Travel to a new city with the family can be daunting: What to do, where to do, when to travel? There’s a lot to consider.
Planning a getaway with your crew can be made (a little) easier when traveling for a specific event. Find something everyone can get excited about and work it into your schedule, or simply use a fun festival as an excuse to get out and enjoy the city for the day.
One of the best ways to explore San Diego like a local is with the locals, and locals love a festival — luckily, there is always something going on in this City in Motion. After a long, cold winter, break away for the West Coast, just in time for San Diego’s spring festival lineup.
International Mariachi Festival
Celebrate Mexican arts and culture during the annual International Mariachi Festival. This San Diego tradition honors Mexican heritage with music — and lots of it. Festivalgoers head to Chula Vista’s Bayside Park, March 8, 2020, for live mariachi music, colorful costumes, traditional Mexican cuisine, an adults-only beverage garden, live ballet performances, folk dancing and more. Families have an entire area catering to all ages, with a children’s stage, face painting and rock-climbing wall.
Mariachi culture in San Diego. Photo: Scott Jones | Dreamstime.com
San Diego’s wild history of prospectors and gold rush opportunists come back to life April 6, 2020, at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This unique tradition kicks off at dusk (around 7:15 p.m.) with storytellers and, well, liars, competing in the Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest. In honor of 1800s mountain man and famous storyteller Thomas L. Smith, or “Peg Leg” Smith, web-spinners of all ages can enter in the competition to be judged on presentation, props, originality, costumes and theme.
Annual Fallbrook Avocado Festival
Did someone say avocado? While it may sound like millennial bait for your adult children, Annual Fallbrook Avocado Festival has actually been a beloved tradition since the 1960s. The April 19, 2020, event includes live entertainment, avocado-themed goods, cooking contests, guacamole-making contests, beer gardens, crowning of Little Miss and Little Mister Avocado and, of course, plenty of chances to sample the local product.
Chicano Park Day
San Diego’s diverse population of Chicano and Mexican residents celebrates its 50th anniversary with a free event, April 25, 2020. Home of the largest collection of Chicano murals in the world, Chicano Park hosts the free event, filled with dancing, music, indigenous traditions, a low-rider car show and art workshops for kids.
San Diego Surf Film Festival
With a strong surf culture and artistic side, this city expertly blends the two with an international surf film festival: San Diego Surf Film Festival. Guests can meet filmmakers and local artists at a luncheon, or just enjoy the live music, art and festivities each May.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Jun 30, 2025Family Escape to Punta Mita at Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection
Reimagine traditional family travel to the beach at Punta Mita, Mexico’s, Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection. Here, a laid-back surf retreat meets the warmth of Mexico’s Pacific coast to offer sun-splashed days.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Azores & Madeira: Portugal’s Island Paradises Await
Embrace the Portugal’s Magical Islands of the Azores and Madeira
Hotels
Jun 30, 2025This Napa Valley Resort Just Opened Its Own Kids Camp
Family travelers might leave Napa Valley, California, off their travel list since the destination is typically associated with vineyards and wineries, but families will be delighted to hear Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, an upscale property in the region, just announced a new partnership with Camp Manitou. Camp Manitou is one of the nation’s foremost camps for children, and now offers a thoughtfully curated experience at this resort, allowing parents to explore Napa Valley on their own while the little ones are entertained.
Cruises
Jun 27, 2025Why a River Cruise is Great for Families
Traditionally, cruising the rivers of Europe has been a vacation for couples and adult travelers, but it’s never been a prime market for families with young children. Riverside Luxury Cruises changes all that, inviting family travelers of all ages.
Hotels
Jun 26, 2025Spend Summer in Seattle at This Lakefront Hotel
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Seattle, Washington, invites family travelers to a lakeside summer vacation. This property hosts an array of water-based activities and summer programming.
Hotels
Jun 25, 2025Alma Surprises Kids with Whimsical Themed Rooms
Family travelers will appreciate Alma Resort Cam Ranh’s new Kids’ Themed Rooms. The optional boys’ and girls’ room set-ups deliver color to Alma’s oversized suites and pavilions.
ShareThis