New Years Eve in San Diego

New Years Eve in San Diego

'America's Finest City' has a wealth of party opportunities on offer when the clock strikes midnight.

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

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

Continue reading

The legendary Hotel del Coronado in San Diego
Blog

Things to do in Coronado San Diego

Connected to the California mainland by a sandy isthmus and (since 1969) a road bridge, Coronado is a sunny island resort nestled in the heart of San Diego Bay, just across the water from downtown. There’s stacks to do here, especially for families, from tide-pooling on the beach to touring the island by bike or on the Old Town Trolley. Hop aboard for our guide to the 10 best things to do in Coronado San Diego. Spend a Night at the Hotel del Coronado Perched right on the beachfront overlooking Point Loma, ‘The Del’ is a Coronado institution that has been welcoming presidents, celebrities and royalty since Victorian times. Former guests include Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Madonna; the hotel’s distinctive conical turrets are said to have inspired the Emerald City in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; it’s even rumored that Prince Edward first met Coronado resident Wallis Simpson here at a 1920 banquet. And, naturally, a hotel of this vintage also has its very own ghost story. Rooms start north of $700 but a visit to the adjacent Ice House Museum for a walk through the hotel’s rich history is gratis. Hit the Beach The long stretch of golden beach in front of The Del is great for families, thanks to its gentle waves, tide pools crammed with anemones, hermit crabs and sand dollars, and mineral-rich sand that actually glitters in the sun. Kids will love having a go at building their very own sparkling Emerald City sandcastles. Also look out for the legendary Sandcastle Man, who can often be found here on Coronado Central Beach building his extravagant and highly artistic sand sculptures. In the evening, use one of the public firepits to barbecue your own burgers and toast marshmallows as the sun sets over the Pacific. Get on Your Bike Dedicated cycle paths snake around much of Coronado, making bike hire a great idea for family days out. The Bayshore Bikeway runs down the Silver Strand sand spit, and all the way back up into downtown San Diego, from where you can catch the Coronado Ferry back to your starting point. Expect swaying palms, wildlife reserves and sweeping views of the Pacific on this epic 24-mile ride. A shorter version that turns back before you hit the mainland may be the smarter option if you’re with kids, and there’s another more urban route around Coronado itself. Visit Spreckels Park Named for Victorian entrepreneur John D. Spreckels, this park in the middle of Coronado is a beautiful green oasis amid the city streets. Families stop by to picnic beneath the trees, while kids live their best lives in the large playground. In summer, the gazebo bandstand bursts into life every Sunday as part of a series of free concerts that run the gamut from marching bands to high-energy pop acts. Local artists showcase their work at the Art in the Park event on alternate Sundays while the Coronado Flower Show brings thousands of colorful fragrant blooms to the park every April. Ride the Old Town Trolley Hop aboard one of San Diego’s brightly colored trolley buses for a whistle-stop narrated tour of the top attractions in Coronado and Downtown. Taking in Coronado Beach and the Hotel del Coronado, the bus then cruises over the bay to visit several more locations on the mainland, including the historic Gaslamp Quarter and sprawling Balboa Park, home to San Diego Zoo and many of the city’s top museums. You can hop on and off the trolley at your leisure along the route. Discover the Local History Take a deep dive into Coronado’s past at the Coronado Museum, where a huge collection of art, photographs and other exhibits tell the story of island life since the 1880s. The museum also runs a weekly walking tour of some of Coronado’s most important locations, including Orange Avenue and, of course, the Hotel del Coronado. The leisurely tour, in which a knowledgeable local historian will point out interesting architecture and wow you with fascinating anecdotes, lasts around 90 minutes and covers approximately two miles. Shop the Farmers’ Market Hit up the weekly farmers’ market at Coronado Ferry Landing for your fix of all things fresh and wholesome. Here’s your chance to taste sweet organic tomatoes fresh from the vine, and crisp, zingy apples that have ripened on the branch. The whole operation is certified farm-fresh, so you just know there’s going to be more flavor packed into that single strawberry than in any number of mass-produced punnets at the mall. You’ll also find beautiful fresh blooms and countless homemade oils, pickles, condiments and jams. Delicious. Take to the Water The relatively tranquil waters off Coronado make it ideal for trying out some of those watersports you’ve always fancied having a go at. Grab a kayak and paddle your way around the island’s scenic shores. Or get to grips with a stand-up paddleboard. Like surfing, but gentler, this increasingly popular activity can be surprisingly relaxing once you’ve got the hang of it. Try not to be put off your stride by pelicans dive-bombing the water for their lunch! Treat Yourself on Orange Avenue Saunter along flower-filled Orange Avenue, a broad street packed with bougie boutiques, cute cafés, local artisan jewelers and more. There’s plenty to see and do along this mile-long stretch that runs all the way from Bayside to the Hotel del Coronado. Pick up a unique souvenir at the Coronado Museum Store, take in a show at the intimate Lamb’s Players Theatre and sample some of San Diego’s famous craft beers at the Coronado Brewpub. Take the Ferry Downtown Hands down the most romantic way to reach downtown San Diego from Coronado is on the quaint old ferry that chugs back and forth throughout the day. Time your trip for around sunset to get the most magical views as you pull in to dock by the legendary USS Midway aircraft carrier. From here, it’s just a short stroll into the Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy to enjoy some of the best nightlife (and pizza!) in town. Save on things to do in Coronado 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
Skyline Header
Blog

