Want to experience Cinco de Mayo in style? From Old Town to Mission Beach, we’ve highlighted some of the best ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in San Diego!
San Diego knows how to throw a fiesta like no other. If you’re adventurous and looking for a fun, exciting way to celebrate this Mexican holiday, we’ve got you covered with our top recommendations for the best places to go in downtown San Diego, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach.
First stop, Old Town!
This historic district is the perfect place to kick off your Cinco De Mayo celebration. Here, you can immerse yourself in Mexican culture with authentic restaurants, vibrant mariachi bands, and festive decorations. Cinco de Mayo is bringing the Fiesta to Old Town! From Friday, May 5th until Sunday, May 7th, this neighborhood will be buzzing with entertainment, food and artisanal markets. Stop by one of the local vendors to purchase some art, jewelry and other goodies!
Once you’ve walked around Old Town, be sure to check out the Old Town Mexican Cafe, which serves up some of the best margaritas and tacos in town. This joint is known for their homemade tortillas, which have earned praise for more than four decades. They also have great happy hour specials, so make sure to stop by between 3-6 pm for discounted drinks and bites.
For another great local spot that has become known for its fish tacos and California-inspired Mexican fare, hit up Miguel’s Cocina. With everything from grilled swordfish tacos, to savory mole, this joint has a menu that is fit for any taste! For more than four decades, Miguel’s Cocina has made an impression on San Diego with their homemade tortillas and refreshing margaritas, and it’s worth a stop.
Next up, Pacific Beach.
This popular beach town is known for its laid-back vibes and fun-loving atmosphere. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, head over to Oscar’s Mexican Seafood for some of the best fish tacos in San Diego. Don’t forget to wash them down with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita. This is a good place to wind down and enjoy the later part of the evening after cruising around the Old Town Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.
Not far from Pacific Beach is the ever-funky Ocean Beach. In Ocean Beach, Wonderland OB is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration starting at 4:30pm. With drink specials, a DJ, special raffles, and Mariachi bands, you don’t want to miss what Wonderland has in store for the holiday! Beyond just Cinco de Mayo, this restaurant is known for their seafood such as mussels, oysters and Ahi tuna, and is worth a visit no matter what.
Last but not least, Mission Beach.
This iconic beach town is the perfect place to soak up the sun and celebrate Cinco De Mayo with your friends. Check out Mavericks Beach Club, which is known for its lively atmosphere and great drink specials. They also have a rooftop bar with stunning views of the ocean. We also love what Beach House in Mission Beach is cooking up for Cinco de Mayo! This party will run from noon-6p.m. on Friday, and includes specials throughout the day on tacos and margaritas.
Want another look at Old Town and all that it has to offer? Watch this video!
Once you’ve had a chance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style, hop on over to our awesome Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel.
In conclusion, San Diego has plenty of options for celebrating Cinco De Mayo. Whether you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine or just a great place to grab a drink with friends, Old Town, Pacific Beach, and Mission Beach, we have got you covered. So put on your sombrero and get ready to party like a true local!
