San Diego

San Diego Memorial Day Weekend

Fun things to do in May to kick off summer
By Katie Sagal

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 ✈

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Bronze lion statue at the entrance to San Diego Zoo
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The Best Time to Visit San Diego Zoo

Located in Balboa Park, a vast expanse of parkland located just north of downtown, San Diego Zoo is home to thousands of animals and is one of the most visited zoos in the United States, so it’s important to plan your visit accordingly. Spot tigers, hippos and gorillas in the Lost Forest and visit the Komodo Kingdom to get your giant lizard fix. There are also Arctic landscapes, massive tropical aviaries and over 700,000 exotic plants to explore. In short, it’s impossible to see all 100 acres of it in a single day, even with the help of the guided bus tour and Skyfari cable car. Get the lowdown on how to dodge the crowds and maximize your time at San Diego Zoo with our guide to the best times to visit. Opening hours San Diego Zoo is open every day from 9AM to 6PM, even on holidays. Your pass is accepted for admission until 5:30PM and, once inside, all guests are welcome to stay until closing. Note that hours may vary slightly by season, with gates open until sunset during holiday seasons in winter and summer; please check direct with the San Diego Zoo website for the latest information. Best time to visit San Diego Zoo The best time to visit the zoo is on weekday mornings, when crowds are thinner and the animals are at their most active. This is also the time of day you’re most likely to see them feeding. It’s a fair bit busier on weekends but mornings are still the best time to go, especially on hot days when the critters will be more inclined to hide out in shady spots to avoid the midday sun. Those hotter afternoons are best spent exploring the Lost Forest aviaries, where dense foliage helps keep temperatures more bearable and animals more active. We also recommend taking the bus tour early in the day as long lines form for this from around 11AM onwards. Top tip: kids go free every October, making it a great time for families to visit. Getting to San Diego Zoo Drivers arriving via interstates 5, 8 and 15 will find Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo well signposted. There’s ample free parking in the lot out front of the zoo and throughout Balboa Park. San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) makes getting around the city a breeze. Route 7 and the Rapid 215 bus connect Downtown to Balboa Park and the zoo. Rush hour is between 7AM and 9AM, then again from 4PM to 7PM. Traffic is particularly busy around Downtown at this time. Top tip: up to two children (aged 12 and under) can ride MTS bus and trolley routes free with a paying adult on weekends. Tickets Pre-book tickets direct on the San Diego Zoo website to receive a small percentage off the gate price. You can also download the San Diego Zoo app where, as well as being able to import your pre-purchased tickets, you can access maps, activities, animal feeding times and more. Save money with a Go City San Diego pass, which includes entry to the zoo as well as stacks of other top attractions in Balboa park and around San Diego. These include the San Diego Museum of Art, Belmont Park rides, SeaWorld® San Diego and dozens more. Where to eat You’re unlikely to go short of places to eat inside San Diego Zoo. There are plenty of fast food takeaways and kid-friendly options dotted around and all are marked on the zoo map. Expect the usual mix of sandwiches, burgers, Mexican and Asian food, as well as sweet treats and ice cream. The zoo’s signature restaurant is Albert’s in the Lost Forest, where you can pause for a proper sit-down meal with a glass of wine or craft beer. Try the fish tacos, a regional specialty. But be sure to book in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during school holidays or on the weekend. The zoo also permits small coolers in case you fancy a family picnic. But note that glass, straws and alcohol are not allowed, for reasons of animal safety. Large coolers will also have to be left outside so, if your brood tend to be as hungry as lions come lunchtime, you’ll likely be better off using the zoo’s eateries. Alternatively, there are some picnic tables just outside the main entrance as well as those located throughout the zoo. And you’ll find some excellent restaurants around the nearby South Park, North Park, and Banker’s Hill neighborhoods. In brief... If you’re planning a visit to San Diego Zoo, aim to arrive by opening time (9AM) on weekdays to see animals at their most active in the morning and avoid some of the queues that tend to start developing from around 11AM. Yes, you’ll have to negotiate the city’s morning rush hour but, trust us, it'll be worth it to maximize your time in the zoo and have the very best experience possible. Get the Go City attraction pass to make big savings when visiting this and other top attractions in San Diego! Useful links Buy tickets online Get the Go City attraction pass for San Diego Official San Diego Zoo website Visit San Diego Zoo with Go City
Stuart Bak
Hot-air balloons flying over a California vineyard
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Things to do in San Diego For Birthday

