20 Best Winter Activities in San Diego 2025-2026
Dec 15, 2025
Relocating to a new city is as much about shifting boxes as it’s about planting new roots, exploring new rhythms, and discovering what feels like “home.” If you’ve recently moved to San Diego or you’re planning to, winter offers a uniquely gentle welcome. Winters here tend to be mild, the sunlight soft yet bright, and the city’s pace calmer than the peak summer rush.
As the holiday season approaches, San Diego transforms: palm-tree-lined streets glimmer with lights, historic districts buzz with festive energy, and coastal breezes carry a fresh salt-kissed calm. For many newcomers, this is the perfect season to get acquainted with your new hometown, not just by unpacking and settling in, but by wandering, exploring, and feeling the city come alive.
Below is a curated journey through 20 of the best winter activities San Diego has to offer in 2025–2026 with a mix of holiday magic, nature, local culture, and coastal charm.
20 Best Winter Activities in San Diego (2025–2026)
| Activity | Best For | Location | Why It’s Great in Winter |
| December Nights at Balboa Park | Families, culture lovers | Balboa Park | Free museum access, festive lights & performances |
| Skating by the Sea | Couples, holiday fun | Hotel del Coronado | Unique oceanfront ice rink & seasonal ambiance |
| Jungle Bells and Zoo Lights | Families, animal fans | San Diego Zoo and Safari Park | Longer evenings + illuminated exhibits |
| Coastal Hikes and Beaches | Nature lovers, locals | Torrey Pines, La Jolla Cove | Mild weather, fewer crowds, tide-pooling |
| San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | Everyone | Embarcadero, Harbor Island | Free waterfront holiday spectacle |
| Farmers Markets and Food Tours | New residents, foodies | Little Italy, Hillcrest, OB | Local flavors + relaxed winter shopping |
| Botanical Gardens and Light Shows | Calm evenings, couples | San Diego Botanic Garden | Peaceful, illuminated garden paths |
| Julian Mountain Getaway | Families, weekend explorers | Julian | Small-town charm + possible snow |
| Coastal Sunset Drives | Newcomers, photographers | Pacific Coast Highway | Spectacular winter sunsets & open roads |
| Birch Aquarium | Families, marine lovers | La Jolla | Less crowded + educational indoor/outdoor fun |
| Historic Holiday Fun in Old Town | Culture seekers | Old Town San Diego | Seasonal décor + cultural history |
| Safari Park Wildlife Adventures | Families, explorers | Escondido | Active animals in cooler temps |
| Liberty Station Winter Markets | Shoppers, creatives | Point Loma | Festive events + local artisan finds |
| La Jolla Cove Strolls | Nature & wildlife lovers | La Jolla | Sea lions + golden winter light |
| Paddleboarding and Kayaking | Adventure seekers | Mission Bay | Calm winter waters + warmer mornings |
| North Park Winter Hangouts | Adults, social groups | North Park | Craft breweries + lively restaurant scene |
| Cabrillo National Monument | History buffs, hikers | Point Loma | Clear winter views + tide pooling |
| Craft Brewery Tours | Adults | Miramar, Vista, North Park | Cozy taprooms + seasonal brews |
| USS Midway Museum | Families, military community | Downtown Waterfront | Shorter lines + cooler temperatures |
| Bayshore Bikeway Ride | Active newcomers | Around San Diego Bay | Scenic cycling + great city orientation |
1. Holiday Cheer at Balboa Park and December Nights
Each December, Balboa Park, the city’s cultural heart, transforms into a radiant celebration. December Nights (scheduled for early December 2025) invites locals and newcomers alike to wander through a holiday wonderland of lights, music, and global food stalls, and to explore many of the park’s museums for free.
You might find handcrafted ornaments, multicultural treats, live performances on open-air stages, and a festive community vibe perfect for families, couples, or anyone simply wanting to soak in seasonal charm.
Even outside the festival weekend, Balboa Park’s gardens, historic architecture, and art-filled corners remain a peaceful retreat, allowing you to explore at your own pace without the bustle of peak tourist seasons.
