10 Things to Do in San Diego in January

With plenty of sunshine and a mild climate, this Californian city is a great winter destination, so in January the list of top things to do in San Diego is quite varied.

You can join the Sesame Street parade with all the famous yellow bird's friends, sample up to 200 types of beer at the San Diego Brew Fest, go whale watching, take part in the San Diego Parade of Lights or witness the rising surfers at the coast's most famous youth championship. In this article you'll find a top of the must-see things to do in San Diego in January.

After the New Year's greeting, next on the list to bring the city of San Diego to a standstill is the WSL Junior Championship. It's a sporting event that brings together up-and-coming surfers who will compete for a shot at surfing immortality and a wildcard to the upcoming Challenger Series, a stepping stone to the elite WSL Championship Tour.

During the first two weeks of January, millions of people gather around San Diego's best beaches north of the city. Among these beaches is La Jolla, where you can also sign up for activities such as surf lessons, snorkelling, kayaking and even a jet ski ride. Best of all, these are just some of the activities included when you buy the San Diego Explorer Pass.

For an unforgettable experience in San Diego during the month of January,book a whale watching cruise at the best time of the year! It's a 2-4 hour cruise along the coast where you'll learn all about these crustaceans while witnessing them live.

During the winter season some 20,000 grey whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters of Baja California. It's the perfect time to sign up for San Diego's best cruises. During their incredible round-trip journey of approximately 16,000 kilometres, these whales give birth off the coast of the city. You can't miss this spectacle!

If you prefer a free option, you can visit the San Diego Birch Aquarium, another attraction included in the San Diego Explorer Pass. And if you feel like spotting them with your binoculars, you can also head to Cabrillo National Monument.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is an annual event in which some 80 boats decorated with lights sail the bay on two consecutive Sundays in December. However, the awards ceremony is held in January, often on the second Sunday of the month. And like the parade, the event is a delight for adults and children alike.

This ceremony usually brings together some 100,000 spectators and the decorated boats. The best places to enjoy the awards ceremony are: the San Diego Maritime Museum, the pier and aboard a San Diego harbour cruise to see the participating boats up close and personal, as well as the bay in full view.

This activity is free and is often combined with fairs and other entertainment organised by a wide range of sponsors to ensure family enjoyment.

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at SeaWorld San Diego? In January you have the perfect opportunity to answer that question. When you buy tickets to SeaWorld, you can immerse yourself in the exciting behind-the-scenes marine world and find out what it takes to keep this prestigious zoological institution running.

Listen to the anecdotes of the keepers as they guide you through their daily tasks. Imagine exploring the secrets behind the care of magnificent orcas, playful dolphins and sharks, among 40,000 other rescued animals. See up close how these dedicated people care for and protect sea creatures during your interactive tour.

Over 3 days in January, you can choose the date that best suits your itinerary. Join the behind-the-scenes adventure at SeaWorld and take home unforgettable memories. Plus, this is one of the activities included in the San Diego Explorer Pass, so you can take advantage of the best price while contributing to a worthy cause. For details of the event, you can visit the park's website.

If you're looking for a special date to follow San Diego's best food tours, you should know that January-September is San Diego Restaurant Week, the best time to enjoy the culinary arts in these Californian lands.

This annual event, organised by the California Restaurant Association, brings together more than 150 restaurants in some 20 neighbourhoods across the city - just imagine, eight days of pure gastronomic enjoyment! With so much variety you're sure to find the perfect place to satisfy any craving you may have. Once you've selected the restaurant of your choice, you won't need to buy tickets, but reservations are recommended.

What's on offer during the event? Participating restaurants will offer dinner menus, usually three courses, starting from just €20, with simple options up to exquisite 5-star meals. You can also organise the restaurants by area, for example, book a food tour of the Gaslamp Quarter, one of the most famous, where you will find about a dozen places included in the route.

This activity is perfect for those who want to get to know San Diego in 7 days or less, because in addition to historical facts, walks along the beaches and parks, you can savour international cuisine in the best local style.

Because the holiday season extends into January at San Diego's Sesame Street Park, the favourite characters bring their colourful characters to the streets and host a parade themed A Very Furry Christmas. The event has become a tradition and week after week features special activities.

The space is transformed into a winter wonderland full of magic and seasonal surprises. Visitors will enjoy Christmas shows, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party and exciting attractions.

On the other hand, there will also be games, special items and the chance to have your photo taken with Sesame Street friends dressed in their finery. If you're visiting San Diego for at least 5 days and you've got your little ones with you, it's well worth a day out. Where is the event? At Sesame Place San Diego 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista. Visit their website for more information about the event.

The premise already paints an almost impossible picture, yet the iconic Hotel del Coronado brings this event to you. Skate on ice by the sea in January in San Diego with Skating by the Sea!

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic ocean views as you skate over the marina and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach in the background. Whether you are an experienced skater or just taking your first steps on the ice, this activity is perfect for all ages. You can enjoy the winter magic while exploring San Diego in an original way.

Skate alone, with friends or with your family and immerse yourself in the joy of this unique experience that combines winter with the coastal charm of San Diego. Where is the meeting point? At the Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave Coronado. You can sign up for this activity in the afternoon, or you can schedule it as one of your things to do in San Diego at night. Visit their website for details.

This is one of the best things to do in San Diego in winter. This two-part festival celebrates the city's growing beer scene with tastings of local and national craft beers.

The first annual gathering takes place in January, kicking off the year by exploring the flavours of some 200 types of beers offered by more than 60 breweries. Plus, for a good time with friends, about a dozen food trucks are on hand, while emerging bands liven up the music scene around NTC Park, better known as Liberty Station.

Importantly, the San Diego Brew Fest is an adult-only event where you meet the brewmasters and learn about the brewing process. Don't miss the opportunity to sample some of the world's best beers in a fun and festive atmosphere!

Every January 15, Dr. King's legacy and accomplishments are honoured. To do so, a huge parade is held, filled with joy, music and celebration. Join the local community in a festive atmosphere while honouring the struggle for civil rights.

During the parade hundreds of people parade through the main streets of San Diego including North Harbor Drive on the Embarcadero. It features floats, dance groups, marching bands and more. It's one of the things to do in San Diego with kids to learn about the history of equality and justice in the United States in a fun and educational way.

Attending the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade is an experience not to be missed. No matter your age or background, this event will leave you with a sense of unity and hope. For the schedule and location of the event, you can visit their website.

Get caught up in the vibrant world of contemporary music at the soundON Festival in San Diego! Organised by San Diego New Music and the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, this January event offers an avant-garde musical experience you won't want to miss.

The soundON Festival, formerly known as the soundON Festival of Modern Music, takes you on a sonic journey through the frontiers of contemporary music from around the world. From emerging voices to renowned international composers, this festival highlights the diversity and innovation in today's music scene.

At this event, you can explore an eclectic collection of boundary-defying compositions, while being invited to discover new ways to experience and appreciate contemporary music. The list of past artists includes names from all corners of the globe, such as Uri Kochavi (Israel), Yu Kuwabara (Japan), João Pedro Oliveira (Portugal), Alyssa Aska (Austria), D. Edward Davis (USA) and Peter Hager (Philippines), to name a few.

On the other hand, you also have the works on the boards, which range from imperfection to chimerical adaptation, to tension and a cautious return to the beauty of the world. So, if you're looking for a unique cultural experience in January in San Diego, the soundON Festival is definitely a must-see. Where is the venue? Usually at the Athenaeum in La Jolla. Check out their annual programme of events for details.

Get caught up in the energy of California's seventh art during the month of January with the San Diego Black Film Festival! This exciting event celebrates diversity and creativity in the film industry by presenting a variety of outstanding films that celebrate the African-descendant community. Enjoy a unique cinematic experience while exploring a wide range of genres, from poignant dramas to comedies and indie cinema.

The festival provides a platform for talented directors, screenwriters and actors, offering fresh vision, told from diverse perspectives. Whether you're a film lover or simply looking for an entertaining way to pass the time, this festival is ideal for discovering new voices and perspectives on the big screen.

When is the event? The last week of January, but the event runs until the first days of February. Don't miss the opportunity to see the opening of the San Diego Black Film Festival and all they have to offer. Visit their website and check out the film schedule.

Get ready for the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego! This exciting PGA TOUR tournament takes place annually at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, where the U.S. Open was held in 2008 and 2021.

Mark your calendar, as this must-see event returns with a vengeance every January. Join golf fans for an unparalleled social and sporting experience on one of the most iconic courses in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views, world-class golf and the vibrant atmosphere of Torrey Pines. Golf lovers and social event enthusiasts won't want to miss this highlight of the January calendar in San Diego.