San Diego Guide: 24 Things To Do in 2024
Goodbye 2023, and hello 2024! To start the new year off right, we’ve thrown together the ultimate ’24 San Diego bucket list. From landing in Outerspace at a South Park speakeasy to pedaling a glow-in-the-dark boat in the bay, let this list be your go-to guide for soaking up the best of San Diego this year. Cheers to new adventures!
1. Stay at the Days
Located in the heart of America’s Finest City in beautiful Mission Valley, the Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle is the perfect place to rest in between adventuring out on the town. Our centrally-located hotel is close to the hottest attractions, restaurants, shops, and beaches — it doesn’t get any better! Plus, we’re proud to offer an array of amazing amenities: grab a burger and local craft beer at our onsite restaurant, Bunz, join us for poolside movie nights in the summer, unwind in our jacuzzi after a long day, and more. Make sure to sign up for emails to be the first to know of the latest hotel events and offers to come in 2024!
2. Go Back in Time at The San Diego County Fair
Step back in time at the annual San Diego County Fair this June! Immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm of this year’s “Let’s Go Retro” theme, celebrating decades from the 1950s to the 1990s. Enjoy delicious fair food and drinks, thrilling rides, fun games, and much more!
3. Join in on Comic-Con Weekend
(Photo: @casplayed)
Embrace the spirit of Comic-Con by donning the attire of your favorite character and strolling through Gaslamp! Immerse yourself in the excitement of the convention with various events and specials in the area. Whether or not you’re attending this year’s event, there’s so much fun to be had all around downtown!
4. Soak Up Views & Sip on Brews
(Photo: @altitudeskylounge)
In a city as beautiful as ours, you’re going to want to enjoy the outdoors every chance you get — so it’s a good thing that the year-round sunny weather here means al fresco drinks and dining are always on tap! Whether you’re looking for a beachfront spot or somewhere with city lights, our city is full of rooftop restaurants and bars. A few of our favorites are Cannonball, Altitude, and The Holding Company, but you can check out a full guide from our sister hotel, The Dana on Mission Bay, here!
5. Celebrate Petco Park’s 20th Anniversary
Join in the festivities commemorating Petco Park‘s 20th anniversary by catching a Padres baseball game, experiencing one of their sensational 2024 concerts, or partaking in any of the thrilling events lined up for the anniversary season. Embrace the excitement at the renowned #1 ballpark in America! Learn more here.
6. Pedal a Glow Boat in the Bay
(Video: @sdbucketlist)
Elevate your girls’ night or date night with a luminous boat ride across San Diego Bay with Eco Boat Rentals! Enjoy the city lights while pedaling across the water on a glowing pedal boat, enhanced by a disco ball and speakers to amplify your favorite tunes.
7. Pack at Picnic For Kate Sessions Park
(Photo: @katesessionspark)
Experience the perfect afternoon at Kate Sessions Park, where you can indulge in a delightful picnic while immersing yourself in one of San Diego’s most breathtaking vistas, encompassing Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and extending towards La Jolla. Here’s an insider tip: seize the opportunity to make this locals’ favorite spot your front-row seat for the spectacular 4th of July fireworks display; just be sure to secure your spot early in the day!
8. Visit the Mothership
(Photo: @intothevoidinc)
Buckle your seatbelt and be prepared to be transported at light speed into a tropical space adventure at the intergalactic South Park speakeasy, Mothership! Enjoy out-of-this-world cocktails and more. Want to learn more about the hush-hush hideaways throughout San Diego? Check out our complete guide here!
9. Experience the Jewels of the Sea
Dive into the enchanting world of jellyfish at SeaWorld San Diego‘s “Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience” opening in 2024. Explore immersive galleries, learn the secrets behind their stings, and witness striking habitats, including one of the country’s largest jelly cylinders. This captivating journey connects you to the extraordinary beauty of these translucent treasures!
10. Enjoy the Return of Wonderfront Festival
(Photo: @vanessacampos)
After a hiatus, experience the return of the highly-anticipated Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival, a 3-day celebration on downtown San Diego’s waterfront with 80+ bands on 7+ stages! This dynamic event features yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village, and more. Previous headliners include the likes of Gwen Stefani and Kings of Leon, so you won’t want to miss this one. Stay tuned for this year’s lineup here!
11. Be One of the First to Try Cork & Batter
(Photo Courtesy of Cork & Batter)
Be among the first to experience Cork & Batter, opening this spring in Seaport Village’s Lighthouse District! This bungalow-style, baseball-themed restaurant and sports bar offers 8,000 square feet of indoor dining, a 2,800-square-foot courtyard, and a wrap-around patio. Dive into a menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, wings, pasta, and more!
