Photo credit: SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
01 Apr 2026

Your Spring Guide to San Diego Theme Park Fun

By The Dana

Spring is in the air and that means theme park fun at one of San Diego’s most popular attractions. Whether you enjoy the thrilling rides, the delicious food, the exciting activities, or just people-watching and enjoying the near-perfect weather, hanging out at one of San Diego’s popular theme parks is a great way to spend some time in our coastal paradise.  

Our San Diego Theme Park Guide has all the information you need to plan your spring trip to San Diego’s best theme parks, including tips from our team at The Dana on Mission Bay to help you make the most of your San Diego getaway. Wondering if SeaWorld is worth visiting in spring? Looking for the best theme park in San Diego for families? Want the best accommodations near SeaWorld San Diego? Not sure how many days you need to see all the best San Diego attraction parks? Our helpful guide will give you all the details!

San Diego Theme Park Guide for Spring

What’s Happening This Spring at San Diego’s Theme Parks? 

SeaWorld San Diego (1.0 mile from hotel)

Sea World San Diego

Plan to spend the day at SeaWorld San Diego this spring and enjoy all the thrilling animal shows and exciting rides. A day at this family-friendly marine-themed park is plenty of time to experience all the attractions. However, our team says to be sure to plan additional time at the park if you plan to see one of the exciting live performances at the Seven Seas Food Festival!  The perfect combination of food, music, and live entertainment, you won’t want to miss the delicious local cuisine, exciting dance groups, and headline concerts at the Bayside Amphitheater, including top acts like The Band Perry, Phillip Phillips, Walker Hayes, and more!

Where to Stay Near SeaWorld San Diego

Looking for the best hotel near SeaWorld San Diego? The Dana on Mission Bay is the perfect choice for a stress-free day at this popular San Diego Theme Park. Our bayfront San Diego hotel is the closest hotel to SeaWorld San Diego. Make it a day trip from Mission Bay with our new SeaWorld Package and enjoy exciting days at SeaWorld and relaxed evenings at our waterfront oasis.

SeaWorld San Diego Special Package

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park (8.6 miles from hotel)

elephant valley

There’s so much to explore at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, you may want to make a full weekend out of it. From thousands of animals to seasonal events and springtime experiences, it’s one of the city’s most iconic attractions. A highlight this time of year is the Zoo’s Food, Wine & Brew celebration, where guests can sample local flavors while enjoying live entertainment and up-close wildlife encounters, all supporting conservation efforts.

While you’re planning your visit, don’t miss the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located about 35 miles from Mission Beach. This sister park offers a completely different experience, with wide-open habitats and safari-style adventures. Be sure to explore the newly expanded Elephant Valley, where you can watch herds move through a spacious, natural setting and observe their behavior from a closer, more immersive perspective. During spring, you can also experience seasonal offerings like Butterfly Jungle, where vibrant butterflies fill the aviary for a unique, interactive encounter.

Where to Stay Near the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

The Dana on Mission Bay offers the best accommodations near the San Diego Zoo for families who want to be close to all the exciting spring theme park activities at an inviting waterfront San Diego location with great amenities and a convenient onsite restaurant.  

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Special Package

Belmont Park (1.2 miles from hotel)

Belmont Park roller coaster

There is no better time to visit Belmont Park than spring, so planning a visit now is the perfect choice. There is so much to keep you entertained at this popular seaside San Diego Park that you could spend several days soaking in all the excitement.  From thrilling carnival rides and mini-golf games to laser tag, zip lining, and even a 7D Theater, the fun goes on for days at this seaside park in San Diego. Our team recommends that you make plans to attend Belmont in Bloom, the popular spring event that celebrates the season with bubble performers, balloon artists, face-painting character appearances, live music, a special butterfly exhibit, and more through May 31. You won’t want to miss this spring celebration at this 100-year-old San Diego beachfront amusement park.

