San Diego is packed with Easter events, from classic egg hunts and Bunny photos to indulgent hotel brunches with ocean views.
If you’re planning Easter weekend 2026 and searching for the best Easter events, this guide rounds up top picks for kids, extended family, and even parents-only outings.
Easter Events in San Diego: 2026 Overview
Easter Sunday falls on Sunday, April 5, 2026, and many local venues build full weekends of festivities around the holiday. Families can look forward to traditional egg hunts, Easter Bunny photo ops, themed hotel brunches, and attraction-based events throughout the county.
To make planning easier, we’ve organized this guide into egg hunts, brunches, malls and shopping centers, theme parks and attractions, farms and petting zoos, at-home ideas, and planning tips. Be sure to click through to individual event pages to confirm dates, times, and ticket details as they’re updated for 2026, including ticket types such as VIP, general admission, and free-but-registration-required options. Because the most popular brunches, cruises, and hotel packages sell out quickly, booking early is highly recommended.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Easter Event
Pair this list with trusted local event calendars to discover even more Easter events in San Diego. These sites update frequently and often include last-minute additions or change.
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Head to San Diego Moms Ultimate Guide to Spring
Featured Event: Bunny Bash
San Diego Moms’ Bunny Bash at AleSmith Brewing
Saturday, March 21st from 10am-1pm
This is a can’t-miss annual event featuring egg hunts, interactive easter egg scavenger hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny, games, and crafts in a family-friendly brewery setting. Families can expect multiple hunt times, kid-focused activities, bounce houses, a fun zone, and a festive atmosphere that blends community fun with a local beer destination for the grown-ups. (Free Parking)
Mall & Shopping Center Egg Hunts & Bunny Photos
Several malls and shopping centers host Easter egg hunts and Bunny appearances with extras like balloon twisting, face painting, and DJ music. These events are typically free to attend and work especially well for stroller families or anyone who prefers paved, accessible locations
Bunny, Bubbles & Easter Fun at Mission Valley
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 12pm – 2pm
Hop on over to Mission Valley for a fun-filled Easter celebration the whole family will love! Our Easter Egg Hunt is the perfect way to enjoy a spring afternoon with festive activities, interactive experiences, and plenty of photo-worthy moments for kids and families.
Fashion Valley Mall Easter Bunny Photo Experience (Mission Valley)
March 13 – April 4, 2026
Bunny Photo Sessions at Westfield Plaza Bonita (National City)
March 13 – April 4, 2026
Bunny Photos at Parkway Plaza (El Cajon)
March 21 – April 4, 2026
Photos with the Easter Bunny at Mershops North County (Escondido)
March 20 – March 31, 2026
Be sure to check each mall’s website for specific hours and pricing, as reservations and same-day walk-ups are often available for these photo setups.
Other Easter Events:
Bunny Blossom Bash @ Rancho San Diego Towne Center (El Cajon)
Saturday, Mar 28 from 11 am to 1 pm
Annual Complimentary Photos with the Easter Bunny at The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch (Carmel Valley)
Saturday, April 4, 2026, 1pm to 3pm
Community Egg Hunts at San Diego Parks & Recreation Centers
Across San Diego County, city recreation centers and local parks host free egg hunts open to the public. These events often pair egg hunting with Bunny photos, crafts, and games, and they’re especially appealing if you’re looking for a casual, close-to-home celebration for younger kids.
Spring Egg Hunt at Encinitas Community Park (Encinitas)
Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10am-12pm
The Spring Egg Hunt has been a cherished Encinitas tradition for over 20 years. The event features egg hunts separated on two fields for children under 4 and for ages 5 and up. Adding to the fun is a live performance from Kathryn the Grape, spring crafts, face painting and visits from everyone’s favorite bunny.
Free Easter Event at 8575 Los Coches Rd E, Suite 1 (El Cajon)
Saturday, Mar 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm
All ages are welcome at this free event featuring music, local small business shopping, a toddler train ride, photo ops, a bunny to pet, snacks, games, a charm bar, and an egg hunt at 2 PM.
EGGstravaganza Spring Festival at Poinsettia Community Park (Carlsbad)
Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10am – 1pm
Carlsbad’s largest egg hunt features an ongoing egg scramble where kids race to collect candy-filled eggs, plus face painting, crafts, cookie decorating, a fun zone, and “Soak the Bunny”; food and beverages are available for purchase, activity cards and wristbands can be purchased in advance or at the event.
Spring Egg Hunt at Robb Athletic Field (Ocean Beach)
Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 9am to 11:30am
Free event with egg hunts for up to age 12, face painting, arts and crafts and games. Bring a basket.