2. Ice Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
Glide on ice, with the Pacific Ocean wave-sound for company. Every winter, Hotel del Coronado hosts “Skating by the Sea,” a beachfront ice rink on its Windsor Lawn, offering an extraordinary blend of seaside calm and holiday spirit.
Sessions will typically run from late November through early January 2026, giving ample opportunity to enjoy 90-minute skating, followed by a beach walk or a hot cocoa under the stars.
For newcomers, it’s a postcard-perfect way to usher in the holiday season in a city that rarely feels like traditional “winter,” yet offers this rare blend of surf, sand, and seasonal magic.
3. Celebrate Wildlife and Lights at San Diego Zoo (Jungle Bells) and Safari Park
As winter evenings draw in, the San Diego Zoo often transforms into a magical world of holiday lights, music, and festive decorations under the banner of events like Jungle Bells (late December through early January).
It’s a lively, family-friendly outing: strolling past illuminated habitats, encountering exotic animals, enjoying seasonal treats, and soaking in the warm, communal energy, a warm escape from unpacking boxes and settling in.
If you’re new to San Diego and have kids, or simply love animals and gentle nighttime ambiance, this is one of the most memorable ways to share winter wonder.
4. Coastal Calm: Beaches, Cliff Walks and Ocean-View Hikes
One of the great blessings of San Diego winters is the mild weather. It is perfect for coastal hikes, beach strolls, or tide-pool exploring without the summer crowds. Places like Torrey Pines and La Jolla Cove offer beautiful trails, ocean vistas, and a calm, peaceful feeling that feels especially welcoming if you’re new in town.
Take a slow morning hike, watch sea-lions or tide-pool life, then grab a coffee nearby. This is a simple routine that can quickly help turn your new surroundings into a home. For many, these open-air moments consisting of fresh air, shimmering ocean, and quiet cliffs become a grounding ritual after the flurry of unpacking, settling, and adjusting to a new city rhythm.
5. Waterfront Evenings and the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
One of winter’s most magical spectacles: around mid-December, more than 100 private boats decorated with holiday lights line the harbor and sail through San Diego Bay are visible from spots like the Embarcadero, Harbor Island, or Seaport Village.
Parade of lights is free to watch from the shore, and many waterfront restaurants, cafes, or ferry-landing shops make the evening feel like a festive getaway.
For someone new to town, this aquatic light parade offers a serene but celebratory way to connect with the city’s coastal character and local holiday traditions.
6. Discover Local Culture: Farmers Markets, Food Tours and Markets
Moving to a new city often means rediscovering things as simple and soul-soothing as where to get groceries, fresh produce, or the best local taco. Winter is a relaxed time to dive into San Diego’s vibrant marketplace culture: local farmers’ markets, cozy cafés, food tours, or holiday-season pop-ups all offer flavor and community.
Take a weekend morning market stroll, try seasonal specialties, chat with vendors, and slowly begin weaving yourself into neighborhood rhythms. For many newcomers, these simple rituals like grabbing your morning coffee or discovering a favored bakery become touchstones of “settling in.”
7. Gardens, Green Spaces and Botanical Light Shows
If you value calm, contemplative experiences, San Diego’s gardens and botanical spaces offer a peaceful counterpoint to festive crowds. Seasonal light shows, landscaped paths, and gentle garden walks, sometimes with candle-lit or illuminated displays, make for a serene winter evening.
These spots are perfect when you want to recharge: maybe after a busy week of moving boxes or during a quiet weekend. Alone, with a friend, or with family, a walk among plants and lights can feel grounding and beautiful in equal measure.
8. Visit Julian for a Cozy Mountain Getaway
Just an hour east of San Diego, the historic gold-rush town of Julian transforms into a charming winter escape. Here, crisp mountain air and the possibility of snowfall offer a seasonal change that San Diego residents adore.
Visitors can enjoy warm slices of the town’s famous apple pie, stroll through rustic shops, and explore scenic hiking trails. It’s a wonderful weekend retreat for new residents eager to see a different side of Southern California.
