7 Ways To Experience ‘Winter’ In San Diego
Front Page You can even find snow!
by Chad Thomas Many people, particularly those who have never lived here of course, 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, 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
Open through January 2nd, if you’ve never gone ice skating while watching waves crash on the beach you’ve got to check this out.
Great for impressing a date or playing with your kids -this is an experience they aren’t to likely forget.
2) Big Bay Parade of Lights
On December 11th & 18th our bay-front gets lit-up in this festive display of nautical pride. Viewing of this uniquely San Diego parade on water can be viewed from downtown, Coronado and for this year the route will also pass the pier at Cesar Chavez Park.
3) Oceanside Harbor Parade
December 10th celebrate the holidays in true San Diego style. With boats of all kinds, wrapped in lights, flowing through the harbor; this is a unique and a bit more intimate experience than Down Town.
Grab a beer and a burrito then head to the water front to view this beautiful spectacle.
4) Garden of Lights at the San Diego Botanic Garden
After the sun goes down in December, the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland! More than 125,000 sparkling lights illuminate the flora of this fantastic 37-acre urban oasis each evening from 5 – 9 pm for a magical holiday experience.
Be sure to check the site to see if the snow sledding is available on the day you want to attend (weather permitting, of course).
5) America’s Largest Balloon Parade
On Dec. 27th the San Diego bay-front becomes the scene of our countries largest balloon parade (yes, even bigger than Macy’s in NYC).
This mega-show of floats, bands and massive inflatables goes off at 10 am, get there early for a good spot; last year had an estimated 100,000 people in attendance.
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!
7) Visit One Of Our Nearby Mountains!
Ok, 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 snow by lunch!
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 that is less fortunate than yourselves this year – it is the season of giving after all.