San Diego

San Diego Memorial Day Weekend

Fun things to do in May to kick off summer

There are a ton of adventures for the whole family in San Diego around Memorial Day weekend, from strawberry festivals to insightful museums and activities for kids.

Memorial Day Weekend traditionally marks the unofficial start of summer and what better place to spend it then sunny San Diego. If you’re looking for San Diego Memorial Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in San Diego in May, including...

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
  • Visit the San Diego Zoo
  • Stroll through Balboa Park
  • Tour San Diego Harbor
  • Kayak with the seals at La Jolla
  • and more...

Save on attraction admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions is included on Go City® San Diego passes. Choose as you go from dozens of attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. 

Please note: Some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed.

Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour

San Diego Trolley Tour

An amazing way to see tons of top spots in San Diego is with a Hop-On Hop-Off San Diego Trolley Tour from Old Town Trolley Tours. Stops include:

  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
  • Seaport Village
  • Horton Plaza
  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • McP’s Irish Pub near Hotel del Coronado
  • Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, & El Prado Museums
  • and more!

Getting In: Hop On Hop Off San Diego Trolley tickets are available on the San Diego Explorer pass only.

Visit the San Diego Zoo

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The world-famous San Diego Zoo is home to more than 800 global species, from alligators and eagles to koalas and pandas. It’s also a leader in the conservation of wildlife, and is a must-see attraction for animal lovers. Plan to spend at least half a day here.

The warm climate of sunny San Diego provides the perfect opportunity to get out and see the beauty of the animal kingdom in realistic habitats, surrounded by staff who are dedicated to their conservation and well-being. Big animal fans may also wish to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, an exciting animal park that offers unique encounters and experiences with creatures that you might typically find on safari in Africa.

If you want help choosing between which to visit, check out our comparison blog. 

Getting In: San Diego Zoo tickets and San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass.

Stroll through Balboa Park

Talk a walk through the nation’s largest urban park, Balboa Park is a beautiful place you’ll never tire of exploring. You can ride a bike, hold a picnic, or stop in any of the 17 museums in Balboa Park. Even if you don't explore the museums inside, they're also well known for their spectacular and unique architecture.

There are also several performing arts spaces, so try to see if you can attend a special seasonal show. Enjoy extended hours at nine of the Balboa Park museums during Balboa Park After Darkwhich begins Memorial Day Weekend and runs through Labor Day. 

Getting In: Many of the 17 Balboa Park Museum tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass.

Step aboard the USS Midway Museum

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The USS Midway was an operational US Navy Aircraft Carrier for nearly 50 years and is now an important part of San Diego’s maritime history. The ship has been turned into a floating museum, complete with sleeping quarters, a flight control deck, and more. Fans of military technology and American history alike will relish a visit here.

Memorial Day is an especially great time to visit the USS Midway and honor veterans. Curious visitors will love it - it's among the most-visited attractions in the entire city every year. 

Getting In: USS Midway tickets are included on all San Diego passes.

Explore LEGOLAND® California

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Explore LEGOLAND® California. A one-of-a-kind place, LEGOLAND® is a unique theme park dedicated to the creative potential of LEGO®. Walk through a village made of DUPLO blocks, explore a LEGO® kingdom, and marvel at the African safari populated by LEGO® animals. Be sure to visit the girls at LEGO Heartlake City and make new friends. Or, the Dragon Coaster is an exciting but kid-friendly ride for the little ones to enjoy. You and the kids can spend an entire day – or more here.

Getting In: LEGOLAND® California tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass

Go to a Memorial Day ceremony

Head to the Richard Nixon Library & Museum for its annual Memorial Day Commemoration. Parts of the ceremony include a wreath-laying by the Medal of Honor recipient, the 21-gun salute, and more. After the ceremony, other activities usually take place, so keep an eye out.

Getting In: Admission to the Memorial Day Commemoration is free.

Visit a theme park

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Southern California is home to several theme parks, and they’re a great way to spend the afternoon or an entire day. It's finally time for the weather to start being really warm, too, so a day spent outside is the perfect way to take advantage of that fine San Diego climate. Two local institutions are Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City. Knott’s Berry Farm was the country’s first theme park, and Soak City is the newer water park. Both are sure to thrill the kids. 

