What's New in San Diego?

From landmark attractions and concerts to special events, San Diego in 2019 is hopping. There's plenty to keep you busy, whatever time of year you visit. Here's our top pick of attractions, events, and new openings in San Diego for 2019...

S'mores at San Diego Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side at the San Diego Zoo. Come face-to-face with cheetahs, leopards, Arctic foxes, bonobos, elephants, giraffes, and much more. Hop on a double-decker bus for a tour or take the SkyFari aerial tram to see the animals over the treetops. There’s even a daily animal show that’s fun for everyone. And if you get hungry, you can enjoy some casual dining at the Safari Kitchen, The Front Street Cafe, or the San Diego Zoo Sandwich. If you're visiting over April, enjoy the family-friendly Yaycation events which include special shows, treasure hunts, and a visit from the Easter bunny. You can also dig in to limited-edition seasonal treats which include s'mores sundaes, chubby unicorn funnel cakes, spring safari chicken sandwiches, and much more - yum! Don't miss the chance to see San Diego's resident Giant pandas - Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu - before they leave for their ancestral home at the end of April, too.

NEW rollercoaster at SeaWorld San Diego

Put SeaWorld San Diego on your bucket list for 2019. Here, you can interact with white beluga whales, penguins, and dolphins. You can even feed the sea lions. The stellar line-up of rides and attractions includes the Sea Dragon Drop, the Tentacle Twirl, Aqua Scout, and Octarock, to name a few. New at SeaWorld San Diego for 2019 is the Tidal Twister rollercoaster, which will be opening in May. This dueling rollercoaster reaches speeds of up to 30 mph and spins riders through the air as if they're riding the tide. On the weekends through April 28, there’s international food, live entertainment, and craft beers on offer at the Seven Seas Festival. On the weekends May 4th through 19th and June 1st through 2nd, there’s Latin cuisine and Latin music at the family-friendly Viva la Música event.

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum in downtown San Diego is an adventure for history buffs. There are more than 30 restored aircraft to explore, along with plenty of aviation-themed exhibits. Take a tour of the captain’s and admiral’s ships while discovering the spaces where the crew lived and worked. Or, hop aboard the USS Midway and try out the flight simulator if you fancy getting in on the action - engage the enemy and return back home safe. If you're visiting over summer, join the museum in its July 4th celebration. The huge party lines up fireworks, live entertainment, and savory American concessions.

San Diego Concerts

Gear up for great tunes in San Diego in 2019. Shawn Mendez will be playing at the Pechanga Arena in July and Paul McCartney will put on a great show at Petco Park on June 22nd. Other noteworthy performers include Carrie Underwood, John Mayer, and David Archuleta.

San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair draws thousands every year. This fair runs from May 31 to July 4th and this year the theme is “The Wizard of Oz.” The fairgrounds will be decked out like the Emerald City featuring an actual yellow brick road. And there will be plenty of other celebrities there besides the Wicked Witch of the West. Tobey Keith, Smokey Robinson and Air Supply are just a few of the musicians who will be making appearances. Plus, there are many fun rides like Sky Ride, Wonders Express and High Voltage.

The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival

This fun event starts on November 17th and ends on November 24th. It’s a popular festival with gorgeous sailboats in the background of the sandy beach. There are hundreds of international and domestic wineries, plus beer and spirits, to quench your thirst, and the Grand Tasting Finale on the amazing Embarcadero. Keep your eyes peeled for an A-list spotting as celebrities flock to the event too.

San Diego Comic-Con International

There’s always a huge turnout for the San Diego Comic-Con International, which runs from July 18 to July 21. It’s a pop culture extravaganza. There’s a giant Exhibit Hall, film screenings, a masquerade costume competition, an art show, anime and much more. Join in the fun at this much-loved event.

The Rhythm and Brews Music and Craft Beer Festival

Celebrate the pairing of live music and craft beer at this festival on May 4th. Join fellow craft beer lovers with an opportunity to sample 100+ beers. Plus, there’s delicious culinary treats from local eateries and live musical performances. This annual spring festival starts at 1 pm and ends at 4 pm.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing Season

This racing season starts on July 17th and runs through September 2nd, and events take place at the Del Mar Racetrack. Be a part of this long-time horse racing tradition that goes way back to 1937 when Bing Crosby was there. That’s when Seabiscuit won the race. There are plenty of well-known jockeys, trainers, and the country’s top racehorses to see in this historic event. With so many events in San Diego, you never have to worry about what to do in the Californian city. If you’re thinking of jumping into the fun, be sure to get a Go San Diego pass and make the most of the attraction discounts compared to normal gate prices.

Share your adventure with us

Don’t forget to tag us when you upload photos from your trip to Instagram @GoCity or #GoCity. We love to feature your amazing snaps on our social media pages.