New Years Eve in San Diego

Heading to San Diego for New Year's Eve? Good choice.

Published: July 18, 2024
New Years Eve in San Diego

So, without further ado, let's explore the very best of New Year's Eve in San Diego!

Including:

  • San Diego New Year's Eve Fireworks
  • New Year's Eve at Tower 23
  • New Years' Eve Gala
  • NYE Beach Party
  • and more!

San Diego New Year's Eve Fireworks

New Years Eve in San Diego

Folks like a fireworks display to see in the New Year with a bang. And if you're in San Diego on New Year's Eve, you're in luck. They have their own awe-inspiring display of loud, colorful goodness for you to enjoy.

It's free to 'get in', as the display erupts over the city's Downtown district. But if you want to know which spots offer top viewing, head to Embarcadero Marina Park South to beat the crowds. There, you'll enjoy an unimpeded view of the fiery proceedings.

 

New Year's Eve at Tower 23

New Years Eve in San Diego

Want to party by the beach but don't like sand? After all, it's coarse, rough, irritating, and it gets everywhere. Well, why not party by the sand at Tower 23 - a monster hotel right on Pacific Beach?

While the party goes on through the night, you can get there early and line your stomach with some brilliant dinner at the renowned JRDN restaurant. Then, from 10PM, proceedings kick off with live music and DJ sets through to the early morn.

If you decide to stay the night, you can even get brunch the next day. And after a night of partying, you might just need it.

 

New Years Eve Gala

New Years Eve in San Diego

Another New Year's Eve party in San Diego, another brilliant hotel to get your boogie on at. Head to the Hotel Del Coronado for the Gala event of the year.

Step inside the hotel's beachfront ballroom, and you'll find it transformed. You'll need to suit up and boot up for this one, but once you're looking glamorous, you'll be treated to a five-course meal, a free bar, and a dancefloor that was specially designed for you to strut your embarrassing stuff.

Live music will keep you in step, with the festivities finishing at around 1AM. Nice.

 

NYE Beach Party

New Years Eve in San Diego

Don't worry, sand lovers; we've got you covered too. Feel the beach beneath your feet as you rock out at the San Diego NYE Beach Party. Sand! Yeah!

But where will this sandy goodness be taking place? That would be the Catamaran Resort. And best of all, once you've bought your ticket, everything's included. Drink as much as you want, dip into as many snacks as you desire, and even the screaming is free. You can scream as much as you want, and no one will charge you a dime. So scream, party people, scream until you get thrown out.

Entertainment-wise, you've got four rooms of fire DJs spinning fire records. Fire. Plus, in a nod to Times Square, you also get a balloon drop and countdown when the big clock strikes midnight. You will love it.

 

Craft Beer New Year

New Years Eve in San Diego

Amber nectar enjoyers, don't think we forgot about you! With the craft beer sensation currently sweeping the nation, of course there's a Craft Beer New Year celebration in San Diego!

Your entry ticket will treat you to three gloriously beery drinks, as many snacks as you can stomach, a tasting glass - and complimentary tipple - when the clock strikes midnight, and two dancefloors to meander about while your beer settles. But the fun doesn't stop there, brew brothers! There's also a cigar lounge, a cinema, a speakeasy, photo booths, and DJs galore to ring in the big event.

For beer lovers, it's one of the best ways to spend New Year's Eve in San Diego.

 

NYE at Hard Rock Hotel

New Years Eve in San Diego

The Hard Rock brand is synonymous with America, encapsulating the larger-than-life exuberance we all love. So why not embrace extravagance at the Hard Rock Hotel, where your New Year's will be a journey to the world's most epic cities.

Over three of the hotel's floors, you'll find parties themed around New York, LA, Beijing, Giza, and Mykonos. Each room will have city-specific drinks, food, and music, so you can travel the world and celebrate NYE in a single night!

Celebrations go on into the morning, so you'll have time to see them all.

 

Parq Restaurant and Nightclub's Ball on Broadway

New Years Eve in San Diego

And finally, why not spend your New Year's Eve in San Diego at one of the city's swankiest haunts? Head to the Parq Restaurant and Nightclub on Broadway, and you'll find 35,000sq feet of clubbing goodness.