Spring Egg Hunt at Pacific Beach Recreation Center (Pacific Beach)
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9am to 11:30am
Pemberley Realty Del Mar Easter Egg Hunt at Old Trolley Barn Park (North Park)
Sunday, Mar 22 from 10 am to 12 pm
Spring Egg Hunt at Carmel Valley Community Park (Carmel Valley)
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Spring Egg Hunt at Mountain View Community Center (Logan Heights)
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 10:00am – 12:30pm
Church and Faith-Based Egg Hunts
Many local churches host free Easter egg hunts on their campuses, sometimes paired with pancake breakfasts or family-friendly services. These events focus on community-building and are perfect if you want an explicitly faith-based celebration alongside the fun of egg hunting.
Egg Hunt Community Lutheran Church (Escondido)
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 10am
Community Easter Egg Hunt at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Carmel Valley)
Saturday, Mar 28 from 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 5 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church (Encintas)
Between the 9:30 and 11:00 services on the Lawn (10:30am)
Community Easter Celebration at Calvary Chapel Oceanside
Sunday, April 5, 2026, 9am Kids Zone, 10am Family-friendly Easter Service, Kids Zone reopens following service.
Catamaran Resort Easter Brunch on Mission Bay
Sunday, April 5, 2026
The Catamaran Resort usually celebrates Easter with a waterfront brunch featuring seafood, sushi, omelet and waffle stations, carving stations, and more. Kids enjoy arts and crafts, a golden egg hunt, and a visit from the Easter Bunny while parents relax with bay views and a generous buffet.
Omni La Costa Resort Easter Eggstravaganza (La Costa)
Sunday, April 5, 2026, 10am – 2pm
Families can enjoy a festive Easter celebration featuring one of the city’s largest Easter egg hunts, with 15,000 eggs for children to discover. The event also includes family-friendly entertainment and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. Guests can elevate the experience with an indulgent Easter brunch featuring made-to-order specialties, a chilled seafood bar, and bottomless mimosas.
Breakfast with Easter Bunny at Coronado Community Center (Coronado)
Saturday, April 4, 2026, 9am
Highlights include a breakfast buffet, an egg hunt, Easter crafts, games and visit with the Easter Bunny. Bring a camera and Easter basket. Tickets are $25; $20 for ages 12 and younger.
Easter Weekend at Hotel del Coronado (Coronado)
Apr 4 & 5, 2026
Celebrate Easter at The Del all weekend with brunch, beach egg hunts, a Garden Fair, Easter Bunny photos, and movies under the stars—against the sparkling Pacific and iconic red turrets.
Photos with the Easter Bunny: April 5 | 12pm – 4pm
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa Easter Celebration
Sunday, April 5, 2026, 10am-4pm
Families can celebrate Easter with a festive buffet featuring a raw bar, spring salads, carving stations, and a dessert bar filled with sweet treats. Kids of all ages can enjoy activities on the lawn including a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, balloon art, and Easter egg hunts. The celebration offers a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Easter Egg Hunt: All Ages, 12:30pm and 3:00pm (Adults $245++ | Children 4-12 $95++ | Kids 3 and under complimentary)
Dockside 1953 at Bahia Resort
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Bahia Resort’s Dockside 1953 often hosts Easter Sunday brunch with a buffet, live entertainment, and a golden egg hunt for kids on the Mission Bay waterfront. The combination of resort ambiance, family-friendly activities, and easy access to the bay makes this a strong pick for multi-generational Easter celebrations.
Casual & Budget-Friendly Brunch Spots
Beyond resort dining, many neighborhood restaurants and cafes offer special Easter menus at more accessible price points. Look for family-friendly spots with kids’ menus, outdoor seating, and nearby parks or beaches so you can pair brunch with playtime.
Top picks include:
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Mission Valley Breakfast Company (Mission Valley + Gaslamp)
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Breakfast Republic (East Village, Encinitas, Irvine, Liberty Station, Mission Valley, North Park, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach)
Seaport Village Beach Bunny Festival at Seaport Village
March 28, 2026, 1pm-4pm
Families can meet the Beach Bunny for photos, enjoy live music, and soak up the waterfront atmosphere while strolling the shops and restaurants.
Sesame Place’s Elmo’s Eggstravaganza at Sesame Place (Chula Vista)
March 22 – April 20, 2026
Guests can visit Sesame Place for a hoppin’ good time with rides, a stage show, the Sesame Street Party Parade, and special Easter fun with everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed in their Easter best! Take photos with the Easter Bunny, take a spin on your favorite rides, participate in an interactive Easter Egg Scavenger hunt, and shake your bunny tail at the Furry Friends Bunny Hop Dance Party. It’s sure to be an egg-cellent time!