9. Photo-Ready Sunsets Along the Pacific
There’s something about the open road, the wind from the ocean, and a winter sky over the Pacific that feels healing, especially after a period of upheaval like a move. In San Diego, coastal drives or sunset-chasing along the cliffs and beaches offer just that.
Take a weekend drive, breathe in sea air, catch a sunset, and suddenly, the city doesn’t feel foreign anymore. It feels like a chapter you’re beginning to write.
10. Discover Sea Creatures at Birch Aquarium
Winter is one of the best times to explore La Jolla’s renowned Birch Aquarium at Scripps. With fewer crowds and cooler days, you’ll have more time to immerse yourself in the world of marine science. Seasonal exhibits often highlight ocean conservation, and the outdoor tide pool deck offers panoramic views of the Pacific.
Families moving to San Diego will appreciate the educational programs and interactive displays that make science engaging for all ages. It’s a perfect blend of learning and fun without the rush of peak tourist season.
11. Explore Old Town’s Holiday Spirit
Old Town San Diego combines history and festive charm during the winter months. With holiday markets, traditional decorations, and seasonal performances, it’s the perfect place to soak in San Diego’s cultural roots while enjoying incredible local food and shopping.
After a move, wandering Old Town’s vibrant streets can help new residents feel more connected to the local community. Whether you’re tasting fresh tortillas or learning about early California history, Old Town brings warmth and celebration to winter.
12. Go on a Safari Adventure at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Winter visits to the Safari Park in Escondido are ideal because many animals are more active in the cooler weather. From the Africa Tram Safari to up-close conservation encounters, the park delivers excitement and adventure for all ages.
It’s a great weekend getaway for families adjusting to a new city and a reminder that world-class attractions are just part of everyday life in San Diego.
13. Shop + Celebrate at Liberty Station
Formerly a Naval Training Center, Liberty Station now thrives as a cultural hub with artisan shops, craft restaurants, art installations, and film events. Winter brings festive markets and pop-ups perfect for holiday shopping after a recent move.
With open plazas and community gatherings, Liberty Station provides a welcoming, lively neighborhood atmosphere where newcomers quickly feel at home.
14. Stroll Through La Jolla Cove
Winter sunsets in La Jolla Cove are spectacular, casting golden light over sea caves, tide pools, and resident sea lions. While tourism slows down this time of year, wildlife activity increases, making it a wonderful place for an afternoon walk or photo-worthy picnic.
For those exploring their new surroundings, La Jolla offers a glimpse of the coastal lifestyle that defines San Diego living.
15. Paddle Through Mission Bay
Kayaking or paddleboarding on Mission Bay may sound like a summer activity, but locals know winter often brings calm waters and beautiful, peaceful mornings on the bayfront.
Rental shops remain open year-round, making this an easy adventure for newcomers looking to get outdoors and experience San Diego’s mild seasonal weather. It’s a serene escape just minutes from many surrounding neighborhoods.
16. Sip and Socialize in North Park
North Park is San Diego’s hub for trendy coffee shops, independent breweries, and unique eateries, many of which host winter-themed menus and community events.
It’s the perfect place for new residents to meet neighbors, enjoy craft beer, and discover the city’s creative personality. Whether you’re grabbing brunch or browsing boutiques, North Park delivers a warm and welcoming urban vibe.
17. Visit the Cabrillo National Monument
Set atop the Point Loma peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument offers some of the most extraordinary ocean views in Southern California, especially clear in winter air. The national park offers access to history exhibits, lighthouse tours, and tide pools teeming with marine life in coastal winter months.
For anyone adjusting to life in a new city, it provides a grounding experience by connecting visitors with San Diego’s rich natural and historical heritage.
18. Warm Up with a Brewery Tour
Winter invites locals and newcomers to explore San Diego’s nationally recognized craft beer scene. Guided brewery tours through neighborhoods like Miramar, North Park, and Vista give visitors a chance to taste seasonal brews, learn from expert brewers, and enjoy cozy taproom atmospheres. It’s a fun and social way to settle into the city and discover new favorite hangouts along the way.