Over five unique rooms, you'll enjoy music from myriad DJs doing what they do best - forcing your withered body to dance. You'll also find plenty of bars, should you need to refuel. Sounds like an NYE celebration to us!

 

And that's everything you need to know about New Year's Eve in San Diego! Sticking around in the city after the festivities have died down? Make the most of your hangover-free body and go exploring! There's so much to do and see in San Diego, and with Go City, you'll have access to all the best experiences. Check out our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, grab whichever San Diego pass suits you, and get exploring!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Woman looking across the water towards San Diego's skyline
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Best Cruises in San Diego

San Diego Bay is second to none when it comes to world-class beaches, shops, restaurants and entertainment, not to mention those swoonsome sunsets so typical of the SoCal coastline. You might find yourself hiking the pine-scented bluffs of La Jolla, diving kelp forests at Point Loma, fishing for herring from the historic Ocean Beach Pier, sipping craft beer on the Mission Bay boardwalk, or toasting s’mores at sundown on lively Pacific Beach. But there’s just as much fun to be had on the water, with sport and snorkeling activities aplenty as well as plenty of opportunities to go exploring and whale-watching by boat. Read on for our guide to making the best of the Bay (and beyond) with our pick of the best cruises in San Diego… The Harbor Cruise The classic harbor cruise is a must-do for newbies, as essential a San Diego activity as experiencing the Gaslamp Quarter nightlife, saying hey to the La Jolla seals, or ogling Monet masterpieces in the San Diego Museum of Art. Here’s your chance to kick back, relax and let the crew do the sightseeing for you. Landmarks you’ll spot along the way include Seaport Village (pictured), Coronado Island, the Cabrillo National Monument, and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse on the tip of the peninsula. Crew will also be on hand to serve drinks and point out any native marine life along the way. The San Diego Harbor cruise can be booked via a variety of different operators – the 90-minute City Cruises experience is one of the best and is available as part of the money-saving San Diego attraction pass from Go City. Get more info on pass options here. The Whale-Watching Cruise If viewing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat is on your bucket list, you’ve come to the right place. San Diego’s balmy waters are prime territory for marine mammals: gray whales cruise through the bay en route to and from Mexico’s calving lagoons in winter and spring, while blues cruise the same aquatic highway in summer. Pods of dolphins and colonies of harbor seals mean you rarely have to wait long before some sort of sighting.  Boat tours depart daily from Downtown and Mission Bay, with many guaranteeing a refund in the unlikely event you do fail to set eyes on any of our splendid sea-faring friends. The Speed Boat Cruise Take it up a notch (or seven) on a speed boat adventure across San Diego Bay. Ok, so this one is less a cruise and more of a white-knuckle ride (depending on who’s doing the driving, of course). Just pick up your 13-foot, two-person cruiser and, well, the Bay is your oyster. Maybe you’ll cruise over for close-up views of the USS Midway aircraft museum, or meander down to admire the curvaceous Coronado Bridge, a 200-meter engineering masterpiece in concrete and steel that links Coronado Island to the mainland. Or, y’know, you can just spend the whole time doing donuts in the harbor. The choice is yours. Speed boat hire is also available as part of the Go City San Diego pass. The Coronado Ferry Cruise The cute old-fashioned ferry that chugs across the bay from San Diego to Coronado Island is hands-down the most romantic way to travel between the two. Hop aboard at Broadway Pier (every hour) or San Diego Convention Center (every half-hour) to reach the island in just a few short minutes. There’s plenty to do once on the island, too, from selfies at the iconic Hotel del Coronado (pictured) to farmers’ markets, coastal cycling adventures, and firepit s’mores on the beach. Check out our guide to all things Coronado here. The Amphibious Cruise San Diego SEAL Tours offers the best of both sightseeing worlds thanks to its amphibious ‘boats with wheels’. Board at Seaport Village or the Embarcadero for a 100-minute narrated tour that takes you on one of San Diego’s best ‘cruises’ first through the scenic streets of downtown San Diego then into the water. Transformation from bus to boat complete, the tour continues to sights including the millionaire mansions at Point Loma, Shelter Island, and the world-famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The Foodie Cruise Everybody knows serious sightseeing can be hungry work. What better way to acknowledge this than by booking one of San Diego’s top brunch or dinner cruises? Again, there are loads of different operators to pick from, but City Cruises are among the most reputable locally. Get your sea legs on for a two-hour brunch/sightseeing experience that includes pastries, eggs, smoked salmon and more, plus unlimited mimosas during the two-hour cruise. Or, if you prefer to wait until the sun’s over the yardarm, opt for a dinner cruise that promises cocktails, a la carte dining, live DJs and swoonsome views of the San Diego skyline at sunset. The Gondola Cruise Like your cruise experiences a little more… quirky? San Diego Gondola Cruises has just the thing for you! As the name suggests, this experience brings a little slice of Venice to Southern California, with your choice of daytime or sunset cruises of the Coronado Cays aboard a Venetian-style gondola. The ride comes complete with stripy-shirted gondolier, traditional Italian music, and (for an extra charge) a real-life mandolin player. You can even add wine and truffles to the 50-minute experience. Who said romance is dead? The Fishing Cruise The waters around San Diego are rich in sea bass, rock fish, halibut, yellowtail and more. Why else did you think so many dolphins, seals and gulls hang out along the coastline here? There’s a wide range of fishing charters available, from half-day local forays into the harbor and kelp fields to epic voyages into Mexican waters for prized game including dorado and bluefin tuna. Check out the plethora of local operators to find the trip that best suits your skill level and preferred catches. Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Visiting LEGOLAND® California Resort - Tips, Admission & More for Your Family