10+ Romantic Things to Do in San Diego

Spending time in sunny San Diego around Valentine’s Day and looking for some ideas on how to spend this special day? If you’re looking for romantic things to do in San Diego, whether that's for Valentine's Day or for a romantic date night any time of year, check out our a few of our suggested activities. Wander Balboa Park San Diego is one of the most temperate cities in the country, and is likely to be pleasant even in mid-February. So there’s no reason why you can’t spend an afternoon or an evening walking with your loved one through the nation’s largest urban cultural park. In addition to its beautifully cultivated gardens and striking architecture, Balboa Park also features some of the region’s premier museums. So whether your love’s deepest desire is to visit the pandas at the San Diego Zoo, or gaze upon the stars at the Fleet Science Center, you will find plenty to do indoors and out. Stroll the Japanese Friendship Garden Part of the pleasure in Valentine’s Day is the personal time spent with the one you love. For a uniquely romantic setting for your personal time this year, take a stroll through this one-of-a-kind garden. Nearly 100 years old, the Japanese Friendship Garden, San-Kei-En is designed to offer Zen serenity and peace. It was originally created as a gesture of friendship between the U.S. and Japan, and now attracts visitors from all over the world with its simple design and classic features. A visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden will cultivate the perfect state of peace and harmony for you and your partner. Explore the Art World Since the dawn of time, man has turned to art to express his love. In fact, some of the most famous pieces in history were inspired by this universal emotion. To soak up some of that passion yourself, stroll through the galleries of San Diego’s nationally renowned fine arts museum – the San Diego Museum of Art. Collections feature everything from the European old masters, 19th and 20th-century paintings, and new works of modernism to sculpture, artifacts, and multi-media artwork. Over Valentine's 2020, you could stop by the Art After Hours for only $5 after 5:00 p.m. on Fridays, experience exhibitions and the Museum’s 20 galleries while live music plays at Panama 66 in the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court. Alternatively, on the 15th from 9AM - 1PM, drop in to their Valentine's Workshop where you will join Museum Educator Sheena Dowling for an interactive workshop that takes its inspiration from the many forms and expressions of love depicted in the Museum’s works of art. Learn about traditional printmaking techniques and use them to create your own embellished prints or card sets. Other artsy options in the San Diego area include the San Diego Art Institute and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Hit Up a Ball Game For the sporty couples out there, there are plenty of San Diego sports activities to enjoy. One of our favorite sporty date ideas is an afternoon or evening at the San Diego Padres Stadium, PETCO Park. You can take a tour of the park most days, or take in a home game when they're in town. There are few things as fun and date-like than a good, old-fashioned baseball game, complete with beer and hotdogs! Of course, this won't be available as Valentine's date idea -- you'd need to wait until March 26 for the 2020 MLB season to begin. If you're still interested in exploring PETCO Park, take a course of this beautiful establishment to see its unique architecture and the perfect situation. These tours are available in the off-season, so you could make it part of a larger Valentine's day plan. Reflect on Your History Valentine’s Day is not only a time for romance but also one of a reflection when we think about our personal