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
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
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 Dark, which 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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