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum’s Bunny Train at Campo Railroad Museum
March 28, 29 & April 4, 5 (Departures at 10:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm)
Families can hop aboard the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum’s Bunny Train for a festive ride through San Diego County’s scenic countryside in a train decorated with colorful Easter cheer. After arriving at the museum, children can search for hidden eggs throughout the Exhibit Building, trade them for treats and prizes, and meet the Easter Bunny for photos and springtime fun.
Easter Eggspress and Storytime at San Diego Model Railroad Museum (Balboa Park)
Saturday, March 28 & Sunday, March 29, 2026
10am – 12pm
This ticketed before-hours event will immerse children with an egg quest around the museum, special trains running in our Toy Train Gallery, arts & crafts, and storytime. After you’ve finished your search and eaten some candy, enjoy museum admission for the rest of the day!
Harbor & Bay Easter Cruises
Companies like Flagship Cruises offer Easter brunch or dinner cruises with gourmet menus, bottomless mimosas, live music, and scenic harbor views. While some sailings skew more adult, many are family-friendly and give kids a memorable way to “hunt” for sights along the San Diego skyline instead of eggs.
Flagship Easter Brunch Cruise
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Enjoy brunch or dinner cruises with chef-inspired menus, bottomless mimosas on select sailings, live music, and scenic harbor views.
City Cruises San Diego Easter Premier Brunch Cruise on the Hornblower
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Celebrate Easter on San Diego Bay with a buffet, views, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny aboard a City Cruises vessel.
Country, Farms and Petting Zoos
Country-style Easter experiences give families a chance to meet animals, explore open space, and enjoy a slower pace. Many of these outings can be combined with egg hunts or spring festivals.
See the San Diego Moms Family-Friendly Farms & Petting Zoos guide to animal farms for year-round options featuring petting zoos, pony rides, and kids’ programming.
Egg Hunt at the Farm at Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farm (Alpine)
April 3, 4 & 5, 2026, Starting at 11am
Imagine 7,028 eggs scattered across 20 acres of sanctuary and farmland, tucked in the grass, nestled by the animals, hiding in plain sight above your head and below your feet.
No need to rush. No scramble, no chaos, just a beautiful morning exploring the sanctuary at your own pace, basket in hand.
Jamul Trails Ranch
Located just 20 miles from downtown San Diego, Jamul Trails Ranch is the ideal family escape from the everyday hustle. Offering a unique blend of animal encounters, hands-on learning, and natural beauty. This ranch provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of ranch living.
Spring Bunny Bonanza at The Heritage Ranch (Encinitas)
March 28, 2026, 12–3pm
An afternoon filled with springtime joy, farm fun, and memory-making.
At-Home & DIY Easter Fun
Even with a busy calendar of Easter events in San Diego, it’s nice to balance outings with at-home traditions. DIY activities also help if you have little ones who may not be ready for big crowds or long days out.
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Host a backyard egg hunt using San Diego-themed prizes like beach toys, local stickers, or mini surfboard trinkets.
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Create spring crafts inspired by local blooms, zoo animals, or ocean life, using supplies from dollar stores or craft shops.
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End the day with an Easter movie night and simple treats to wind down after a busy weekend of events.
Planning Tips for Easter Weekend in San Diego
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Check dates and times: Some events run only on Easter Sunday while others happen leading up to the holiday.
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Reserve early: Book brunches, cruises, hotel stays, and attraction tickets well in advance to secure your preferred time and pricing.
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Pack smart: Bring layers, sunblock, hats, and water for outdoor events, plus baskets for egg hunts and swim gear for any pool-based activities.
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Watch traffic and parking: Arrive early for beach, harbor, and Balboa Park events, where parking lots can fill up quickly on holiday weekends.
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Easter in San Diego offers endless ways to celebrate, whether you’re hopping between egg hunts, savoring a waterfront brunch, or enjoying a relaxed staycation.
Easter in San Diego offers endless ways to celebrate, whether you’re hopping between egg hunts, savoring a waterfront brunch, or enjoying a relaxed staycation at a local resort.
Start with this guide, then keep checking local calendars, especially our community calendar or our Spring & Easter Events Guide, for the latest updates on 2026 Easter events happening around San Diego. Have an event to share? Add it to our community calendar, or tell us your favorite Easter or spring traditions so other local families can discover them too.
