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The Best 7-Day San Diego Itinerary with Kids

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San Diego has the best of all worlds: perfect weather, gorgeous beaches, and activities to keep your family entertained for weeks. It’s one of the best cities in the United States for family travel because you can enjoy world-class attractions and relax at the beach on the same day. There are so many things to do in San Diego with kids that it can be hard to figure out how to maximize your time. Below is The Best San Deigo Itinerary with Kids so that your family can experience a mix of all that San Diego has to offer. Our itinerary includes seven days of fun, but families staying fewer days can mix and match what they like best. Get ready to have an incredible vacation and some fabulous fun in the sun!

Day 1 – A Day at the Beach & Sunset Cruise

After a day of travel, grab some chairs and enjoy San Diego’s number one attraction, the beach. Families will appreciate the wide-open sandy beaches, perfect for a game of smash ball. You’ll find that the waves are great for boogie boarding, even for beginners. And, if it’s the right time of year, kids will have fun digging for sand crabs. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are great spots for families in San Diego, as there are plenty of amenities and restaurants nearby. As the day draws to a close, hop on a sunset boat cruise around the harbor with Hornblower. The sun on your face and the wind in your hair will be the perfect start to an unforgettable San Diego vacation with kids !

Get your San Diego CityPass for discounted admission to many attractions. The Hornblower cruise is an attraction option!

Book your San Diego Best of the Bay Harbor Cruise here with Getyourguide.com!

Day 2 – San Diego Zoo & Safari Park

There are so many amazing San Diego parks for kids , but the most famous one is the San Diego Zoo . Located in Balboa Park, the internationally recognized zoo is the best place in San Diego to see over 12,000 animals. For added fun, watch the tigers, pandas, and monkeys on live cams online before you visit.

Then, it will be more magical for kids to see them up close! The animals have large enclosures, so prepare to do a lot of walking. There’s an aerial tram and bus tour available for an additional fee. For an upgraded experience, reserve one of the animal programs or feedings. Kids in San Diego will love these intimate encounters! The zoo is a full-day family-friendly San Diego adventure that should be at the top of any itinerary with kids.

If you’re looking for a more “wild” adventure, then add San Diego Zoo Safari Park to your list. This San Diego park for kids is a sister property to the San Diego Zoo. However, instead of walking, visitors can view herds of wildlife from a covered tram. For a unique tour, reserve a jeep, hot air balloon, or overnight safari. The park also provides plenty of traditional zoo-like experiences with a petting zoo and terrific play areas. Located just a half-hour away in Escondido, Safari Park is an easy addition to your family’s San Diego vacation with kids .

Get your San Diego CityPass for discounted admission. The San Diego Zoo is an attraction option!

Use Getyourguide.com to reserve your tickets to the San Diego Zoo!

RELATED : 6 Exciting West Coast Safaris and Animal Parks for Families

Day 3 – USS Midway, Maritime Museum & Old Town San Diego

As the site of a naval base, San Diego has a unique maritime history. Fortunately, the public can experience the might of our military by touring some incredible ships docked in the harbor. First on your list should be the USS Midway Museum .

As the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century, the ship has lots of stories to tell. And, so do the many docents that graciously volunteer as guides. They are a wealth of information for kids in San Diego who want to know about life on an aircraft carrier. Included in admission is an audio guide that will direct your steps. However, be sure not to miss the impressive display of planes and helicopters, as well as a view of downtown San Diego, from the top deck. If you want to explore more ships, you can also visit the fleet at the Maritime Museum San Diego .

After your adventure on the high seas, head to Old Town San Diego , just down the street. This charming old town has several museums that highlight San Diego’s history and bring to life its early days. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or just enjoy meandering along the streets lined with restaurants and shops. Candle making is a favorite kids’ activity in Old Town San Diego and a great souvenir to take home. There are often festivals and live music, so check the calendar online to see what events are scheduled. Located nearby is the Gaslamp Quarter , a popular neighborhood and a great place to eat in San Diego with kids .

Get your San Diego CityPass for discounted admission. The USS Midway Museum is an attraction option!

Use Viator to reserve your tickets to the USS Midway Museum here!

Day 4 – SeaWorld or LEGOLAND®

You can spend an entire week just visiting San Diego’s parks , so you may have to pick and choose. If you have animal lovers in your family, then SeaWorld would be a great fit. It’s a treat to observe magnificent creatures such as dolphins, orcas, walruses, belugas, and more. Plan your day at SeaWorld using our Fantastic 1-Day Guide to SeaWorld San Diego with Kids . Not only does SeaWorld have amazing shows, sea life, and rides, but guests can also visit the adjacent waterpark, Aquatica , for a full day (or two!) experience.

Similar to SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California Resort has a variety of offerings that will easily fill your day. For the LEGO fans in your family, this is the place! The LEGOLAND® theme park has rides and impressive displays of LEGO creations scattered all around. There is also the SEA LIFE® aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park if you want to add an additional day to your visit.

Book your tickets directly to SeaWorld or Aquatica here!

The San Diego CityPass has an option for discounted admission to SeaWorld and LEGOLAND® . Get your pass here!

Day 5 – LaJolla – Hangliders & Sea Lions

LaJolla is a beautiful enclave in San Deigo and is worth exploring. Begin the day at Torrey Pines Gliderport , where you can stand on a picturesque cliff and watch gliders ride the wind. Brave adults can try tandem paragliding, and a small cafe and deck are available for spectators. It’s impressive to watch the paragliders soar with the birds over the ocean! Next, visit Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for a hike along the jagged hills. The Guy Fleming Trail is a relatively flat and easy 2/3-mile loop with amazing views and two overlooks.

Down by the water, you can book a tour to kayak through sea caves with La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks . While on the oceans, see if you can spot Dr. Seuss’ house! Then, make your way to LaJolla’s Children’s Pool . Kids in San Diego will love swimming in this small protected area, and parents will appreciate the lifeguard on duty. However, the best part is watching all the sea lions sleep and play on the surrounding rocks.

If visiting on a weekend, stop at the nearby farmer’s market for some fresh goodies. Finally, end the day with dinner at Duke’s LaJolla , a surf-inspired restaurant with spectacular ocean views. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset while listening to the sea lions bark goodbye to the day.

Use Getyourguide.com to reserve your San Diego Sea Cave Kayak tour!

Day 6 – Beach & Belmont Park

After several days of adventure, it’s good to plan for some relaxing beach time. Pack the toys and picnic blanket, and head for the sand! If you’re looking for a little exercise in San Diego with kids , then rent bicycles from one of the many shops along Mission Beach and cruise the oceanfront bike path down to Belmont Park . This beachside amusement park has a little bit of everything, including an old-fashioned Giant Dipper Rollercoaster . You’ll know you’re getting close when you start smelling the waffle cones. Belmont Park is a great spot for a few rides and afternoon treats before biking back to your spot on the beach!

RELATED : Spectacular 4-Day Itinerary for San Francisco with Kids

Day 7 – Museums, Outdoor Adventures & More

There are lots of things to do in San Diego for families . How to fill your time depends on what your crew enjoys the most. For example, you can spend an entire day in Balboa Park . It’s the location of several museums, gardens, and even a small train to ride.

Or, museum lovers can add The New Children’s Museum , Birch Aquarium , Fleet Science Center , or the San Diego Natural History Museum to their list of things to do in San Diego . For additional outdoor fun, try whale watching, a San Diego Padres baseball game, or cheer on thoroughbred horses at the famous Del Mar Racetrack . There are so many family-friendly activities to add to your San Diego itinerary with kids !

Use Getyourguide.com to purchase your Go City All-Inclusive Pass! The New Children’s Museum, Birch Aquarium, Fleet Science Center, and the San Diego Natural History Museum are included as attraction options through this pass!

Disneyland Option

While in Southern California, families may choose to visit the Disneyland Resort . This is a great addition to your San Diego itinerary with kids but requires some extra planning. Keep in mind that the Disneyland Resort is not an ideal day trip from San Diego because the drive can take several hours, depending on traffic.

The best way to experience the Magic Kingdom is to arrange your itinerary so that you spend the night close to the park the evening before your visit. That way, you can rise and shine without worrying about traffic, parking, and travel time. Another option is to fly into Los Angeles, visit the parks, and then fly out of San Diego, or vice versa. The Disneyland Resort is truly magical and, with planning, it’s the perfect way to start or end a trip to San Diego with kids .

Where to Stay in San Diego with Kids

There are so many terrific places to stay in San Diego with kids ! The city is full of waterfront hotels with pools and easy access to the beach. The most iconic property close to downtown is Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton . Its famous red roof has been a landmark since 1888. Mission Beach and Mission Bay offer families in San Diego a beachfront central location close to all the attractions.

In addition to online home rentals, there are several San Diego family-friendly hotels in the area, including Mission Bay Resort , Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa , Paradise Point , and Bahia Resort Hotel . Visitors to LaJolla can stay at LaJolla Beach & Tennis Club or LaJolla Shores Hotel and be beachfront within walking distance to restaurants. Regardless of which option you choose, we know you’ll make the best choice for your San Diego itinerary with kids!

RELATED : Best Waterfront Hotels in San Diego for Families

Interactive Map of San Diego

Use this interactive map to search for and find accommodations that meet your needs during your own San Diego itinerary with kids. Our location-based interactive map will provide travelers with the ideal accommodations for their stay, regardless of their budget. Find out what to do, restaurants, airports, and local activities.

Happy Travels!

Whether you like relaxing at the beach, exploring museums, outdoor adventures, or amusement parks, your family is sure to love San Diego with kids ! This San Deigo Itinerary with Kids includes a mix of popular attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences so that your family can return home with a heart (and camera roll) full of memories! Have a blast, and I hope you enjoy every minute!

*Unless otherwise noted, all images are courtesy of and belong to Emily Kapic.

RELATED : 8 Awesome Weekend Getaways from the Bay Area with Kids

Book Tours and Activities in San Diego

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled by the attributed author, Emily Kapic.

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San Diego Family Vacation Itinerary + Best Tips For Your Visit

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you planning a San Diego family vacation and looking for ideas on what to do during your San Diego family vacation itinerary?

In this post, you’ll learn all about what to see and do, where to stay, and how to create the absolute  best 5-day San Diego vacation itinerary!

An area jammed-packed with fun things to do, San Diego has so much offer if you’re looking for beautiful weather and endless family entertainment!

With this San Diego family vacation itinerary, you’ll have plenty of time to experience the best that a family vacation to San Diego has to offer.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.   For more info, see disclosure.

Table of Contents

San Diego Family Vacation: Best Time to Visit

San Diego is located in the southwestern corner of California on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

The beauty of a San Diego family vacation is that it can be enjoyed year-round and is visited by thousands of vacation-goers throughout every season.

The best time to visit San Diego is from the months of March through May when temperatures are in the mid to upper 60s. Though temps are not the warmest during these months, prices and crowds are less.

July, August, and September are also great months to visit San Diego as temperatures are at their peak in the upper 70s. Expect lots of tourists and crowded coastlines during these months, however.

The winter months of December-February are the coolest months, so don’t go during that time if you’re looking for a beach vacation. Though hotel rates are the lowest during these months, rain showers can also be frequent then.

San Diego Family Vacation Itinerary Ideas

San Diego happens to be one of my favorite US cities due to its high volume of beaches and family-friendly attractions.

There is literally so much to do in the U.S. state of California with kids !

Below you can find suggested San Diego vacation itinerary ideas from one to six days. The itinerary suggestions are based on our personal experiences and filled with insider tips for visiting San Diego for the first time.

Our itinerary includes a day at Legoland, SeaWorld, LaJolla, Moonlight State Beach, and a tour of Downtown San Diego and Coronado Island, among others.

No two San Diego family vacations will be exactly the same, however, so use these itinerary suggestions as a guide.

You’ll need to adjust your itinerary as needed to account for weather, where you stay, how much time you spend at each attraction, and the varying interests of your travel party.

Additional planning tip: Amazing scenery and breathtaking coastal views are sprinkled in all throughout this epic itinerary! Because of this, y ou’ll definitely want to make sure that you’ve brought along the perfect camera to capture the memories!

*All of our top recommended restaurants, landmarks, and attractions are bolded. Their physical locations fit into the flow of this itinerary. If you choose to substitute a restaurant or attraction in their place, be sure to adjust the timing of your itinerary accordingly.

San Diego Family Vacation: Day 1

• Lunch at Corvette Diner close to the San Diego airport.
• Drive and check-in to Legoland Hotel .
• Enjoy the Lego-filled atmosphere and activities at Legoland Hotel.
• Eat dinner at Bricks Family Restaurant onsite.

