What to eat in San Diego in March: Seasonal delicacies
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Fish tacos
Fish tacos are corn tortillas filled with battered or grilled fish, cabbage, crema, and salsa, a staple shaped by nearby Baja. They suit most diets that include seafood and can be customized for spice. For a classic version, try Oscar’s Mexican Seafood near Pacific Beach, a small counter spot popular with surfers and locals for quick, affordable plates.
The California burrito is a flour tortilla stuffed with carne asada, french fries, cheese, and often guacamole and salsa. It originated in San Diego’s surf culture and is a hearty, non vegetarian option best for those who eat beef and gluten. Lolita’s Mexican Food on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard is a local favorite, serving large, shareable versions late into the evening.
Locally harvested uni (sea urchin) is a delicacy from cold Pacific waters, eaten raw with lemon or used in simple preparations. It is rich and briny, so best for adventurous seafood eaters. On Saturday mornings, Tuna Harbor Dockside Market near Seaport Village lets divers crack fresh urchins to order, giving you a short sea to table experience on the pier.
From roughly September to March, local spiny lobster appears on menus, often split, grilled, and served with rice, beans, and tortillas in the Puerto Nuevo style. It is a rich, celebratory dish for shellfish eaters, often shared. In San Diego you can sample it at spots like Mariscos Godoy in Barrio Logan, which draws cross border diners for hearty seafood feasts.
March brings pleasant spring weather and longer days. Wildflowers carpet inland parks, and cherry blossoms bloom in Balboa Park. Spring break brings a slight uptick in visitors late in the month, but the city remains easy to explore.
Pro tips for visiting San Diego in March
Cherry Blossom Festival in Balboa Park is popular; arrive early for photos and parking.
Spring break crowds peak late in the month, especially at major attractions.
Wildflowers are at their best if winter was wet; check local bloom reports.
Book accommodations early if visiting around Easter or major festivals.
San Diego in March at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 22°C
Minimum temperature: 13°C
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Daylight
Around 12 hours 5 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 6:55am
Sunset: 7pm
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Key events
Cherry Blossom Festival, San Diego Latino Film Festival, CRSSD Festival Spring
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Crowds
Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.
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What to pack
Light layers, sun hat, sunglasses, walking shoes, rain jacket for showers.
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Seasonal treats
Strawberry shortcake at Clayton’s Bakery, cherry blossom tea at Japanese Friendship Garden
The Cherry Blossom Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park marks peak bloom for more than 150 trees. Over March 12-15 you can enjoy hanami style strolls, cultural performances, tea ceremonies, and Japanese street food. It is popular for photography, so buy timed tickets early and visit weekday mornings for lighter crowds.
The San Diego Latino Film Festival screens more than 100 films by and about Latin American and U.S. Latino communities at Mission Valley cinemas from March 18-22. Screenings, panels, and nightly parties attract filmmakers and fans. Choose between passes or single tickets, and allow time for parking and pre show lines at popular premieres.
CRSSD Festival’s spring edition brings electronic and indie dance acts to Waterfront Park on March 14-15. The 21 plus event features multiple stages set against the bay, with music running from afternoon into evening. Tickets often sell out in advance, and security is strict, so travel light and expect a festival atmosphere closer to a city club weekend than a family fair.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for San Diego in March
