The Perfect Way to Spend St. Patrick’s Day in San Diego

St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner and I, for one, am looking forward to an excuse to eat Irish food and have a Guinness with friends.

If you're looking for the best way to celebrate the holiday in Coronado — with a little downtown mixed in — here’s my two cents.

Step 1: Hop on Your Bike

Ride down to the Ferry Landing. Mid-March in Coronado is kind of magic. The light is soft, the skies are blue, and the bay always seems especially calm this time of year.

It’s the perfect excuse to take the ferry across the water. The ride is about 15 minutes, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two.

When you dock downtown, head straight into the Gaslamp and make your way to The Field Irish Pub. I’d get there early, before it turns into shoulder-to-shoulder chaos.

Step 2: Settle Into The Field

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The Field is the most authentic Irish pub outside of Ireland. (Source: me.)

Everything inside was shipped over from Ireland — the bar, the stools, the tables, the art on the walls...even most of the wait staff are Irish. You genuinely feel like you’ve stepped into a small-town Irish pub… you just happen to be in the middle of downtown San Diego.

Order the shepherd’s pie. It’s the kind of meal that makes you immediately plan your next visit. Pair it with a Guinness, obviously. It’s the perfect foundation for the day.

Take your time. Let the day build slowly.

Step 3: Head Back to the Island

Once downtown starts filling up and the energy shifts, that’s usually my cue.

Walk back to the ferry and head home. Crossing the bay always resets things a bit. Within minutes, you’re back in Coronado, trading Gaslamp buzz for island sunshine.

Step 4: Make Your Way to McP’s

Coronado is lucky enough to have our own Irish pub right on Orange Avenue: McP's Irish Pub & Grill.

 

The patio and parking lot turn into Coronado’s St Patrick's Day of ground zero. There’s live music, the beer is flowing, and you’ll run into just about everyone you know — neighbors, friends, maybe even someone from school pickup.

It’s festive without feeling overwhelming. Familiar in the best way.

And honestly, it’s the perfect way to end the day.

Bike. Ferry. Pub. Island.

That’s my version of a San Diego St. Patrick’s Day.