Things To Do In San Diego

You start planning one San Diego weekend and suddenly the group chat is juggling an ofrenda, a film screening, waterfront tastings and a beer festival. November has a talent for making “we’ll figure it out when we get there” sound like an ambitious strategy.

Here are six good reasons to put a few dates on the calendar, plus a Gaslamp history tour pub crawl that works neatly around dinner and downtown plans. San Diego Crawling belongs near the top because November events give you plenty to talk about, and the city’s old taverns have a few stories of their own.

1. Put the Gaslamp’s stories on your itinerary

The San Diego Crawling Gaslamp Pub Crawl pairs local bars with the hidden, lively history behind downtown. An expert local guide leads the adults-only history tour pub crawl through four bars in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Crawls run daily at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., with an additional noon crawl on Saturdays and Sundays, and last 2 hours and 15 minutes. Guests must be 21 or older with valid ID. Drinks are available for purchase at each stop, but ordering one is optional.

That makes it an easy downtown anchor before dinner, after a day of sightseeing or as a lively first chapter in a friends’ weekend. The walk stays within a few blocks, so the stories get most of the legwork.

2. Mark Día de los Muertos in Old Town

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park hosts its community Día de los Muertos celebration October 31 through November 2, with activities from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The November 1 and 2 dates bring visitors to historic museums, community altars, art activities and live entertainment. California State Parks explains the traditions and schedules on its official event page.

Plan time to walk through the park and take in the ofrendas. This is a thoughtful way to learn about remembrance and local history, with room to appreciate the artists and families who shape the celebration.

3. Taste the city at the waterfront

The San Diego Food + Wine Festival runs November 1–8. Its Grand Tasting is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, and the Grand Fiesta follows Sunday, November 8, both from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Embarcadero Marina Park North. The festival spotlights chefs, winemakers and regional flavors, including the culinary connections between San Diego and Mexico.

Check the event page for the current ticket options and lineup, then leave room in your day to enjoy the waterfront. “We should try one more bite” is a perfectly reasonable festival itinerary.

4. Catch a film with a point of view

The San Diego Asian Film Festival brings screenings to theaters around the county November 5–14. The 2026 program features stories from Asian and Asian American filmmakers, with more than 190 films from over 35 countries announced by the festival. Check the schedule for venues, ticket availability and conversations with filmmakers.

Choose a screening first, then build dinner or drinks around that venue. The festival spans several neighborhoods, so a little map checking saves you from trying to teleport across the county between showtimes.

5. Celebrate San Diego’s craft-beer scene

San Diego Beer Week takes place November 6–15, with events at breweries, bars and restaurants across the region. Expect a rotating mix of special releases, tap takeovers, food pairings and brewery happenings. The Brewers Guild calendar is the place to find participating locations and individual event details.

Pick a neighborhood and a couple of stops instead of treating ten days like a personal tasting challenge. San Diego makes excellent beer; water and a plan for getting home also deserve a place in the itinerary.

6. Skate beside the Pacific at The Del

Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea opens November 20 and runs daily through January 3, 2027. The beachfront rink looks out over the Pacific, bringing a classic holiday activity to a very San Diego setting. Check the hotel’s page for session times, tickets and current visitor details before making the trip to Coronado.

Pair a skate with a walk around the historic resort and a meal nearby. Bring a layer for the evening. The ocean breeze enjoys making a late entrance.

Give November a little room to surprise you

Pick one ticketed event, reserve a downtown evening and leave a few unscheduled hours for the city between them. When your plan calls for local bars and San Diego stories, check the Gaslamp Pub Crawl schedule and choose the time that fits your day.