19. Explore the USS Midway Museum Without the Summer Crowds
Winter is prime time for exploring the iconic USS Midway Museum with shorter lines and more breathing room to enjoy the aircraft exhibits, hangar tours, and immersive naval history. Families moving to San Diego often find this museum to be an inspiring reminder of the city’s strong military heritage.
20. Take a Coastal Bike Ride Along the Bayshore Bikeway
San Diego’s mild winter weather makes cycling an enjoyable outdoor adventure year-round, and the Bayshore Bikeway is one of the most scenic routes in the region. Stretching 24 miles around the San Diego Bay, much of it on dedicated bike paths, the ride features views of downtown skylines, sparkling marinas, and the natural beauty of the Silver Strand.
New residents can use this experience to get familiar with the local landscape while enjoying fresh ocean air and plenty of local stops for coffee, dining, or sightseeing along the way. It’s an energizing way to settle into life by the coast.
Moving to San Diego This Winter? A Practical Guide for a Seamless Transition
Relocating during the winter season, even to a sunny place like San Diego, comes with its own checklist of considerations. Whether you’re moving for a new job, military relocation, or a fresh start by the coast, planning can make your transition significantly smoother.
Below are real, actionable steps to ensure you’re set up for success as you settle into your new life in America’s Finest City:
1. Secure Your Move Early
Winter can be a busy relocation period, especially around the holidays. Booking your intrastate movers early ensures you get your preferred moving dates and enough prep time for packing, housing logistics, and job coordination.
Pro Tip: If you’re moving from a region with snow or ice, confirm weather-safe transport and protective crating for temperature-sensitive items.
2. Plan for Temporary Storage if Needed
Sometimes your move-in date and move-out date don’t line up perfectly. Or you may want to gradually transition into your new space while exploring neighborhoods. Hence, look for secure, monitored, climate-protected storage with short-term and long-term options.
Atlas Transfer & Storage offers a modern, secure 100,000-square-foot warehouse with monitored care and customizable terms for both short- and long-term needs. This protects your belongings while you focus on starting the next chapter comfortably.
3. Update Utilities + Essential Services
Handle these before you arrive for a stress-free first week:
- Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
- Internet provider (Cox, AT&T Fiber, Google Fiber in select areas)
- Water & trash based on city jurisdiction
- Renter’s or homeowner’s insurance
Pro Tip: Schedule activation 24–48 hours before arrival.
4. Choose the Right Neighborhood for Your Lifestyle
San Diego’s community offerings are diverse. Here are popular picks:
| Lifestyle | Best-Fit Areas | What You’ll Love |
| Coastal views | La Jolla, Del Mar, Ocean Beach | Beaches, surfing, ocean sunsets |
| Family-focused | Poway, Scripps Ranch, Carmel Valley | Top-rated schools, parks |
| Walkable & energetic | Little Italy, North Park, Hillcrest | Dining, arts, nightlife |
| Military convenience | Point Loma, Serra Mesa, Chula Vista | Base proximity, strong support network |
Pro Tip: Visit during evenings and weekends to gauge true traffic and noise levels.
5. Declutter Before Packing
Streamline belongings and reduce costs by:
- Donating clothing & household items
- Digitizing photos and paperwork
- Recycling outdated electronics
- Evaluating bulky furniture needs
Have A More Confident Move to San Diego with Atlas Allied
Atlas Transfer & Storage (Atlas Allied) provides 5-star, end-to-end moving services, so you can focus on your fresh start in San Diego, not the stress of intrastate moving. With nearly 100 years of family-owned expertise, our dedicated Relocation Consultant personalizes every detail, including:
✓ Packing and unpacking services
✓ Secure short- and long-term storage
✓ Award-winning Allied Van Lines drivers
✓ Peace-of-mind protection for your belongings
✓ Professional, courteous crews focused on care and quality
When you’re ready for a seamless move supported by excellence, trust the team delivering superior service since 1925. Contact us today to learn more and get a free moving quote.