10 Things to Do in San Diego in Winter

San Diego is a subtropical city in California, located on the coast. As such, winters, which run from December to March, tend to be mild with mild temperatures ranging from 10° to 21°, with January being the coldest month. Snowfall is not as common in flat areas, but you can experience it if you choose to climb the mountains.

This season you can take advantage of some of the best things to do in San Diego, as there are a variety of festivals with entertainment options for the whole family. You can also take a whale-watching cruise, visit a cave by the sea, stroll along Historic Highway 101, enjoy a bonfire or celebrate Valentine's Day.

If you take one of San Diego's best whale watching cruises, you may encounter a pod of whales. This activity is usually most popular between spring and autumn, but in winter you're guaranteed a chance to see this natural spectacle. You can go on your own, or opt for a guided experience.

This is an ideal activity if you're looking for things to do with kids in San Diego, as they'll enjoy the experience of meeting marine animals and learning about their history. You'll usually find cruises from €76.

These tours are usually done on a completely safe sailboat, designed to protect the whales. Also, some San Diego tours say that if you don't see the whales, you can try again for free. From December to April, the migrating grey whale, a unique species that often plays in the water with its pod, is a common sight. From May to September, on the other hand, the blue whale, which is the largest whale on the planet, cruises around.

One of the best things to do in San Diego, the San Diego Trolley is a mind-blowing experience ideal for all ages. It is very easy to use and passes are available for one or two days, so it's an experience that fits into any itinerary. The approximate cost starts from €46 and you can hop on and off wherever and whenever you want. If you want to take the full non-stop tour, you'll need at least two hours.

It's an ideal route if you're planning to visit San Diego in 3 days, as you'll be able to see the city at your own pace and in a short time. It's a popular attraction, so I suggest booking in advance. Some of the sites you'll see include Old Town, the Embarcadero, the Gaslamp Quarter and more. It's ideal in winter, as it covers major winter and Christmas event routes, such as the Chula Night Lights or the La Jolla Christmas Parade.

Your ticket gets you free access to other attractions, such as San Diego' s best museums, which include. It usually has eleven stops and passes through the Logan neighbourhood, where there is a multicultural population of Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, African-Americans and other groups.

Visiting La Jolla Cave is one of the best things to do in San Diego during the winter, as it's less crowded and you're likely to see grey whales. To get to this marine trench, you must descend 145 steps to the mouth of the ocean. It's a fun hike, but it does require some physical ability. Many pirate legends were born here, as there are other small caves just a few metres away.

The normal price for this type of tour is usually around €87, but you can access the activity by booking a tourist pass such as the San Diego Explorer Pass. All you have to do is book in advance and show your ticket when you get into the kayak. You can also snorkel and scuba dive to see fish, sea lions, seals and other marine life.

If you're looking for things to do in San Diego in February, you can't miss out on the traditions and celebrations of Valentine's Day. It's a special and romantic date, ideal for sharing as a couple or with friends. There are events in the ports, as well as cruises along the Californian coast. Some of the activities you can take advantage of are:

• Romantic dinner cruise: to celebrate love and life, you can set sail on the Pacific Ocean and enjoy dinner under the stars. There are cruises that offer private tables for a more special evening.
• Pedalo ride: If you want a romantic evening, you can rent a pedal boat and sail around the bay, stopping at the most beautiful spots.
• Winetasting in a vineyard: wine is a must in a romantic celebration, so you can take advantage of a trip to the local vineyards to learn about history and culture. You'll also get to taste wines and food unique to the region.

The California Coast only has snow on the highest parts of the mountains, but that doesn't stop the locals from spending the winter on ice. If you're looking for things to do in San Diego with kids, you can try an ice skating experience.

You can usually take advantage of some of the things to do in San Diego at Christmas time. From the beginning, the Christmas spirit arrives in the city and events are decked out with decorations, lights and merriment. Some of the rinks I recommend you to visit in winter are:

• Liberty Station Rink: Liberty is a neighbourhood full of events ideal for making the most of winter. You'll find an ice rink surrounded by flea markets, as well as live music and Nutcracker shows. Open between December and January, the price per person starts at €11.
• Viejas Casino and Resort: This rink is located in a hotel in southern California, in the Alpine area, thirty minutes from downtown. It is ideal for sliding on the ice for around €16. You can also take advantage of the flea market, the outlet, and the light shows in December.
• Hotel Coronado: A beachfront rink, it is one of the busiest in San Diego. Tickets sell out quickly around the winter season, so I suggest booking in advance. There are places to eat near the rink, usually with bonfires facing the ocean in the winter.

On the outskirts, you'll find some great places to unwind, ideal for getting a panoramic view of the city. You can't miss the wind against your face on the curves of Historic Highway 101. Plus, the mountains are a must-see if you're looking for things to do in San Diego in December, as the altitude makes it easy to find snowfall.

Drive along Historic Highway 101

U.S. Route 101 offers scenic views of the coastline as well as some of San Diego's best beaches. It's ideal for stops at beautiful sites such as La Jolla Harbor and Oceanside. It also takes you to eclectic communities that hide mythical treasures and houses dating back to the 1800's.

This road connects the city with Los Angeles and San Francisco, an ideal option if you are planning to visit San Diego in 5 days and want to organise a getaway to nearby areas. It's a route I recommend you take by car or with a guided tour, important scenes from series and movies were filmed here, so it will probably look familiar.

In winter it's a fun stop, as there are beach towns everywhere, where special events are organised, such as the San Diego County Winter Fair where there is a craft beer competition, bonfires, live music and fireworks shows.

Hiking in the mountains

San Diego's mountains can see small or large snowfalls, depending on how high up you are. I recommend hiking or biking in the Cleveland National Forest, located about an hour from downtown on Interstate 8.

There are cabins and recreational areas to relax, as well as rangers. It's a great plan for all ages, from here you can see the ocean and feel the cool, balmy winter breezes. In fact, there are many cycling events during this season. Other places where you can enjoy the day outdoors include:

• Mission Bay National Trails Park: this is a free park ideal if you are looking for things to do in San Diego at night, as they are short and well-lit trails. Along the way you'll see many Kumeyaay Indian buildings and Cowles Mountain overlooking the Mississippi.
• Balboa Park: has flat trails as well as hills with challenging descents. It is ideal for strolling through the heart of the city, and in winter there are hikes and obstacle courses.

In winter, many species of birds make their migratory passage through the skies above the Californian coast. In fact, between February and March, the San Diego Bird Festival is held to promote respect for the habitats of the different species. During this event, tours are offered to the coasts, fields and mountains of the area to get the best photographs.

Many activities are free and allow you to connect with nature. You will usually have professional guides who will lead you to the Cuyamaca Mountains which are located about an hour from the centre and is an impressive peak in winter. You can also venture on a tour of the San Diego Zoo to learn about bird preservation.

If you plan to visit San Diego in 7 days, keep in mind that in winter there are other birding options in the city. For example, you can take advantage of the winter carnivals that include bird watching and Mexican kite making.

Winter is a special season, with cool mornings and warm evenings. To escape the cold, winter festivals are organised with lots of fun activities. Plus, San Diego is a multicultural city, so you'll find a variety of traditions.

Poway Winter Festival

If you're looking for things to do in San Diego in January, you've got to check out the Poway Winter Festival. It's one of the most fun free activities in the winter, as it offers a different concept.

Usually, due to the coastal location, winters are mild, dry and snow-free (unless you escape to the mountains). To enhance the season, the Poway Winter Festival brings the snow to rural San Diego, where you can play and sled. You'll also have the chance to ice skate and warm up by the campfire.

San Diego's China Taste Festival

Due to the diversity of cultures and ethnicities in the region, you'll find many interesting activities in San Diego. The China Taste Festival or Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair is a free event, usually held in February. Each year the theme varies according to the animal that represents the Chinese horoscope.

During this event you can enjoy martial arts demonstrations, traditional dances, acrobatics, parades and food tastings. It's an event where you'll have such a good time that you'll want to go on every available date, so it's ideal if you're thinking of spending 5 days in San Diego.

San Diego Tea Festival

The Tea Festival is a free winter event, ideal if you're planning things to do in San Diego in February. There are family activities, live shows, food tastings, Christmas and winter markets.

It's ideal if you want to visit San Diego in 3 days, as this is usually the estimated duration of the event. This celebration comes from Vietnam, so it fuses two cultures. You'll see Vietnamese-style beauty pageants, traditional dances, fireworks displays and much more. To get there head to Mira Mesa Community Park on New Salem Street.

To keep warm, bonfires are held on San Diego's best beaches. This activity is also part of the city's festivals, fairs and cultural events. It's great for s'mores and hot chocolate while enjoying the view.

Bonfires are a fun experience, but avoid hosting them on your own. The San Diego government prohibits wood fires on the beaches to prevent accidents and pollution. Only authorised event organisers are allowed to plan bonfires.

To enjoy a real snowfall in San Diego, all you have to do is climb to the top of Mount Laguna. It's located between Tijuana and California, about 50 minutes from downtown. You can sled down the slopes and take advantage of the piles of snow. If you want to build snowmen, this area is ideal for that.

It's a great option if you're planning things to do in San Diego with kids, as there are snowball tournaments for family fun. Keep in mind that it's best to opt for a guided tour, especially if you're new to the area. Also, good weather conditions are important to get to the mountain. It is not recommended to take this adventure during snowstorms.