Explore San Diego

America’s Finest City offers everything for travelers: aquariums, restaurants, shopping and cultural festivals.

Birch Aquarium

Halloween Aglow returns to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego from October 25-26 between 6-8:30 p.m. This popular adults-only event has Halloween fun with an educational twist that celebrates the wonders and mysteries of the ocean after dark in a fun atmosphere. After the sun goes down, the aquarium will transform into a glowing nightscape featuring live music, a costume contest and trick-or-treat stations. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about some weird and wonderful research at Scripps Oceanography. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the aquarium website.

Also this fall, Birch Aquarium is debuting new Outdoor Adventure Bundles with the return of the ever-popular Sunset Scripps Pier Walks and Tide Pooling Adventures at False Point and Scripps Beach. Outdoor Adventure Bundles offer a discounted price when guests purchase aquarium admission and one of the Outdoor Adventure opportunities to extend their experience. This exciting addition to the aquarium’s offerings provides new ways to connect with local ocean ecosystems.

Sunset Scripps Pier Walks allows guests to join Birch Aquarium naturalists on an exclusive walking tour of the Scripps Pier, usually closed to the public, and learn about fieldwork conducted by Scripps Oceanography researchers. On November 2, the ever-popular Tide Pooling Adventures will also return, which takes guests directly to local tide pools to discover incredible animals that live in the intertidal zone, the rocky area exposed during low tide.

Birch Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on select dates through Labor Day weekend. Tickets are $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for children ages 3-17 (ages 2 and younger are free). The aquarium often sells out, so advance reservations are required (except for members). 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858-534-3474, aquarium.ucsd.edu

Old Town San Diego

This historical neighborhood, home to the first European settlement in California, offers visitors an authentic experience in the heart of San Diego. Accessible by train, trolley, buses and taxis, it’s filled with charming streets, colorful adobe buildings and a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie or just looking for a fun day out, here are five reasons why you should visit Old Town San Diego:

• The history: Old Town San Diego is home to some of the oldest and most beautifully preserved buildings that now serve as museums, shops and restaurants. The neighborhood is also home to the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which offers visitors a chance to learn about the city’s history and view some of the historical buildings dating back to the 1800s.

• The culture: Old Town has a rich Hispanic heritage and is home to several authentic Mexican restaurants and shops. You can sample delicious food and browse handmade cars, clothing and artwork. Stroll through the historical Whaley House Museum or visit the beautiful Mormon Battalion Historic Site and learn about the brave soldiers who volunteered to serve in the Mexican-American War.

• The shopping: Old Town is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide variety of boutiques, specialty craft stores and novelty shops. You can find everything from handmade jewelry and fine art to vintage clothing and unique gifts.

• The food: Old Town is home to everything from genuine Mexican cantinas to artisanal pizza joints. You’ll find something you love, whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal.

• The fun: Annual events include the Taste of Old Town on September 12, Fiestas Patrias on September 14, and Día de los Muertos on November 2-3.

Old Town San Diego is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the city’s history, culture and charm. Whether you are a local or visiting, you won’t be disappointed by all that Old Town offers. For more information, please visit oldtownsandiego.org.

Oceanside

In Oceanside, September is Surftember, with many events highlighting the sport that has become synonymous with the city. The city kicks things off on September 5-8 when it hosts the 7th Annual U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships on the north side of the Oceanside Pier. The competition raises awareness of the rehabilitative benefits of adaptive water sports and why beach access for those with disabilities is vital. Watch when the surfing’s elite paddle out to claim a piece of the hefty prize purse. For more information, visit usopenadaptivesurfingchampionships.com.

On September 20, surfers up and down the coast will observe California Surfing Day. This celebration of the state’s surfing culture brings together thousands of ocean and beach lovers and millions of visitors who travel to California to experience the positive vibes of surfing’s history and present. It also highlights the iconic legends and pros of the sport while supporting local surfing industry leaders. Check out californiasurfingday.com to learn more.

Everything culminates with the 18th annual Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro powered by CELSIUS, a three-day event that runs from September 20-22. During the free festival, there will be a mind-blowing world-class surfing competition, skateboarding, an esports tournament, a women’s beach volleyball tournament, health clinics, celebrity speakers, an expo highlighting the work of female artists, a festival village loaded with female-inspired vendors, activities and fantastic entertainment. Musical performers include Bishop Briggs, CeeLo Green, lovelytheband and Beach Weather. For more information, visit supergirlsurfpro.com, and don’t forget to check out visitoceanside.org to plan your whole trip.

Bazaar del Mundo Shops

As the fall months settle in, Old Town San Diego’s charming Bazaar del Mundo Shops start looking even more magical than usual. This enchanting collection of shops invites visitors to embark on a journey filled with unique, beautifully crafted treasures from all corners of the world.

For more than 50 years, Bazaar del Mundo has remained a beloved landmark, founded and nurtured by the creative force of designer and entrepreneur Diane Powers. Her passion for Latin American culture, inspired by her travels throughout Mexico and Central and South American countries, has infused every space with an authentic flair, enriching San Diego’s multi-cultural history and making it a must-visit destination for finding unique gifts, fashion and home décor.

Each boutique at Bazaar del Mundo is comprised of one-of-a-kind items, including kitchen décor and art pieces made by artisans from Mexico, Indonesia, India and the American Southwest. Feast your eyes on collectibles like Mata Ortiz pottery – one of the oldest and finest ceramics in the world – and Indigenous art and crafts from the Zuni, Navajo, Santo Domingo and Hopi tribes. Browse through an exquisite selection of handcrafted jewelry made from semi-precious stones, turquoise, fine beads and enamel.

Every item has been carefully curated to ensure authenticity and quality, inviting guests into a vibrant world of art and culture. Stroll through the lively courtyard, peruse, soak in the bright colors and take a trip around the world when you visit Bazaar del Mundo in the heart of San Diego. Learn more at bazaardelmundo.com.

Casa Guadalajara

From mariachis to margaritas, the Mexican city of Guadalajara is known as the birthplace of all things “fiesta!” And in Old Town San Diego, the spirit lives on at Casa Guadalajara.

Located next door to the Bazaar del Mundo Shops, Casa Guadalajara features a mouthwatering menu with traditional and contemporary cuisine, reflecting dishes of the regional villages of Mexico. Watch as the in-house tortilla chefs prepare hot-off-the-grill corn and flour tortillas to enjoy with signature dishes including the popular Ensenada fish tacos, tequila-lime shrimp and carne asada Tampiqueña, all served with guacamole made fresh to order and salsas made from scratch daily.

Remember to order a famous “Bird Bath” margarita – with more than 50 specialty tequilas to choose from – and enjoy it under the beautiful 300-year-old California pepper tree in the lush courtyard or inside the art-packed dining rooms reminiscent of an old Mexican hacienda.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily and breakfast on weekends. The lively cantina offers shareable plates and beers and cocktails that can be enjoyed at happy hour prices Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. 

For the month of October, kids 12 or younger eat free from the kids’ menu at this landmark Old Town restaurant. Each free kid’s meal requires the purchase of an adult entrée, with a limit of three free kids’ meals per coupon.

Satisfy your all senses with the authentic flavors, colors, scents and sounds of Mexico at Casa Guadalajara. Learn more at casaguadalajara.com.

Balboa Park

The Balboa Park Cultural District encompasses around 400 acres within Balboa Park, a sprawling, 1,200-acre city and regional park located on unceded Kumeyaay land in San Diego. Renowned as one of Southern California’s premier destinations and teeming with diverse attractions, Balboa Park draws millions of visitors each year. You’ll find an array of world-class museums, lush gardens, cultural institutions, live performances, more than 40 active artist studios, delicious dining and drink options, and the highly acclaimed San Diego Zoo.

For an optimal Balboa Park Cultural District experience, get a Balboa Park Explorer Pass. If time is limited, try the Balboa Park Explorer Limited Pass, offering one-day access to up to four museums. For more flexibility, the Balboa Park Explorer Parkwide Pass grants entry to all 16 museums over seven consecutive days. For frequent visitors or those taking an extended stay in San Diego, the Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass provides year-round, unlimited access to 16 participating museums, saving on regular admission while unlocking exclusive perks.

The Balboa Park Explorer Pass includes entry to popular attractions like the Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum and the San Diego Natural History Museum. Whether you’re passionate about nature, fascinated by science or intrigued by aerospace exploration, there’s something for everyone in the Cultural District: the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Centro Cultural de la Raza, WorldBeat Cultural Center, and the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum. With or without a pass, the Balboa Park Cultural District offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty and wisdom of diverse subjects and cultures at the numerous museums and attractions nestled within its 400 acres. San Diego, 619-232-7502, Press 2 for Explorer, buymyexplorer.com 

Día de los Muertos

The annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration returns for its 14th year with a weekend of free music, food and cultural experiences on Saturday, November 2, from 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. This family-friendly event is a regional favorite, transforming the Liberty Station neighborhood into a bustling mercado (market) with artisans and makers, vibrant décor, dozens of dining options, bountiful margarita selections and live performances throughout the weekend. What to know:

• It’s about remembrance: The cultural tradition connected with the Día de los Muertos holiday is the building of altars or ofrendas (offerings) honoring the deceased. In keeping with the holiday tradition, the primary focus is celebrating life and remembering those who have passed.

• It’s about community: This religious ritual has been reinvented as a holiday of Chicano pride that builds bridges between Latinos and Anglos, and across all cultural identities and political points of view. It draws attention to what we have in common and honors life and togetherness.

• It’s a festival for the senses: Día de los Muertos is set to dazzle with live music from local bands, street performances, face-painting and rows of colorful Day of the Dead merchandise. Fine art, traditional ofrendas or altars, and a hands-on kids’ craft area create a full day of shopping and fun for everyone. For more information, visit dayofthedeadsd.com.