New Years Eve San Diego: Fireworks, Events & More 2021/22

Check out these fun New Years Events San Diego 

I think we’re all more than ready to give 2021 the proper send-off it truly deserves!

Thanks to living in San Diego with our almost picture-perfect weather, there are many options for saying goodbye to the old and happily welcoming in the new. From private romantic moments to celebrating with family or friends, here are some of the great ways to ring in the New Year! And if you are a sucker for fireworks, I got you covered as well as most of the places I mention are perfect to watch the San Diego New Years Eve Fireworks.

Keep in mind that with current health guidelines and restrictions, that there may be changes to schedules and openings. Your best bet is always checking each of these websites for the most recent updated information. 

Best Places to See San Diego New Years Eve Fireworks

Fireworks are as much a part of New Year’s Eve as champagne, Auld Lang Syne, and hangovers. Here are the best spots to see the San Diego New Years Eve Fireworks:

San Diego New Years Eve Cruise

Flagship San Diego New Year’s Eve Cruise

One of Flagship’s most popular cruises of the year just happens to take place on New Year’s Eve. The three-hour tour covering a full north and south bay route includes a gourmet onboard prepared dinner, champagne as you board, and a midnight champagne toast, premium bar selections, a DJ, and dancing. Flagship also offers a New Years Day Brunch Cruise.

Cost: New Years Eve Dinner Cruise $150 (extra for unlimited bar).
For an additional $55 per person, a hosted bar will serve unlimited premium liquor, wine, and beer.

Departures from Broadway Pier, 990 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, 92101. (619)-234-4111.

NYE Hornblower Cruises on the Bay

With a glittering skyline as a backdrop, Hornblower Cruises is offering some spectacular 3-hour yacht cruises around San Diego Bay. 

The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Cruise features private tables, bottomless champagne or sparkling cider, a decadent gourmet-prepared meal, and DJ entertainment to keep guests dancing the night away. With free onboard WiFi, you can even post photos of the event and surroundings as you cruise the bay. Cocktail attire is recommended. 

Hornblower’s VIP New Year’s Eve Cruise boasts even more perks such as a private reserved table with fine linens, a 5-course seated dinner, top-end open bar, souvenir champagne flutes, and complimentary truffles. New Year’s Eve hats, horns, and party favors are complimentary as well.

Oh, and if you are more of a brunch person, you can book either their New Years Eve Brunch Cruise, or the New Years Day Brunch Cruise. Check out all Holiday Cruises here>>

Departures from Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, 92101. (619) 686-8700

San Diego New Years Eve Galas & Parties

Hotel Del Coronado New Years Eve Gala

Ring in the roaring 20s at the Hotel Del’s Speakeasy. This classy event is as posh as the hotel itself, so if you are looking to start 2022 in a fancy way, this is the place to be. Book your tickets here>>

If you spend the night at the Hotel Del, you can also add the New Years Day Brunch to your calendar.

Big Night San Diego

10 Party Areas – 10 Acts – 5000 Guests

If you are looking for an all-inclusive party bigger than any other San Diego New Year’s Eve party, this is it. Right in the heart of downtown at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, this event will be a night to remember! Get your tickets here>>

Romantic Dinner Overlooking San Diego Bay

For those into a more private, romantic way to welcome the New Year, we have just the ticket for you! San Diego has some beautiful restaurants with stunning water views that are perfect for a New Year’s Eve candlelight dinner for two.

We recommend getting reservations in ASAP however, as these fine eateries will likely fill up fast due to limited seating (and of course, holiday demand). You can contact the restaurant directly, or reserve through Open Table. Here are a few to check out:

Rooftop Dining/Drinks with a View

For a birds’ eye perspective on New Year’s Eve in San Diego, these lovely San Diego rooftop bars and restaurants are the perfect way to welcome in the New Year with the ones you love. After all, we know America’s eighth-largest city just happens to have some spectacularly breathtaking panoramic views. Many of these rooftop bars are in hotels, so if you want to make it super convenient, book yourself a room for the night and don’t worry about getting home safely.

Book a Suite and Invite a Few Friends 

A few years back, we booked a suite with a balcony on a high floor of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Then we invited a few friends in to celebrate the New Year with us. Living in San Diego, we could also pack some of our favorite New Year’s hor d’ourvres and order a few platters from the hotel restaurants.

The views over the Marina were beautiful, we sat outside the tropical grounds and enjoyed some red wine by the warm firepits. Then we headed back to our suite to pop the champagne cork watch the ball drop in New York City and other places around the world. Book your stay here>>

Other hotels and resorts we love with gorgeous views and a special ambiance include:

Catamaran Resort in Pacific Beach

Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa on Coronado Island

Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island

L’Auberge Del Mar in Del Mar

Build a Bonfire on the Beach for NYE in San Diego

This is perfect for those who love the outdoors but don’t love the crowds. There’s always something fun about building a bonfire —on a beach —feet in the sand-listening to the ocean waves.

We’re fortunate that San Diego has so many beaches that allow bonfires.

So, layer up, pack your food and beverages, beach chairs, beach blankets, and head to one of our suggested beaches for warm bonfires and firepit fun. But arrive early to ensure you get your space as fire pits on San Diego beaches are on a first-come-first-served basis. More information can be found in this beach bonfire guide from California Beaches.

Order in and Celebrate the New Years in PJs

Some folks just prefer a quiet candlelit New Year’s Eve celebration at home where they can curl up next to a fireplace in their favorite pajamas and watch celebrations from around the world on TV.

While keeping it simple, how about ordering out some of your favorite cuisine from one of our awesome San Diego restaurants? We’ve listed some of our favorite restaurants available for delivery on December 31^st (we can vouch for these as we’ve dined there).

 However, options online are impressive, so, you’ll likely find something that suits your palate and the occasion.

We hope some of these suggestions will be helpful on the different ways San Diegans can spend New Year’s Eve. 

However you choose to ring in 2022, stay safe, happy, healthy, and enjoy toasting in the New Year. Whether it’s with a glass of bubbly, or apple cider. 

Cheers!

New Years Eve San Diego: Fireworks, Events & More was written by Noreen Kompanik for San Diego Explorer.

New Years Eve San Diego – Pin for later:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Last Updated on November 10, 2021 by Maria Haase