Planning to spend your birthday in San Diego? This party town has everything you need to make your special day go off with a bang. From paragliding off the cliffs at La Jolla to cocktails on Mission Beach and sailing into the sunset in San Diego Bay, we run down our 10 favorite things to do in San Diego for a birthday. Reach for the Sky Take flight over the Temecula Valley on a thrilling sunrise balloon ride. There are a number of companies such as Magical Adventures Balloon Rides operating up here, around 20 miles from downtown San Diego, with flights generally including 45-60 minutes in the air and a champagne toast to steady your nerves when you land. You’ll soar high over the Temecula wineries and, on clear days, enjoy far-reaching views across mountainous desert landscapes to the east, shimmering ocean vistas to the west and San Diego’s distant skyline in the south. As birthday experiences go, this one is pretty special. Meet the Locals Spend your special day with some of San Diego’s most special wildlife by renting a kayak at La Jolla Shores and paddling gently out into the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park. This astonishing marine reserve is home to a dazzling array of sea critters. On a good day you might spot curious leopard sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and harbor seals swimming through the clear waters under your boat. Look out too for bright orange Garibaldi, the California state fish, no less. Afterwards, make for the nearby secret sea caves, many of which are only accessible by kayak. Have a Picnic in Balboa Park Is the sun shining? Well, of course it is: you’re in Southern California! Hit one of the local street markets for freshly baked breads, aromatic cheeses and – as it’s your birthday – as much homemade cake as you can possibly eat, then head over to Balboa Park for a lazy lunch with friends. Choose a wild spot along one of the many walking trails or pick a manicured lawn off the main El Prado drag. Alcohol is permitted in designated areas, but not in glass bottles, so make sure to think outside the (wine) box if you’re planning on celebrating with a drink. Catch a Game at Petco Park Head downtown to the East Village for all the thrills and spills of a Major League Baseball game on the San Diego Padres’ home turf. All you need to get into the spirit is a beer, a hot dog and, of course, a giant foam finger. The atmosphere at these games can be electric so it’s perfect for birthday fun, as well as being conveniently close to the Gaslamp Quarter’s fab nightlife. If baseball isn’t your bag, check listings for concerts at the stadium instead: Petco Park has hosted some of the biggest stars on the planet, including Madonna, Taylor Swift, Green Day and The Rolling Stones. Hit the Road Whether it’s your 21st, 40th or 99th, you can’t fail to be charmed by GoCar’s cute two-seater electric vehicles. Rent one of these brightly colored little beauties and hit the streets of San Diego for a self-guided narrated tour (yes, the car actually talks!) of the city’s best attractions. Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter, take a spin round Balboa Park, park up for lunch in Little Italy and discover the city’s rich heritage in the Old Town. You can follow the car’s GPS route at your own pace, or go freestyle and check out hip neighborhoods like North Park and Hillcrest. Take a Leap of Faith There won't be many things to do on your birthday in San Diego that come close to the adrenaline rush of launching yourself from the cliffs at La Jolla. Brave souls can take tandem flights with expert paragliders at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, where colorful parachutes bob and weave through the air, gliding out elegantly over the ocean and along the sand-colored bluffs before riding the warm air currents back to terra firma. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even be lucky enough to spot seals and dolphins frolicking in the surf below. Get a Taste of the Good Stuff About an hour out of Downtown, Cali’s Temecula Valley is home to somewhere in the region of 40 (count ‘em) wineries, producing award-winning Chardonnay, Cab Sauv, Malbec, Riesling and more. Almost all of them offer tours and tastings and, as this is effectively an educational experience (right?), you can get tipsy in the California sunshine absolutely guilt-free, with the lush green vineyards stretching out before you as far as the eye can see. Head to Wilson Creek, Callaway and Vindemia for some of the finest vino-fueled views in the valley. Sip Birthday Cocktails by the Beach Take a spin on the century-old Giant Dipper rollercoaster at Belmont Park before moseying on over to Cannonball for some of the best cocktails on Mission Beach. Grab a table on the huge rooftop terrace and settle in for some top-drawer people-watching and expansive views of the beach and sea. There’s sushi and Pacific Rim dishes to snack on, but it's the drinks you came for, right? Get the party started with a rum-infused Mission Beach Mai Tai and keep it rolling with a punchy Cactus Cooler. Delicious. Sail into the Sunset SoCal sunsets are famously beautiful, with the sky putting on a cosmic show of fiery orange, bruised purple and flamingo pink as the sun disappears over the horizon. Grab your camera and set sail on an evening cruise of San Diego Bay, where you can expect impressive sunset views of the city skyline as well as attractions including the USS Midway Museum and curvaceous Coronado Bridge. Tours include dinner and drinks and a chance to wander the deck and spot seals and dolphins gliding silently alongside the boat. Have a Laugh! Head up to the La Jolla Comedy Store for big names and even bigger laughs at this San Diego outpost of the legendary LA club. Or spend an evening in the Gaslamp Quarter where atmospheric dive bars, hip microbreweries and rooftop cocktail joints go some way to demonstrating why this historic ‘hood is also the nightlife hub of the whole city. There’s great comedy to be found here, too. Try the open mic night at the American Comedy Company or lose all inhibition for the raucous sing-alongs and all-night danceathons that have made The Shout! House’s Dueling Pianos show one of San Diego’s best birthday nights out. Save on things to do on your birthday in San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak

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