Where to Stay Near Belmont Park                               

Located just minutes from the excitement at Belmont Park, The Dana on Mission Bay is a great place to stay with easy access and an amazing accommodations package that includes unlimited rides and beachfront fun!  Spend your days and evenings at Belmont Park and enjoy a relaxing stay with resort-style amenities at The Dana on Mission Bay, just 1.5 miles from this popular park.

Belmont Park San Diego Special Package

LEGOLAND California (31.5 miles from hotel)

Legoland

Where to Stay Near LegoLand California

The popular LEGOLAND California Resort theme park has everything you’re looking for in an unforgettable spring San Diego family vacation—and if you’re wondering if it’s worth the drive, it absolutely is. In addition to the incredible LEGO-built worlds, guests can now explore the all-new LEGO Galaxy, a space-themed land filled with interactive rides, hands-on building experiences, and a high-energy indoor coaster that brings a whole new level of excitement to the park.

There’s even more to enjoy with updates to the LEGOLAND Water Park, featuring additional slides, a lazy river, and playful splash zones perfect for cooling off. And don’t forget to bring your LEGO Minifigures to trade with Park Model Citizens to add to your collection.

Make it a day trip from The Dana on Mission Bay and plan a visit to this family-favorite San Diego theme park. It’s just a scenic drive from our Mission Bay hotel, where you’ll have everything you need to relax and unwind after a full day of fun.

LEGOLAND California San Diego Savings Special Packages

Choose the deal that suits you best from a variety of Special Packages for your trip to LEGOLAND California

Explore Special Savings Packages from The Dana on Mission Bay here!

Are You Ready for a Spring Getaway to the Best San Diego Theme Parks?

Family walking on Mission Bay loop

It’s time to plan the perfect spring getaway to one (or all) of the amazing theme parks in San Diego and to stay at one of the best hotels in San Diego. Choose one of our money-saving room deals for your spring trip to San Diego and have the theme park experience you’ve been dreaming of.Whether you want to see the dolphins playing at SeaWorld San Diego, ride the world-famous roller coaster at Belmont Park, or experience a safari adventure at the San Diego Zoo – The Dana offers the best hotel location near all the most popular theme parks, as well as resort-style amenities sure to please the whole family. Is SeaWorld worth visiting in spring? Definitely! So, book your spring vacation to visit the best amusement parks in San Diego!

01 Mar 2026

Spring in San Diego: Events, Blooms & Bay Views

By The Dana

Warm sunny days and lots of fun-filled events for the season make San Diego a great place to be this spring! The Dana on Mission Bay is the perfect place to stay to be close to all the best beaches and events that happen this spring season. We welcome adventurers, spring breakers, and families who want to have some fun in the sun in America's Finest City.

Don't forget to bring your favorite furry friend along with your swimsuit on your spring getaway, because The Dana on Mission Bay is the best pet-friendly hotel in San Diego and is prepared for their arrival with their very own Welcome Kit. Your pet will enjoy their vacation in San Diego as much as you, with the nearby waterfront paths on Mission Bay, spacious areas around the property to chase a ball, and their spot at dinner outside at our onsite Firefly Eatery & Bar.

Check into your Water’s Edge or Marina Cove guestroom or suite, and prepare to celebrate spring with these San Diego events and activities near Mission Bay!

Popular Things To Do in San Diego This Spring

Seven Seas Festival at SeaWorld (1.0 Mile from Hotel) 

Whales at SeaWorld San Diego

The Dana on Mission Bay is the closest hotel to SeaWorld San Diego and offers shuttle service, as well as two tickets to the park, with our Special SeaWorld Package! SeaWorld San Diego is the place to be this spring with the Seven Seas Food Festival. This popular San Diego festival happens each February through April and is the perfect combination of music and food. And new for this year is a special menu crafted by Executive Chef Zuric Ramirez, and an exciting concert line-up at the Bayside Amphitheater with concerts from Fitz and the Tantrums, The Band Perry, Walker Hayes, and Phillip Phillips.

