Plan Your Family-Friendly San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Adventure

Lucky Celebrations for All Ages

Like any major holiday, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations can get quite lively. Fortunately, San Diego is abundant with family-friendly places to bring kids of all ages. Find out where you can bring the whole crew to enjoy the revelry.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Balboa Park

Located conveniently close to our hotel, the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi returns once again for a day’s worth of festivities. Encompassing over 120 entrants, including dancers, marchers, and equestrians, the parade is a time-honored Balboa Park tradition, and one that’s grown its grandeur every year since its start.

10:30 AM, Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Balboa Park, Fifth Avenue & Laurel St.
Free

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Quartyard

If anyone in your family is a fan of food trucks, you’re in luck! The Quartyard is home to one of the holiday’s most vibrant music sets, with multiple acts playing traditional Irish music, as well as modern fare provided by the beloved Harvest Kitchen Gastrotruck.

5-10:30 PM Friday, March 17.
1102 Market St.
Online: $10-$15; $20 at the door.

St. Patrick’s 5K Color Run

Featuring live music, free goodies, and plenty of one color in particular, the Color Run takes competitors straight to—what else?—a pot of gold at the end of the race. Top finishers will receive prizes, and partial proceeds from the event will benefit the Palomar Family YMCA. Escondido is a bit of a drive from us—about 45 minutes away—so plan on a scenic trip and an early departure.

4:30 to 8 PM Friday, March 17.
8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido.
$25.

With festivities making their way across every part of the city, your kids are bound to have a blast. Make their day, and choose one of San Diego’s beloved St. Patrick’s Day spectacles. Plan on a special St. Patrick’s during your stay with us, and be sure to use our area guide to find even more to supplement your trip.