History

Balboa Park
Play
15+ of the top free things to do in San Diego
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Diego, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
September 19, 2025 06:44 PM
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Over-the-Line OTL championships
Culture
2023 Over-the-Line World Championships return to Fiesta Island
The sport was invented on South Mission Beach and since 1954, continues to be synonymous with San Diego’s summertime culture.
July 5, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
A group of people carrying the rainbow flag for the San Diego Pride Parade in 2022.
Events
Get ready for San Diego Pride 2023
San Diego is getting ready to celebrate Pride in July and it is a schedule packed with celebrations, ceremonies, and parades.
June 30, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
IB Beach Warning sign
City
State of emergency declared for the US-Mexico Transboundary Pollution Environmental Crisis
San Diego leaders hope this declaration will address sewage that has polluted waters off our coastline and resulted in closures at beaches.
June 28, 2023
SD La Mesa Downtown District sign rendering
City
Coming soon: La Mesa’s very own Downtown District sign
Construction on the community-funded project is expected to begin this fall in the heart of La Mesa Village.
June 7, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
A woman sitting on a bench looking at a beach in La Jolla, CA
Culture
Unwritten rules for living in San Diego
These unofficial San Diego rules tell every local how to live, drink, and dress.
June 7, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD James Hubbell Home
Culture
Tour artist and architect James Hubbell’s famous compound in Santa Ysabel
The Ilan-Lael Foundation is offering private tours on select days through Saturday, June 17, at the family home of James and Anne Hubbell.
June 5, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SAC California flag
History
History of the California flag
Most of us probably don’t have our state flags memorized, but it’s worth studying up: Our flag’s design reflects centuries of history.
May 31, 2023
 · 
Dayten Rose
Tony Hawk being presented with a plaque to acknowledge Tony Hawk Day
History
May 29 is Tony Hawk Day in the City of San Diego
The observance honors the Carlsbad native for his accomplishments and philanthropy.
May 25, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Flags adorn the back of the USS Midway Museum.
Events
5 Memorial Day 2023 observances in San Diego
These five events allow you to pay respect on the holiday dedicated to individuals who died while serving in the US military.
May 25, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Fern grizzly bear atop the San Diego Automotive Museum
History
Two California grizzly bears added to the top of the San Diego Automotive Museum
The two statues are named Red and Fern and have eyes to match.
May 23, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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The interior of a Sonic the Hedgehog-themed pop-up cafe in San Diego; the walls are painted bright blue and feature characters from the Sonic video games. There's a fake palm tree in the middle of the room and gold rings hanging from the ceiling. A line of customers are waiting to order food.
Food
Gotta go fast: Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Cafe returns to downtown San Diego
The cute pop-up eatery inspired by SEGA’s beloved video game character will stick around through Sunday, Nov. 3 — so get your Tails there, fans.
August 23, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A fake skeleton decoration pops out from behind a dark bar at the Black Lagoon Halloween-themed pop-up bar. In the background, neon green, purple, and orange lights add to the scary vibes.
Bars
Enter if you dare: Halloween-themed Black Lagoon Pop-up bar coming to San Diego
The spine-tingling pop-up will take over Seven Grand in North Park from Friday, Oct. 11 to Sunday, Nov. 3.
August 23, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Scattered Purple Sand Verbena flowers bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park agains the brown, earthy backdrop of the desert in east San Diego County. The mountains are in the background, against the blue sky sprinkled with clouds. There are a few yellow flowers peeking out of the purple patches, too.
Travel and Outdoors
Where the wildflowers are: The annual Desert Bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
After a rainy winter, the Borrego Springs desert region east of San Diego is expected to bloom quite nicely with vibrant desert wildflowers in spring 2024.
February 29, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A grassy green hill at Kate Sessions Park overlooking Mission Bay, with many people picnicking and sitting on the grass.
Culture
How to spend your 24 extra Leap Day hours in San Diego
Start your day off with good, local coffee, head to the beach, go on a hike, peruse the city’s marvelous murals — seize the Leap Day, SD.
February 28, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Geisel Library UC San Diego
History
6 ways to see Dr. Seuss’ influence in San Diego
The iconic author lived in La Jolla from 1948 until his death in 1991 — but his local legacy lives on.
February 28, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Glowing blue water at Torrey Pines Natural State Reserve washing onto the rocks from bioluminescence.
Travel and Outdoors
What is bioluminescence and how can you see it?
The naturally occurring phenomenon tends to produce a blue glow at night, but results from a sensation called “red tides.”
February 27, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Waves in Ocean Beach as kids play on the beach.
City
What is the ‘Coastal Resilience Master Plan?’
The effort aims to find natural ways to address searise, protect communities, and preserve natural habitats.
February 27, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Rudford's Restaurant San Diego
Food
6 cool retro diners in San Diego
Vintage never goes out of style, right?
February 26, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A bracket with the text "Pizza Bracket" and two grids with space for four nominees.
Food
Vote in SDtoday’s pizza shop bracket
We want to know: Where is the best pizza in San Diego? Vote for your favorite to help determine a champion.
February 23, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Players for the San Diego Mojo women's professional volleyball team are playing on a court. They're wearing navy blue uniforms, and some have their hands in the air.
Sports
It’s time: Women’s pro volleyball team San Diego Mojo makes home debut
The team is owned by Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings and features a 15-player roster with serious pro experience.
February 22, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske