7 Ways to Experience ‘Winter’ in San Diego

 Many people, particularly those who have never lived here, will say that San Diego doesn’t have a ‘winter.’

But it does! Winter in San Diego has always been a special time of year; our unique blend of cultures is on full display, and we take full advantage of the uniqueness of the season.

From the Big Bay Parade to neighborhood chili cook-offs and college bowl games to easily getting parking at your favorite beach, this may just be our favorite time of year here in America’s Finest City.

There is certainly no shortage of great experiences to be had! You can even find snow!

Check out our list featuring just a taste of the unique activities going on this season.

1. Ice Skating on the Beach at the Hotel Del

The most surreal winter scene in SoCal is back and better than ever at Hotel Del Coronado. Glide across real ice just steps from the Pacific, where the gentle crash of waves mingles with the swish of skates.

This magical mashup of summer and winter vibes runs through January 5, with every spin supporting Make-A-Wish® San Diego.

Want the VIP treatment? Snag a spot in the Frostbite Lounge, where toasty fire pits and craft cocktails await your post-skating celebration. No reservation? The Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, and Serẽa offer prime viewing of all the frozen fun.

2. Big Bay Parade of Lights

Get ready for San Diego’s most spectacular holiday show—when our bay transforms into a twinkling wonderland for the 54th Annual Bay Parade of Lights. More than 80 decked-out boats will light up the night on December 8 and 15, creating a floating festival that’ll take your breath away with this year’s “Peace on Earth” theme.

Catch this free aquatic light show starting at Shelter Island at 5:30 PM as it sparkles past Harbor Island (6:15 PM), lights up Seaport Village (6:45 PM), and illuminates the Embarcadero (7:15 PM) before its grand finale at Coronado’s Ferry Landing around 7:45 PM.

Snag the perfect viewing spot on Harbor Island’s lawn or join the electric atmosphere at Seaport Village. With 100,000+ spectators expected, this nautical celebration is pure holiday magic on the water!

4. Lights at the San Diego Botanic Garden

Who needs snow when winter in San Diego means the Botanic Garden transforms into an enchanted realm of light and wonder? Lightscape returns for its third dazzling year, turning the 37-acre garden into a magical one-mile journey where art meets nature.

New installations from global artists join beloved favorites like the twinkling tunnels, glowing California poppies, and illuminated flame-skimmer dragonfly. Sip warm cocoa as you wander through this breathtaking wonderland that’s captivated audiences from London to Melbourne.

Catch the magic through January 5. Tickets start at $26 for adults and $15 for kids (three to 12), with special deals for garden members and military. Kids under two enter free into this glowing paradise that’s fast becoming San Diego’s brightest holiday tradition!

5. America’s Largest Balloon Parade

Downtown’s waterfront explodes with color and energy at the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade on December 27. This massive celebration packs more giant balloons than any other parade nationwide, plus showstopping floats, world-class marching bands, and dazzling drill teams strutting their stuff along our beautiful bay.

Early birds can kick off the festivities with the Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk, where every finisher scores a medal for conquering the scenic harbor course.

Join over 100,000 spectators for this free holiday extravaganza starting at 10 AM. Want the ultimate viewing experience? Snag grandstand seats for $30 to catch all the larger-than-life action. Rain or shine, this beloved San Diego tradition delivers pure holiday magic along our stunning waterfront!

6. Whale Watching

From Torrey Pines to Point Loma, from mid-December to April, it’s estimated that 20,000 gray whales pass by our shores.

This annual migration from Alaska to the warm waters of Baja is an almost life-changing experience—and it’s free to view from the shore! If you want a closer look, there are several whale-watching boat tours available for a fee too.

7. Visit One Of Our Nearby Mountains

Okay, that’s not technically ‘in’ San Diego, but we have snowy mountains that are just as close and easy to get to as the Rockies are for people living in the Front Range of Colorado…but they get all the credit!

Leave San Diego after breakfast, and you can be playing in the snow by lunch! Check out Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Palomar Mountain, or Mount Laguna for a potential snow day within a one- or two-hour drive from the city.

And if you want to turn your trip into a ski day, here are seven ski resorts near San Diego that are worth a visit!

See you there!

These are but a few of the incredible options we have right here in our own backyard.

We hope you have a great winter and Holiday Season; enjoy this magnificent place we call home!

And for one final idea on how to experience winter this year in San Diego: If you have the chance, help someone in our community who is less fortunate than yourself this year—it is the season of giving, after all.

See you there, San Diego!