Things to do in San Diego in November

We’re solidly into fall season, so temperatures are dropping, albeit nowhere near as rapidly as the Siberia-like conditions over on the east coast. We’re mostly talking long-sleeves-and-trousers weather. In fact, it’s that time of year when you’re never quite sure whether you’re going to need a sweater or not. If in doubt, light layers, a backpack and a small umbrella or pocket poncho are your friends. But you can probably leave the winter coat and fleece-lined boots at home for now.

November’s a great time to enjoy San Diego’s fine beaches. Those gorgeous golden sands – from La Jolla to Ocean Beach – are just perfect for strolling, jogging and bbq s’mores at sunset (though you may want to bring a wetsuit if you’re planning on taking a dip). You’ll also find that, now we’re out of peak season, you’re far more likely to bag a stretch of beach all to yourself.

Low season also means low rates. November is one of the cheapest times of year to bag a hotel room in San Diego, ideal if you’re in town for one of the many autumn festivals (though do note that, inevitably, prices do rise again during Thanksgiving).

Planning to experience some of San Diego’s sightseeing highlights while you’re in town? Did you know you can save up to 50% on a whole range of top attractions, tours and activities with a Go City San Diego pass? We’re talking the Birch Aquarium, La Jolla surfboard rental, tours of Petco Park Stadium, San Diego Zoo, and many more.

Here’s a free activity that will keep curious kids (and grown-ups!) entertained for hours at a time. November sees the start of San Diego’s tide-pooling season, when one of the two daily low tides takes place during daylight hours. Take advantage of ultra-low and minus tides to unleash your inner child among the rock pools, seeking out (but never touching!) sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, California mussels and other mini ocean-going critters. Some of the best locations include the Cabrillo tide pools at Point Loma, the spot right in front of Hotel del Coronado, and La Jolla’s secluded Shell Beach. You can check daily tide times here.

Movie buffs rejoice: November sees not one but two film festivals roll into San Diego, complete with exclusive screenings, Q&As, workshops and star-studded red-carpet galas. Coronado Island has been wooing the Hollywood A-list for over a century, its iconic Hotel del Coronado (aka the Del) having hosted everyone from Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin to Brad Pitt and Whoopi Goldberg down the years. What better location then for November’s annual Coronado Island Film Festival, then? Meanwhile, the annual San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) showcases the best of Asian American and international cinema at various locations across the county through November.

Ok sure, SoCal’s year-round mild climate doesn’t exactly lend itself to New England-style explosions of fiery fall foliage, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find any at all, especially later in November. Hit up the epic Balboa Park, where pecans, Chinese flame trees and cottonwoods glow yellow and gold, and make for its Japanese Friendship Garden for colorful displays of orange and red as the maple leaves begin to turn. Looking for something a little more eye-popping? Rent a car and strike out for the likes of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, Idyllwild and Mount Laguna, all within an hour or two of downtown San Diego.

San Diego is considered the craft beer capital of America, with something in the order of 150 independent breweries and microbreweries currently in operation across the county. And what does every beer-loving city need? That’s right: a beer festival. San Diego Beer Week actually runs for 10 days every November (we guess they were drunk when they put 'week' in the name), and sees events pop up in bars and taprooms across town. Expect epic tasting sessions, pizza-and-beer parties, live music and guest ales galore. Thirsty for more? San Diego Bay’s annual Food + Wine Festival, also in November, has you covered.

Running from November through January, the annual Lightscape event sets San Diego Botanic Garden all twinkle with colorful light installations, fairy lights and more. This one-mile open-air loop lets you experience these glorious gardens in a unique and unusual way, with atmospheric music, light tunnels and plenty of cool art installations to ogle (and snap for your Insta feed, natch). It’s sure to light up your life.

Naval enthusiasts will be in clover during San Diego’s Fleet Week, one of the biggest events of its kind in the country. This annual November extravaganza at Point Loma celebrates the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the US military and features epic boat parades, ship tours, military band concerts and demonstrations of high-tech military and naval equipment. In addition, there will be art exhibitions, football tournaments, cooking competitions, live music, boot camp challenges and more. Plenty, in other words, for the whole family to enjoy.

It’s November and Christmas is just around the corner so, naturally, San Diego is getting into the seasonal swing, with favorite annual festive events already well underway. There’s the much-loved SeaWorld Christmas Celebration, complete with dazzling shows, parades and an appearance from Santa and Rudolph themselves! And the magical winter wonderland that is Jungle Bells over at San Diego Zoo, featuring lighted animal sculptures, music and light shows and other holiday treats. Perhaps best of all though, don’t miss Skating by the Sea at the Hotel del Coronado, which runs November through January and offers the rare chance to pirouette and Salchow your way across the ice, accompanied by picture-perfect views of Coronado Beach and the wild Pacific beyond. Magical.