Getting In: Knott's Berry Farm tickets and Knott's Soak City tickets are included on the All-Inclusive Pass only.

Take a tour of San Diego Harbor

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San Diego lies on the shore of some of the most beautiful waters in the world. Explore your aquatic side by embarking on a 90-minute Best of the Bay cruise of the San Diego harbor.

Visit landmarks like Shelter Island, the Point Loma Lighthouse (where colonies of sea lions often gather), the Cabrillo National Monument, and Coronado Island.

Getting In: San Diego Harbor Cruise tickets are included on all San Diego passes.

Enjoy a visit to the Fleet Science Center

Your children will delight in a visit to this fascinating science center. Dozens of interactive exhibits await the whole family, like Power Play San Diego, Kid City, and Look! Touch! Listen! If you're looking for an adult-friendly approach to enjoying the Fleet Science Center, the museum sometimes holds events where all profits support the educational mission of the Fleet. Be sure to check the website!

Getting In: Fleet Science Center tickets are included with all San Diego passes; special events are separately ticketed and are not included with the pass.

Check out the Birch Aquarium

Explore the oceans of the world at the Birch Aquarium. Perched right on the Pacific Ocean, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps displays a stunning collection of marine habitats and creatures from around the world. Learn all about coral reefs, pet some starfish, and visit the seahorse nursery. There’s even a giant shark reef!

A few featured exhibits at the Birch Aquarium include: There's Something About Seahorses, Whales: Voices in the Sea, and the all-important Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge.

Getting In: Birch Aquarium tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass.

Be active in La Jolla

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Check out your outdoorsy options in La Jolla. Enjoy the sun and surf of San Diego’s waterfront, and snorkel at La Jolla Cove. Take a bike ride along the shore, or explore Mission Bay. If it's a hot day, take a dip in the water. You can also rent kayaks and kayak the famous 7 caves of La Jolla! These activities are great for kids and adults and are a fun way to get some exercise and spend the day outdoors. Of course, a stroll along the beach is free for all! 

Getting In: San Diego/La Jolla Bike and Kayak rentals are included on all San Diego passes.

Celebrate at a local festival

There's nothing quite like a good old street festival to get you in the mood for summer. Food trucks, beer, games, live entertainment -- it's basically summer waiting to happen. A few great local options this Memorial Day Weekend include the Santee Street Fair & Craft Beer Festival and the Vista Strawberry Festival (in May). The Strawberry Festival is especially popular with kids, and it's free! The Santee Street Fair requires a modest fee for food and beverage but it's well worth it. 

Getting In: Admission to the Santee Street Fair & Craft Beer Festival is separately ticketed.

Remember to save on Memorial Day attractions & activities

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in San Diego in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. You’ll probably end up having to choose between several excellent options!

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® 

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Diego must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.  

☀️ Compare San Diego passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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A Guide to Whale Watching in San Diego

