Whether celebrating Irish heritage or just claiming it for the day, St. Patrick’s Day has become a favorite American holiday, with celebrations set across the country. San Diego is no exception and offers plenty of ways to celebrate the Irish spirit.
The 40th St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival takes place on Saturday, March 14. The Parade rolls at 10:30 a.m. from Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street, followed by an Irish Festival in Balboa Park. About 30,000 people come out for the events, where you can watch Irish Step Dancers, here Irish folk music, enjoy a Celtic Food Village and beer garden. This is a great event for the young lasses and lads, with a kid’s zone and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Get in a run before you start downing Guinness. The 40th St. Patrick’s Day 10K Run takes place on March 14 at Mission Bay Park. It also includes 2- and 4-mile run/walks. But get up early. Races start at 7:45 a.m. Reward yourself afterward at the Beer Garden.
Or head to the Gaslamp Quarter for San Diego’s three-day-long celebration with an Irish 4 A Day Party Pass. The Pass includes no-cover admission on March 13-14 and March 17 at more than two dozen venues, including opening parties each night. It even covers a welcome shot at 10 different venues. Be sure to wear green and put on your dancing shoes for these three days of festivities.
If three days is too much for you, block out March 14 for the St. Paddy’s Day shamROCK block party, https://www.sandiegoshamrock.com also set in the Gaslamp Quarter. The party features three stages, green and craft beer, Irish whiskey (of course), Celtic bands and dancers and shenanigan games. It’s the 26th year for ShamROCK, which also includes traditional Irish fare, virtual reality experiences, free play bar games and much more.
Don’t push your luck when it comes to booking your stay. Stay in a vacation rental with a No Worry guest philosophy. Our friendly Vacation Planners can help you select the perfect spot for your St. Patrick’s Day getaway.
