Best Things to Do: St Patrick’s Day San Diego [2023]

by Maria Haase

Are you looking for the best things to do on St Patrick’s Day in San Diego? Then you have come to the right place. Here is a list of all the best events, parties, & parades St Paddy’s Day in San Diego for a whole lot of Craic.

Ready to channel your Irish genes (or not) and join in the fun? Then read on:

two young women at a party with green St Patricks Day Accessories

San Diego St Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

March 11, 2023
9 AM – 6 PM (St Patrick’s Day Festival)
9:45 AM Flag Presentation at Flag Pole on 6th & Laurel
10:30 AM Parade starts

The 41st annual San Diego St Patrick’s Day Parade is organized by the Irish Congress of Southern California. It starts on March 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM on 5th Ave & Laurel Street, makes its way up 5th Avenue, then turns right on Upas Street, right on 6th Ave and follows 6th Ave along Balboa Park to Juniper. You’ll get to enjoy floats, High School marching bands, Irish dance and Irish music, equestrian units, clowns, antique cars, Irish settlers and more.

Don’t forget to enjoy the family-friendly St Patrick’s Day festival that includes vendors, food booths and Irish dance and music on two stages. The entrance fee is $5 for adults 21 and over and free for active military with ID.

St Patrick’s Day Parties

SHAMROCK ST. PATTY’S DAY MUSIC + BEER FESTIVAL

March 17, 2023
4 PM – 11 PM
5th Ave/Gaslamp Quarter
Website

This family-friendly event is open to all ages and offers live music on 3 stages, tasty treats, and plenty of ways to have a fun time. Plenty of fun games, Irish dance lessons, plenty of green beer, and more fun things to do will keep you entertained.

ST. PADDY’S O’BEACH PARTY 2023

March 17 & 18, 2023
1 PM – 11 PM
Ocean Beach Pier Parking Lot
Website

This local and fun block party in Ocean Beach is laid back, and lots of fun. Enjoy some live music, imbibe some green beer or local craft cocktails, and enjoy the St. Paddy’s shenanigans including; a beach 5K fun run, Lucky Charms flip cup, leprechaun limbo, pot o’ gold hold, and more.

Friday, March 17th: the first 500 people will receive complimentary corned beef sliders and get to participate in the Gold Coin Giveaway, receiving gold coins redeemable for a variety of prizes.

Saturday, March 18th: the first 500 guests will get to participate in the OB “Guac Off”, featuring samples of guacamole from 8 local OB restaurants and a chance to cast a vote for the favorite.

a group of young women partying in front of the stage at St Paddy's O'Beach Party

Bahia Belle St. Patrick’s Day Cruise

March 17, 2023
8:50 PM – 12:30 AM
Bahia Resort Hotel
Tickets

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style on board of the Bahia Belle, a stunning steamboat cruising on Mission Bay. Live DJs, a cash bar for drinks and snacks, and a photo booth to capture your fun make this an unforgettable event.

two young women at a party with green St Patricks Day Accessories - White text overlay: St Patrick's Day Party Cruise - Bahia Belle

San Diego St. Patrick’s Weekend – Pier Pressure® Green Electric Yacht Party

March 18, 2023
4 PM – 8 PM
The Inspiration Yacht
1800 N Harbor Drive

2 Decks, 5 DJs and stunning views of the San Diego skyline make this a special treat for St Patrick’s Day in San Diego. Dance the night away on this luxury VIP yacht cruising on the San Diego bay.

St Patrick’s Day Pub Crawls

GASLAMP ST PATRICK’S DAY PUB CRAWL

March 17 & 18, 2023
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Check-in between 4 PM – 7 PM, lasts all day and night
Tickets

Ready to get your drink on? Then these two St Patrick’s Day Pub Crawls all around the Gaslamp Quarter are for you! Your tickets get you free welcome shots in select venues, exclusive drink specials at 10+ locations, and an invitation to the St Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl after parties!

young man with a glass of green beer at a party with green St Patricks Day Accessories

PACIFIC BEACH ST PATRICK’S DAY PUB CRAWL

March 17 & 18, 2023
Location: Pacific Beach
Check-in between 4 PM – 7 PM at El Prez, lasts all day and night
Tickets

Want to stay in PB for St. Paddy’s Day? Then join one of the two Pacific Beach Pub Crawls on St Paddy’s Day. Your tickets get you free welcome shots in select venues, exclusive drink specials at 10+ locations, and an invitation to the St Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl after parties!

IRISH 4 A DAY PARTY HOP

March 17 & 18, 2023
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Tickets

Enjoy freebies at 30+ locations (free entry, welcome shots, special discounts, and more) and party hop your way through the Gaslamp.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS PUB CRAWL

March 17, 2023
Location: University Heights
5 PM – 9 PM
Free
Website

This free pub crawl in University Heights is a fun neighborhood event (you need to register though) that offers drink specials, food trucks, beads, and giveaways.