arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

San Diego's 18 to Try in 2018

The Perfect Checklist for the New Year

Splashing in the waves, playing in the sand and soaking up the sun are a must during a visit to San Diego. However, there is so much more to do away from California Beach City's 70 miles of picturesque coastline.

NCAA Men's Basketball 1st & 2nd Rounds

1. NCAA Men's Basketball 1st & 2nd Rounds

NCAA® March Madness is coming to San Diego! Share the experience at the 2018 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship First/Second Rounds in Viejas Arena at San Diego State University.

When: March 16-18, 2018
> Find out more about the NCAA Men's Basketball 1st & 2nd Rounds

Balboa Park in San Diego

2. Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a San Diego must-see destination, just minutes from downtown, and ranked as one of the Best Parks in the World. The Park is home to 17 major museums, several performing arts venues, lovely gardens, and many other cultural and recreational attractions, including the San Diego Zoo. With a variety of cultural institutions laid out among its 1,200 beautiful and lushly planted acres, Balboa Park is the nation's largest urban cultural park.

> Explore Balboa Park

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

3. Dr. Seuss's The Lorax

Direct from London's West End comes the critically acclaimed and Olivier Award-nominated musical event of the summer. Silky soft Truffula trees provide the perfect ingredient for a nifty new garment. But when demand skyrockets, who will speak for all the trees in the Truffula forest? Enter the Lorax. Dr. Seuss's The Lorax has been enchanting adults and children alike for generations, and this summer his irresistible, big-hearted, mustachioed hero will be brought to inventive life in what critics call a “mad, uproarious delight” (The Independent). Audiences of all ages will be thrilled by the brilliant, eye-popping colors, infectious music, and beloved story that the Financial Times called "joyous and all-too-timely."

When: July 3 - August 12, 2018
> Find out more about Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Running in San Diego

4. Run for Fun

Keep that New Year's resolution going all year long by running a race in San Diego, home to the first Triathlon. From weekly 5k races to half marathons to full triathlons, it's easy to see why San Diego was recently ranked the Best City in America for Runners.

> Exercise Your Right to Play in San Diego

San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Walkabout Australia

5. San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Walkabout Australia

Walkabout Australia will transport you to a faraway land. Discover meadows teeming with kangaroos, grasslands where wombats frolic, and forests filled with kookaburras and cassowaries. Experience wildlife from the Land Down Under and come face-to-face with some of the most mysterious animals on Earth.

When: Opens Summer 2018
> Find out more about San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Bikeway Village along Bayshore Bikeway

6. Bikeway Village

San Diego's popular Bayshore Bikeway is getting even better. With a variety of shops, cafes, a Coronado Brewing Co. brewery and restaurant, and all your outdoor activity needs; Bikeway Village is a great place for the whole family to pitstop on your ride around the bay.

> Ride the Bayshore Bikeway

SeaWorld San Diego's Electric Eel Roller Coaster

7. SeaWorld San Diego's Electric Eel Roller Coaster

Electric Eel will be the tallest and fastest roller coaster in town! Bringing a whole new level of excitement to the park, this triple-launch experience will thrust riders forward and backward, accelerate to more than 60 mph in seconds and rocket skyward nearly 150 feet, opening up an upside-down view of Mission Bay! Riders, and non-riders, can also learn about the elusive eel through an interactive game and by checking out an exhibit with California moray eels.

When: Opens Summer 2018
> Find out more about SeaWorld San Diego

THE CRAFT BEER CAPITAL - NOW WITH 130+ BREWERIES

8. The Craft Beer Capital - Now With 150+ Breweries

Hoppiness isn't far from happiness in San Diego. The craft beer experience is massive in this region, with more than 150 breweries, countless beer bars, innovative tasting rooms and a beer culture that's undeniably San Diegan. It even has a signature style - the West Coast-Style IPA - known for its massive flavor and ridiculous amount of hops packed into one glass. Cheers to awesome beer!

> Sip and Savor San Diego's Craft Beer

LEGO® City Deep Sea Adventure

9. LEGO® City Deep Sea Adventure

LEGOLAND California Resort's newest ride takes guests on a submarine voyage exploring for lost treasure on a sunken LEGO® shipwreck. Among the real sea animals are bright LEGO octopi and LEGO scuba divers. Touchscreens at each porthole inside the sub are used by guests to help the LEGO minifigure dive team identify gems, pearls, LEGO gold coins and more throughout the journey.

When: Opens Summer 2018
> Find out more about LEGOLAND California

San Salvador Ship

10. Sail Aboard the San Salvador

Set sail aboard the San Salvador, a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship that arrived at the port we now call San Diego on September 28, 1542. These 4 hour sailing adventures are for people who love history, sailing and want to see San Diego Bay from aboard this magnificent galleon.

