What's New in San Diego Fall 2025

Attractions & Events

All October long, kids are invited to stay, eat and play for free as a part of the annual “Kids Free San Diego.” Offers include free hotel stays or amenities, free entrance to theme parks and attractions and free meals for children with a paid adult throughout the month and region. With over 100 offers to choose from, there is something for every child and child-at-heart to do this fall.

Opening October 4 in Downtown San Diego near the Embarcadero, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego will offer an immersive experience into the elite world of U.S. Navy SEALs. Through hands-on exhibits, cutting-edge technology, and face-to-face interactions with retired SEALs, the museum will spotlight the values of leadership, perseverance, and service. This new museum, and the first on the west coast, will connect visitors with the storied legacy of Naval Special Warfare, just across the bay from where every Navy SEAL begins their journey in Coronado.

The USS Midway Museum has unveiled Top Secret: Inside the High-Stakes World of Naval Intelligence, a new immersive exhibit that opens the once-restricted Carrier Intelligence Center to the public for the first time. The interactive experience places visitors in the heart of mission planning during Operation Desert Storm, featuring real tools, audio transmissions, and a simulated air strike guided by a retired Navy officer. With powerful storytelling and authentic visuals, the exhibit highlights the crucial role of naval intelligence aboard the Midway and offers a deeper look into its final deployment in 1991.

Campland on the Bay and Mission Bay RV Resort will celebrate Labor Day weekend, August 29–September 1, with a full lineup of family-friendly fun, live music, and outdoor activities along Mission Bay. Guests at both resorts can enjoy Campland’s daily programming including bike parades, dodgeball tournaments, yoga, and evening concerts. The weekend also offers access to a variety of water activities, from paddleboards and pedal boats to jet skis and pontoon rentals, making it an ideal way to close out the summer by the bay.

The San Diego Food and Wine Festival returns to the Embarcadero November 7-9 to showcase cross-border cuisine, celebrated chefs, winemakers and more. The festival also spotlights sustainability, features award-winning chefs including James Beard–recognized talent, and supports culinary education programs through scholarships that benefit aspiring hospitality professionals across the region.

SeaWorld San Diego is reopening its signature water coaster, Journey to Atlantis, with a reimagined experience that incorporates new narrative elements, updated effects, and enhanced ride features this fall. The attraction now includes immersive storytelling centered around The S.E.A. Collective, a group of explorers investigating the lost city of Atlantis, with references to other SeaWorld locations.

Opening this Fall, the Maritime Museum of San Diego will unveil Memories of the Greatest Generation, a new satellite exhibition at Arts District Liberty Station. The exhibit showcases 17 limited-edition World War II photographs by renowned U.S. Navy photographer Edward Steichen and his team, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of sailors and marines during the war in the Pacific. The Maritime Museum also offers families the chance to step into the shoes of a traditional sailor aboard the historic Star of India during their annual Summertime Sailor Days, offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays through August 27. Activities include furling sail, ropemaking, knot-tying, and hauling lines, plus a family scavenger hunt where kids can earn a prize from the ship’s treasure chest.

On September 4, San Diego Mission Bay Resort is bringing the soul of Nashville to the shores of Mission Bay with the debut of Boots By The Bay, an intimate concert featuring live acoustic sets from top country music songwriters. The event will showcase the stories and hits behind stars like Blake Shelton and Megan Moroney, with performances by Beau Bailey, Ben Williams, and other rising artists.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is hosting its Tea in the Garden series, a whimsical high tea experience held one Sunday a month through October 19. Set in the hotel’s blooming gardens, each afternoon blends culinary creativity and playful elegance, with upcoming fall themes including A Bubbly Parisian Soirée, Bridgerton & Blooms High Tea, and A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

The third annual Del Mar Wine + Food Festival returns to Surf Sports Park September 10-14. The festival brings together James Beard and MICHELIN-starred chefs, pro athletes, winemakers, and local icons for a weekend of chef-curated dinners, a celebrity pickleball tournament, and community activations, culminating in a two-day Grand Tasting.

