Springtime in San Diego makes a colorful entrance every year as warm weather sweeps through the county and brilliant flowers bloom. There are also spring celebrations at the region's major attractions, popular sporting events, cultural festivals and St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo festivities to keep visitors entertained throughout the season.
At the Flower Fields of Carlsbad, California, a vibrant sea of giant ranunculus flowers transforms 50 acres of hills into rows of brilliant color. During March through May, guests can stroll past oceans of flowers and through beautiful gardens.
Lads and lassies celebrate all things Irish at the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival, held March 17 at the corner of 6th Avenue and Juniper Street near Balboa Park. The day includes a 10:30am parade, an all-day Irish festival featuring food, beer gardens, musical entertainment and more. From noon to midnight on March 17, venture to downtown San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter for ShamROCK 2012. This St. Patrick's Day party includes Irish rock bands, pints of green beer and 30,000 square feet of Astroturf representing the green hills of Ireland; guests must be 21 years or older to attend the ticketed event.
Art takes over the streets of downtown San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood during the Mission Federal ArtWalk, April 28-29. The free event showcases fine art in many media alongside live musical performances, food and beverage booths and activities for kids and families.
On May 5-6, the 29th Annual Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo is held in Old Town State Historic Park along the area's main thoroughfare, San Diego Avenue. The free festival features Mexican dancers, musicians, food and historical reenactments.
For more information on San Diego's offerings visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's Web site at www.sandiego.org or call 619-236-1212.
For more information about top events in California take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in California.