Due to its ideal location along the Pacific coast, San Diego is one of the premier spots for whale watching in the U.S. Travelers will be amazed at the variety of whales that swim majestically along their migratory patterns through the Pacific Ocean, passing San Diego on their long treks. In fact, roughly 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000-mile round-trip journey from Alaska to Baja California each year! If you’re interested in going whale watching in San Diego, there are a few things to keep in mind before heading out into the open ocean. Check out our guide to San Diego whale watching for important info and tips. When is the best time to go on a Whale Watch? There are two primary seasons for whale watching cruises in San Diego: summer/fall, and winter/spring. During the summer months (mid-June through September), you're more likely to see a greater variety of whales. You could see whales including minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, orcas, and the largest animal on earth—the blue whale. During the winter whale watch season (mid-December through April), you'll mainly see the remarkable gray whales. Other animals frequently spotted on San Diego whale watches include a diverse array of dolphin species, including bottlenose dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and common dolphins. You could also see sea lions and several types of sea birds like herons, gulls, and pelicans. Essentially, if you have the freedom to decide what time of year your trip to San Diego will occur, you can arrange it around which kind of whale you’d like to see the most. What to Bring on a Whale Watch? While San Diego’s climate is renowned for being temperate, it’s still chilly out on the open ocean. Bring layers and prepare for unpredictable wind and weather. You’ll be out on the ocean during the day, so it’s also important to wear sunblock and protective eyewear/headwear. As mentioned, it can get breezy and the ocean reflects a tremendous amount of light. (Even on cloudy days.) You should also bring a camera or recording device, ideally a waterproof one. Newer smartphones are usually reliably good for these kinds of photo opportunities, too, if you don’t want to spring for a nice camera. One thing you won’t have to bring is snacks. Most whale watch companies offer their own onboard food and drink, and usually prohibit outside fare anyway. Where Does the Whale Watch Go? Depending on the time of year you’ve selected for your cruise, whale watching ships in San Diego can travel a varying distance away from the coast. During the beginning of the whale watching season (starting in December), gray whales migrating south to warmer waters will stay nearer to the coast. At that time of year, you may only need to sail a few miles offshore to reach their routes. However, later in the spring and into the summer, whales tend to stay further away from the coast so your captain may choose to take the ship about ten or more miles from shore. If you choose a summer whale watch, you may see more diverse marine life as well. Many whale enthusiasts also like to venture further up the coast towards Los Angeles in search of these amazing but elusive creatures. If you choose a whale-watching cruise that departs from Newport Beach, you’ll sail out to one of the largest protected marine parks in the region, located just outside Newport Bay. Whale Watching San Diego Tips Research your whale watching company wisely. Some companies are more of a commercial venture, while others employ real marine biologists from respected institutions like the San Diego Natural History Museum. Certain companies also fail to practice eco-friendly and sustainable behavior toward whales. Therefore, it’s important to choose an ethical whale watch. Be patient. It often takes quite some time for whales to surface around human vessels. Be prepared to sit offshore for a while before sighting any of these gentle giants. This behavior is often the reason whale watch cruises usually last between 3 to 4 hours. Appreciate the other creatures. Whales aren’t the only marine life you’ll come across on your nautical adventures. Keep a careful eye out for cavorting dolphins, swooping birds, and glistening sunfish. They’re just as much fun to see as the star attraction, and are usually more plentiful. You can also see some whales from land. While it’s hard to beat the appeal of being out on the open ocean so close to these impressive creatures, you can also see gray whale migration from places just on the Pacific, like the Birch Aquarium at Scripps or Torrey Pines State Reserve. Whale watching is a great family activity. Kids of all ages will love the chance to catch glimpses of marine mammals several hundred times their size. Just remember to pack things to keep them occupied during the time you’ll be waiting for the whales to breach—even if you think the novelty of being on a boat will be sufficient entertainment. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination too!
Katie Sagal
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Free Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

When it comes to entertainment, sports, and outdoor activities, San Diego has something for everyone to enjoy. What’s more, there are plenty of family-friendly activities that are free and that kids are sure to enjoy. Here is a selection of the activities to consider the next time you are in San Diego and want to get the kids involved in something exciting. 1) La Jolla Cove – Snorkeling If you enjoy the ocean and are intrigued by aquatic creatures, then there is no better place to go snorkeling than La Jolla Cove. Given the protections for wildlife in the area, you can observe a variety of sea life in a clean and natural environment. The La Jolla area is one of the most affluent in the San Diego area, making a trip to this beach area exciting on multiple levels. You can enjoy the ocean and eat at world-class restaurants. 2) Balboa Park – Free Walking Tour World-class museums, classic architecture and well-kept grounds make Balboa Park an attraction for all ages. There are free walking tours of the park, giving adults and children alike the opportunity to learn about the origins of the park and everything it has to offer. You can take in the architecture and get some exercise, which is positive for everyone involved in the tour. 3) Mission Beach – Swimming & Sunbathing Every year, locals and tourists alike flock to Mission Beach to surf, body-board, swim, and sunbathe. This is an ideal place for kids and adults to spend quality time together. There are also popular restaurants and shops in the area, if you want to grab something to eat or do some shopping. This is a good place to just lay back and relax, while enjoying the ocean breeze. 4) Mission Trails Regional Park – Walking/Hiking Walking and trekking excursions are fun ways to explore, get some cardio in, and bond with the people next to you. Mission Trails Regional Park has some easy trails to trek, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the San Diego area. Be sure to bring the right shoes and even a walking stick. If you and the kids decide to walk during the summer, be sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring some sunscreen. 5) Old Town – Historical Attraction For those that enjoy learning about history and exploring old-time buildings, old town is an ideal place to visit. Kids are sure to enjoy the history, culture, and getting an idea of how things used to be in San Diego. You can explore old town and then venture out into downtown San Diego, which will help give contrast to the new and old ways of living. 6) Mission Bay Park - Biking There are plenty of trails and areas where you can bike along with kids in Mission Bay Park. The paths are easy and the climate will likely be sunny and warm. The backdrop is unique given the many water activities going on in Mission Bay. You can work on your cardio, suntan, and relax in a peaceful environment when you bike this area. 7) Ocean Beach – Dog-Friendly Beach Often-times it doesn’t feel like a family outing unless the pets come to. If you and your kids choose Ocean Beach to swim, sunbathe, and relax, you can bring your pet to dog beach. Your kids are sure to enjoy the sunshine and the laid-back atmosphere of Ocean Beach. Having your pets close by will cut down on the anxiety of leaving them at home or with friends, which will increase your peace-of-mind too. San Diego is a beautiful, diverse city that has everything from world-class beaches, historical sites, and water sports that are free to explore or partake in. If you’re looking to spend some quality time with kids and you don’t want to break the bank, try exploring the free San Diego activities above. If you're looking for free things to do in San Diego for kids in October then the 'Kids go free in October' is a great initiative in San Diego to allow kids free access to major attractions such as zoos and safari parks. You can also save money on the city's best attractions with a Go San Diego pass - see, it is possible to do San Diego on a budget after all.
Andrew Martineau
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Visiting San Diego on a Budget - A Simple Way to Save on Your Vacation