Families traveling to California can’t miss the hottest attraction in the area – LEGOLAND® California Resort. It’s perfect for families with children 12 and under because it’s designed to introduce them to the excitement, creativity, and innovation at an age-appropriate pace. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the LEGOLAND® California Resort, packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. Tips for Visiting LEGOLAND® California Start in the back of the Park at the beginning of the day (arrive before noon) and then move your way forward to avoid the most lines. Consider purchasing a Park Hopper pass if you think you’ll be interested in LEGOLAND Water Park or SEA LIFE® Aquarium – it will save you money versus purchasing individual tickets. If you plan to go to the Water Park, we suggest before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. It will help you avoid the biggest lines. Download the LEGOLAND mobile app for access to park maps, special info, and attraction guides. If you want an interactive version of the map to consult in advance, you can find that online, too. Review height restrictions on rides before you visit so you don’t wait in line for a ride your kid isn’t tall enough to enjoy. For the full LEGO® experience, consider booking a night at the wildly popular LEGOLAND Hotel, located immediately adjacent to the Park. Use your San Diego pass to get your LEGOLAND tickets. When is the best time to visit LEGOLAND® California? A visit to LEGOLAND California Resort is likely to take all day, so plan to arrive early in the morning. This will minimize your wait times early in the day, and allow you to maximize the time you spend enjoying the Park. As far as the time of year goes, if you have any flexibility the summer is the time to avoid. The lines will be the longest and the cost of lodging will be higher. Fortunately, San Diego is temperate for most of the year, so you can still enjoy the rides throughout the fall and winter. What to bring to LEGOLAND® California? Sunscreen and a hat – you’ll be outside all day. If you plan on upgrading to the Water Park, bring or wear a bathing suit, too. A camera, smartphone, or another recording device. Bottled water and snacks if you want to avoid purchasing them on-site. Comfortable shoes – it’s a big park and you’ll probably be walking a lot. LEGO® Minifigures! You can trade your LEGO® Minifigure with any employee in the Park or at any of the Trading Posts. What to do at LEGOLAND® California? What can I expect at LEGOLAND® California? LEGO CITY: Deep Sea Adventure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFJMl5Tx0w4 Just opened in the summer of 2018, this submarine ride is a part treasure hunt, part sea life expedition. See real sea creatures like rays and sharks, as well as gorgeous oceanic plant life. Keep an eye out for LEGO fish, too! You can also use the interactive touch screens in your submarine to find shiny gems and lost treasures. It's a massive new addition to LEGOLAND that should not be missed. LEGO NINJAGO You also should be sure to save plenty of time for LEGO NINJAGO World, an innovative area of the park that brings high-tech entertainment to the max. It's the first park in North America to create a digital 3-D experience quite like this. Jump onto NINJAGO the Ride for a truly immersive experience into the world of the ninja as only LEGO can imagine it. Take advantage of the unparalleled Maestro hand gesture technology to sling weapons at your digital enemies and collect points as you go along. Don't miss your chance to explore this singular ride - with such inventive new technology, it's the hottest new ticket in LEGOLAND. Of course, you simply must check out the new LEGO NINJAGO movie, LEGO NINJAGO - Master of the 4th Dimension. Follow the entertaining adventures of the ninjas as they explore the mysteries of the "Scroll of the 4th Dimension." Miniland USA Miniland USA is the staple attraction of LEGOLAND California Resort and is definitely a must-see for all families. Comprised of LEGO® recreations of American cities at 1/20th scale, Miniland is both fascinating and educational. Each model is made entirely of LEGO bricks available for purchase, so