Arriving in San Diego

We decided to fly with the kids and took a direct flight to the San Diego International Airport from our home state of Minnesota.

Once there, we rented a car to use for the week, as we planned to tour both the city of San Diego and its surrounding beach communities.

Our first stop upon arrival was the much-talked-about Corvette Diner – which did not disappoint!

The Corvette Diner is a popular family-friendly eatery that is an easy 2-mile drive from the San Diego airport.

Known for its 1950s-styled waitresses with beehive hair-dos, the Corvette Diner was a great way to kick-off the start of our San Diego family vacation!

Burgers, shakes, balloon animals, an arcade, and servers that sing and dance – this place is a hoot!

After getting our bellies full, we loaded up and drove north 32 miles to our first destination, Carlsbad, California.

Drive to Legoland Hotel

Located just 45 minutes from downtown San Diego, Carlsbad is home to the Legoland theme park and Legoland California Resort and Castle Hotel .

This is where we spent the first two nights of our vacation.

Check-in to Legoland Hotel was a breeze and the kids were immediately immersed in literally ‘all-things Lego’!

From Lego building in the lobby to mini-figure character visits, to evening entertainment at the Lego Castle, every square inch of this hotel had us smiling!

Located at the entrance of Legoland theme park, Legoland Hotel features adventure, pirate, or kingdom-themed rooms that all have a separate kids’ sleeping area with bunk beds.

We stayed in an adventure-themed room in which the kids got to open up an in-room treasure chest each morning to receive a new Lego toy.

Additional planning tip: This property caters to parents with 2-to 12-year-olds, so guests should be prepared for some noise and occasional messes. (We did not find this to be an issue!)

San Diego Family Vacation: Day 2

• Spend the entire day at Legoland California theme park.
• Have lunch at Ninja Kitchen (try the Banh Mi Vietnamese sandwiches). 
• Take a break from the rides and visit the adjacent SeaLife Aquarium .
• Follow your nose to Knight’s Smokehouse BBQ in the park for dinner.

Our visit to Legoland was definitely the main highlight of our family vacation to San Diego.

In fact, it is the one place that our kids constantly ask to return to!

Legoland California

With over 60 rides, shows, and attractions, Legoland California is a fun and colorful theme park dedicated to Lego bricks.

We love Legoland so much that we included it in our article as the #1 pick for the best amusement parks for toddlers in California!

Though theme park admission is not included in the room rates at Legoland Hotel, guests do get early morning access.

From 9:30-10:00 AM, hotel guests get exclusive access to the rides before the park opens to the general public at 10:00 AM.

We took full advantage of this and were the first ones in line to enter the park! Our early advantage was well worth it as we were able to ride all of the 3 major roller coasters with little to no wait.

At the heart of Legoland is MiniLand U.S.A. Imagine the landmarks of Washington D.C., New York City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and New Orleans all made of Lego bricks. Yep. Awesome!

For Star Wars fans, journey through 7 different Star Wars scenes, made of more than 1.5 million LEGO bricks.

Star Wars MiniLand features a scene from each of the six Star Wars movies.

Sea Life Aquarium

We upgraded our Legoland tickets to include a tour of Sea Life Aquarium for $25.00 each.

It is located right next to Legoland and can be accessed from either inside or outside of the theme park.

This chain of aquariums is located all throughout the U.S., but the Lego models inside of the tanks make this destination unique.

The facility also features a shark tunnel, touch pool, and sea creatures such as eels, starfish, and giant crabs.

Because the aquarium is not huge, you can tour it in 1-2 hours. We did so mid-day during our day at Legoland in order to take a quick break from the rides.

Sea Life was a nice addition to our day, and I would recommend including it in your Legoland experience.

San Diego Family Vacation: Day 3

• Check into a hotel, resort, or one of the top-rated Airbnbs in San Diego .
• Head to the Moonlight State beach !
• Grab lunch at The Taco Stand (Local favorite; 1 block off of the beach!)
• Have dinner at Union Kitchen & Tap located 5 minutes from the beach.

San Diego Vacation Rentals

After considering the differences between Airbnb and VRBO , we opted to stay in an Airbnb with the goal of staying close to a beach.

After analyzing all of the tips for choosing the best vacation rentals in the San Diego area, we ultimately decided to stay in Encinitas, California for the remaining 5 nights of our trip.

Located only steps from Moonlight State Beach, our San Diego family vacation could not get any better!

Moonlight State Beach

Our rental home was within 2 blocks of the beautiful Moonlight State Beach. We could not have been more in love with this beach and in staying in such close proximity to the ocean!

Moonlight State Beach is a large family-friendly beach with 3 sand volleyball courts and a large grassy park with a kids’ playground. The slope of the beach is gradual which makes playing in the surf more fun and extremely safe.

Lifeguards have a significant presence here too.

Our favorite thing about Moonlight State Beach was the excitement of watching surfers! This is something we just don’t get the thrill of seeing in Minnesota!

Building sandcastles and picking seashells (lots of them!) is also a treasured memory.

Additional planning tip: Traveling with teens on your San Diego family vacation?

Older kids love the San Diego beach culture and spending a day at one of its many beaches is one of the best things to do in San Diego with teens !

San Diego Family Vacation: Day 4

• Spend an entire day riding the rides, seeing shows, and visiting the animals at Sea World San Diego .
• Grab pizza for lunch at Mama Stella’s Pizza Kitchen inside the park.
• Consider a Dine With the Orcas dinner for a chef-crafted meal on a private poolside patio next to Sea World’s Orca whales.

Sea World San Diego

We spent day 4 of our 6-Day San Diego family vacation at Sea World!

Sea World provides the perfect combination of entertaining shows, thrill rides, and marine life encounters and exhibits.

For this reason, Sea World is a must-see attraction when visiting the city of San Diego.

It’s hard to explain exactly why we love Sea World with kids so much!

The park is a beautifully landscaped oasis and does not have the typical hectic theme-park atmosphere.

There’s just something so special about being up close to the beautiful sea animals and brilliant blue water. In addition, the dolphin and sea lion shows are thoroughly enjoyable and keep the whole audience engaged and smiling.

(I have memories from childhood of my own trip to Sea World, and our kids continue to report how much they loved it too!)

San Diego Family Vacation: Day 5

• Tour the entire Downtown San Diego via the Hop-on-Hop-off San Diego Trolley .
• Check out Cafe Coyote for awesome Mexican food and ambiance in Old Town.
• As one of your stops, take the Hop-on-Hop-off Trolley to the iconic Coronado Island .
• Be sure to dip your toes into the water before re-boarding the trolley to your final destination.

Hop-on-Hop-off San Diego Trolley Tour

Because we wanted to experience a little bit of everything that the city of San Diego has to offer, I felt the best way to do so was via the Hop-on-Hop-off Trolley Tour.

Voted “The Best Way to See the City,” the trolley(s) have a continuous 25-mile loop with 10 designated stops.

Guests can choose whether or not to get off at a designated stop and spend as much time as they want to explore that particular area.

Once done exploring, simply make your way back to the trolley stop and board an oncoming trolley. While traveling between stops, the tour is fully narrated by expert tour conductors.

We absolutely loved this comprehensive tour, especially riding over the bridge to Coronado Island and spending time at the beach!

The other stops that we spent time at included Old Town Market, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and Little Italy.

San Diego Family Vacation: Day 6

• Go hiking at Torrey Pines State Reserve (no food or drink here except for water).
• Spend the afternoon and evening in La Jolla . Visit La Jolla Cove and photograph the sea lions.
• Grab a burger, onion rings, and a milkshake at Burger Bar in La Jolla.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

We’ve already done 2 theme parks, a beach, and a city tour…now it’s time to experience the great outdoors!

I can not think of a better way than by adding in a hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It is an absolute must in your San Diego itinerary with kids !

Located in La Jolla, California, Torrey Pines State Reserve is located on the cliffs above Torrey Pines State Beach.

The reserve is dedicated to preserving its namesake, the Torrey Pine tree, and other indigenous wildlife in its native environment.

Its series of well-kept hiking trails wind along gigantic cliffs, in turn, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

With both easy, family-friendly paths and more advanced trails, the park provides a great hiking experience for all levels.

Do not miss the opportunity to bring your family here to experience the California coastline from this perspective – you will not regret it!

Additional planning tip: For additional outdoor adventure, consider visiting one of California’s National Parks when you’re in the area. One of our personal favorites is Joshua Tree National park which is located 2 hours north of San Diego.

La Jolla Cove

Continuing on with outdoor explorations in La Jolla, you absolutely need to head on over and find a parking spot on La Jolla Coast Boulevard for your next big surprise.

La Jolla is home to one of the most famous resident populations of wild seals and sea lions both of which are readily found along the La Jolla coastline.

We spent most of our time admiring the seals in the Children’s Pool area at Casa Beach. It is here that a large sea wall protects a small sand beach that dozens of seals and sea lions use for lounging.

As you can see from the photo that I took below, you literally cannot miss them!

Pack like a pro for your upcoming San Diego Family Vacation! Click the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list that is both customizable and printable!

San Diego Family Vacation: Getting There

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is conveniently located near downtown San Diego and is easily accessible via public transportation and shared ride services.

All major rental car companies are available at the airport and airport shuttles run regularly from the airport terminals to various points around the city. Such shuttles can be booked in advance from your point of stay.

How to Get Around

I recommend having a rental car to get around San Diego because everything is so spread out and there is so many beautiful surrounding areas to see.

The city of San Diego itself, however, has accessible and affordable public transit systems that include trolleys, buses, trains, and shuttles.

A tourist (and our personal) favorite, is the San Diego Old Town Trolley. The Old Town Trolley offers a narrated hop-on-hop-off experience for one daily rate and includes 10 popular spots sprinkled throughout the city.

This is a great idea if you’re sightseeing or are interested in learning about all of San Diego’s unique downtown neighborhoods.

Where to Stay When Visiting San Diego

Due to the vast number of unique neighborhoods and varying interests in what you may be looking to do, selecting where to stay in San Diego is difficult.

Many visitors choose to stay on Coronado Island in order to have direct access to a beach, while others prefer to stay downtown where they are close to the action and can walk from place to place.

Another popular option is to stay outside of the city limits in a beachside community and simply travel into the city to the various sights and attractions on your San Diego itinerary.

For families, popular choices include:

• Paradise Point Resort & Spa (bay views, five pools, tropical feel)
• Hotel Del Coronado (Beachfront, family activities, luxurious)
• Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego | Downtown (3-miles from the airport, free breakfast and happy hour, 2-room suites, pool)
• Bahia Resort Hotel (oceanfront, close to Mission Beach, seal sanctuary, pool, family-friendly)

San Diego Itinerary: Conclusion

Our San Diego family vacation was one of our most memorable family vacations and we look back on it with happy hearts.

Hopefully, these ideas can provide fun inspiration for your next San Diego family vacation so that you can have the same amazing experience!

Don’t forget to read our amazingly helpful family packing tips as well as all of the best recommendations on things to bring to the beach before you go!

Let me know in the comments what you are most looking forward to in a San Diego family vacation. Is this a San Diego family vacation itinerary that you think would work for your family? Jen

If you like this articles featuring our 6-Day San Diego Family Vacation , click here to check out our Related Posts:

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* Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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16 Comments

What a fun itinerary! As a mom who lived in San Diego for 15 years, I recommend hitting up the San Diego Zoo and/or Safari Park next time for sure! For those on a time crunch or tight budget, Birch Aquarium can be swapped for SeaWorld + add in La Jolla Cove seals/shopping or San Diego Botanic Garden.

Thanks for the great suggestions! We LOVE San Diego!!

This is a great itinerary! We love Legoland and the San Diego area. Pinning this for ideas for the next time we go back!

Thanks Tiffany! San Diego was and is one of our favorite family vacation spots! The kids always ask to go back!!

Great itinerary. We love San Diego!

Us too! It is one of our favorite U.S. destinations!!

San Diego is great fun and we particularly enjoyed Mission Beach!

Mission Beach is on our list for when we return! I’ve heard there is so much to do there!

Great itinerary! Legoland is the best!!!!

Thank you! Yes, our kids ask to go back to Legoland every time we are discussing a new vacation idea!

Great article! My hubby often travels to SD for work so now I have some great ideas for things to do with the kids if we ever tag along. I have one fun tip for anyone going to the trolly tour. If you stop off at the Mission you can pop into the gift shop. They have some fun homemade items. I bought a hand made tortilla warmer for the microwave and I use it every week. It’s a fond reminder of a long weekend I spent there for my Moms 60th birthday.

That is an awesome tip about the tortilla warmer…what a fun memory!

What a fun packed 6 days! One day I hope we can make it to San Diego so we can try them all.

