San Diego via these same secret passageways during the Prohibition era. Kayaks are available for rent at La Jolla Shores. Ride a 100-Year-Old Rollercoaster Expect thrills galore with a healthy dollop of nostalgia at Belmont Park, an oceanfront fairground that’s been operating at San Diego's Mission Beach since 1925. Amid ultra-modern scream machines that perform high-speed vertical drops and stomach-flipping somersaults you’ll find more sedate old-fashioned amusements such as mini golf, bumper cars and an aerial assault course. The Giant Dipper rollercoaster is the undisputed jewel in the park’s crown. Here since the park opened, this traditional wooden construction provides rickety thrills aplenty along its 2,800 feet of track. Hop aboard, if you’re brave enough. Hit the Surf San Diego’s gentle rolling waves make for ideal surfing conditions, attracting thousands of surfers to its shores every year. Hire a board to give it a go yourself. Sheltered areas at La Jolla Shores and Pacific Beach are particularly forgiving for newbies, and your inevitable first wipeout should be considered a rite of passage. But, if a mouthful of sand and seawater is enough to confirm that surfing isn’t for you, look on the bright side: you can always plonk your board upright in the sand and use it as a sunshade while you admire the views. Brave California’s Longest Zipline Thrillseekers rejoice! For here’s an extreme sport that will really get the adrenaline pumping. Set in an Indian reservation north of the city in the verdant Pauma Valley, the La Jolla Zip Zoom boasts the longest zipline in California. Here, brave souls can soar high over canyons, forest canopies and the San Luis Rey River at speeds reaching up to 50mph. There’s over 6,000 feet of ziplines to whiz down across the whole reservation, with the longest a whopping 2,500 feet. Not for the faint of heart. Lace up your Boots San Diego’s unique landscape makes for some excellent walking opportunities. Hit the hiking trail through Torrey Pines Nature Reserve, 2,000 acres of rugged cliffs and wild plateaus named for the endangered Torrey pine, which is unique to this reserve. You’ll also find colorful wildflowers, towering cacti and monolithic rock formations; maybe even the occasional cheeky raccoon or lizard. Head to Yucca Point Overlook for fine views across the La Jolla bluffs to the golden beaches and shimmering ocean below. There are also guided tours available at Mission Trails Regional Park and Tecolote Canyon. Rent a Jet Ski Do you feel the need... the need for speed? Tear up the waters of San Diego Bay on a Yamaha Waverunner jet ski ride against the picturesque backdrop of the Downtown skyline. These streamlined dream machines can reach speeds of up to 65mph so you can visit bay attractions including the USS Midway aircraft carrier, Shelter Island and the curvaceous Coronado Bridge in no time at all. Keep your eyes peeled for playful seals and dolphins frolicking in the surf and maybe even racing alongside you! Leap off La Jolla’s Cliffs San Diego activities don’t come much more adventurous than leaping into the unknown on a paragliding experience from the cliffs at Torrey Pines. Take a tandem ride from the Gliderport here and let your expert guide do all the hard work while you admire sweeping views of the coastal bluffs and spot leopard sharks cruising the clear waters below. Top tip: paragliding is also a mesmerizing spectator sport, so those without a head for heights can simply bring along a picnic and enjoy the colorful spectacle from terra firma. Have a Whale of a Time San Diego is prime whale-watching territory, with majestic blue whales often spotted off the coast in summer and fall, and gray whales migrating to and from the warm lagoons of Baja en masse for calving season in winter and spring. Get up close to these magnificent creatures on a boat tour. If you’re lucky you might even spot a mother swimming with her calf, or get close enough to feel the sea spray from a blowhole or disappearing tail fin. Dozens of trips depart daily from Downtown and Mission Bay, with many guaranteeing a refund if you fail to see anything. Sample Unusual Beers San Diego is the craft beer capital of the USA, with dozens of microbreweries concocting weird and wonderful beverages for your delectation, and taprooms on nearly every street corner. It would be simply remiss not to sample a few while you’re here. Head to Hillcrest Brewing for unusual brews including Crotch Rocket Irish Style Red Ale and Banana Hammock Scotch Ale. And stagger on down to North Park for a punchy, hazy Technomancer at Modern Times’ taproom, known locally as ‘the Flavordome’. Major beer festivals hit town in June, October and November, when sampling the gamut of beers, from stouts to sours and frothy IPAs to flavored brews, is positively encouraged. Go Ghost-Hunting Here’s a way to increase your heart rate without going to the extreme lengths of e.g. jumping off a cliff strapped to a man with a big parachute. Once described by LIFE magazine as ‘the most haunted house in America’, The Whaley House in San Diego’s Old Town has seen its fair share of grisly deaths over the years and was reputedly built on the site of a former gallows. Eek. Scare yourself silly on one of the museum’s spooky evening tours – if you dare. Save on adventurous things to do in San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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