12. Hike Alongside the Ocean (Literally)
Embark on a breathtaking coastal adventure by hiking along the ocean at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a true gem among our scenic hiking routes. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Southern California coastline as you traverse the trails, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean right beside you. Check out more of our favorite hiking trails here!
13. Dance the Night Away by the Bay
(Photo: @humphreysshows)
Catch a concert at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, our sister hotel’s waterfront venue on Shelter Island in San Diego! With the marina as your backdrop, enjoy an intimate live music experience under the stars, where the soothing sounds of the waves enhance the atmosphere. The 2024 concert season will be announced soon — stay tuned here!
14. Celebrate Pride Weekend
Get ready to party during the annual San Diego Pride Festival as it makes its triumphant return during summer ’24! Check out the colorful Pride Parade, join in at the festival in Hillcrest (just over the hill from our hotel), and enjoy specials all weekend long. Learn more here!
15. Partake in Fourth of July Fun
Get ready for an epic Independence Day celebration in San Diego! 2024 promises to be one of the biggest yet, with spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky. Don’t miss the breathtaking displays, including the iconic Big Bay Boom and the fantastic 3rd of July show from Discover Mission Bay.
16. Visit the Yelp ‘Restaurant of the Year’
(Photo: @shawarmaguys_)
Indulge in a culinary delight and discover why the Shawarma Guys food truck earned the title of the #1 Restaurant in the COUNTRY on Yelp in 2020! Treat your taste buds to the savory perfection of their tender, slow-cooked masterpieces — a dining experience that you’ll undoubtedly thank us for later.
17. Enjoy Belmont Park’s Seasonal Festivities
(Photo: @belmontparksd)
Experience the excitement at Belmont Park’s seasonal festivals including Fall Fest and Belmont in Bloom — featuring fun events, live music, and enticing cocktail specials! Enjoy thrilling rides, including the iconic Giant Dipper coaster, all within steps of the ocean. View their event calendar here to see what’s coming up in 2024!
18. Stop By the New Snapdragon Stadium
Check out a sports game or concert at the new and nearby Snapdragon Stadium, located just over 3 miles from our hotel in Mission Valley! Their 2024 events calendar is full of exciting happenings, including Monster Jam, Supercross, San Diego Wave FC games, and more. Check it out here!
19. Snap the Perfect Spring in Bloom IG Shot
Celebrate the arrival of springtime at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch! For over sixty years, these 55 acres of vibrant Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers in North San Diego County have turned into a stunning burst of color from March to May. It’s the perfect photo-op for your spring 2024 feed!
20. Bring the Kiddos – For Free!
(Photo: @belmontparksd)
Did you know that October is Kids Free Month in San Diego? So if you’re traveling as a family, that means kids get to eat, play, and explore for free in many places. Throughout the month, many of the city’s top attractions offer free admission to children, making it an ideal time to create lasting memories without breaking the bank. Learn more over on our blog!
21. Get Spooked in San Diego
Experience the spookier side of San Diego with Haunted Trails, Frightening Festivals, Zombie Crawls, and more! San Diego gets into the Halloween spirit with a variety of chilling events that promise hair-raising thrills. Check out our blog for a peek at last year’s spooky adventures, and get a taste of what’s to come in October 2024!
22. Take a Trip to Historic Old Town
Sip on margaritas, enjoy delicious tacos, and explore unique shops in the oldest neighborhood in San Diego. Immerse yourself in the city’s history as you stroll through charming streets and discover well-preserved landmarks. Old Town offers a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and history for an unforgettable visit!
23. Enjoy Boatloads of Festive Family Fun
This December, make sure to catch the Mission Bay Parade of Lights show and experience the festive boats, holiday food and drink specials, a falling snow party, and so much more — all from our sister hotel, The Dana on Mission Bay! Click here to learn all about last year’s event, and get excited for what’s to come later this year!
24. Kayak Through an Actual Cave
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a fully guided kayak tour, navigating through the famous La Jolla sea caves! Say hello to leopard sharks, sea lions, and even the occasional pod of dolphins. Our friends over at La Jolla Kayak will share cool facts about La Jolla, making this a fun and safe journey along the stunning coastline.
Ready to begin your 2024 San Diego adventure? Start by booking your stay with us, here at the Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle! Plus, we are proud to now offer gift cards, so you can gift your family or friends a visit to the Days, to experience any of these fun events WITH you in the new year! See you soon!