Things to do in San Diego in March

Temperature: 54-66°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/month • Average Sunshine: 8 hours/day

Spring, glorious spring! Well, not quite: the spring equinox doesn’t roll around until later in the month. But the signs are already there: locals start leaving jackets at home, more people are using the sidewalk tables at bars and cafés, and monkey paw, lupins and poppies carpet the hills and valleys. By the end of the month, temperatures will have risen to the mid-60s and hardier natives will be spotted out in short sleeves and – gasp – open-toed shoes.

For the rest of us, a light jacket will likely still be required for late afternoon and evening outings, when the relative warmth of those (largely) clear and sunny afternoons begins to recede. We’d also suggest you bring your walking boots for the hills and flip-flops for the beach: the climate – not to mention the natural scenery – is perhaps at its very best for hikes and beach-based activities in March, though we’d probably draw the line at sea-swimming. For now.

Another benefit of visiting at this time of year is that while, sure, it’s spring break season, San Diego is still way less busy (and therefore far cheaper) than in peak summer months. And you can save even more with a Go City San Diego pass if you’re planning to visit a few bucket-list attractions, like SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum and the Museum of Art. Click below for more info…

Nothing heralds the start of San Diego’s spring season quite like the dramatic annual display at Carlsbad Ranch, when the famous flower fields (all 55 acres of ‘em) explode in a riot of scent and color. The blooms in question – Giant Tecolote Ranunculus – create a highly Instagrammable candy-colored carpet of oranges, pinks, yellows and golds, with visitors able to walk among the fields, as well as taking tractor rides, picking blueberries and getting lost in the sweet-pea maze. You can even take a little bit of the place home with you – in the shape of freshly cut flowers to brighten up your accommodation!

Not to be outdone, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park east of the city is also a sight to behold in March, as millions of wildflowers, among them desert sunflowers, sand verbena, and desert primrose burst through the arid ground. A particularly moist winter yields more spectacular results but, either way, around the second week of March is the best time to catch this early spring display at its blooming best.

Had your fill of flowers yet? No? Good. Because March is also cherry blossom season in San Diego. The annual festival takes place around the second week of March at (where else?) the beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. Indulge your love of the pink stuff with a spot of hanami – i.e. the Japanese art of appreciating the transient beauty of flowers – on a stroll through these ornate, blossom-filled gardens. And, once you’ve maxed out your camera roll with snaps of pink flowers, ornate bridges and calming koi ponds, mosey over to the sake garden for refreshment and live music. 

The mild spring climate lends itself well to long March strolls and picture-perfect picnics on the beach. Brave souls may also wish to take the plunge. Sure, the water temperature might be a butt-clenching 58°F, but don’t let a little thing like that stop you. In fact this is rather a popular time of year for sea-based activities, including snorkeling, kayaking (La Jolla’s sea caves are a treat not to be missed) and surfing. But yeah, maybe consider a wetsuit, available to hire at all good surf and kayak rental joints.

Top tip: La Jolla surfboard, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard rentals are included with the Go City San Diego pass.

Like most US cities, San Diego really goes to town for St Patrick’s Day, with block parties, pub specials and the largest St Paddy’s parade west of the Mississippi. The main action takes place in the Gaslamp Quarter, where Irish pubs like The Field come as close as you’re likely to find to an authentic pint of Guinness outside of Dublin. This is also the epicenter of the ShamRock festival, featuring Irish and Celtic rock bands, plus traditional Irish dancers and – not to put too fine a point on it – gallons of the black stuff. Meanwhile, the parade (and associated party) takes place in and around Balboa Park, promising flamboyant floats, marching bands, street performers, and more leprechaun costumes than you can shake a shamrock at. Both events are usually held on the weekend closest to March 17.

Mild temperatures, clear skies and burgeoning wildflowers make March an ideal time to lace up those hiking boots and explore the hills and valleys for which this region is so renowned. Hit up the stunning coastal landscapes of Torrey Pines for scenic trails that offer breathtaking Pacific views, towering cacti, otherworldly rock formations and, heck, maybe even the occasional lizard or raccoon.  Make for Yucca Point Overlook for some of the county’s finest coastal views, out across the La Jolla bluffs to the golden beaches and shimmering ocean below. A little further afield, the relatively uncrowded Cottonwood Creek Falls can feel like an uncharted wilderness on spring days, while the Oak Canyon route in Mission Trails National Park promises a relatively easy (but rewarding) riverside walk.