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival returns for its 17th year on October 11–12, bringing a lively, family-friendly celebration to the heart of La Jolla Village. The event will feature more than 170 artists from across the U.S. and Mexico, showcasing works in painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and more. 

City Cruises Live, the new entertainment series from City Cruises, brings music, food, and celebrity talent aboard its scenic San Diego sailings this fall. Upcoming events include Sunset Jazz with Elan Trotman and Aric B on August 24, featuring smooth jazz, dinner, and skyline views; a culinary voyage with Chef Adrianne Calvo on October 10, complete with a four-course meal and live demo; and a special acoustic performance by country star Lee Brice on November 1 as part of his You, Me & My Guitar tour.

Twitchcon 2025 will return to the San Diego Convention Center October 17-19 to celebrate the culture of live streaming, esports, internet culture, and entertainment. This year’s event expands on fan favorites like Creator Camp, Glitch Theater, Twitch Rivals, Artist Alley, and the famous Block Party, plus exclusive merch and elevated lounge experiences.

For the second consecutive year, the Breeder’s Cup World Championships will return to the Del Mar Racetrack October 31 and November 1. Dubbed the “Superbowl” of horse racing, the Breeder’s Cup brings together the world’s biggest racing fans and best Thoroughbreds, jockeys and trainers to the place where the turf meets the surf.

New Hotels & Renovations

After more than six years, the Hotel Del Coronado recently unveiled its $550 million renovation this June. This project encompasses the historic Victorian building, its garden courtyard, and event spaces, as well as two new dining destinations: an all-day dining restaurant, Veranda, and Nobu del Coronado.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar has unveiled its newly reimagined Fairmont Spa & Wellness Center, blending European-inspired luxury with nature-driven design inspired by Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. As one of only ten U.S. spas to partner with the Gharieni Group, and the only one to offer the exclusive Zestós Dryfloat experience, the spa introduces advanced therapies like vibroacoustic treatments, chromotherapy, and zero-gravity loungers.

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is continuing the celebration of the arrival of giant pandas in San Diego with the Pandamonium Package, created in partnership with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Available through the end of 2025, the package includes a stay in a panda-themed suite, complete with bamboo accents and plush décor, plus general zoo admission and an exclusive behind-the-scenes Wildlife Adventures ‘Inside Look’ tour.

As part of a property-wide transformation, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has debuted its fully redesigned deluxe guest rooms in the Seaport Tower. This milestone marks the first completed phase of the 1,628-room hotel’s top-to-bottom renovation, which will continue through 2026 with additional upgrades to guest accommodations, dining venues, meeting spaces, and rooftop recreation.

Sheraton San Diego Resort will debut Shorelight, a new restaurant located in the recently renovated Bay Tower, offering panoramic views of San Diego Bay. Set to open this fall, Shorelight is designed to provide a serene dining experience and tranquil retreat for both hotel guests and locals, perfect for a sunset dinner, casual lunch, or weekend brunch by the bay.

The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club recently completed the first phase of its $60 million resort-wide renovation. This first phase focused on enhancing key areas including the pool and deck, restaurant and bar, and back-of-house facilities, all while preserving the rich coastal heritage that has made The Club an iconic destination for generations.

Arts & Culture

The San Diego Museum of Art presents Eduardo Chillida: Convergence August 2, 2025 through February 8, 2026, marking the most comprehensive U.S. exhibition of the influential Spanish sculptor in nearly five decades. Presented as part of the global centenary celebration of Chillida’s birth, the exhibition includes more than 85 works spanning his career, ranging from forged iron and carved wood to alabaster, clay, and works on paper. Highlights include a virtual reality experience of his famed Comb of the Wind installation in San Sebastián and the rare reunion of his monumental Rough Chant oak sculptures. Known for exploring the relationship between material, space, and nature, Chillida’s work reflects a deep connection to his Basque heritage and a sculptural philosophy that continues to resonate globally.