There is a reason California has been deemed the Golden State of our nation. With seemingly endless beaches and sunshine - California offers an outdoor playground for kids and families of all ages. Southern California is a great choice for budget-minded travelers when you use a Go San Diego Card, which makes visiting San Diego on a budget a breeze. We’ve connected with some SoCal locals to put together a list of budget-friendly family fun for your next San Diego adventure. Save on Admission to Tourist Attractions Admission to many of these San Diego tourist attractions are included on the Go San Diego Card. The Go San Diego Card give you the flexibility to choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the attractions include: The San Diego Zoo LEGOLAND® California SeaWorld® San Diego USS Midway Museum And more! Top Attractions to Visit for a Budget Friendly Trip The San Diego Zoo The San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,500 animal ranging from salamanders and frogs to elephants and giant pandas. With a such variety, there is sure to be an animal to wow everyone. This animal haven offers 100 acres of paths surrounded by flourishing plants and is also open 365 days a year. We suggest hopping on the Skyfari to get an overview of the park and map-out your day. The Skyfari offers a bird's-eye-view of exhibits, plants and San Diego’s Balboa Park: you may even scope out an evening picnic spot. Getting In: San Diego Zoo tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. LEGOLAND® California Located just north of San Diego in Carlsbad, CA, LEGOLAND California is a world of its own. With over 60 rides and attractions, LEGOLAND ignites the imagination while guaranteeing to get everyone’s creative juices flowing. The Imagination Zone exposes children to hands-on stations that allow them to build and race their own cars. Too young to build your own race car? LEGOLAND also offers a DUPLO Play center designed to tap into your toddler's inner engineer. Other attractions at LEGOLAND include: NINJAGO World, Miniland USA, Pirate Shores, Explorer Island and much more for creating a memorable trip. Getting In: LEGOLAND California tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. SeaWorld San Diego Photo credit: Mike Aguilera/SeaWorld® San Diego Dive into life underwater with a visit to Sea World San Diego. SeaWorld San Diego is home to a variety of aquatic life and allows visitors to get up close and personal with penguins, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, sharks, California sea lions and more! Ever wanted to speak dolphin? SeaWorld San Diego’s Dolphin Interaction Program is a must-do attraction that teaches you to communicate with dolphin’s using the universal language of play and various hand signals. If you’d rather look and not touch – the park offers a number of shows and attractions that both educate and entertain us about life in our oceans. Getting In: SeaWorld San Diego tickets are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go San Diego Cards. USS Midway Museum After getting a glimpse of what its life living under the ocean, explore life on the ocean by visiting the USS Midway Museum, America’s longest serving Navy air craft carrier of the 20th century. The USS Midway Museum allows guests to get an inside-look at what life was like aboard the ship for over 225,000 Midway sailors. There are over 60 exhibits that feature all facets of life aboard the Midway from sleeping quarters, engine room, machine shops to the ship’s jail and post office. With over 972 feet to explore, most visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring this “City at Sea.” Getting In: USS Midway Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. San Diego Harbor Tour There is something amazing about a city-scape from the ocean; hop aboard a San Diego Harbor Tour for the chance to see San Diego Bay from a different perspective. The San Diego Harbor Tour highlights a variety of historical and naval landmarks in San Diego. The tour allows guests to choose between the South Bay’s Coronado Bay Bridge and USS Midway or a tour through North Bay, each tour lasting about an hour. Regardless of which Bay is chosen, you’ll be immersed with both history and beauty while cruising through San Diego Bay! Getting In: One Hour Harbor Tour by Hornblower Cruises are included on the Go San Diego Card. Fun Options to Visit During Your Trip: Whether a short or long-stay in San Diego, this city offers so much. Educate the inner scientist, please the ocean lovers or create your own tour-de-San Diego all whilst saving money; below are some fun budget-friendly options also included on the Go San Diego Card. San Diego Zoo Safari Park – If you didn’t expect to go on an African Safari in San Diego – think again! The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is home to over 2,600 animals including lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, antelope and more! San Diego Air and Space Museum – Located in San Diego’s Balboa Park, fly through aviation history at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. The museum is home to the first vehicle that defied gravity in the sky – a model of the Montgolfier brothers 1783 hot air balloon. San Diego Natural History Museum – Also in Balboa Park, the San Diego Natural History Museum (TheNat) offers enriching history of Southern California and Baja California. View over 200 skulls, fossils and plant life with TheNat’s unique educational family-friendly exhibits. Whale Watching Tour- Spend an afternoon on the water, where you’re guaranteed to see gray whales! This excursion is narrated by a naturalist from Birch Aquarium and will be sure to enlighten you with knowledge off the majestic gray whale. GoCar Tours - Meander through the streets of San Diego with San Diego’s first-ever GPS guided tour car. This little yellow storytelling Gocar will point out landmarks, let you choose the stops and makes for a great way to see the city! Free Activities for a Budget Friendly Vacation San Diego Beaches – A trip to California simply isn’t complete without a swim in the Pacific Ocean. Grab the towels, pack the lunches and take a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to one of our favorite beaches near San Diego: Mission Beach, Coronado, Imperial Beach and Moonlight Beach. You won’t want to leave the beach before sunset and be sure to pack the camera – California sunsets are a truly stunning. Seals at La Jolla Cove – While exploring the La Jolla area, you’ll want to follow the crowd for this one. On any given day at La Jolla, people gather around Shell Beach and Children’s Pool to watch as Seals and Sea Lion’s swim and frolic throughout the area. These furry friends are used to modelling for photos all day long and you may even want to capture the 'seal scooch' on video. Seaport Village- San Diego’s Seaport Village will satisfy the foodie, music lover and shopaholic all in one place. With over 50 shops, free outdoor entertainment and a variety of restaurants - this unique area is a great place for an afternoon or evening stroll. Old Town- When the Europeans first settled in California, Old Town San Diego was their place of choice! Historic Old Town is now considered the birthplace of California offering rich history, museums, artisan festivals, galleries and restaurants all in one convenient, beautiful area. Mission Bay Park – With 27 miles of sandy shoreline, Mission Bay is scattered with campers, kite boarders, runners and beach goers alike. Mission Bay is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening picnic. We suggest renting bikes and cruising down the 14-mile bike path while taking in the stunning views. Let's Recap on Visiting San Diego on a Budget There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do when visiting San Diego on a budget. Remember, many of these great budget friendly attraction options and more are included on the Go San Diego Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your San Diego vacation itinerary.
Go City Expert

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