> Find out more about the Maritime Museum of San Diego

US Soccer Summer Showcase

11. US Soccer Summer Showcase

The 11th Summer Showcase and Playoffs will not only kick off for the first time in San Diego, but the event will also feature Girls' Development Academy Showcase and Playoffs games for the first time when the program concludes its inaugural 2017-18 season. The Academy's event will also continue to provide development and training events for players, coaches and referees.

When: June 18 - July 1, 2018
> Find out more about the US Soccer Summer Showcase

Convoy Street - San Diego's Asian Restaurant Row

12. Convoy Street - San Diego's Asian Restaurant Row

Steaming hot pots filled with tofu and handmade noodles, spicy kimchi, fresh sushi and baked tea cakes can all be savored on Convoy Street, unofficially named Asian Restaurant Row. Lined with wonderful restaurants, bakeries, specialty shops, day spas and supermarkets, Convoy Street surely fits the bill for authentic Asian cuisine. Here, fabulous Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Chinese cultures and cuisines all collide in a wonderful amalgamation of flavors, sights and sounds.

> Find out more about Convoy Street

CRSSD Festival

13. Falls Best Music Festivals

Held September 14-16 at the seaside Del Mar Fairgrounds, KAABOO Del Mar features seven stages and 100+ musical acts, plus a dedicated comedy stage and food and beverages from local and celebrity chefs, craft breweries and local wineries. For electronic music fans, March and October's CRSSD offers craft beer, gourmet food, and impeccable daytime vibes alongside world-class music.

> Explore San Diego's Music Scene

USA Ultimate National Championships

14. USA Ultimate National Championships

The National Championships bring together the best teams from across North America, 16 teams each in the men's, mixed and women's divisions, all competing for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport of Ultimate.

When: October 18-21, 2018
> Find out more about the USA Ultimate National Championship

Chicano Park in San Diego

15. Chicano Park, a National Historic Landmark

Chicano Park is the geographic and emotional heart of Barrio Logan, located in Logan Heights, San Diego's oldest Mexican-American neighborhood. The park is home to the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world with more than 80 paintings on seven acres dotted with sculpture, gardens, picnic tables and playgrounds.

> Explore Chicano Park

Navy vs. Notre Dame

16. Navy vs. Notre Dame

A big gridiron match-up is coming to San Diego's SDCCU Stadium: The United States Naval Academy Midshipmen versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will play their annual rivalry football game in California's Beach City. The Midshipmen and Fighting Irish have played 88 times since 1927, with Notre Dame leading the series 75-12-1.

When: October 27, 2018
> Find out more about the Navy vs. Notre Dame Football Game

False Idol

17. Tiki Takes Off

San Diego's tiki roots go way back to the 1950s with tiki evidence found in the architecture, art, bar scene, menus and more. And a new influx of tiki-style watering holes and eateries have recently opened their doors in San Diego celebrating this exotic lifestyle with its boozy beverages and Polynesian-inspired eats.

> Take a Tiki Trip

Hotel Del Coronado Holiday Ice Rink

18. Getaway to San Diego for the Holidays

Give yourself and your family the gift of a lifetime - the 2018 holidays spent in San Diego! Escape the hectic pace of the holidays and plan for a laid back season enjoying the warm sun and a host of fun-filled activities and entertainment for the whole family. San Diego has all the ingredients for the perfect holiday celebration. From beach-front ice skating rinks and concerts, to ballets, theater and endless holiday shopping, we can help you find exactly what you need to make your holidays merry and bright.

> Trade in your snow boots and ear muffs and start planning your holiday trip

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Seaforth Boat Rentals

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Valid: Jun 16, 2023 - ongoing

Seaforth Boat Rental is the longest established boat rental, charter, and tour company in San Diego. They’ve been a family-owned business since 1976. They offer everything and anything you can...

Team Building

Show Your Badge & Save at Murder n' Mayhem

Murder n Mayhem
Valid: Jun 30, 2023 - ongoing

Save 10% on all public Tours & Experiences offered by Murder n' Mayhem. Redeem online at murdernmayhem.com or via phone 619-781-8013 with Discount Code: SHOWME Public and private tours...

Accommodation

Bayside Booze & Bites 

Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

Join us for some Booze & Bites at Humphreys Half Moon Inn! Treat yourself to a tasty appetizer, enjoy delicious sips, and soak up beautiful bay views at Humphreys SoCAL Dining &...

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Events to check out

Event

San Diego Crew Classic

Apr 5 - Apr 7, 2024

Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs across the United...

Event

Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Apr 7, 2024

A San Diego sportfishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sportfishing. Signaling the official start of Southern...

Event

La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 18, 2024

The La Jolla Half Marathon is one of America's most picturesque and beautiful point-to-point races. Starting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the course follows a scenic coastal route before reaching the...

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish