We can help you save on tickets, tours, and hotels. If you purchase through some of the links below, we may be compensated. Our editorial guidelines.
Spring break 2026 in San Diego brings exciting new thrills with LEGO Galaxy’s debut at LEGOLAND California on March 6—the park’s first new roller coaster in nearly 20 years.
Combined with the blooming Carlsbad Flower Fields, perfect beach weather, and world-class attractions, San Diego delivers unforgettable spring break memories for families and college students alike.
With so much to do and see, the prospect of cramming all the city attractions into a week can be overwhelming. To help, we’ve outlined several of the best San Diego spring break attractions. Many of these can be enjoyed with help from the Go San Diego sightseeing pass or are otherwise affordable.
Top Spring Break Activities at a Glance
| Activity | Best For | Time Needed | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEGO Galaxy (NEW!) | Ages 2-12, LEGO fans | 2-3 hours | Included with LEGOLAND admission* |
| Carlsbad Flower Fields | All ages, photographers | 1.5-2 hours | $22 adults, $12 kids 3-10 |
| San Diego Zoo Pandas | All ages, panda lovers | Full day (6-8 hours) | Included with Zoo admission* |
| Safari Park Butterfly Jungle | Families, nature enthusiasts | Half to full day | Included with Safari Park admission* |
| Beaches | Everyone | 2-8 hours | Free (parking $10-25) |
| Belmont Park | Families, thrill seekers | 2-4 hours | $50-65 unlimited wristband |
| Whale Watching Tours | All ages, adventure seekers | 3-4 hours | $50-80 per person |
| Balboa Park Museums | Culture enthusiasts | 2-3 hours per museum | $15-25 per museum |
| La Jolla Cove | Snorkelers, photographers | 1-3 hours | Free |
| Padres Game | Sports fans, families | 3-4 hours | $25-100+ per ticket |
*Prices are approximate and subject to change. Some theme park tickets (Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND) have promotions or dynamic pricing. Visit our discount ticket page for exclusive savings and ticket options.
Go City San Diego – Exclusive Promo Code
Get an extra 5% ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes when you buy through Go City! This discount stacks on top of sale rates! Use promo code GOSDO5LJM.
(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)
A Travel Advisor’s Thoughts on Spring Break in San Diego
I spend a lot of time booking hotels for families visiting during spring break, and here’s what I’ve learned: spring break for kids isn’t just the week before Easter anymore. It ranges from early March to mid-April depending on school districts.
What that means for you is better crowd control. Unlike Christmas, when everyone descends on San Diego during the same two weeks, spring break crowds are spread across six weeks. Sure, Easter week tends to be busier than the others (that’s when most local kids are on break), but it’s still manageable and a great time to visit.
1. Hit the Beach
While the Pacific Ocean stays cool in spring (around 56-58°F), visiting the beach remains one of the best things to do in San Diego for spring break. You’ll want to get your hands on a wetsuit before going in the ocean for long stretches of time. You can rent them, brave the water, or simply stroll along the coast and take in the gorgeous scenery.
Spring break ends long before the cloudy season known as May Gray and June Gloom arrives, so you can expect sunshine during beach-based activities. If you’re lucky, you’ll avoid rain from the trip’s beginning to the end.
Best Spring Break Beaches:
Coronado Beach
Boasting a vast expanse of soft sand and calm waters, this beach can easily absorb the seemingly large crowds that descend on it during spring break. Perfect for families who want to build sandcastles, hunt for shells, or simply enjoy the iconic Hotel del Coronado backdrop.
Pacific Beach
College students and young working professionals flock to Pacific Beach for spring break to take advantage of the stunning beach and the myriad of beach bars along the boardwalk. The vibe here is casual and festive, not the best choice for families with young kids during peak spring break weeks near the pier.
La Jolla Shores
This gently sloping, family-friendly beach offers calm waters perfect for beginning swimmers and easy beach access. The adjacent grassy park area makes it ideal for picnics, and you might spot sea lions or catch the nearby tide pools.
Moonlight State Beach (Encinitas)
A playground, volleyball courts, and plenty of sand make this a great spring break destination for active families. Surfers, runners, and yoga enthusiasts also love this north county gem.
2. Head to San Diego Zoo
As one of San Diego’s premier attractions, the San Diego Zoo delivers educational fun for the whole family. It’s a must-visit for parents with toddlers, school-age kids, and even teens.
It would be easy to spend multiple days at this hundred-acre attraction, which is jam-packed with animals and information. If you only want to invest in a San Diego zoo ticket for a single day, however, plan to hit up the following during spring break:
- Elephant Odyssey
- Panda Trek
- Tiger trail
- Hippo trail
- Skyfari aerial tram
- Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
College visitors should also set aside any misconceptions that the Zoo is only for little kids. This Zoo is fun for all ages. And now we have pandas!
1-Day Pass – My 2026 Promo Code for the Zoo or Safari Park
Skip the ticket line, as these can be printed or scanned on a mobile device. They’re also valid for one year from the purchase date!
Final price (after my discount): $70/ages 12+ and $60/ages 3–11
Use promo code lajollamom to save $8 at both parks below!
3. Explore the Safari Park’s Butterfly Jungle
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is always worth visiting for its arid region animals, but spring provides the unique opportunity to gaze at glorious winged insects during one of the park’s most beloved events. Multiple types of butterflies and flowers provide a colorful display.
Be prepared to snap photos as butterflies flutter around your family or even land right on your head for the ultimate selfie. Beyond the Butterfly Jungle, you’ll find a vast park that can be navigated on foot if you’re feeling ambitious — or by trams, ziplines, and even balloon.
4. NEW for 2026: LEGO Galaxy at LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California’s biggest expansion ever debuts just in time for spring break. LEGO Galaxy is an immersive space-themed land featuring Galacticoaster, the park’s first indoor roller coaster and first new coaster in nearly 20 years.
Board your own LEGO spacecraft and blast off from LEGOLAND Spaceport 886 (named after the classic LEGO Space Buggy set #886) on this thrilling journey through the cosmos. The new land also includes two additional cosmic rides, a Junior Astronaut Training Zone for toddlers, and Galactic Grub and Gear for space-themed food and souvenirs.
This $90 million addition is ideal for families with children ages 2-12 and is LEGOLAND’s most technologically advanced attraction to date.
Small children and nostalgic parents alike can find a lot to love about LEGOLAND California. It’s home to a variety of fun rides (Dragon Coaster is popular), play structures, 4-D movies, and special events.
It’s one of San Diego’s most popular theme parks, but geared toward younger kids ages 12 and under. Teens, and maybe even college students, who loved LEGOs as a child may get a kick out of visiting the park, too.
SAVE MONEY ON TICKETS!
There’s no need to pay gate prices for LEGOLAND, but you’ll need to crunch the numbers to see which method of saving money is best. These are the four most popular tickets and sightseeing passes.
- LEGOLAND Online
- Our ticket site (use promo code SAVEMORE)
- CityPASS San Diego
- Go City San Diego (use promo code GOSDO5LJM )
5. Get Your Thrill on at Belmont Park
It’s impossible to visit Belmont Park San Diego without having a world of fun. For nearly a century, this beloved Mission Beach amusement park has thrilled visitors with its assortment of rides — and its gorgeous views. A pay-as-you-play approach makes casual visits possible, but it’s more cost-effective to grab a pass for unlimited rides and play.
Younger children — and ride-averse adults — may prefer the carousel or the Belmont Express train. But don’t miss the Giant Dipper historic roller coaster that hurls on wooden tracks around the park.
If nothing else, it’s worth your while to stroll the boardwalk, which provides easy access to a variety of shops and restaurants. Better yet, grab a scooter or go biking along the boardwalk that runs between Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.
6. Explore Balboa Park
When you need a break from the beach, head to Balboa Park for a dose of culture in one of the most beautiful urban parks in the country. With 1,200 acres of gardens, Spanish Colonial architecture, and 17 museums, there’s something for everyone, even on spring break.
The park is free to explore, though you’ll now need to pay for parking ($5-$15 depending on location and time). It’s worth it for the scenery alone. Stroll through the lush botanical gardens, snap photos of the iconic California Tower, or let kids burn energy at the playgrounds.
Top Spring Break Picks
Fleet Science Center
Kids and adults love the hands-on science exhibits and giant-screen IMAX theater. Perfect for a few hours when you want air conditioning and entertainment.
Natural History Museum (theNAT)
Dinosaur fossils, live animal encounters, and a 3D theater make this a hit with families. The seasonal butterfly exhibit (if running) is stunning.
San Diego Museum of Art
If the weather turns rainy, this museum in the heart of Balboa Park offers world-class art collections, with particularly strong Spanish and Latin American galleries.
I love visiting the park in spring, when the weather is ideal for walking, grabbing lunch at The Prado, and soaking up the historic Spanish architecture. It’s a nice counterbalance to all the beach and theme park energy.
7. Let Your Imagination Run Wild at the New Children’s Museum
While the art museums highlighted above tend to appeal more to older kids and adults, artistic concepts can be introduced to younger vacationers at the New Children’s Museum.
Designed to make contemporary art more accessible, this unique destination encourages both children and adults to think creatively. Plus, it’s located downtown near many popular hotels.
8. Go Whale Watching
Gray whales abound in the San Diego area, and, if you visit before — or during — their spring migration, you stand an excellent chance of seeing them up close. Whale watching tours provide the most intimate look at these majestic creatures. Whales swim further from shore in the spring on their way back to the Bering Sea with their calves.
Larger boat tours tend to be preferred among parents of young children, but adventurous high school and college students may be more intrigued by the possibility of viewing whales while kayaking.
9. Snap Photos of the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Open March 1 – May 11, 2026
The iconic ranunculus flowers of Carlsbad Ranch bloom during the months of March and April, making them essential for any spring break itinerary.
Families with kids of all ages should have a blast among these vibrant flowers, which can be viewed in over one dozen dazzling colors. Not to mention, there are tractor rides, events, and other things to do throughout the blooming season.
It’s an especially compelling option for college kids, who also flock to the fields to capture colorful Instagram photos.
10. Visit La Jolla Cove
San Diego’s best sunsets provide a visual feast at La Jolla Cove, which is also known as a hot spot for sea lions. The moment you arrive, you’ll realize why this is one of San Diego’s most photographed locations.
La Jolla Cove provides great opportunities for casual sightseeing, including views of sandstone cliffs and clear water. You can walk a few minutes south to the Children’s Pool to catch a view of our famous La Jolla seals.
If you’re looking to add snorkeling or diving on your own to your spring break itinerary, the cove is an entry point to the Ecological Reserve. It’s also one of the best places for ocean swimming thanks to buoy distance markers. During this time of the year though, you’ll want a wetsuit.
11. Enjoy the Vibrant Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego’s nightlife scene typically converges around the Gaslamp Quarter, where all the best bars, lounges, and music venues can be found. The district tends to attract a younger crowd, so college students should feel right at home there.
Despite its youthful vibes, there’s more to this area than signature drinks and dance clubs. During the day, Victorian structures and souvenir shopping make this a great place to stroll before stopping by one of the many acclaimed restaurants for lunch.
12. See the Flowers at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse
The lovely lighthouse at the Cabrillo National Monument comes alive in the spring when it’s surrounded by yellow flowers in full bloom.
The lighthouse was taken out of service long ago due to the heavy fog that often obscures it. Today, parents appreciate that this attraction offers substantial educational value through an engaging history lesson.
You can also enjoy the seaside trails that run through Cabrillo National Monument and its tide pools
13. Catch a Padres Game
Check the schedule to see if the Padres are playing a home game at PETCO Park. Spring break is usually a great time to catch early-season baseball.
The stadium is conveniently located in downtown San Diego and is home to mini-outlets of some of San Diego’s most popular restaurants, so you can eat and drink well during the game.
14. Go Tide Pooling
There will still be some opportunities to go tide pooling in San Diego during spring months when low tides occur during the day. You’ll be able to see sea anemones, sea stars, small fish, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and more. Popular places to go include:
- In front of Hotel del Coronado
- La Jolla Cove (or any of the tide pools in La Jolla)
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Swami’s Beach in Encinitas
15. Enjoy Water Sports
Sure, the water isn’t as warm as it is during the summer months, but you definitely should take advantage of the myriad of water sports available on the San Diego Bay and Mission Bay. These include kayaking, sailing, SUP, aqua cycling, boating, and waterskiing.
You can also rent snorkels and kayaks to take out on the water in other popular spots like La Jolla and Coronado.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Spring Break
Is San Diego crowded during spring break?
Yes, especially from late March through mid-April when multiple school districts have overlapping breaks. San Diego Unified School District’s spring break runs from March 30 to April 10, 2026. Book hotels and popular attractions in advance.
What’s the weather like in San Diego in March and April?
Mild and pleasant! Expect highs in the mid-60s to low 70s during the day and lows in the 50s at night. You’ll see mostly sunny days with occasional rain possible in March (about 7 days) and April (about 5 days). Ocean temperatures range from 56-58°F, so wetsuits are recommended for extended water activities. Learn more in my San Diego in March and San Diego in April guides.
Do I need a car for San Diego spring break?
A car is helpful but not essential if you’re staying near major attractions. San Diego offers rideshare services, the MTS Trolley system, and various tour options. However, a car provides more flexibility for visiting multiple areas like La Jolla, Coronado, and Carlsbad.
What are the best beaches for families during spring break?
La Jolla Shores, Coronado Beach, and Del Mar Beach are ideal for families. They offer calm water, lifeguards, amenities, and plenty of sand for castle building. These beaches are less party-oriented than Pacific Beach.
What’s new for spring break 2026?
LEGO Galaxy at LEGOLAND California opens March 6, 2026. It’s the park’s first new roller coaster in nearly 20 years! This space-themed land features the indoor Galacticoaster, two additional rides, and interactive play areas.
Spring Break in San Diego: Fun for All Ages
No matter what type of spring break you envision, you’ll make wonderful memories as you explore San Diego’s best beaches, museums, and amusement parks.
After a wonderful trip, you’ll head home feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready for your return trip to our year-round destination.
Katie Dillon
Leave a Reply