Belmont in Bloom (1.2 Miles from Hotel) 

Belmont in Bloom with little girl
Photo: @kari_niehuus

Visit Belmont Park this spring to experience the popular Belmont in Bloom festival. This exciting annual spring event features vibrant floral sculptures, plenty of photo-ops, live entertainment, and delicious themed food and beverages. While in the area visiting Belmont in Bloom, be sure to catch dinner and drinks at nearby Cannonball, a popular oceanfront sushi restaurant that is known for great food with an ocean view.

Fiesta Cinco de Mayo in Old Town (4.0 Miles from Hotel) 

Old Town San Diego

A San Diego tradition, Fiesta Cinco de Mayo is a popular event in nearby Old Town and is the largest celebration in San Diego for the holiday. Perfectly situated in Old Town near downtown San Diego, Fiesta Cinco de Mayo offers a festival that spans six blocks with cultural and traditional entertainment on two stages, delicious local food, and plenty of family fun.

Gator by the Bay (4.7 Miles from Hotel) 

gatorbythebay
Photo: @gatorbythebay

Held each May in San Diego at Spanish Landing Park, Gator by the Bay is the largest Louisiana-themed music festival this side of New Orleans. It’s always a good time at this popular cultural festival that is held each year around Mother’s Day Weekend in San Diego. The family-friendly event features over 100 musical acts and seven event stages, Southern cuisine featuring lots of crawfish, dancing, and more. This popular event brings the spirit of Louisiana to SoCal and is one of the most popular spring events in San Diego.

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival (6.0 Miles from Hotel) 

Photo: @michellicakes

Enjoy a diverse lineup with new breakout artists and your long-time favorites at the Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival in San Diego. This popular music event caters to all genres, including rock, hip-hop, indie rock, reggae, rap, EDM, adult alternative, and country. This is a great spring experience in San Diego with so much to see and do at this 3-day event with festival activities like harbor cruises, an EDM dance club, bar and dinner parties, games, private lounges, and more.

Whale Watching in Point Loma (6.3 Miles from Hotel) 

Experience a thrilling whale-watching adventure this spring in San Diego at the cliffs at Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma, a great place to catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures. High above the ocean, the old Point Loma lighthouse offers the best view for whale-watchers to see the graceful sea animals migrating south. Whale watching in San Diego is the perfect way to spend a spring day in San Diego during your stay at The Dana on Mission Bay.

Cherry Blossom Festival at Balboa Park (8.4 Miles from Hotel) 

cherry blossom flowers

Celebrated each year in March, the popular Cherry Blossom Festival is the highlight of spring at Balboa Park. Held at the Japanese Friendship Garden, you will enjoy the amazing San Diego weather with a variety of attractions including live performances, a special children's area, delicious cultural foods, a sake garden, 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.

See Spring Flowers in Bloom (29.0 Miles from Hotel) 

little girl standing at the Carlsbad Flower Fields
Photo: @the_flower_fields

Plan a visit to see the Carlsbad Flower Fields, a 55-acre San Diego landmark farm that blooms each spring and decorates the area at Carlsbad Ranch. From March to May each year, there are so many beautiful blooms and blossoms as far as you can see! A popular spot for guests and locals for over 60 years, you will love spending a spring day at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

Save On Your Spring Stay at The Dana on Mission Bay with Our New Offers

Aerial View Overlooking Mission Bay- Facing W

Are you ready to plan the spring vacation in San Diego you’ve been dreaming of? Act now to take advantage of our NEW special offers that are perfect for spring stays at The Dana, including our Adventure Around the Bay and Belmont Park Package, when you book your San Diego vacation.

Plan your spring escape to San Diego today to see the flowers in bloom, enjoy the warm sunny days, and explore the popular attractions and seasonal events in Southern California.