histories and how we came to be with the people we love today. San Diego’s unique Museum of Man is on a mission to help answer questions about that quintessentially human quality. It’s the only institution in the region devoted to the celebration of diversity, and one of the only in the world that’s all about the human experience. Nestled in the heart of San Diego’s historic Balboa Park, the Museum of Man brings together beauty, history, anthropology, art, and artifacts from ancient and contemporary cultures. It’s a great way to learn something about our past as you plan for the future. After all, what is more essential to mankind than the idea of love? Adventure Through La Jolla Views don't come much more striking than this. If you’re the outdoorsy sort of couple who would love nothing more than to enjoy the fresh and beautiful weather of a San Diego winter, then some time spent in La Jolla sounds like the perfect date idea. Whether you want to hike, bike, snorkel, or swim, there are plenty of options to keep everybody happy. Plus, it's easy to rent the necessary equipment and gear, so no need to bring your own. Even better? You don't need a lot of (or any!) experience to enjoy these activities, so why not take the opportunity this Valentine's Day to try something new? Take a tour of the area, or explore on your own – there’s no shortage of beautiful vistas and stunning ocean scenery to keep you happy. Hop Aboard a Romantic Cruise Another tried-and-true option is the romantic cruise. There are several options floating around for your enjoyment (pun intended), like the champagne brunch cruise or the weekend cruises offered by Hornblower Dinner Cruises. Or, if you’d prefer something a little less formal and overtly lovey-dovey, then a regular cruise might do the trick, like a scenic one-hour Harbor Tour. This thoughtful cruise is an excellent sight-seeing option, too, so it's good for those of you who have come to San Diego for a special getaway trip. Indulge in a Romantic Dinner Call me old-fashioned, but to my mind there are few things as enjoyable as a good romantic dinner. Fortunately, San Diego has some of the most amazing food in the region for you and your Valentine to sample, whether you’re interested in high-end seafood or street-side Mexican. If you’re looking for ideas for great romantic restaurants, explore areas like the Gaslamp Quarter/Banker’s Hill, Downtown, La Jolla, and Del Mar. We recommend using a service like OpenTable to book your free reservations - just do it early! Take in a Show If you want to really impress your culturally-inclined date, then a musical performance or theatrical show is a reliable option. This time of year, San Diego has plenty of great shows in town for you to choose from, although there isn't necessarily a lot on the holiday itself because it falls in the middle of the week this year. If you can be flexible in your dates, the Civic Theatre has a performance by the San Diego Opera, and the Balboa Theatre is hosting the California ballet. Sweetheart Sail at the Maritime Museum Hop on board the Californian or San Salvador and enjoy a three-hour scenic tour of San Diego Bay on a special 'Sweetheart Sail.' You'll get to see native wildlife, the stunning San Diego skyline, and landmarks along the way. Enjoy chocolates and champagne while onboard your romantic cruise. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission From the classical to the quirky, and everything in between, we’ve put together some of our favorite romantic things to do in San Diego and we just know you’ll find something to help you put together that perfect date. Remember, some of these great options are included on the Go San Diego pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Diego pass.
Katie Sagal

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon