14 Mar 2025

San Diego's Upcoming Spring Happenings

By builtbygcommerce

There is so much to see and do in San Diego this spring that you just might want to book a getaway at the Pacific Terrace Hotel and stay for a while! From popular San Diego activities like visiting the beautiful Carlsbad Flower Fields to exciting San Diego events like the popular Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival, our beautiful seaside city is definitely the place to be this spring!

Your room or suite at the Pacific Terrace Hotel is the perfect place to begin your spring fling in San Diego! Choose from a variety of oceanfront guestrooms at the best hotel in San Diego for a spring getaway you won’t soon forget! Plus, you’ll be in the perfect spot to take part in the best San Diego activities this season. Here are a few of the most popular San Diego events and activities for your spring visit.

Spring San Diego Events and Activities to Enjoy Near the Pacific Terrace Hotel

SeaWorld Seven Seas Festival (3.9 Miles From Hotel)

(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)

Happening March 7 – April 27

One of the most popular San Diego events, SeaWorld Seven Seas is a delicious food festival that lets you sip and sample your way around the world! Try unique flavors and recipes from different cultures while tasting a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and wines. This foodie and family-friendly San Diego event offers live entertainment, and over 150 food and beverage offerings.

Balboa Park Cherry Blossom Festival (11.5 Miles from Hotel)

Happening March 13 – March 16

The popular Cherry Blossom Festival is held each spring at the Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park. Get out and enjoy the amazing San Diego weather with a variety of attractions, including live performances, a special children's area, delicious cultural foods, and, of course, the beautiful blossoming trees in the cherry blossom grove. It’s one of the best San Diego activities and is the perfect way to welcome spring.

Pacific Beach Leprechaun Run (0.4 Miles From Hotel)

Happening March 15

If you’re looking for spring San Diego activities to get the blood pumping, join the fun at the 7th Annual San Diego Leprechaun Run 5K & Kids 1 Mile. Run along the streets of downtown Pacific Beach, then finish with a fun St. Patrick’s Day party. Plenty of fun for the whole family!

Carlsbad Flower Fields (26.6 Miles From Hotel)

Happening March 21 - May 11

For over 60 years, locals and visitors have enjoyed visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields during the spring. The famous San Diego flower fields are one of the most popular San Diego activities and are a great place for the whole family. There are plenty of activities and fun things to do on the sprawling 55-acre property, including a flower maze, tractor wagon ride, Carlsbad Mining Company, and more!

Padres Season/Opening Day (12.2 Miles From Hotel)

Happening March 27

Join the fun as the San Diego Padres begin their regular season of baseball! You do not want to miss the season opener at Petco Park where they will host the Atlanta Braves on March 27. Family fun at the ballpark! Get your tickets here.

Belmont Park Turns 100 & Belmont in Bloom (2.1 Miles From Hotel)

(Photo: @kari_niehuus)

Happening April 5 – June 1

Be sure to check out Belmont in Bloom, one of the most popular San Diego activities in the spring. This vibrant festival celebrates the beauty of spring at the beach and wows guests with colorful floral arrangements, vibrant sculptures, live entertainment, and a variety of fun San Diego activities. You may also want to consider a summer visit to San Diego, as Belmont Park celebrates its 100th year starting on July 4th. Make plans to visit the popular park this summer for a ride on the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and take part in the exciting San Diego events planned for this special celebration!

Uncorked Wine Festival (10.7 Miles From Hotel)

Happening April 12

Uncorked is a popular San Diego event that is celebrating its 10^th Anniversary this year. Held at The Embarcadero, this party in the park on Saturday, April 12^th offers over 150 wines & champagnes from around the world. Enjoy lawn games, favorite local food trucks, and a DJ playing the best music. Bring your friends, grab a picnic blanket, and get "Uncorked" at this popular spring wine festival in San Diego.

San Diego Museum of Art Presents ‘Art Alive’ (10.4 Miles From Hotel)

Happening April 24 – April 27

Enjoy four fun-filled days of San Diego activities this spring as we celebrate Art Alive, featuring colorful floral interpretations, the Premiere Dinner, and the popular Bloom Bash event. This is a yearly fundraiser that supports The San Diego Museum of Art and its various exhibits and programs. This year’s event spotlights architecture inspired by Lord Norman Foster and his renowned studio, Foster + Partners.

Gator by the Bay (7.8 Miles From Hotel)

Happening May 8 – May 11

One of the most popular San Diego events, Gator by the Bay was voted 'San Diego’s Best Festival' and is always a great way to spend a weekend in sunny SoCal. The Louisiana-themed festival is held the second weekend in May each year and features four days of live music and Louisiana-style food. Enjoy over 100 special performances on 6 stages, plenty of dance floors, southern food from Louisiana, and family fun for everyone.

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival (10.7 Miles From Hotel)

Happening May 16 – May 18

The Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival is a great San Diego event that offers a diverse lineup of your favorite and new artists of all genres, including rock, hip-hop, indie rock, reggae, rap, EDM, adult alternative, and country. So much to see and do at this 3-day event in San Diego. Festival-goers enjoy harbor cruises, an EDM dance club, bar and dinner parties, games, private lounges, and more.

Are You Ready for a Spring Getaway to San Diego?

Pack your bags and get ready for spring in San Diego! With near-perfect weather, amazing waterfront accommodations, and the best San Diego events and activities, you’re sure to have the best spring ever at our Four Diamond, beachfront accommodations in San Diego's Pacific Beach neighborhood.

01 Jan 2024

The Best of Pacific Beach San Diego

By mkellogg

It’s often been said that San Diego isn’t just one city, but a collection of neighborhoods. The city encompasses more than 100 unique areas, each with its own special vibe and personality. And while there are countless reasons to visit all of them, we’re particularly partial to our own neighborhood of Pacific Beach. PB is one of the most vibrant, eclectic, and fun to visit areas in San Diego, and we are so grateful to call this beach community home. So if you’re looking for some great nearby places to go during your visit, here are our picks for the best things to see and do here in Pacific Beach San Diego.

Terrace Café (Here at Pacific Terrace Hotel)

Get your day started right, right here at Pacific Terrace. Our very own Chef Michael at the on-site Terrace Café is on hand every morning to create our signature à-la carte breakfast plates. That not only includes a full range of sunrise favorites like our Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or Mediterranean Omelette. There’s simply no better way to wake up than sipping and savoring the good life while overlooking the ocean.

The Duck Dive (0.2 miles from the hotel)

Pacific Terrace has long enjoyed a close relationship with our good friends at The Duck Dive. Not only is their laid-back, surf-centric lounge a great place to kick back and enjoy a bite or a drink just steps from the water, but they’re located within a two-minute walk of our front door as well. Looking for a little refreshment? Stop in and visit our neighbors next visit!

4650 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA. 92109

Photo credit: @goodeatswithamanda

San Diego Surf School (0.4 miles away)

Ever had the desire to learn how to shoot the curl with the West Coast’s best wave riders? There’s no greater place to get the hang of hanging ten than at the San Diego Surf School. Their dedicated instructors excel at teaching surf students from complete novices all the way up to intermediate and even experienced riders the tips, tricks, and techniques the pros know. So even if you’ve never put on a wetsuit, they can get you surfing in no time.

4850 Cass St. San Diego, CA 92109

Photo credit: @sandiegosurfschool

Pangaea Outpost (0.5 miles away)

If you’re on the hunt for a distinctly SoCal shopping experience, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than at this multi-vendor bazaar-style destination. Small business owners, makers, artisans, and importers from all over the globe share this eclectic space, meaning you’ll find original arts and crafts, jewelry, toys, handmade clothes, and home décor all under one roof. Stop in, go on a treasure hunt, and support some local creators.

909 Garnet Avenue, San Diego CA 92109

a living room with cozy decor and candles

Photo credit: @pangaeaoutpost

Quicksand Escape Games (0.6 miles)

Quicksand Escape Games offers a series of scenarios certain to captivate both seasoned escape room enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Each is brimming with intricate puzzles, compelling narratives, and brain-breaking mysteries. Whether visiting with a group of friends or team-building with co-workers, these cerebral challenges encourage collaboration, creativity, and quick thinking. If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience during your next visit, challenge yourself at Quicksand Escape Games, just blocks from our hotel!

Photo Credit: @quicksand_escape_games

Mission and Garnet Food Hall (0.3 miles)

Newly opened in 2023, Mission and Garnet consists of 6 restaurants within one food hall, located right across from the beach and boardwalk. This popular locale features early morning to late-night dining options for those early risers and after-hours bar crowds. Enjoy a range of grab and go meals, or patio dining options such as breakfast burritos, deli sandwiches, Greek kabobs and more!

4505 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

Photo: @mission_garnet

Mimi & Red Boutique (0.7 miles away)

There’s just no mistaking that signature Southern California style — it’s comfy, it’s beautiful, and it’s always in style. The fashion-forward goods at mimi & red embody this aesthetic, offering shoppers sleek, chic, and unique items in every apparel category. So if you’re in the market for a fun romper, breezy blouse, or the perfect accessory to complete your ensemble, drop by and pay them a visit. You’ll be glad you did.

5005 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109

Photo credit: @shopmimiandred

The Fishery (0.7 miles away)

The Fishery is one of the most unique seafood stops in the city. In addition to the renowned open-kitchen restaurant, The Fishery also maintains a well-stocked seafood market right on site — so you can take home the same just-caught items you’ll find on the menu. Speaking of the menu, Chef Mike Reidy allows it to evolve with the seasons, ensuring that every ingredient is in its prime peak of flavor and freshness.

5040 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109

a dining table full of various types of sea food

Photo credit: @sdthefishery

Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park

The natural beauty and community spirit of this park (named after the renowned horticulturist Kate Sessions) offers panoramic views of the coastal city skyline and the Pacific Ocean — creating a serene backdrop for relaxation and reflection. The park’s lush greenery, punctuated by mature trees, colorful floral displays, and meandering pathways, invites outdoor activities for all ages. Beyond its scenic charm, Kate Sessions Park serves as a hub for community gatherings, featuring well-maintained playgrounds, sports courts, and open spaces perfect for an afternoon spent picnicking. Insider tip* this location is a premier spot to watch the 4th of July fireworks, just make sure to arrive EARLY to grab a spot for the day!

Local Events To Add To Your 2024 Calendar

In addition to great places to go, 2024 is also shaping up to be a year of amazing events in the Pacific Beach area. Here are just a few exciting things to look forward to this year:

San Diego Restaurant Week: An 8-day city-wide celebration of all things food. Eateries all over the city (including many here in PB) will have promotions, discounts, events, and special menu items this March. Stay tuned as specials get announced!
San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon: This 13.1-mile run features bayside views, a beer garden and finisher medals this April. Register early to participate!
Pacific Beachfest: This free, family friendly all-day October festival is located in the heart of our beach town. Visitors can look forward to kid’s activities, a 5K fun run beach volleyball tournament, live music and more!
Beachfest on the beach

Plan Your Pacific Beach Visit

Ready to check out these PB hot spots for yourself? You can always view more of our favorite dining, activity and shopping recommendations at our Area Guide here. When you’re ready to plan your 2024 visit, head over to our SPECIAL OFFERS page and book the Pacific Terrace package or offer that’s perfect for you! We hope to see you in the new year!

San Diego Skyline with storm clouds and a rainbow

01 Apr 2023

Best Rainy Day Activities in San Diego

By mkellogg

As a famous song once said, “it never rains in Southern California.” And while it’s true that rainy days are rare in San Diego, spring can nonetheless bring the occasional shower. Not to worry, though — “America’s Finest City” is so brimming with amazing things to do that not even the odd drizzly day can dampen our spirit. Looking for fulfilling rainy day activities in San Diego? We’ve got some great options that will keep you smiling until the clouds part.

Cozy Up With Some Ramen (various locations)

When the weather is less-than-ideal, there’s not much that soothes the soul more effectively than timeless comfort food. And for aficionados of Japanese cooking, that means Ramen — the huge, steaming bowls of rich broth, noodles, meats, and endless savory satisfaction aficionados love. Thanks to our melting pot “foodie” culture here in San Diego, there are some amazing spots to indulge locally.

Drop Some Quarters at Coin-Op Game Room (4.4 miles away)

a person playing an arcade game holding a glass of beer

(Photo: @coinopsd)

This North Park staple (which recently opened a second location in the Gaslamp Quarter) was the first barcade in San Diego, and it remains a mandatory stop for anyone on the hunt for beer, burgers, and bytes. Classically old-school gaming is always on offer here, as are specialty drinks like the “Kentucky Stucky” and “Guava the Hutt”. Hungry? Dig into a “Goomba Burger” (with a grilled mushroom cap), or a Shrimpy Boy po’ boy-style sub.

3926 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

Visit Birch Aquarium (6.3 miles away)

(Photo: @birchaquarium)

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a must-stop for anyone with an interest in marine biology. This public education center offered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography features interactive displays, a tide-pool exhibit, and 60-plus habitats housing a variety of fascinating and colorful sea life. The aquarium also offers seasonal whale-watching tours and snorkeling classes, so there’s truly something for everyone of any age.

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Explore Liberty Station (7.9 miles)

someone holding a large gyro with the Liberty Station sign in the backgorund

(Photo: @shopeatlibertystation)

Located on the site of the former Naval Training Station, Liberty Station is a must-stop when visiting the city This public-market-style shopping center is where locals and visitors alike convene to meet, shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment. It’s a “town square” of sorts for the area, drawing millions of visitors every year. Drop in to discover dining, produce, fresh fish, meats, desserts, baked goods, wine, beer, liquor, art, and much more. Some of our favorite spots to check out while there include Pigment, Stone Brewing, The Lot, and Moniker Coffee.

2640 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

Try Indoor Rock Climbing (9.7 miles)

The varied topographical terrain of San Diego makes this a rock climber’s paradise. Of course, when the rain is falling, scaling a sheer cliff face isn’t exactly recommended. That doesn’t mean you can’t still experience it, though! Just head to Mesa Rim in Mission Valley, and they’ll get you going on a climbing wall that’s dry, safe, and all-indoors. If you’re an experienced climber, no problem. But they also cater to beginners.

405 Camino del Rio S. San Diego, CA 92108

Simulate a Skydive (10.4 miles)

a man wearing a jumpsuit, inside a skydiving simulator

Jumping out of a plane with a parachute can be a pretty terrifying experience — not to mention the lengthy amount of instruction involved. Still, if you’ve ever wanted a taste of skydiving without the commitment, San Diego has you covered. iFly San Diego offers a safe, indoor alternative that still gets the adrenaline pumping. Flyers suit up and head into a vertical cylindrical wind tunnel that lets you enjoy all of the thrills of a dive, but without having to jump out of an airplane.

2385 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108

Experience a Museum Tour (11.8 miles)

Beautiful Balboa Park is more than just a gorgeous urban green space. It also represents a centrally located opportunity to experience all the best museums in San Diego. Balboa is home to exhibit halls like Fleet Science Center, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Air and Space Museum, Museum of Us, San Diego Art Institute, and Mingei International Museum. And we’re of the opinion that there’s no better way to avoid the rain than by taking in a show at the park’s famous IMAX Dome Theatre! So why not plan a day of mental stimulation as the rain falls?

1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Savor Some Speed (12.1 miles)

Go-karts were fun when you were a kid, right? Well, here’s a shocker: they still are! If you’re looking for some old-school karting, look no further than the titanic tracks at K1 Speed San Diego. This fast-paced fun zone delivers revved-up karts with courses that will make you feel like a kid again. And since the racing here is indoors, you won’t have to worry about spinning out on a rain-slick hairpin turn. So on your mark, get set and race.

1709 Main St, San Diego, CA 92113

Visit the Carlsbad Flower Fields (26.6 miles)

(Photo: @the_flower_fields)

The breathtaking Carlsbad Flower Fields draw tens of thousands of visitors to a beautiful super-bloom of giant Tecolote ranunculus flowers every spring. Row after row of brilliant rainbow colors ripple across the landscape during the peak months. When visiting, guests are treated to not just the brilliant botanical display, but also a wide range of family-friendly activities (such as antique tractor rides, fruit picking, and much more).

5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Relish the Rain With Pacific Terrace

No need to let a rainy day get you down! Guests at Pacific Terrace enjoy plush accommodations, private balconies overlooking the ocean, and second-to-none service that won’t leave you high and dry. Take a look at our special offers, select the San Diego travel deal that’s right for you, and we’ll see you soon!

01 Jul 2022

Plan a Magical San Diego Babymoon

By builtbygcommerce

Preparing to welcome a new addition into the family is one of the most exciting times in life for anyone. But what a huge turning point! Due to how momentous a new bundle of joy entering the home can be, many parents-to-be have been planning “babymoons”; i.e., one last “just the two of you” trip prior to the transition. So if you’d like to kick back and relax in the last months before the little one arrives, we have some suggestions — complete with ocean views, private terraces, and poolside sunsets.

Check Into Pacific Terrace

The first stop on your beautiful babymoon? The Pacific Terrace Hotel! “Relaxation” is our middle name here. So if you’re looking for all-in-one accommodations that include plush bedding, in-room meals, on-call massage service, a heated, ocean-view pool (with complimentary soft drinks), steps-away beach access, and private terraces overlooking the Pacific? Then you don’t need to look any further. We’ll take great care of you.

Take a Dinner Cruise

(Photo: @flagshipsd)

San Diego has come up with countless fantastic ways to enjoy the ocean. One of the most popular? Many local boating companies offer decadent dinner cruises. Imagine gourmet dining on the deck of a luxury yacht, watching the sun slip below the horizon on one side with skyline views on the other, all as the waves gently rock you into serenity. Sound good? We think so, too. Take a look at our recent blog post on San Diego’s best dinner cruises to get started.

See Torrey Pines Reserve

(Photo: @lelly.goes.outside)

Torrey Pines State Reserve is one of San Diego’s most visually stunning outdoor spaces. Ancient sandstone features sweep elegantly across the terrain here, adjacent to truly spectacular views of the Pacific. The reserve is also one of the only places on Earth where you can see the Torrey Pine, one of the rarest trees in existence. If you’re looking for a romantic spot to make some incredible memories, then it would be tough to do better.

12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Pamper Yourself

(Photo: @sdprenatalandpediatricmassage)

Getting a few relaxing spa treatments is one of the best ways to unwind under any circumstances. But it’s a particularly good idea when growing your little one, which takes a real toll on your system. Luckily, San Diego is home to some spectacular day spas that specialize in treating moms-to-be. We recommend San Diego Prenatal and Pediatric Massage. They’re close by, come highly recommended, and use a special tender touch.

2180 Garnet Ave. Ste 2H, San Diego, CA 92109

Experience a SoCal Sunset

sunset view from inside a cave on the beach

(Photo: @americandream_official)

There’s just something about watching the day draw to a close that imparts an undeniable sense of inner peace. This part of the world is immeasurably lucky to host a nightly celestial theatre of some of the most spectacularly jaw-dropping sunsets anywhere in the world. And while there’s no bad place to take one in, we recently compiled a rundown of some of the best places in San Diego to watch the sunset.

Prepare Baby’s Wardrobe

(Photo: @moonandsunsandiego)

Getting things ready for baby may seem a bit daunting, but there are certainly ways to make it simpler. If you’ve been hoping to add a few more selections to your new addition’s selection of cuddly couture (and could there ever be enough?), then Moon and Sun is here to help. Located in the beautiful beachside community of Mission Hills, Moon & Sun is a baby boutique nonpareil. Here, you’ll discover a curated collection of clothing, accessories, and high-quality toys that will last, and that you’ll be proud to bring home.

Ready to start planning your babymoon in “America’s Finest City”? Take a look at our Special Offers page to select the San Diego travel deal that’s right for you, and we’ll welcome you with open arms.