November in San Diego is the city at its best — sunny but calm, lively but laid-back. The summer crowds have thinned, the weather hovers in the 70s, and the calendar fills with food festivals, cultural celebrations, concerts, and holiday kickoffs. Whether you’re chasing live music, fresh seafood, or simply a reason to enjoy the coast, there’s no better time to explore America’s Finest City.

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Category Events & Festivals Why Go
Food & Drink San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, Beer Week, Taste of North Park Coastal flavors, local brews, and gourmet fun
Arts & Culture San Diego Asian Film Festival, Medium Photo Festival, Festa! Film, photography, and cultural diversity
Music & Nightlife Wonderfront Festival, Jazz at the Jacobs, Latin Food Fest Live music, oceanfront stages, and great energy
Family Fun Jungle Bells, Harvest Festival, Fleet Week Outdoor fun and early holiday spirit
Sports & Outdoors Silver Strand Half Marathon, Aztecs Football, Surfboard Parade Active adventures and sunny skies

Festivals That Celebrate the Season

San Diego doesn’t slow down in November — it just gets cozier. The month begins with the San Diego Beer Week, a 10-day celebration of local craft brewing that fills tasting rooms and breweries across the county. Over in Little Italy, the Festa! Street Festival blends Italian heritage with food, art, and live music.

Down by the bay, the Fleet Week San Diego events honor the U.S. Navy and Marines with ship tours, air shows, and family activities along the waterfront. And in North Park, the Taste of North Park lets you sample your way through local restaurants and breweries, one bite at a time.

Art, Culture, and Creative Weekends

For art lovers, November brings color and creativity everywhere you look. The Medium Photo Festival brings together photographers from around the world for exhibitions and workshops, while the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival transforms the waterfront into a feast of flavors and culture.

Families will love the San Diego Asian Film Festival, showcasing more than 150 films from across Asia and the Pacific. It’s one of the city’s most respected cultural events — thought-provoking, vibrant, and community-driven.

Music, Dance, and Downtown Nights

As the sun sets, the rhythm kicks in. The Latin Food Fest in Seaport Village combines beats, bites, and beach views. For fans of smooth sounds, the Jazz at the Jacobs series at the Jacobs Music Center brings world-class performances to town.

Want something more energetic? The Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival takes over the Embarcadero with multiple stages, food trucks, art installations, and ocean views. From reggae to indie rock, it’s one of San Diego’s biggest weekends of the year — and the setting couldn’t be better.

Food, Wine, and Coastal Flavor

San Diego’s November is made for food lovers. The San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival (yes, it’s that good it deserves two mentions) brings together chefs, sommeliers, and artisans for tastings, dinners, and oceanfront events. Smaller gatherings, like Encinitas Fall Beer Festival or Coronado’s Wine Walk, offer easygoing afternoons under the palm trees.

For something different, San Diego Vegan Festival in Liberty Station features local restaurants and food trucks proving that plant-based can be both creative and delicious.

Family Fun and Outdoor Adventures

The weather in November is perfect for family days outside. Balboa Park hosts seasonal art walks, free museum days, and the early sparkle of holiday lights. Over at the San Diego Zoo, evenings bring Jungle Bells, where festive decorations and extended hours make for magical nights.

In Del Mar, the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show fills the fairgrounds with handmade gifts, live music, and a cheerful fall atmosphere. It’s a favorite for locals kicking off the holiday season early.

Sports and Seasonal Traditions

November is full of action for sports fans. The San Diego Gulls take to the ice for hockey season, while the Aztecs light up Snapdragon Stadium with college football. Runners can join the Silver Strand Half Marathon — one of the most scenic races in the state — or cheer from the sidelines along the coast.

For something uniquely Californian, head to Surfboard Parade & Festival in Oceanside, where surfers, artists, and families gather to celebrate beach culture and ocean life.

Experience San Diego Like a Local With HomeExchange

The best way to enjoy San Diego’s November lineup? Live it like a local. With HomeExchange, you can swap homes and stay in real neighborhoods — a beachside condo in La Jolla, a family home in North Park, or a cozy bungalow near Balboa Park.

You’ll wake up to ocean breezes, shop at local markets, and return from festivals to a home that feels like your own.

Discover how HomeExchange works