What to do in San Diego for Memorial Day Weekend

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 of all ages!

UPDATED MARCH 2025
By Katie Sagal
balboa park San Diego

Memorial Day Weekend traditionally marks the unofficial start of summer (yay) and what better place to spend it than 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.

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. Some of the usual places to stop off at 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
     

This is a great way to explore lots of the city, without walking the feet off anyone with a bit less stamina!

Visit the San Diego Zoo

koalas in a tree in San Diego zoo

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.

Top tip: you'll want to 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 them, check out our comparison guide to the two. 

Stroll through Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a beautiful place you’ll never tire of exploring. You can ride bikes, have a picnic, or stop in any of the 17 museums dotted around the park (just a few to pick from!). Even if you don't explore the museums inside, they're also well known for their spectacular and unique architecture and definitely worth a look.

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 Dark, which begins Memorial Day Weekend and runs through Labor Day. 

Step aboard the USS Midway Museum

uss-midway-san-diego

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. 

Explore LEGOLAND® California

golden-gate-bridge-legoland-california

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.

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, there will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained. 

Visit a Theme Park

view-knotts-berry-farm-surroundings-sky

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 favorites 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 (and the grown-ups too!)

Set Sail on San Diego Harbor

best of the bay cruise san diego

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.

Not to mention that sea breeze is heavenly in the summer sun!

Enjoy a visit to the Fleet Science Center

The kids 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!

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.

Get active in La Jolla

group-kayaks-formation-ocean

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! 

Celebrate at a local festival

girl at the strawberry 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 usually held on Memorial Day Weekend include the Santee Street Fair & Craft Beer Festival and the Vista Strawberry Festival. The Strawberry Festival is especially popular with kids!

So there you have it, San Diego is officially the perfect place for a fun-filled Memorial Day weekend with the family.

Whether you're exploring world-class attractions, enjoying the great outdoors, or soaking up the sun by the sea, there’s something for everyone. So pack your picnic, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories in America’s Finest City!


Enjoyed this read? Why not have a look at our guide to SeaWorld vs. San Diego Zoo? Or our top things to do in San Diego for adults!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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10+ Things to Do in Downtown San Diego During Your Vacation

While most tourists focus their San Diego explorations on Balboa Park, there is so much to see and do in the downtown area that it would be a shame to skip it. In fact, you can make an entire trip out of roaming Downtown San Diego alone! From top-notch museums to exhilarating whale watches to historic homes, you can find it all in this exciting neighborhood. So, if you’re looking for things to do downtown during your trip to San Diego, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... USS Midway Museum Whale Watch Harbor Cruise PETCO Park Tour Museum of Contemporary Art And more! Save on Downtown San Diego Attraction Admission Admission to many of these top San Diego attractions and activities and more are included on the Go San Diego® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Things to Do in Downtown San DiegoUSS Midway Museum Harbor Cruise by Hornblower Cruises Whale Watch by Hornblower Cruises PETCO Park Tour GoCar Tours Hop aboard the world’s first GPS-guided storytelling car for a ride you’ll never forget. Explore San Diego’s top downtown sites with informative, guided narration that stops and starts when you do. Ride the entire half hour straight through for uninterrupted narration, or pause where you like to explore a bit and resume when you get back in. Either way, it’s bound to be a blast! Getting In: San Diego GoCar Tours are included on the Go San Diego® Card. The New Children’s Museum   Thoroughly interactive and delightfully entertaining, the New Children’s Museum is also one of the best educational experiences for kids in the entire city. They can explore interactive and passive exhibits, get their hands dirty with arts and crafts activities, and engage their minds with demonstrations and activities. A visit here is a valuable opportunity for them to learn and play at the same time. Getting In: New Children’s Museum tickets are included with the Go San Diego® Card. Museum of Contemporary Art William Heath Davis House   There's no better way to explore Downtown San Diego than to visit the one-time residence of William Heath Davis, the first person who attempted to build a Downtown San Diego. Built by Davis in 1850, this historic home is the oldest building in downtown San Diego. It’s been home to a number of famous people and has seen many of the most important historical events in the development of San Diego. Each room is decorated to represent a different era in the house’s history, so a visit here is truly a walk back in time. Seaport Village One of the most popular places to for locals and visitors alike to explore, Seaport Village is a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, fountains, ponds, and more. It’s a great place to souvenir shop, dine, and just relax and people watch. Spend an hour or so here in the afternoon, or come for an evening waterfront stroll. Getting In: Admission to Seaport Village is free. Maritime Museum of San Diego   This is a great companion attraction to the USS Midway Museum. Located right nearby, the Maritime Museum of San Diego is dedicated to exploring the city’s impressive naval history and the history of the world’s maritime endeavors through the restoration of historic ships. Board beautifully restored historic ships, attend special events, and enjoy interactive exhibits. This is a truly unique thing to do in Downtown San Diego! Getting In: Admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego is separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Diego® Card. To purchase tickets and for more information about this attraction, please visit the attraction website. The Gaslamp Quarter Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you have it - a few great recommendations for things in downtown San Diego. Don’t forget -- many of these fun attraction options and more are included on the Go San Diego® Card, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these great options to your San Diego vacation plans.
Katie Sagal
Zoo de San Diego
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10+ Things to Do in San Diego with Kids for an Unforgettable Trip

