Things to do in San Diego in April

Temperature: 55-68°F • Average Rainfall: 4 days/month • Average Sunshine: 8 hours/day

The climate in San Diego in April is mild, pleasant and (generally) dry and clear. Though, as ever, the region’s microclimates (coast, inland, mountain and desert) mean conditions might vary wildly depending on what you’re doing. Day at the beach? Great idea! It’s an ideal time to soak up those stunning coastal views minus the summer crowds. But be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen: those UV rays still pack a hefty punch even if it doesn’t feel all that hot. You’ll also want protection if you’re planning to surf, swim or snorkel – sea temperatures are still in the chilly high-50s so a wetsuit is essential gear for all but the hardiest of souls.

Carry layers and a pocket poncho for hikes in the mountains or, indeed, a day out in Balboa Park, where sudden soak-you-to-the-bone April cloudbursts are not entirely unheard-of.

If you’re hitting the desert tracks and trails, you’ll need to prepare for hot, arid conditions. Plenty of water, snacks, moisturizer and sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and a decent pair of UV-resistant sunglasses for the win.

San Diego is one of the most popular spring break destinations in the States, so book early for April vacations to bag the best hotel rates. You can also save money with a Go City San Diego pass if you’re planning to take in several sightseeing hotspots while you’re in town. San Diego Zoo, the Museum of Art, Belmont Park rides, Petco Park tours: all these and more are included with the pass, which could save you up to 50%. Click the buttons below to find out more and bag your pass!

San Diego is well and truly in bloom in April, and nowhere is this more true than at the famous Carlsbad Ranch Flower Fields, where admirers of the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus can get their fix, and then some! Over 50 acres of candy-colored fields makes for some particularly picturesque strolls (and tractor rides) as well as, of course, providing Insta-perfect snaps for your socials.

Also in April, the Coronado Flower Show displays beautiful blooms accompanied by live music, trophy presentations, a beer garden and more. Similarly the annual Belmont in Bloom event sees Belmont Park brightened with murals and floral displays, with more live music, plus children’s entertainers, face-painting and caricaturists all adding to the merriment.  

Heck, even the prestigious San Diego Museum of Art gets in on the act when, over one weekend in April, the galleries are filled with eye-popping fragrant floral displays inspired by some of the great art in the museum. Masterful.

April’s warming weather sees several fine food and drink festivals spring up around the city. Just north of Balboa Park, the hip urban enclave that is North Park hosts its annual Festival of Beers out front of the historic Lafayette Hotel. Expect 50+ specialty craft beers from breweries near and far, including local heroes the Coronado Brewing Company, California Wild Ales, and more. It’s just a hop and a skip from North Park to the neighboring ‘hood of Hillcrest, where favorite foodie hotspots showcase their top signature dishes as part of the Taste of Hillcrest fest.

SoCal’s top chefs, artisans and beer and wine producers gather at the annual Celebrate the Craft festival at Torrey Pines. Sip, savor and sample their delicious wares on The Lodge's outdoor terrace, overlooking the rolling cliff-top hills of the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Last but by no means least, SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival runs all the way through March and April, adding international cuisine and local craft brews to what is – let’s be honest – already a fairly extraordinary roster of entertainments.

Rev up for the Concours d’Elegance event, held every April at La Jolla Cove. Set on grassy lawns overlooking the roaring Pacific, this annual car show includes gleaming American classics, luxury British icons, Italian eye candy, quirky one-offs and much more. There will be champagne, cocktails, smooth jazz sounds and yes, the full VIP treatment for glamorous guests. The impossibly scenic location atop La Jolla’s sunkissed cliffs is just the icing on the cake.

The Major Leagues baseball season is just getting into its bat-swinging stride in April, when you can expect several games featuring local heroes the Padres at their home ground, the mighty Petco Park. Get into the spirit of it all with a beer, a chili dog and a soft-serve ice cream, and roar your full-throated support from the stands alongside dedicated local fans. Giant foam finger optional.

Top tip: tours of the Petco Park stadium are included with a Go City San Diego pass.

Spring Safari runs throughout April at the sprawling San Diego Zoo Safari Park north of the city, with many events and performances included as part of the standard admission that comes with your pass from Go City. You’ll need to upgrade your ticket to go on safari in the seasonal Butterfly Jungle, but boy is it worth it! Here’s your chance to spot hundreds of the colorful critters as around 30 species flutter among the flowers and foliage, including vibrant paper kites, blue morphos, tiger longwings and giant owl butterflies. Dress yourself in bright colors or floral patterns and, who knows, you might even entice one or two of these beauties to alight on your head or shoulder.

April’s mild temperatures and (mostly) bright, clear days make for some of the year’s best hiking conditions, not to mention that this is peak wildflower season in the mountains, valleys and canyons. Try the Palm Canyon Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where you might spot fiery monkey paw, desert primrose and California poppy varieties, as well as bighorn sheep. The three-mile trail is steep in parts, but the reward – a bona fide palm oasis – is well worth it. Alternatively head out to the Oak Canyon trail in Mission Trails National Park for a relatively flat riverside ramble. Or take in stunning views of La Jolla’s wild coastline from the scenic trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.