it’s really cool to see something that could theoretically be made by anyone! Within Miniland, you'll see structures like the NYC skyline, the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Capitol Dome from Washington, D.C. You'll also find the LEGO Star Wars models here, so keep and eye out for a massive LEGO Death Star and more! Imagination Zone Imagination Zone is another popular area with visitors. Designed to teach children engineering and programming skills, Imagination Zone allows kids to construct objects using a guide, or just the inspiration of their own minds. They’ll also have the opportunity to create programmable robots out of LEGO bricks! LEGO® Friends Heartlake City LEGO Friends Heartlake City showcases every girl’s favorite LEGO® line. Girls (and boys, too, of course!) can ride a beautiful carousel, wander through the horse stables, and splash in the Heartlake Fountain. An especially popular attraction in this part of the park is the Heartlake Stables, where little visitors can build and play, inspired by the wonder and fun of Heartlake City. DUPLO® Playtown DUPLO® Playtown is the perfect destination for the littlest of guests. With everything comprised of their larger DUPLO bricks, this area has fun buildings to explore, enjoyable and gentle rides, and plenty of activities. Fun Town Fun Town is another great option for the small ones. It's a scaled recreation of the real world - sized just right to make kids feel like adults! Your kids will have a ton of fun in Fun Town when they act out a day in the life of a grownup (without all the stress, of course!) Don't miss out on the LEGOLAND Express, a mini-train that toots around Fun Town at a relaxed pace. It's a laid-back and low key ride for the very little ones. What attractions are near LEGOLAND® California? With its Carlsbad, CA location, LEGOLAND California Resort is conveniently located a mere half-hour away from downtown San Diego, so you're within a quick drive of tons of great attractions, from the historic to the epic and everything in between. Use your Go Card San Diego for entry to the following attractions: History buffs will love the USS Midway Museum, one of the most popular attractions in all of San Diego. Balboa Park is filled with over a dozen different museum options, and is a fun place to roam or picnic. The San Diego Air and Space Museum is an excellent educational attraction. The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are also can't miss attractions for families. For the nature-lovers, you’re also right near the Carlsbad beaches, Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve, and La Jolla. Where to eat near LEGOLAND® California? Is food allowed in LEGOLAND® California? LEGOLAND California Resort is filled with plenty of dining options for you to enjoy onsite, so you don’t need to interrupt your adventure-filled day when your tummy starts to rumble. Some restaurant choices include Castle Burgers, Fun Town Hot Dog, Garden Restaurant, Knights’ Smokehouse, Ocean Journey Café, and more. You’ll find a wide variety of cuisines including healthy, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the park, but you are allowed to bring in water and small snacks. How to get to LEGOLAND® California? Hours Hours vary seasonally; consult the attraction’s operating calendar for details. Directions & Address One LEGOLAND Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Getting to LEGOLAND California Resort from San Diego From San Diego North County: Take Interstate 5 South to Cannon Road, head East. Turn right at LEGOLAND Drive and follow signs to LEGOLAND California Resort. From San Diego North County Inland: Take 15 North or South to 78 West to Interstate 5 South, then take Cannon Road, head East. Turn right at LEGOLAND Drive and follow signs to LEGOLAND California Resort. From Coastal San Diego Area: Take Interstate 5 North to Cannon Road, head East. Turn right at LEGOLAND Drive and follow signs to LEGOLAND California Resort. From San Diego East County: Take 8 West to Interstate 5 North to Cannon Road, head East. Turn right at LEGOLAND Drive and follow signs to LEGOLAND California Resort.
Katie Sagal

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