Planning a vacation to San Diego? Southern California is a top-notch tourist destination for families, as it's home to world-renowned tourist attractions, so you'll never run out of places to go or things to do with kids. Even with 70+ miles of picturesque beaches, San Diego maintains a "small town" atmosphere that makes a family vacation feel manageable. So if you’re looking for things to do in San Diego with kids, check out this list of our favorite kid-friendly activities, including... San Diego Zoo SeaWorld® San Diego LEGOLAND® California USS Midway Museum Belmont Park Birch Aquarium at Scripps New Children's Museum Fleet Science Center Knott’s Berry Farm and more... Save on Admission to Kid Friendly Attractions Many of these great kid friendly attractions are available on the Go San Diego® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top San Diego attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Or, build your own pass and save up to 20% off. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. San Diego Zoo Safari Park Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to intensify your zoo adventure. In essence, you'll journey to Africa and Asia without ever leaving San Diego. You'll come face-to-face with giraffes, zebras, and lions as you tour this enormous wildlife preserve (1,800 acres, to be exact!). The African Tram Safari, a relaxing 25-minute tour, is great for kids. The Tram Safari also includes access to the Conservation Carousel, a great alternative for younger children and a fun ride for all. Other top attractions at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park include Lion Camp, Tull Family Tiger Trail, and many other large naturalistic exhibits. Getting In: San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets are included with the Go San Diego Card. New Children's Museum For dynamic, hands-on kid friendly activities, journey over to the New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego. The museum's galleries and studios feature exhibits designed to engage children in interactive artwork. Help your kids create their own audio and video soundtrack with incredible 3-D sequences in the Design Studio or build a birdhouse at the Paint & Clay Studio. Workshops at the studios are always changing, but each new class guarantees a fun and educational experience for all. Be sure to check out the Garden Project across the street, a lovely park that's part of the museum where kids can play and learn about growing fruits and vegetables. Getting In: New Children's Museum tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card. Fleet Science Center Kids will love this opportunity to play at being a scientist. This scientific complex full of hands-on things to do and exhibits is sure to delight and inspire the curious. You’ll get the chance to examine images from the Hubble Telescope, build freeform structures using wooden planks, explore the unseen world of cellular biology through the lens of a microscope, and much more. Plus, “Kid City” is a great exhibit for the little ones that includes everything from cranes to conveyor belts. Don’t miss out on the IMAX Dome Theater –the first of its kind! Bonus: one IMAX movie is free with admission. Getting In: Fleet Science Center with IMAX tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card. Knott's Soak City Waterpark If you’re visiting during the warmer months, pay a visit to the companion attraction, Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. This amazing park is filled with slick slides, thrilling rides, shopping, dining, live entertainment, and more. There are fun rides that are geared towards visitors of all ages, from the little Gremmie Lagoon to the big-kid Banzai Falls. Don't miss their newest family raft ride, The Wedge. You’ll spend a very relaxing day here, especially if you opt to rent a relaxing cabana! Getting In: Knott's Soak City Waterpark tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card. GoCar Tours Leave your guidebook behind and get behind the wheel of the first-over GPS guided storytelling tour car, one of the most exciting and memorable ways to explore the city. As you drive, the car narrates your tour based on your GPS location, providing interesting insights and historical information that relates to points of interest that you'll see. With the half hour rental you can go at your own pace and pick out the attractions and landmarks you want to see as you blaze your own sightseeing trail through the streets of San Diego. Getting In: GoCar San Diego rentals are included with the Go San Diego Card. Traveling with Children to San Diego Ok, so you’ve got your flight booked and you’re set to get to San Diego, but how to get around? Most families choose to rent a car if they aren’t driving to San Diego, as it’s not a very mass transit-centric city. Remember to request any required child seats from the rental company in advance, as these can be difficult to procure last-minute. Vans and SUVs are often more desirable rentals as well, so be sure to make your car reservations as far in advance as you can to ensure you’ll get the right vehicle for your family. Like most major metropolitan cities, San Diego is a bit pricey when it comes to parking, so keep that in mind when budgeting. Many big attractions offer their own parking, but if you’re planning on seeing certain smaller attractions you may need to research public parking options. Choosing the Right Attractions Choosing the right itinerary for your family depends on a number of factors. Check out this Southern California travel blogger's review of the Go San Diego Card All-Inclusive Pass here. The age of your kids is obviously an important factor, as they’ll get more or less out of certain attractions depending on how young they are. But it’s also important to balance the big-name, all-you-can-do attractions with some more relaxing and low-key activities. Dining with Kids Of course, you’ll need to be eating along the way. While sometimes you have the option to dine at a given attraction (as you would at SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo), sometimes you’re out in the middle of nowhere and somebody says “I’m hungry!” Fortunately, San Diego is a family-friendly city with tons of dining options designed to appeal to eaters of all stripes. Balboa Park itself is surrounded by a wide variety of dining options, as it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Other neighborhoods to look for good family-friendly options include the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and the Oldtown Historic District. Consult our guide to Family-Friendly San Diego Restaurants for other specific recommendations. Let's Recap There you have it - some of our favorite things to do in San Diego with kids. Traveling with the whole family is often the most rewarding vacation experience, but it can also be really complicated to coordinate all the necessary logistics when you’re traveling with children. It can be difficult to decide where to go, what to do, and how to accommodate children of different ages at various stages along your journey. Plan to add a few of these attractions to your vacation itinerary and we are sure you will have a fun time during your trip to Southern California. Remember, you can save on combined admission to many of these popular family friendly attractions and more.
Katie Sagal
Fireworks over San Diego
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