San Diego Design Week is September 17–21, spotlighting the role of human-centered design in shaping solutions to today’s social, environmental, and civic challenges. This year’s theme, Design for Impact, calls on creatives and changemakers to drive meaningful, measurable progress through bold and purposeful design. Through exhibitions, workshops, talks, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, the festival transforms the city into a vibrant design lab where innovation meets community.

La Jolla Playhouse's fall lineup features three productions, all of which are world-premiers. The Heart (Aug. 19–Sept. 21) is a gripping, emotionally charged musical following a life-saving heart transplant journey. All the Men Who’ve Frightened Me (Sept. 16–Oct. 12) is a genre-blending new play about a trans man who decides to carry his own child while confronting figures from his past. And Working Girl (Oct. 28–Nov. 30), a fresh and funny musical adaptation of the iconic 1988 film, with music by Cyndi Lauper.

Comic-Con Museum is unveiling two new exhibitions celebrating major milestones in pop culture. 20 Years of Kawaii & Chaos honors tokidoki’s two-decade legacy of blending Japanese "kawaii" culture with edgy street style through rare art, collectibles, and large-scale sculptures. Growing Up Luann: 40 Years of Comics offers a nostalgic look at the evolution of the beloved comic strip Luann, highlighting original artwork, character development, and heartfelt stories from fans who grew up alongside the series.

Arts District Liberty Station has announced its 2025/26 Emerging Artist Residency awardees, featuring four visual artists: Eden DeLaVara, Ana Saad, Marcela Alarcón López, and Audrey Gingras, and four dance artists: Lilian Ibarra Pantoja, Rachel Torres, Miguel Angel Galvan, and Giovanna Francisco, from the San Diego/Northern Baja region. Each artist will receive a full year of studio space and professional support to develop new work, engage the public, and further their artistic practice. This year’s selections highlight a rich range of cultural perspectives and creative disciplines, from contemporary dance and folklorico fusion to ceramics, mixed media, and conceptual art, reflecting the vibrant diversity of the region’s arts community.

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego will present “Alex Katz: Theater and Dance” from August 21, 2025-January 4, 2026. This exhibition is the first comprehensive exploration of Katz’s playful and inventive collaborations with choreographers, dancers, and members of avant-garde theater ensembles over six decades. The touring exhibition showcases nearly 90 rare archival materials, major sets and paintings, and previously unexhibited sketches from more than two dozen productions.

La Jolla Music Society has unveiled its 57th season, featuring 71 performances spanning classical, jazz, dance, and family programming, half of which are San Diego or regional debuts. Highlights include piano luminaries Lang Lang and Daniil Trifonov, tenor Juan Diego Flórez, and a Jazz Mini-Festival honoring Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The season also showcases co-productions with San Diego Opera and Art of Elan, all designed to bring world-class artistry to San Diego audiences.

Dining & Libations

Chef Travis Swikard of Callie is opening his latest project, Fleurette, in La Jolla this fall. Fleurette will feature French-Provençal cuisine shaped by San Diego’s seasonal produce.

Normal Heights recently welcomed new restaurant Bosforo. Helmed by Chef Seckin Sage and inspired by his roots in Çukurova, Turkey, the restaurant is Southern California’s first full-scale Meyhane-style bar. The menu combines Turkish and Mediterranean flavors with wood-fired pizzas from Chef Seckin’s popular Pizza Bosforo concept.

Juniper & Ivy has recently introduced Juni, a casual, walk-in-only concept nestled within the restaurant’s bar area that offers a fresh, laid-back alternative to the main dining room. With a creative menu of shareable dishes like Wagyu Sliders and Elote Arancini, whimsical desserts like a house-made Choco Taco, and inventive cocktails, Juni delivers the same culinary creativity Juniper & Ivy is known for, but in a more relaxed and approachable setting. 

Lana, a new restaurant from industry veterans Travis LeGrand and Mark Whedon, recently opened along Solana Beach’s Highway 101. The 5,000-square-foot space will feature a central bar, multiple dining areas, and a patio. Lana aims to offer coastal comfort and everyday luxury, reflecting the area's evolving culinary scene.

Vulture, the newest concept from the team behind Kindred and Mothership, is now open in University Heights. Vulture reimagines mid-century Continental fine dining through a bold, plant-based lens—complete with tablecloth service, rich sauces, and theatrical tableside presentations. Helmed by Executive Chef Pancho Castellón and Head of Pastry Amy Noonan, the menu features standout dishes like Steak Diane made with lion’s mane mushrooms and a reworked Caesar with chickpea-based Parmiagiana and seaweed caviar.

Gerry Torres, founder of City Tacos, will open Fonda del Barrio this fall in Barrio Logan. The new restaurant will highlight the diverse flavors of mainland Mexico with ancestral and colonial-era recipes, including dishes like Oaxacan mole, Mayan achiote, and pescado a la veracruzana. Most dishes will be available in a budget-friendly style known as “comida corrida—or “working person’s lunch/dinner”—a three-course format that includes a small salad/soup, entrée, and dessert. 

From the team behind North Park’s Cori Pastificio Trattoria comes Dora, opening this Fall in UCSD’s Theatre District. Named after Chef Accursio Lota’s grandmother, Dora will bring coastal Southern Italian cuisine to La Jolla with house made pastas, breads, gelato, and Mediterranean seafood rooted in Sicilian tradition. Just steps from the La Jolla Playhouse, Dora will also offer pre-theatre menus inspired by current productions, creating a seamless journey from table to stage. 

Now open in Little Italy, Piedra Santa brings the rich tradition of Argentinian asado to the heart of San Diego. The steakhouse specializes in premium dry-aged steaks grilled over open flame, paired with house-made chimichurri, craft cocktails, and an impressive selection of Argentinian wines.

Awards & Recognitions

The 2025 Michelin Guide recently named the newly opened Lilo as San Diego’s newest one-star Michelin restaurant. Lilo is an intimate, design-forward tasting restaurant from Eric Bost and John Resnick, the team behind Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie and Campfire, serving 12-course dinners to just 22 guests per evening.   With Lilo’s addition, San Diego County now boasts five Michelin-starred establishments: the three-star Addison by Chef William Bradley, and one-star restaurants Valle (Oceanside), Juene et Jolie (Carlsbad), and Soichi (University Heights). Beyond the starred restaurants, San Diego has earned recognition for nine Bib Gourmand eateries and several recommended restaurants, totaling well over a dozen Michelin-recognized establishments. 

Transportation

San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1 transformation will reach a major milestone in September with the completion of phase 1. The reimagined terminal will welcome travelers with 19 gates, a new elevated departures roadway, an outdoor check-in pavilion, and a variety of shopping and dining experiences. 

Copa Airlines has officially launched nonstop service between San Diego and Panama City, enhancing connectivity between Southern California and Latin America via its Hub of the Americas. The new route, operating four times weekly, marks a major step in expanding Copa’s U.S. presence on the West Coast and meeting demand for business, academic, and leisure travel.

Sustainability

As part of its sustainability efforts, Town and Country Resort has introduced an on-site beehive in partnership with Encinitas Honey to support local pollination and eco-friendly practices. The resort is incorporating the honey into dishes and drinks across its restaurants, including specialty cocktails at ARLO and sweet treats at Lapper Sports Bar + Kitchen. Additional bee-inspired offerings include a limited-edition honey blonde ale with Pure Project Brewery and BeeKind organic toiletries in all guestrooms, further highlighting the resort’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Destiny Coast is a recently opened all-day café and community gathering spot in La Jolla, located at the Scripps Marine Conservation and Technology Facility. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch, the restaurant will expand to include a sunset dinner service beginning August 6. Created in partnership with UCSD and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Destiny Coast has a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen to educate guests and students on how to responsibly source, prepare, and enjoy seafood. 

San Diego International Airport (SAN) has activated a cutting-edge hydrant fueling system as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. Hydrant fueling systems streamline the refueling process by delivering fuel directly from storage facilities to aircraft via underground pipelines.  The new system reduces aircraft turnaround times, minimizes fuel truck traffic, and lowers carbon emissions.

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