Yes, it was! There are so many things to do in this area that I’m sure your family will love it!

This is a great itinerary for San Diego! We loved the seals at La Jolla and had a chance to go kayaking there- it was so fun! Haven’t been back yet with my son and this is making me want to take him!

Thanks! We didn’t do the kayaking due to age limitations with our youngest. If we ever go back, that is on our list of things to do 🙂

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The Best San Diego Itinerary With Kids: 6 Sustainable San Diego Family Vacation Ideas

Since 2021 was not the best year to plan a family vacation, this year will be better as many traveling restrictions have been removed. It is an excellent opportunity to start planning your next vacation with your family right now. And what better vacation to plan than a San Diego itinerary with kids?

For this post, I invited Julio Sanchez from Cardiff Vacations to share his thoughts on the best sustainable San Diego family vacation itinerary ideas.

If you plan to enjoy your San Diego family vacation itinerary close to the sea, Cardiff by the Sea offers several beautiful ocean-view vacation rentals . If you’ve never been to San Diego yet, you will discover many places to take kids in San Diego, unique rentals to stay at, and a handful of activities that you can enjoy on your San Diego itinerary with kids.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase something. But don't worry, this will not result in any extra costs to you.

Table of Contents

Helpful information for your San Diego itinerary with kids

Just so you can get to know a bit about San Diego city, it is the second-largest city in southern California, situated in the southwest point of the United States. It's about a 2-3 hour drive south of Los Angeles and Disneyland . San Diego city has a mild year-round climate, extensive beaches, and parks that are easily accessible.

Being the second-largest city in southern California, San Diego can sometimes be crowded and full of visitors. But planning ahead for your San Diego itinerary with kids will help you see the full potential of this beautiful city. Planning your San Diego trip with family early will also save you a lot of money for the rental properties because San Diego is known for its high real estate prices.

To learn more about San Diego, buy one of these guide books to prepare you for your San Diego itinerary with kids:

Fodor's San Diego: with North County

DK Eyewitness Top 10 San Diego

100 Things to Do in San Diego Before You Die

And if you want to get a good introduction to the city of San Diego, book one of these tours for your San Diego family vacation itinerary to learn about the history and culture of San Diego:

San Diego Scenic Tour

San Diego Shore Excursion: San Diego Seal Tour

Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour

Tours make excellent worldschooling resources to incorporate learning into your family’s travel experiences!

A San Diego itinerary with kids for all seasons

Unlike many other cities similar to it, San Diego offers you sustainable activity choices for your San Diego family vacation itinerary. There are many parks and green spaces where your kids can spend some time discovering new family activities in San Diego and having a good time. If your kids are busy, you will have more time to spend with your wife or husband.

Although the weather is perfect all year long, there are some extra unique things in the summertime. In the summertime, San Diego is full of special events and exhibits and the crystal clear water of the sea. There are so many places to go in San Diego for kids! 

Here are some places you can plan to visit during your San Diego itinerary with kids:

• SeaWorld San Diego
• Mission Bay
• Balboa Park & Museums
• Belmont Park
• Cardiff State Beach
• San Diego Zoo & Safari Park

Traveling to other places in California? Read my California posts here.

1. Learn about marine life at SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is an excellent option for animal lovers to include in your San Diego vacation itinerary. This is a half-animal conservation institute and a part theme park making it a fantastic adventure, especially for children. Some of the most popular marine animals that you can see here include:

Besides seeing the beautiful aquatic animals, you and your kids can try an exciting thrill water ride, coaster, and much more. Before visiting SeaWorld San Diego, make sure to check their calendar to see whether they have a special event while staying here.

SeaWorld San Diego is also committed to supporting the protection of our environment by taking part in various activities such as:

• Rescuing ill, orphaned, and injured animals
• Funding and supporting organizations focused on animal rescue and rehabilitation conservation education, habitat protection, and species research
• Seeking sustainable food sources for the park's guests and animal inhabitants

Animal attractions can be a gray area when it comes to practicing ethical family travel , so it’s important to do your own research on the places you plan to visit.

2. Spend an afternoon at Mission Bay Park

Parks are the perfect place for a sustainable San Diego itinerary with kids. Mission Bay is one of the largest parks in the country, with many points connecting you with the bay, coves, and a few islands. Ski Beach is the way to go if you are looking for the best place for a picnic or family party. Playa Pacifica Park also offers many grassy areas and playgrounds for kids.

Sailing and other water-based San Diego activities for kids are another fun, sustainable way to enjoy your time in Mission Bay park. The Mission bay aquatic center offers instructional sessions on various water activities, including:

• Wakeboarding
• wake surfing
• stand up paddling
• Waterskiing
• Windsurfing

Ready for a change? Take the first step to living a life of full time travel.

3. Visit Balboa Park & Museums for your San Diego itinerary with kids

Balboa Park is the largest urban and cultural park in the country, filled with gardens, theaters, museums, and many activities you can enjoy during your family trip to San Diego. There are a few picnic spaces, a cactus garden worth visiting, and inspiring museums located throughout the park.

Besides visiting beautiful buildings, children can learn a lot of information as Balboa Park boasts 17 museums and cultural institutions. Some of the best museums for your San Diego itinerary with kids include:

• Fleet Science Center
• Natural History Museum
• San Diego Art Museum
• Air & Space Museum

4. Enjoy the thrills at Belmont Park

There can’t be a perfect San Diego itinerary with kids if the amusement park is missing. Belmont Park offers the ideal combination of fun for kids and nostalgia for you and your loved one. This destination features anything you could think about, from roller coasters to bumper cars, arcade gamers, a boardwalk-style attraction, laser tag, a mirror maze, a rock wall, and mini-golf.

I suggest you book one entire day for Belmont Park and another one for Balboa Park & Museums because you might find yourself spending a whole day at each of these parks, and your kids might not be so happy leaving them too early.

5. Add family time to your San Diego itinerary with kids at Cardiff State Beach

Another place you can spend time with your family without spending too much money during your San Diego itinerary with kids is Cardiff State Beach. The best part about this place is that you can park your car right next to the beach so you won’t have to carry your provisions a long way.

You can walk on the beach up to Tide Beach Park, which allows you to swim, but be careful about the riptides that might occur even during summertime.

6. Get up close and personal with animals at San Diego Safari Park

One of the other best places to visit in San Diego with kids is the San Diego Safari Park. It is situated outside San Diego, around 35 miles north of the city. The emphasis of the Safari Park is on animals found in African Safaris, such as lions, elephants, exotic tigers, rhinos, and more. The exhibits are enormous, so visitors can see the animals just as they were in the African safari.

 A San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket includes general admission, and admission to the:

• Cheetah Run
• Africa Tram Safari
• Regularly scheduled exhibits and shows  

Tips for A Sustainable San Diego Family Vacation Itinerary

Although your choices of family San Diego activities matter a lot when it comes to the sustainability of your San Diego itinerary with kids, there are also other things to keep in mind if you’re trying to travel more sustainably, such as:

• Travel locally. No matter your choice of transportation, your traveling harms the environment, unless you’re traveling by bike or other fuel-free means of transportation. To keep the impact on the environment as low as possible, try to choose travel destinations closer to your city.
• Use biodegradable wipes. When doing a San Diego itinerary with kids, things will inevitably get messy at some point, and you need to have some wipes on you at all times. An excellent way to travel more sustainably is to use biodegradable wipes instead of regular ones.
• Take your reusable bottles with you. The use of plastic bottles comes with substantial environmental harm, so it is best to steer away from them as much as you can, including when you travel to San Diego with kids. 
• Use public transportation or rented bikes to get from one place to another.

Read here for more tips on how to travel sustainably with your family .

A family-friendly city for your San Diego itinerary with kids

San Diego is a family-friendly city, offering great tourism for tourists of all ages. Not only will you be able to have a lot of fun in this beautiful city, but you will also have the opportunity to learn new information about marine life and history during your San Diego itinerary with kids. On top of that, there are many mile-long beaches and parks to explore, making your San Diego trip with kids unforgettable.

Have you experienced some other fun places to go with kids in San Diego? Share your ideas for a San Diego itinerary with kids in the comments below. About the author: Julio Sanchez is the proud owner of Cardiff Vacations which offers beautiful ocean view vacation rentals on the Pacific coast in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

Need help thinking through how to budget for a family trip? My  Travel Budget Worksheet  is just the tool you need! Click  here  to receive your free copy by signing up for my newsletter.

Want to connect with me on social media? Find me on Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest , and Twitter. And for those of you who are dedicated to traveling more responsibly, sustainably, and ethically, join over 200 like-minded families on my Facebook group, Responsible Family Travel .

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Family Vacation San Diego: 13 Can’t-Miss Destinations

A kid-friendly oasis chock full of beautiful beaches, theme parks, and riveting military history? Sounds too good to be true! Fortunately, a family vacation to San Diego manages to check every box.

Follow along as we give you the inside scoop on your San Diego  family vacation itinerary.

From Mission Bay to SeaWorld San Diego, tykes of all ages will be in heaven as they come face to fin with Flipper or try their hand at hanging ten.

And a family trip to San Diego isn’t just about fun in the sun, broods can also inject their adventure with plenty of edutainment with trips to the world-famous Zoo or stops at the USS Midway Museum.

Whether you are looking to reconnect with nature and peek at the basking La Jolla sea lions or have your heart set on ice cream and hot dogs in Balboa Park, San Diego family vacations offer a little something for everyone.

San Diego Hotels

Already California dreaming? Before you pack those bags and corral the family for your San Diego family vacation you’ll need to lock down your lodgings. No matter if you are mapping out a San Diego 5-Day itinerary family or are planning a simple weekend getaway, we suggest booking your accommodations ahead of time.

Enjoy cozy accommodations less than 30 minutes from top attractions such as LEGOLAND and SeaWorld. Or enjoy the beach culture of Mission Bay at a fully outfitted resort. Make your San Diego vacation with kids extra memorable when you reserve a family-friendly hotel complete with a complimentary breakfast and game room.

No matter your budget and style, we have San Diego Hotels and Resorts  for every type of trip.

San Diego Family Vacation Packages

Mouthwatering seafood dinners, tickets to your favorite marine-based theme park, and plenty of souvenirs. A San Diego vacation with family can add up quickly.

Preserve that vacation budget and save those dollars for some more tacos in Old Town, when you invest in any of our San Diego Vacation Packages . Bundling your top San Diego attractions can help you save up to 30%.

Related Post: SeaWorld or San Diego Zoo: Which is Better?

Psst..is San Diego part of a larger SoCal adventure? Reap the benefits of California Vacation packages for families, when you combine your Disneyland tickets with a LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, or Universal Studios experience here .

Family Vacation San Diego California

Slather on some SPF because it’s high time for your San Diego family trip. Thanks to an abundance of kid-approved activities, attractions, and sights, America’s Finest City makes it all too easy to plan a San Diego itinerary with kids.

Fill your days with under-the-sea aquarium visits or dive into dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum. Reunite with your favorite LEGO characters for thrilling roller coaster rides, or savor a peaceful morning at Mission Beach.

Whatever your desire, visiting San Diego with kids is always a slam dunk.

Balboa Park

Known as San Diego’s backyard, this sprawling 1,200-acre verdant park has been offering harried families a respite since 1868. Full of numerous trails, playgrounds, and gardens, kids and adults alike will be transfixed by the offerings of this splendid public space.

In addition to picnicking, lawn bowling, and hiking, families can feel free to take advantage of the numerous museum offerings.

Ideal for little learners, you can carve out an afternoon or two to explore the:

• San Diego Natural History Museum  – Observe flesh-eating beetles, fossils, a Foucault pendulum, and more, at this flagship institution which features four floors of learning.
• San Diego Model Railroad Museum – Choo Choo! Delight your tiny railroad enthusiast with a visit to the largest indoor train exhibit in North America. Uncover the history of railroading across Southern California, as you check out miniature models from the Pacific Desert to Cabrillo. Best of all, kids under 12 can enter for free.
• San Diego Air & Space Museum  – from early aviation models to artifacts touched by Neil Armstrong, this museum covers every inch of air and space. Little intergalactic explorers can see the actual Apollo 9 Command Module “Gumdrop,” or take a selfie in a Mars space suit.

Birch Aquarium

Adorable Blue Penguins, giant kelp forests, and Leopard Sharks oh my! Channel your inner mermaid (or man) when you pay a visit to the exquisite Birch Aquarium . This edifice of aquatic education features over 60 habitats that display the dazzling diversity of creatures everywhere from the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico.

Related Post: Bucket List San Diego – Epic Activities to Check Off on Your Trip

Savor the oceanfront scenery of La Jolla before you discover immersive hands-on exhibits such as Tidepool Plaza. Here the marine curious can touch sea stars, sea anemones, hermit crabs, and more.

SeaWorld San Diego

Part oceanarium, and part theme park, SeaWorld San Diego delivers hours of splashtastic entertainment. Ideal for ocean enthusiasts of all ages, this epic marine-based park is home to curious Beluga whales, majestic orcas, and colorful macaws.

Not in the mood for an animal encounter? Pint-sized adrenaline junkies can heed their need for speed with rides on the high-speed double-launch Manta coaster, or the icy thrills of the brand-new Arctic Rescue.

Don’t forget to check out the outstanding athleticism and skill of the bottlenose dolphins when you snag a seat at Dolphin Adventures.

Sesame Place San Diego

Guaranteed to put a smile on your toddler’s face, Sesame Place San Diego is a wonderland of learning, exploration, and interactive play. Check out the iconic 123 Stoop, snap a photo with Elmo, or go for a ride on the Super Grover’s Box Car Derby.

Feeling that California heat? Be sure to cool off at their seasonal 500,000-gallon wave pool, or get ready to play in the all-new Count’s Splash Castle. This multi-level water-play attraction features 111 play elements. And includes two giant tipping buckets, water slides, soakers, flow pipes, hose jets, and spray jets.

USS Midway Museum

Got a tiny Top Gun on your hands? Hightail it to downtown San Diego to witness the history of the longest-serving U.S. Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century. The USS Midway Museum  contains over 60 exhibits and more than 30 restored aircraft and helicopters.

Discover a day in the life of a Midway soldier, experience the exhilaration of a flight simulator, or see real WWII aircraft, such as the TBM Avenger.

San Diego Zoo

A family vacation in San Diego isn’t complete without a stop at the San Diego Zoo . This world-renowned institution of conservation is a must-visit for any animal lover. For over a century the Zoo has provided families with access to more than 12,00 animals and 650 species.

Travel Down Under and catch up with some cuddly koalas, or cool off in the AC when you settle in for a 4-D theater show. Uncover the mysteries of the fossa and amur leopards at Africa Rocks. Or hop aboard the Balboa Park miniature train for a four-minute locomotive ride.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Swear you’ve been whisked away to the savannahs of Africa when you make a date with San Diego Zoo Safari Park . Located in the San Pasqual Valley area, this zoological park contains over 2,600 endangered animals.

Guests of all ages can get wild as they choose to safari by tram, caravan truck, zipline, or even balloon! Keep your eyes peeled as you won’t want to miss a second of Lion King-inspired scenery from lounging lions to foraging African elephants and antelope.

Mission Beach

Craving some classic boardwalk beach vibes? Wrangle up your group of rugrats and make a beeline for Mission Beach. This sandy oceanside enclave has long been a haven for surfers, beachgoers, and volleyball players.

Related Post: San Diego Beaches – The Best Places for Sun, Surf, and Fun

Enjoy nearly two miles of oceanfront boardwalk. Or up the ante with some arcade, bumper car, and rollercoaster fun at Belmont Park .

LEGOLAND California

Ready for some bricktacular fun? Muster up those LEGO skills because it’s time to let loose at Carlsbad’s premier theme park. LEGOLAND California is a dreamy 128-acre theme park that promises to dazzle budding builders of all shapes and sizes. Climb aboard Emmet’s flying couch for a whirlwind ride, or spin, dance, and bounce with Unikitty at the Disco Drop.

Have that camera ready for meet and greets with your beloved LEGO movie characters. Or show off your driving skills when you build, test, and race your own LEGO Ferrari. After hours of fun with the Ninjago cast be sure to refuel with a serving of the park’s signature Granny’s Apple Fries.

La Jolla Shores

Gentle waves, aquamarine tide pools, and stunning sandstone cliffs come together to create beachy perfection at La Jolla Cove. An ideal escape for families of swimmers, this picturesque San Diego spot is best known for both its snorkeling and scuba opportunities.

Related Post: Things to Do in La Jolla California – 9 Must-Try Activities

Tiny toddlers will love searching for tide pool critters, while bigger minnows can try boogie boarding or surfing. Don’t forget to stroll by the Children’s Pool. Which has now become a hangout for herds of barking seal lions and their pups.

Near-perfect weather and miles of unspoiled Pacific Ocean beaches have been enticing tourists to visit San Diego for decades.

However, this sparkling jewel of Southern California offers way more than unparalleled surf and swimming. A San Diego trip with family will ignite your curiosity, passion, and sense of adventure.

Travel to far-off solar systems when you visit the Air & Space Museum. Or observe massive Komodo Dragons and bare-chested baboons at the Zoo.

See if you have what it takes to train like a Ninjago warrior. Or get prehistoric with a scream-inducing ride on the Coastersaurus at LEGOLAND.

Nevertheless, if you prefer to stick your toes in the sand, search for hermit crabs at La Jolla, or brace for the chill of the Arctic at SeaWorld, a San Diego family vacation will fulfill your fantasies.

Tell us, Did We Miss Any Family Vacation San Diego Hot Spots?

What family vacations San Diego have you been on?

Leave a comment below!

Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...

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Inspiration for Families on the Go

A Local’s Guide to San Diego Family Vacations

Why travel to San Diego with kids? As a local, I can tell you that San Diego has a little bit of everything and it is a top family travel destination. Between its world-class zoo, its thriving food scene, its culture and history, and its fantastic beaches, San Diego has something to offer for every family. And while Southern California can sometimes seem daunting to families traveling on a budget, there are tons of free things to see and do in San Diego . As a local, I love showing friends and family around when they visit, and that’s how I came up with this guide to San Diego family vacations.

This post contains affiliate links which means that if you click and make a purchase, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Arriving in San Diego

The San Diego airport has connections from most major cities and is right downtown, so getting a cab or car service to your accommodations will be pretty fast. Car rentals are also available at the airport.

Getting Around

San Diego is a little difficult to navigate without a car, but it is doable. If you cannot rent a car, I would suggest staying in the downtown/Little Italy/Embarcadero area to have close proximity to the trolley and to be able to walk to many attractions. You can take the ferry to Coronado from downtown; you can catch the train if you want to visit any North County areas (see the Day Trips section); and you can trolley to other parts of San Diego. That being said, it’s much easier with a car.

Things to do on a San Diego Family Vacation

You know what you and your family like, so here is a comprehensive list of a variety of fun activities for San Diego family vacations. If you want something a little more planned out for you, check out my Perfect San Diego Family Vacation Itinerary ! Or use both posts in conjunction to plan your perfect trip.

• San Diego Zoo and Safari Park * – These are separate parks, not close to each other. You can buy combo tickets if you want to go to both. It’s really not possible to do both in a day. Each park offers upgraded experiences (private tours, behind the scenes, etc.) I highly recommend them both!
• Coronado Island – Visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado, the beach in front of it has sand castles! Rent bikes and bike the Silver Strand. You can even take the ferry from downtown San Diego.
• Sea World * – In addition to marine life exhibits, Sea World has rides and shows for all ages.
• Old Town San Diego – As the original historic Spanish settlement, Old Town has lots of restaurants, a central plaza with shops, and historic buildings that you can tour. There are often festivals here with Mariachi bands, and Folklorico dancers (traditional Mexican music and dance). FREE
• Petco Park – You don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy this ballpark. It was built around a historic building and has amazing food stalls! There is also the Park at the Park –a playground and grassy area, where families can picnic and watch the game on a big screen, cheaper than buying seated tickets. Additionally, they offer behind the scenes tours ; baseball fans will love this!
• Old Town Trolley – This hop on hop off trolley is a great way to see San Diego. It hits all the major spots to see and is a great way to get around without driving! *Note – this is a sight-seeing trolley and is different from the public transit trolley.
• The Embarcadero – This waterfront stretch is a great walk and could easily be a whole day’s itinerary if you stop at the attractions listed here. Start down at Hawthorn or Grape St. and walk along the water. Stop at the Waterfront Park (see below). You’ll go by the Star of India Maritime Museum and the Hornblower Cruises if you’re interested in whale watching or a dinner cruise. End up at the USS Midway (see below) or go all the way to Seaport Village (see below).
• Waterfront Park – This fun family has it all and is great for toddlers through probably middle school age. There’s a fantastic playground, and a huge area for water play – fountains of water on a pad that kids can run around on. There’s plenty of grass to set up with a blanket and picnic. FREE

• USS Midway * – This retired U.S. Navy aircraft carrier is now a museum. You can visit below deck and the flight deck, it has great aircraft displays and interactive exhibits, including films. Check online because they often have special events. If you have older kids, they even do Top Gun movie nights!

• Seaport Village – This quaint shopping/restaurant area is right on the bay. It has a great walking path with views of the Coronado bridge. There is a fantastic carousel and often live performances. Some of the restaurants are pretty touristy, but there are some good finds as well. I actually like coming here after dinner to get ice cream and see the bay lit up at night. Little kids will love the carousel, and the kite flyers along the Bayfront. FREE
• Belmont Park – This historic amusement park is right on Mission Beach. It’s great because it’s small – not an all-day activity – and there’s no admission fee, you just pay for the rides. There are plenty of restaurants in walking distance and, of course, the beach.
• Mission Bay Park – If you like to bike, this is a great area to ride in. There are lots of open grassy parts, several playgrounds and lots of walking/biking paths. It’s easy for strollers, too! FREE

• Balboa Park – this beautiful, historic park is an architectural wonder! It also houses over a dozen museums, several theatres, some restaurants, walking trails, gardens, a carousel and a mini train ride for little kids. You can easily spend a whole day or more here. Some of the museums (Mingei and SD Art Museum) offer family art days with hands-on experiences. The Museum of Man has exhibits for all ages.  San Diego Junior Theatre is housed in the Casa del Prado and it offers kids’ plays at a reasonable price. The Old Globe complex sometimes also has kids’ plays. FREE (except museum admission or play entrance.)
• La Jolla Children’s Pool – this is actually NOT a pool, so don’t be misled. What it is, is a great place to see the Sea Lions right on the beach! If you go in spring you will see the babies. FREE

• Torrey Pines hiking – this is my favorite hike in San Diego. Walk along the bluffs high above the beach with incredible views in a natural setting. There are several easy trails if you have small kids.
• Cabrillo National Monument and Tide Pools – for some reason this spot is only popular with locals, I rarely see tourists here. There’s a historic lighthouse, a national monument, spectacular views of the city across the bay and tide pools for little ones to explore some marine life. It’s run by the National Park Service, so there is a Junior Ranger Program.

• Little Italy Farmers’ Market – on Saturdays from 8-2 many of the streets in Little Italy are blocked off for this fabulous Farmers’ Market. Go hungry – the food booths are superb. There’s more than food, too, with lots of local artisans selling their goods. I like to grab a coffee at one of the cafés in Little Italy, then walk the Farmers’ Market and find breakfast or lunch.
• Surf lessons – If you have older kids, this is a super fun day at the beach. You can find lessons at most of the major beaches.

• T he Beach – Beach days are a must on San Diego family vacations, and there are so many great beaches in SD. However, my favorite beaches for families are Coronado; Mission Bay (great for littler kids who don’t do well in big waves – try Ventura Cove or Bonita Cove); and La Jolla Cove. FREE

*These asterisked attractions are available on the Go San Diego Card – a reduced price all-in-one card that gives admission to many San Diego area attractions. It’s worth it if you plan on visiting many of the places on the card.

Day Trips from San Diego

Julian – This fun little mountain town is known for its apple orchards (with u-pick opportunities if you’re here in fall) and its apple pie. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from San Diego and goes by some great parks and campsites along Lake Cuyamaca. Visit the antique shops, grab lunch and get some pie, while you enjoy the mountains. During the winter, this is one of the places locals go to see snow!

San Juan Capistrano – This is one of my most favorite daytrips from SD. San Juan is known for its beautiful Spanish Mission, which is a fun place to visit. They have hands-on activities for kids, such as panning for gold, and a good audio tour. The trip is even more fun if you take the train! The Amtrak Surfliner takes you up the coast from San Diego and it’s a gorgeous trip to San Juan. There are two train stations in San Diego you could leave from – downtown (Santa Fe Station) and Old Town. It’s an easy trip, the kids love it, and lots of things are walkable from the San Juan train station. You’ll get off the train at the historic San Juan station, and step right into the Los Rios historic district, which is supposed to be the oldest residential street in California. It’s chock full of good restaurants, historic buildings, and shops. My absolute favorite place to eat is the Ramos House Café, but there are plenty of choices within walking distance between the train station and the Mission.

Disneyland – Disneyland is definitely doable in one day from San Diego, but I wouldn’t try it with babies or toddlers. We always stayed the night when our kids were little. But at about age 5 we were able to do it as a day trip. Get up super early so you can arrive at opening, then make the most of it and stay through fireworks if possible! The drive back at night is much faster than the morning drive. If you’re not familiar with Disneyland, definitely research online to learn about fast passes, dining options, etc.

North County – San Diego’s North County has beautiful seaside villages, a great arts scene and spectacular beaches. It’s an easy drive or train trip up the coast; you could pick a town, explore a little, have lunch and hit the beach, or visit a couple of places on a daylong driving trip. My favorites are: Solana Beach (check out the Cedros Ave. Design District), Del Mar (watch out for traffic if it’s fair season or horse-racing season), and Carlsbad (great shopping and restaurants).

Where to Stay on San Diego Family Vacations

Airbnb/Vacation Rentals : There are lots of great deals on vacation rentals in San Diego. You can find everything from luxury beach homes to hip studio apartments. My recommendations for the best neighborhoods to stay in are:

• La Jolla (you’ll need a car)
• Pacific Beach (don’t stay right near Garnet Ave. – it’s a young party scene)
• Little Italy (best restaurant scene in SD and close to everything)
• North Park, South Park (cute family neighborhoods close to Balboa Park)

While I love these neighborhoods, there are many other great places to stay. The more affordable rentals are inland, like the park area, but those are still only 15 minutes from the beach.

Hotels: There are too many great hotels in San Diego to do a comprehensive review in this post, so, again, I’ll just give you the areas I think are the most family friendly for hotels:

• Coronado Island – Great views, surrounded by water, cute village and good restaurants. (expensive)
• Little Italy – great restaurants, close proximity to attractions (moderate to expensive)
• Mission Bay – hotels all have pools and most are right on the water, great option for small kids (moderate)
• Embarcadero/Seaport Village – walkable to lots of attractions, good views of the bay (budget to expensive)
• La Jolla – mostly luxury hotels, great beaches and views, nice neighborhoods, upscale shopping

**A lot of people like the Gaslamp quarter. It’s full of good restaurants, bars and clubs, and is very walkable. I personally don’t love it with kids. It’s quite a party scene in the evening and, just in my opinion, not where I want to stay or go out with my kids. If you’re coming on your own as a couple or for a ‘grown-up vacation’, there’s lots to do there.

If you’re looking for super budget accommodations, I think your best bet is Airbnb because you can get some great little apartments in the Balboa Park area for under $100 -150/nt and you’ll be close to everything. This is cheaper than most of the budget hotels.

Camping: There are several RV Parks and campgrounds in San Diego. Be advised that they are more expensive than in many other areas of the country, so it is not always cheaper to RV in San Diego. Also, pretty much every RV park in the area must be reserved months in advance if you’re coming for Spring Break or summer. There are great, kid-friendly RV parks with lots of amenities in Mission Bay and Pacific Beach. They are really pricey, as far as campgrounds go.

Less expensive options will be: The San Diego KOA in Chula Vista, about 15 minutes south of downtown. Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado (beautiful camping, must reserve WAY in advance) and Sweetwater Regional Park , about 20 minutes southeast of downtown.

Where to Eat in San Diego

(This is my favorite section!!)

San Diego’s food scene has exploded in the last 10 years and there are far too many places to list in this post, so I encourage you to research what’s new and what’s good when you get here. I’ll give you a shortlist of our family’s faves, although people in San Diego would probably be willing to fistfight me over their favorite tacos or ramen spots!

Fun Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Corvette Diner – a 50s style diner with singing/dancing servers; good for large parties, lots of kids or special occasions.

Best Pizza:

• Village Pizzeria in Coronado (the one on the bay, not on Orange Ave.) is right by the water and great for kids and big parties;
• Buona Forchetta in South Park is VERY authentic Italian, has other great Italian food and is good with large parties.

Best Brunch: Brunch is huge in San Diego, so there are great places. Expect to wait on weekends unless you get in early! These are some of our go-to brunch spots.

• Bernini’s – La Jolla
• The Cottage – La Jolla
• Brockton Villa – La Jolla
• Snooze – Hillcrest
• Hash House a Go-Go – Hillcrest
• The Fig Tree – Hillcrest and Liberty Station
• Morning Glory – Little Italy
• The Great Maple – University Heights
• The Big Kitchen – South Park

Best Upscale: If your kids are foodies and do well with fine dining, or if you’re looking for a date night try these

• Juniper&Ivy near Little Italy
• The Marine Room in La Jolla
• Trust near Balboa Park
• Mr. A’s downtown (penthouse view)

Best Desserts:

• Extraordinary Desserts  
• Stella Jean Ice Cream

Best Kid-Friendly Brewery:

The craft beer scene in SD is top-notch and if you want to visit some great beer spots that are kid-friendly (playgrounds and all) here are some choices

• Waypoint Public in North Park
• Bottlecraft in Liberty Station Public Market
• Station Tavern in South Park

Best Waterfront dining:

• Coasterra – Harbor Island
• Island Prime and C Level – Harbor Island
• Serea – the Hotel del Coronado
• Duke’s – La Jolla
• Oceana Coastal Kitchen – Catamaran Resort

Best Mexican: This is REALLY hard because the best Mexican food in San Diego is pretty far away from tourist areas. But here are some good choices

• Lucha Libre Taco Shop in Mission Hills or North Park
• Oscar’s Mexican Seafood in La Jolla.

**If you want some super authentic Mexican food and are willing to go off the beaten path (don’t worry, nothing dangerous) try these:

• Tacos El Gordo in Chula Vista: the most authentic Tijuana street style tacos on this side of the border. Don’t be intimidated: when you walk in, it will just look like a giant crowd, but actually it’s different lines for different kinds of tacos: adobada (spicy pork), lengua (tongue), carne asada (steak), buche (stomach) and cabeza (head). Don’t be put off, try them all! Adobada and Lengua are my favorites. You have to get back in a different line if you want a different kind of taco, so split up with your family to get in different lines. You might not hear any English being spoken but don’t worry, they’ll understand you and be helpful.
• TJ Oyster Bar in Chula Vista: Best Mexican seafood! Great ceviche, fish tacos, and more. My favorites are the octopus tacos! Make sure you go to the one at 4410 Bonita Road, it has a larger dining area and a full bar.

I could write a book on San Diego family vacations, but I won’t (yet!). There are lots more things to do and places to see, but this will get you pretty far if you have a few days or even a few weeks in San Diego. Feel free to leave a question or a comment with some of your favorite San Diego vacation ideas! And don’t forget to check out my Perfect San Diego Family Vacation Itinerary

Why You Should Travel When Your Kids are Little

The Perfect San Diego Vacation Itinerary

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10 comments.

Melinda Parga

Julie…

I was born and raised in Chula Vista, and I thought I knew everything there was to know about San Diego, but your article put some places on my “let’s do this” list. Great job!

Thanks, Melinda. I realized it’s really hard to do a “local” piece because there’s so much to say, it was hard to choose what to include. So I’m glad another local approves!

I still have somehow not managed to visit San Diego yet – I really need to remedy that!

Carrie Mann

My family did a vacation to San Diego when I was a kid, and the zoo was definitely one of my most memorable travel experiences ever! We were there right when there was a new baby panda on display for the first time. We ended up getting interviewed by a local TV station, so between that and seeing the baby panda, I’ll never forget that trip!

Great post!! We love San Diego!!!

Tanya Raedeke

What a great list! SanDiego just moved up in my list! You had me at tide pools and ceviche and so much more !

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San Diego with Kids: How to Plan Your Perfect Getaway

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During our decades living in Los Angeles , we made plenty of fantastic weekend trips to San Diego with kids. What makes it “America’s Finest City”? You’ll find stunning scenery, fantastic year-round weather and more things to do with kids in San Diego than you can possibly fathom. As with any weekend trip, a San Diego family vacation always left us wanting more.

Reader Nicole and her family recently spent a full week exploring the best things to do in San Diego with kids and even tried out three different places to stay in San Diego with kids. Read this article for lots of candid feedback and helpful ideas to plan your own kid-friendly trip to San Diego!

Must-read money-saving tip for your San Diego family vacation

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Before we get into Nicole’s awesome recommendations, I want to share our family’s favorite money-saving tip. There are tons of great kid-friendly activities in San Diego, but the cost for a family adds up fast .

Nearly all of the pricier activities you’ll read about in this article are included in the GoCity San Diego Explorer Pass . Our family has used GoCity passes in many places including San Diego and they offer huge savings! Even if you just want discount tickets to the San Diego Zoo and USS Midway, a family of four would save $68. If you also plan to go on a whale watching cruise, your family’s savings would jump to a whopping $167. I like the Explorer Pass structure because you can spread the activities over your whole family vacation to San Diego (up to 60 days, which is great if you’re based in SoCal).

If your family is more of the go-go-go type, you’ll save a ton of money with GoCity San Diego All-Inclusive Pass . With this option you pay by the day rather than based on the number of attractions. There are some very high-value options included like the Zoo, Safari Park and LEGOLAND. You have to use your days consecutively, so if you’re planning to spend one week in San Diego with kids you might opt for the 3-day or 4-day pass to use in the middle. Your first few and last few days can be filled with free or inexpensive activities.

We recently returned from the best 8 night family trip to San Diego! San Diego hadn’t been on our radar since we usually favor international travel, but felt more comfortable traveling domestically right now. While searching for a place to visit we narrowed it down to somewhere warm where we could make good use of our Hyatt points and globalist status. We decided on San Diego and are so glad we spent a week there. 

This was our first time flying since the pandemic and we kept to only outdoor dining and activities – it’s so easy to find kid-friendly outdoor activities in San Diego! It makes the perfect outdoor-focused winter trip.

Read more: 10 Amazing Things To Do In California With Kids

Where should you stay for your family vacation in San Diego? There are plenty of wonderful, central options to choose from in San Diego itself or you can seek out a true “getaway” feeling further north in La Jolla or Carlsbad.

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay

We wanted to take advantage of our Hyatt status and points, and San Diego is a great place to do that! The city is an ideal option if you are a Hyatt loyalist as they have several low category hotels to choose from. Our initial plan was to split our stay between Hyatt Regency Mission Bay and Grand Hyatt Manchester. 

We spent three nights at the wonderful Hyatt Regency Mission Bay ; it’s a fantastic location right on the harbor with several really warm pools and waterslides. With kid friendly pools heated to 80 degrees, we spent a lot of time each day swimming even though it was only in the low 50s and cloudy while there. There’s even two waterslides that didn’t have a height limit that our 5 year old daughter loved.

Due to our status with Hyatt we were upgraded to a large harbor front suite, but all rooms have a nice view at this hotel. We also received free breakfast through our status at their onsite restaurant Red Marlin. Unless you are also receiving a free breakfast, head out to a nearby restaurant or bakery to enjoy breakfast there rather than staying onsite. 

The hotel is older and could use a remodel, but staff were nice and we enjoyed the location and view of all the boats in the harbor. We didn’t take advantage of their paddleboards, kayaks, jet ski, and sailboat rentals as it was so cold, but next time we will definitely spend time on the water! They also have bike rentals on site if you want to explore the area on two wheels.

Manchester Grand Hyatt

After our stay at Mission Bay we headed south to Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego for three more nights. This location is very walkable in the Gaslamp District. This is a very large, updated hotel that is close to their conference center so be aware that it can become fully booked and loud. We asked for a quiet room and they gave us a corner room which stayed quiet despite being there over New Years.

There is a rooftop pool and hot tubs, although both were closed during our stay. We did overhear that the Grand Hyatt does not heat their pools to a warm temperature, so get your swimming in at Mission Bay!

Views at this hotel either overlook the water or downtown, ask for a high room to get the best view. We also received free buffet breakfast due to our status here. The buffet is quite large and staff are very welcoming. We opted to get it to go and eat in our room, or there is outdoor seating. They provided plenty of to-go boxes that we could fill up. If paying, again I recommend heading to a restaurant downtown to enjoy breakfast off site. 

Park Hyatt Aviara

This was a last minute extension to our trip and we’re so glad we ended it with two nights at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort.  It’s located about 30 minutes north of San Diego in Carlsbad and offers a completely different experience than the other two hotels. The resort is beautiful with several large pools and hot tubs – it is a great escape from the city if you are looking to unwind for a few days. The Park Hyatt Aviara is also a convenient place to stay if you’re planning to visit Legoland (15 minutes) or San Diego Safari Park (35 minutes).

With status, we were upgraded to their huge Pool Suite (800+ square feet) that had two large separate rooms, 2 balconies, and 2 bathrooms, including a large soaker tub. Next time I will request a garden view room as the pool can get loud.

Unlike the previous two hotels, the breakfast at the Park Hyatt is wonderful. I recommend eating here whether you get a free breakfast or not. I am still dreaming of their Shredded Beef Barria Benedict. With plenty of outdoor seating with a view of the ocean in the background, it is the perfect way to start the day!

Our goal these two nights was to relax, so our time was split between the pool and beach. Park Hyatt has complimentary lounge chairs, umbrellas, beach towels, and sand toys to borrow for the perfect and easy beach day. We headed to Moonlight Beach which was about a 15 minute drive for the resort. There was a small playground adjacent to the beach as well as clean bathrooms and a concession stand.

Family-friendly vacation rentals in San Diego & La Jolla

If you’re staying in San Diego with kids for more than a few days and want room to spread out, the good news is there are tons of great vacation rentals in the area! Here are just a few stand-outs:

• Renovated Mission Beach cottage for 6 people
• Fully-stocked Mission Beach condo for 10 people including baby gear, boogie boards and bikes
• Luxurious Mission Beach house for 6 + baby
• Budget-friendly Coronado condo for 4 walking distance to Hotel Del Coronado
• Stunning La Jolla Village condo for 4 with laundry
• Homey La Jolla Village cottage for 8 people

Want the best of both worlds? You can stay at an awesome vacation rental but still book an affordable resort day too! Check out all of the fun options for ResortPass in San Diego .

If none of these options appeal to you, I’ve shared even more insights on where to stay in San Diego with kids .

I highly recommend renting a car in San Diego . Although we typically choose hotels that are central so we can walk for a majority of trips, San Diego is very sprawling. You won’t want to miss all the fun. From Coronado Island to La Jolla, or even further north towards Torrey Pines and Encinatas, you’ll want to have the ability to explore. 

Although we’ve heard traffic can get bad, we were traveling during the holidays and were pleasantly surprised by how little traffic there was. It took about 15 minutes to get anywhere we wanted to go. 

This was also the first time we used RideSafer Travel Vest ( full review here ) which made it so easy in the airport to not lug around a heavy car seat. In case you’re visiting from out of state, keep in mind that California requires kids to use a rear-facing car seat until at least 2 years old – read up on California car seat laws before your visit!

Upon exiting the airport you’ll cross the street to wait in line for a shuttle to take you to the car rentals. It is about a 10 minute ride without a wait, so be sure to factor that in on your return. 

San Diego is packed with so many outdoor activities! We felt we had the perfect balance of something fun on our itinerary each day while still having down time. 

Belmont Park

Belmont Park is a historic oceanfront amusement park and is located about a mile from Hyatt Regency Mission Bay. With free parking and pay as you ride tickets, we spent an hour here choosing a few fun rides for our daughter. After, head across the street to the Belmont Park Playground. A fun park with a huge climbing structure located right next to a beach. 

Whale Watching

If you are in San Diego during whale migration (mid-December through April) a whale watching tour is a must! We opted for San Diego Whale Watch as we found a great deal on Groupon and the boat launches right outside the hotel at Mission Bay. We sat towards the front of the boat and got the best views watching two grey whales breach for over an hour! Even if you don’t see whales, dolphins, or other wildlife, it is still a great view of San Diego from the water. 

You can also book a San Diego whale watching through your GoCity San Diego pass .

Paragliding

For our dare devil Dad, we bought him a gift certificate to go paragliding at Torrey Pines Gliderport . He had the best time and spent about 30 minutes in the sky as we watched. They even take kids up! If you don’t have someone that adventurous in your family, it is still a fun place to stop quick and watch the paragliders take off, glide, and land. They have a small concessions stand with beverages and light food you can grab while there. Be sure to arrive early as spots fill quickly!

Pro tip: we arrived in the afternoon and had a 2 hour wait for my partner’s turn. They took down our number and allowed us to go get lunch in La Jolla before returning. 

Hiking in Torrey Pines

While at Torrey Pines Gliderport, you can’t skip out on the beautiful Torrey Pines hike! We hiked a couple miles, but you can easily add in more with several paths twisting along the cliffs overlooking the ocean. You can also opt to drive up the hill and park close to the top. The view at the top is worth the hike! Another fun and popular hike is Annie’s Canyon Trail located further north. 

San Diego Zoo

What is a trip to San Diego without visiting the San Diego Zoo? This is one of the most popular zoos in the world for a reason. Although advanced tickets are no longer needed, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance to get through the line quickly. Parking here is free! We’ve been to several beautiful zoos, but this might be the most stunning zoo we’ve been to.

Each enclosure is thoughtfully planned, bringing their natural habitat to life. Our daughter most enjoyed seeing the koalas and elephants.

This zoo is quite sprawling, but included with your ticket is free use of the sky tram and bus tour. The bus tour is a great break or use at the beginning of your day to get a feel for the layout of the zoo. The tour guides are great and very knowledgeable! 

You’ll want to spend most of the day here, so bring plenty of snacks, water bottle, and sunscreen! You can also bring a lunch, but we opted to eat at the restaurant Albert’s. Be sure to make a reservation as this is a popular place for good reason! Surprisingly good food for a restaurant in the zoo. We ate outside on their small patio.

Still have energy after the zoo? Head to adjacent Balboa Park that boasts 17 (!!) museums, or save it for a rainy day. There’s also a playground if your kids have any energy left after a full day at the zoo.

Pro tip: If you’re visiting San Diego in winter, plan to stay at the zoo after dark for the festive Jungle Bells program! Everything is beautifully lit from early December to early January and there are live musicians roaming near the zoo entrance.

La Jolla is a beautiful area north of downtown San Diego. With sprawling views and cliffs overlooking the ocean, there is a beautiful view around every corner. Our favorite part here was La Jolla Cove to enjoy watching the dozens of Sea Lions sunning themselves and hunting for food. We stopped by a few times during our visit and also enjoyed a picnic lunch in the large grassy field. Don’t forget to pack a ball or frisbee to toss around!

La Jolla also boasts boutique shops and restaurants downtown, making it a fun area to walk around. During a future visit we may look at staying at one of the many boutique hotels in the area or a cute airbnb for a few nights.

Easily walkable along the oceanfront path from Grand Hyatt, USS Midway offers an interactive aircraft carrier museum. Our daughter loved getting her hand on the control panels and walking among the aircraft on the hanger.

After the museum head a bit further on the path to Waterfront Park playground to run around.

Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma Tide Pools

A must stop in our opinion is spending time at the Point Loma Tide Pools at Cabrillo National Monument. Be aware that there is often a long line to enter the park area, so bring car activities during the wait. Also check the tide predictions so you can plan to be there during low tide. The views are stunning while kids will love discovering critters in the tide pools.

Coronado Island

We drove to Coronado Island twice during our week long stay. Only a 5-10 minute drive from Grand Hyatt Manchester, Coronado Island is a great place to walk around, play at the beach, or walk through historic Hotel del Coronado . There’s also a small playground on the island we stopped at before heading back to our hotel. 

And now a few more suggestions from Melissa…

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Formerly called the San Diego Wild Animal Park, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of those iconic kid-friendly activities near San Diego. It’s located in Escondido, about 35 minutes north of downtown San Diego and 30 minutes east of Carlsbad.

The Safari Park is unlike any traditional zoo you’ve been to. Rather than keeping each animal in a small enclosure while visitors walk from one to the next, the majority of the park is wide-open spaces with geographically-based habitats. The animals – at least the ones that won’t kill each other – live together just as they would in the wild. Visitors can choose from one of several “Safari” options to visit the region that mosts interests them: African savannah (including lots of giraffes!), Asian savannah or a longer tour that combines them both. We opted for the African cart safari when our kids were 1 and 3 and it was perfect for the whole family!

There are also areas of the park available to explore on foot like the Australian habitat, Gorilla Forest and Tiger Trail. One unique feature of the Safari Park is its conservation-focused breeding program that has earned it a reputation as the nursery for America’s zoos. This is a great activity for school age kids in San Diego because they’ll enjoy learning more about the park’s behind-the-scenes work.

LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad could easily occupy its own article with tips and tricks, but if you have a young LEGO-lover it’s a must-visit. There are great attractions for preschoolers on up including:

• Race car building/testing
• LEGO replicas of cities around America
• Roller coasters and other thrill rides
• DUPLO train for the young visitors
• Play structures
• SEA LIFE Aquarium

It’s easy to spend a whole day at LEGOLAND and it’s fun for the whole family, and kids who are at least 36″ will get the most out of it (and it’s even better for kids who are 40″).

We haven’t stayed on-property but I’ve heard from friends that staying at the LEGOLAND Hotel really ups the experience. Everything in the hotel is LEGO-themed, there’s evening entertainment and it’s right near the theme park entrance. It’s also a great place to stay in San Diego for big families since each room has beds for five people and some suites accommodate seven!

I recommend grabbing discounted tickets here or getting them through the GoCity San Diego All-Inclusive Pass . Either of those options will save you at least $10 per ticket.

San Diego’s Balboa Park with kids

A visit to San Diego isn’t complete without a little time tooling around iconic Balboa Park. It’s 1200 acres of green space, gorgeous architecture and different museums. Thankfully, many of them are free or inexpensive!

If you have a train-obsessed kid, you’ll want to stop by the San Diego Model Railroad Museum . It’s a fun way to spend about an hour, watching the model trains as they roll through a wide variety of layouts. It’s only open Thursday through Sunday 11am-4pm, so keep that in mind as you plan your time.

We really enjoy the Fleet Science Center , which offers hands-on discovery for kids of all ages. Members of any ASTC-affiliated science museum get in free, so you can easily pop in for a few hours and not feel guilty about the price tag.

Families planning a trip to San Diego with tweens should swing by the new Comic-Con Museum . It’s an extension of the renowned Comic-Con event that takes place annually in San Diego, and highlights everything from fan favorites like Star Wars and Wonder Women to more current features like comics of COVID.

You’ll find plenty of performing arts options for the whole family, the San Diego Junior Theater and the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater – be sure to check the schedules for your visit. There’s also a carousel and a miniature train to ride around, making Balboa Park a fantastic place to spend a day with kids in San Diego.

We love good food, and there are plenty of great places to eat in San Diego with kids! Be sure to get your fill on seafood and Mexican food while there. Below are some of our favorites.

• Wayfarer Bread & Pastry in La Jolla : enjoy wonderful pastries and treats. Tip: order ahead as the line gets very long!
• Puesto : with several locations and large outdoor patios, this Michelin star casual restaurant is a great choice. We stopped at both La Jolla location and their location right outside Grand Hyatt. Don’t miss out on the quesabirria taco and frozen horchata. Hit up their happy hour for great deals on appetizers and their margaritas!
• Lola 55 : another Michelin star restaurant, this order at the counter restaurant is a great choice for a quick meal. We enjoyed their tacos and pozole verde. 
• Davanti Enoteca: Excellent Italian food in San Diego’s Little Italy.
• Ponce’s : centrally located, great food and margaritas. 
• Mitch’s Seafood : our favorite fresh seafood! This is a nice stop after your time at Point Loma tide pools. 
• Hidden Craft : surprisingly good food and local craft beers. Self serve beer allows you to try as much or as little as you’d like!
• Ballast Point Brewery : good outdoor option with yummy food and beer.

Also… you can’t leave San Diego without eating a fish taco. It just wouldn’t be right! Local chain Oscar’s is a reliable bet and has several locations including Mission Beach.

About Nicole Hi! I’m Nicole, partner to Nick and Mom to our sweet 5 year old, Anabelle. We call Madison WI home, but our time together traveling is when we truly feel united as a family.

Wondering how to put all your San Diego kid-friendly activities together? Check out the map below to get the lay of the land:

Planning a longer trip to California with kids ? Read these articles for all the insider details you need:

• Where to Stay in San Diego with Kids
• 15 of the Best Hotels in Los Angeles for Families
• All the Best Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids: A Local Mom’s Guide
• Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel review: West LA’s hidden oasis
• LA like a local: 5 spots to skip (and what to see instead)
• A Weekend in Palm Desert with Kids
• Joshua Tree with kids
• San Francisco with kids: free and cheap
• Why you should take your kids (or yourself) to the Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Thirteen Things That Surprised Me at Disneyland

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• Just for Kids

A One-Day Kid-Focused Itinerary

Tried-and-true favorites for kidding around in san diego.

With its spacious parks and beaches, family-friendly attractions and terrific climate, San Diego is a perfect vacation spot for kids. With so much to see and do, it helps to have an itinerary planned in advance.

Full Day Itinerary

Start the day at one of  San Diego's top attractions , continue with a visit to Birch Aquarium in La Jolla  or Balboa Park in downtown San Diego, and conclude with a cruise around San Diego Bay .

Take your pick from one of these world-renowned attractions:

• SeaWorld San Diego  is a 189-acre park featuring shows, fascinating attractions and dozens of exhibits containing marine life from around the globe. Shows feature animals such as killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, seals and otters. Favorite exhibits include Wild Arctic, Penguin Encounter, Sea Turtle Bay and Shark Encounter. To extend the fun even further, pet dolphins, touch and feed bat rays, meet Elmo and friends at Sesame Street Bay of Play, hop on a thrilling roller coaster like Electric Eel or Emperor, or take in a panorama of San Diego from the Mission Bay Skyride.
• Home to more than 3,500 animals, the world-famous  San Diego Zoo is known for its expansive natural habitats. Bioclimatic exhibits, such as Lost Forest and Africa Rocks, are linked by an expansive series of trails allowing views of animals from all levels. Other popular exhibits include Polar Bear Plunge, Gorilla Tropics, Koalafornia and Elephant Odyssey.
• Located 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park  is a 1,800-acre preserve where wild animals roam free over vast expanses as they would in their native habitats. Through interactive animal shows, natural habitat exhibits and aboard an open-air tram, you'll see exotic animals like white rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, Roosevelt’s gazelles, African crowned cranes and much more. Popular tours and activities include the Flightline zip line, Photo Caravan Safari Tours, Balloon Safari and the Petting Kraal.
• The USS Midway Museum pays tribute to the hundreds of thousands of men who served their country aboard the vessel and highlights San Diego’s rich military history. Part of the Navy fleet for 47 years, the USS Midway was home to more than 200,000 sailors during the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars, as well as other conflicts and crises around the world. This decommissioned aircraft carrier now resides along San Diego Bay and features interactive exhibits and more than 25 aircraft displays. Many of the story-telling docents are veterans who served aboard the carrier.
• LEGOLAND® California Resort in Carlsbad was the first LEGO® theme park in North America, and it offers far more than classic building blocks. The park, which is geared toward families with children ages 2 through 12, has more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including favorites like the Dragon Coaster, LEGO TECHNIC® Coaster and Land of Adventure. At Pirate Reef, families join a buccaneer-filled flume boat and race between two battling pirate ships. Then journey to a galaxy far, far away at the new LEGO STAR WARS Miniland area. Miniland also features miniature replicas of famous structures throughout the world that are sure to fascinate grownups and children alike. The new 4-D LEGO Ninjago allows riders to master their Ninja skills on a dark ride adventure. The resort is also home to the world’s first LEGOLAND® Water Park and SEA LIFE® Carlsbad Aquarium, which provides a kid's-eye view of the undersea world.

If you are returning from a morning at LEGOLAND® or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park , Birch Aquarium is a convenient stop on your way downtown. If you spent the morning at SeaWorld , the San Diego Zoo or USS Midway Museum , visit Balboa Park in the afternoon. 

• Birch Aquarium  is a stunning La Jolla landmark set above the sea. Children love the “touch and learn" exhibit of starfish and other sea creatures; the outdoor tidepool; the fanciful seahorses; and the impressive collection of sharks. On certain days, you can watch divers descend into the 70,000-gallon giant kelp forest tank to point out various species of fish, feed them, and answer audience questions. The aquarium also has an Explorers Gallery with science displays and interactive features, and a simulator ride with surround sound and computer-generated visuals that mimics an underwater adventure. Open daily except major holidays. Be sure to take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about the fascinating world under the sea and along the coast.
• One of the largest urban cultural parks in the United States, Balboa Park is often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West” for its large concentration of cultural institutions. Among its 1,200 lush acres are 17 museums ranging from art and photography, to science, space and more; eight gardens; the San Diego Zoo ; and renowned performing arts venues like the Tony Award®-winning Old Globe theatre .
• End your day with a scenic cruise around San Diego Bay . Both  Flagship Cruises & Events and  Hornblower Cruises offer narrated one-hour tours featuring either the north or south end of the bay. Highlights (depending on the itinerary) include the Coronado Bridge; naval aircraft carriers and other military ships; San Diego's working shipyards; Shelter and Harbor Islands; the submarine base; and Point Loma. You'll often see seals and sea lions perched on the buoys as well as a colorful variety of sail and powerboats, especially on the weekends. Families will appreciate the comfortable cruise boats that feature snack bars, indoor and outdoor seating, and bathroom facilities. Bring a sweater as even when the weather's warm, sea breezes can add a chill out on the water. Each of these cruise companies also offer brunch and dinner cruises.
• After your cruise, walk along the Bayfront to see the  Star of India (a classic sailing ship) and the ferryboat Berkeley. Nearby family-friendly dining options include Carnitas Snack Shack and the Fish Market.

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The Best Way to Spend 3 Days in San Diego With Kids

• April 17, 2023
• Updated January 18, 2024
• In California , Itineraries and Things to Do , Weekend Getaways

Looking for the fun things to do in San Diego with kids? We’ve got you covered!

Are you thinking about a San Diego family vacation? You should! There are tons of things to do in San Diego with kids.

When we brought the kids to San Diego, we had just left Disneyland , so we weren’t looking for more amusement parks. And thankfully, San Diego has tons of family-friendly attractions, so you don’t need to step foot into Legoland or Sea World (unless you want to!).

Although you can easily spend a full week in this California city, a long weekend is enough time to get a good taste of everything that the town has to offer.

Our 3-day San Diego itinerary helps you plan the best places to visit with kids and even some suggestions on where to eat.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Let’s Plan Your Trip to San Diego!

Are you still working out the details for your trip to San Diego? These are some great ticket and hotel options!

Tickets/Tours:

• Go City: San Diego Explorer Pass : Save money if you’re planning on visiting multiple locations on this list!
• You don’t want to miss the San Diego Zoo .
• San Diego Harbor Cruise: See San Diego from the water!
• Embassy Suites offers two-room suites, free made-to-order breakfast, and also a nightly manager’s reception.
• SpringHill Suites is walking distance to the waterfront attractions and offers complimentary breakfast.
• The Residence Inn is walking distance to all of the waterfront attractions and select rooms have a full kitchen.

How to Spend Three Days in San Diego With Kids

DAY ONE: EXPLORE THE WATERFRONT

For your first day in San Diego with kids, head to the Embarcadero area of the city! Harbor Drive has many of the kid-friendly activities in San Diego.

Some of the fun activities are listed below, from north to south. You won’t be able to do everything in the Embarcadero in one day, but, as you can see, you have many options to choose from!

1. Take a Harbor Cruise

Get a view of the “birthplace of California” from the water! You can take one of the fun one or two-hour harbor cruises or even a whale-watching expedition . If your family loves spending time on the water and want a unique perspective of San Diego, this is a beautiful way to spend part of your day! 

2. Waterfront Park and Fountains

Bring your bathing suits and play shoes to the Waterfront Park in San Diego ! This 12-acre park was built in 2019, and has so many activities and offerings that give families a fun, FREE, way to spend an afternoon in San Diego!

On the north side of the park, several gardens feature a variety of flora not usually found in San Diego. Kids will love exploring the paths and learning about new plants.

On the southern side of the park is where your kids will want to spend most of their time. The HUGE playground sits adjacent to a large fountain built for splashing around!

There are bathrooms located next to the playground, with outside showers attached. There is also a snack stand and numerous picnic tables in the area. And the view of the Maritime Museum ships makes this park a perfect place for the entire family.

3. Maritime Museum of San Diego

Across from the Waterfront Park is the Maritime Museum of San Diego . Here, kids and their families can explore several historic water vessels, like submarines, tall ships, and even a ferry boat!

If sailing on the water sounds like fun to your family, sign up for one of their “On the Water Adventures”! The adventures ranger from 45 minutes to 4 hour long tours. 

🤩Save money with a GoCity Pass and choose up to 7 different attractions. ( many are on this list! )

4. USS Midway Museum

Further south on Harbor Drive is the USS Midway Museum . The USS Midway is a retired aircraft carrier that now features more than 30 aircraft on board. This is one of our favorite kid-friendly attractions in San Diego . Kids will love exploring the ship and pretend to pilot a jet or helicopter. 

Take a self-guided audio tour (included with admission) to learn more about the sailors and their lives on the USS Midway. There is even a kid’s version of the tour! While onboard, kids can earn their Junior Pilot wings by answering a few questions about the tour. 

5. Seaport Village

After a day on or near the water, kids are bound to get hungry! We loved visiting Seaport Village , at the crossing of Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway. This shopping and dining area offers various styles of food, treats, and shops that the whole family will enjoy.

As you enter the village, you can’t miss the historic carousel at the entrance. The carousel was built in New York in 1895 and has been moved several times throughout the country, including Texas, Oregon, and now its home, California.

At $3 per ride (cash only), it’s an inexpensive way to entertain the kids before you visit one of the 45 unique shops and eateries!

Plan to have lunch or dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants. We enjoyed our meal, and the view, at the Pier Cafe . Don’t forget to save room for dessert!

Don’t forget to stop by Ben and Jerry’s for an ice cream treat. If they still have the Salted Caramel Blondie available, get it! You won’t regret the choice.

DAY TWO: BALBOA PARK

There are so many kid-friendly things to do in San Diego, and many of them are located in Balboa Park.

This 1200-acre park in the heart of San Diego was built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition. Now the park is home to numerous museums, gardens, and even street performers.

You can spend hours wandering down El Prado, visiting one or many of the museums and gardens that line the pedestrian pathway. You won’t be able to visit every location in one day, but you can try!

6. Balboa Park Museums

Over a dozen museums are located throughout Balboa Park, including several art and science museums.

If you are a member of an ASTC museum, you will receive reciprocal admission to both the Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Natural History Museum .

Both of these museums are perfect for kids. We spent about an hour in each museum and could have easily spent more.

If your kids are interested in all things planes, trains, and automobiles, there are plenty of museums for you to choose from.

The Air and Space Museum and the Automotive Museum are placed near each other on the southern end of the Pan American Plaza. Afterward, stop by the San Diego Model Railroad Museum !

The Art lovers will enjoy the multiple art museums on-site, including the Museum of Photographic Arts, The San Diego Museum of Art, and the Timken Museum of Art.

Don’t forget to stop the Spanish Village Art Center off of Village Place. The artist collective showcases several local artists, working in many different mediums. Enjoy the colorful promenade and stop by one of the studios to support a local artist!

7. Explore the Gardens and Outdoor Spaces in Balboa Park

Balboa Park does not lack in outdoor spaces or gardens for kids to explore! There are several FREE gardens scattered throughout the park.

These include the Desert Garden (on the east side of Park Blvd, across from the Fleet Science Center), the Old Cactus Garden (near the Automotive Museum), and the Alcazar Garden (adjacent to the San Diego Art Institute on El Prado). 

Some gardens charge a fee to access, but they are worth it! The Japanese Friendship Garden is a 12-acre garden, located next to the Organ Spreckles Pavilion on Pan American Road. It is easily accessible from the  Plaza de Panama.

In addition to the dirt paths throughout the garden, kids will love hopping over the stepping stones, and climbing over the multiple bridges located throughout the space. We highly recommend visiting this gem!

🤩Explore Balboa Park at night with a City Lights Night Tour .

Parking at Balboa Park

There are numerous FREE parking lots throughout Balboa Park. Depending on the time of day and day of the week, you may find the smaller lots fill up quickly. There is a large lot at the entrance of the park near Inspiration Point (President’s Way and Park Blvd).

From there, you can take the FREE tram to Plaza de Panama or the Pan American Plaza to easily access some of the popular attractions.

Balboa Park Explorer Pass

Balboa Park sells passes to access the museums in the park. The Balboa Park Explorer pass comes in single a day pass, or a seven-day pass. Single day passes include access to five attractions (your choice).

There is also a seven-day pass that includes admission to the San Diego Zoo. The passes are a great value if you plan to visit many of the museums and gardens in the park.

Don’t forget, many of the Balboa Park attractions, including the zoo, are also included in the Go City San Diego pass.

Where to Eat

There are many places throughout the park to grab lunch or dinner. Many of the museums have cafes that are accessible to outside patrons, without having to pay admission. These include Craveology at the Fleet Science Center and the Flying Squirrel Cafe at the Natural History Museum.

The Japanese Tea Pavilion , located right outside of the Japanese Friendship Garden, offers light fare such as soups, salads, and noodle bowls. Another option for sandwiches and salads is the Cafe in the Park, located in the San Diego History Center.

If you want a more formal dining option, visit The Prado at Balboa Park . This sit-down restaurant has a full menu from appetizers of calamari fries to main dishes of rib-eyes or Chilean sea bass.

DAY THREE: SAN DIEGO ZOO AND OLD TOWN

8. The San Diego Zoo

Considered one of the best things to do in California , the San Diego Zoo is one of the best San Diego attractions for kids.

We suggest allowing a full morning (and maybe some of your afternoon) to visit the zoo. Arriving at opening gives you the ability to see more animals without the crowds. It even gives you a chance to watch the animals eat their breakfast!

Parking is FREE at the zoo, but the price of admission is on the higher side. Luckily, the San Diego Zoo is included in the Go Ci ty San Diego pass. This will save you money, especially if you use the card for some of the other activities listed.

San Diego Zoo is home to so many types of animals! We loved watching the koalas and giraffe eat, the polar bears play around with each other, and of course, the majestic elephants walking around. If your child has a favorite animal, there is a good chance you can find it at the San Diego Zoo!

Keep in mind, the San Diego Zoo is built on a hillside, and some of the paths are very steep. You might consider bringing a stroller for the younger kids, even if they don’t use it regularly at home.

There are plenty of cafes and snack stands throughout the zoo. You can also bring your own lunch and snacks in the zoo and eat at one of the available tables.

9. Old Town State Park

If you want to step back in time and visit the first settlement in California, then Old Town State Park is the place for you! Old Town State Park is a fun destination anytime you’re visiting southern California .

Several FREE parking lots surround the park and the Old Town area. Click here for a map of parking lots . Once you are on-site, you can enjoy FREE entry into the many small museums they offer. The kids will love the Seeley Stable with the numerous wagons inside. 

Come hungry to Old Town State Park. There are many dining options available that feature authentic Mexican food. You can even sample a freshly made corn tortilla at Case de Reyes in the Fiesta de Reyes section of the park, a special place in its own right!

Plan to spend a minimum of 1-2 hours at Old Town State Park. Although the park is not significant in size, there are so many things to see and eat, and shops to peruse, that time will fly quickly here. Kids will love the open areas, and discovering something new at each turn. Old Town State Park is a must-do when you are in San Diego with kids!

Where to Stay With Kids in San Diego

We stayed at the Embassy Suites San Diego Bay Downtown on our trip to San Diego with kids. It is conveniently located within walking distance of all of the Embarcadero attractions listed above. Balboa Park and Old Town State Park are about a 10-15 minute drive from the hotel.

There are several other hotels along the waterfront that are rated as family-friendly, like the SpringHill Suites and the Residence Inn . Both are walking distance to all of the waterfront attractions listed below!

For the more adventurous families, try camping on the beach at Campland on the Bay .

TOP HOTEL PICK

We loved our stay at the Embassy Suites . The large, two-room suites and free made-to-order breakfast were perfect for our family to enjoy San Diego over a long weekend.

How to Get Around San Diego With Kids

Many of the attractions on the waterfront are walking distance from each other. The pedestrian paths along the water make it easy to get to each attraction without having to move your car. We recommend staying at a hotel close to the water, so you can easily get to these attractions without having to find parking.

A car is the easiest way to get around San Diego, especially to locations like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. Even Old Town is easy to get to by car. There is ample parking at Balboa Park. Old Town San Diego has several lots along the perimeter. They can fill up quickly on weekends.

The San Diego Trolley runs from the waterfront to Old Town San Diego (and beyond!) making it easy to get to the popular tourist attraction without having to deal with parking.

Trolley fare is $2.50 one-way for adults. If you are riding on the weekend, up to two kids can ride FREE with one paying adult. Children five and under are always FREE with a paying passenger.

Like most major cities, San Diego has bus transportation to get around town. If you do not want to drive a car around town, the bus will be your best option to get to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. If your hotel is closer to the waterfront, the 215 bus (SDSU-Downtown) will be your best option.

Are You Ready for a Long Weekend in San Diego With Kids?

There are plenty of things to do in San Diego with kids! You have so many options on how to fill each day that no matter what interests your family, you will be sure to have some fun!

Even if you only have one day in San Diego , you can still see and do a lot. As a reminder, if you are planning on visiting the zoo and another attraction or more, consider purchasing the Go City San Diego Card . It will save you money during your long weekend in San Diego.

Read It Now, Pin It For Later!

Lauren is the visionary behind Where the Wild Kids Wander. She is a travel enthusiast who lives outside of Philadelphia. For more than a decade, she's been hitting the road, exploring the nooks and crannies of the United States alongside her family. Her passions include visiting big cities and small towns and trekking through nature's trails. She loves sharing those adventures with fellow travelers.

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101 family day trips and day trips around san diego.

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Get wild on a hike, time travel today, make life a beach, splash into some water fun, spend the day at a museum, explore these cities, all aboard planes, trains, and automobiles (and boats), grow some fun at the farm, treat yo' self, connect with nature, amuse yourself at these amusement parks, talk to the animals, explore the globe close to home, let's go chasing waterfalls, get active indoors, challenge yourself, shop your heart out.

Limiting our list to 101 ideas meant some great destinations may have been left off the list - if there is something you’d like to see added, share it with us on Facebook !

Most of these destinations are within an hour from downtown San Diego. For those that are a bit farther away:

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32 Fun Things to Do in San Diego

Perched on the scenic Southern California coastline, San Diego's diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone – whether you're on a family vacation, a girls' getaway or traveling solo. Head to Balboa Park for world-class museums,

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Balboa Park Balboa Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Leave your car in one of the parking lots and take the free Balboa Park Tram that runs every 10 to 15 minutes to get around. Save money with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which offers discounts at park museums. – Sharael Kolberg

Home to the renowned San Diego Zoo , this 1,200-acre park is the city's cultural hub. Located in downtown San Diego (about 1 ½ miles north of the city center), Balboa Park is a great place for a stroll, a bike ride or a picnic. Wander around the park's many gardens while admiring the intricate Spanish-Renaissance architecture that permeates the grounds (the best examples are the California Building and the reconstructed House of Hospitality). The Botanical Building is a great starting point in Balboa Park. The building is one of the most photographed places in Balboa Park and is one of the largest lath structures in the world. But don't just look at it. The famous botanical building features more than 2,100 permanent plants, including striking collections of tropical plants and orchids. Balboa Park also features a cactus garden, a rose garden, a Japanese-style garden as well as a palm tree canyon, among many others.

USS Midway Museum USS Midway Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: Feel what it's like to be a jet pilot in air-to-air combat in the thrilling flight simulator (for $10 per person; reservations required). Then head to the Flight Deck to see the aircraft up close. – Sharael Kolberg

San Diego is a big military town. You'll likely see bases scattered about while exploring the city, especially around parts of San Diego Bay. The USS Midway is one of these affiliated sites that offers an insider's look into what is normally closed off to the public. The USS Midway is the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century, having played host to more than 200,000 sailors over the course of its 47 years of service. This historical relic offers patrons the opportunity to explore approximately 60 different exhibits and more than 30 restored aircraft, including some that have flown in World War II, Operation Desert Storm and the Korean War. During the self-guided audio tour, you'll see the crew's sleeping quarters, the engine room and the primary flight control room, among other areas of the 4-acre flight deck. There are also flight simulators, a cafe and a gift shop.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park San Diego Zoo Safari Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: Spend the night with the animals on a Roar & Snore Safari. Guests sleep in comfortable tent cabins with cots and heaters. Witness the animals' activity after dark and roast s'mores around the campfire. – Sharael Kolberg

If you want more of the San Diego Zoo , head about 35 miles north to its Safari Park in Escondido. Here, you can view some of Africa's most beloved animals – including lions, elephants and cheetahs – roaming free (well, relatively). There are also meerkats, zebras, gorillas and bald eagles, to name a few. True to its name, the park offers a variety of different safaris, including a zip line safari and a wildlife safari in an open-air truck.

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San Diego Bay Cruises San Diego Bay Cruises

San Diego is known for its beaches and beach activities, and one of the best ways to experience the city is from the ocean. Along the city's Embarcadero, you'll find many cruise options, each offering a different experience. Finding the right experience and type of trip depends on your interests and time constraints. There are many one- to two-hour cruises available for people of all ages. Some are whale watching focused , as San Diego is one of the top places for whale watching in the country. Others, such as Flagship Cruises and Events' San Diego Harbor Tour, are sightseeing cruises , which visitors enjoy thanks to the engaging tour guides who narrate as the boat passes notable San Diego landmarks. Families with young children may appreciate the city's SEAL tours, which are narrated by guides on an amphibious vehicle; the tour consists of a 30-minute ride on land coupled with an hourlong ride on the water where passengers often see seals and other wildlife. Couples may be more interested in fine dining cruises, which provide guests with meals or drinks as they float along the city's bay. Options include a luxury dinner cruise from City Experiences or the Champagne brunch cruise from Flagship Cruises and Events . Then, there are cruises for thrill-seekers: Complete with whipping winds and splashing water for a 30-minute ride, boat adventures like the high-speed Patriot Jet Boat ride are not for the faint-hearted. 

Cruises depart from various ports within the harbor. Other attractions like Seaport Village , the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego are also nearby, so there are plenty of activities to keep you busy before or after your cruise.

Coronado Beach Coronado Beach free

Compared to Mission Beach , this popular shoreline boasts fewer sunbathers and calmer waves. Just across the bay from San Diego, Coronado Beach is popular with families and couples alike thanks to its long shoreline (affording plenty of room for beachgoers), clean sands, peaceful atmosphere and idyllic location in the "Crown City" (in Spanish, "Coronado" means "crowned one"). In fact, not only is it one of the best beaches in San Diego , it's also considered one of the best California beaches .

While you won't have access to a bustling boardwalk (like that at Mission Beach), you will have plenty of picturesque scenery to admire (besides the surf): magnificent mansions sit behind the beach on Ocean Boulevard. And the Hotel del Coronado – a National Historic Landmark that made its debut in 1888 and appeared in the 1959 Marilyn Monroe film "Some Like It Hot" – is perched just beyond the sand. When you're not boogie boarding or building a sand castle, heed the advice of recent visitors and simply walk the approximately 1.75-mile-long shoreline. Even if you're visiting San Diego during the winter season (December through February) when the water is a little too chilly for swimming, you should still plan to make a stop here for the scenery. And if you enjoy ice skating, the Hotel Del Coronado offers the unique opportunity to ice skate right alongside the beach.

Petco Park Petco Park

Often considered one of the top baseball stadiums in the country, Petco Park is a must-visit for San Diego Padres fans or for anyone who wants to witness a baseball game and take in the striking San Diego skyline. The park, which was built in 2004, sits beside the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego's East Village. The stadium reflects its Southern California location through the light sandstone exterior and decorative palm trees and vegetation. San Diego's notoriously sunny and dry weather also makes Petco Park an ideal baseball stadium: The Padres rarely see home games rained out, so it's highly unlikely visitors will need to worry about their plans getting canceled.

The stadium offers tours for anyone who wants to learn more about the ins and outs of the park. The daily tours highlight the press box, the dugout, the Padres Hall of Fame and more. Tours last about 80 minutes and tickets cost $38 for adults. Visitors can purchase tickets online or in person at the Western Metal Supply Building Ticket Windows on Seventh Ave and K Street up to 30 minutes before the tour starts. (The tour schedule differs depending on game days.) On game days, visitors can take a pregame tour. These tours cover most of the same sights as the daily tours, but also let visitors witness the excitement and energy of game preparation; game-day tours may also include the opportunity to watch batting practice. Prices vary depending on the day and time of the tour.

Legoland California Legoland California

Legoland California features much more than the company's ubiquitous plastic building blocks. It boasts an amusement park – one of the top California theme parks – with more than 60 rides and a 10-acre water park with several slides. It also has an interactive aquarium with more than 6,000 animals. Other activities include Lego-related live shows and 4D movies. For a low-key activity, head to MINILAND USA, which features miniature replicas of major cities like San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York City and Washington, D.C., all constructed from millions of Legos. New in 2023, there's also a replica of San Diego that includes Lego reconstructions of all of the city's famous landmarks. 

If this seems like too much to do in a single day, you can reserve one of the resort's hotel rooms , which, of course, are outfitted in decor inspired by Lego product lines. What's more, each room has a separate sleeping area for kids. The park itself houses several restaurants serving kid-approved fare like burgers and pizza, as well as a barbecue eatery that appeals to adults thanks to its craft beer menu.

La Jolla Cove La Jolla Cove free

La Jolla Cove is the jewel of La Jolla. Located across the water from La Jolla Shores , La Jolla Cove may not be much in terms of a beach, but its striking beauty and snorkeling reputation more than make up for it among recent visitors. The site is an ecologically protected area that is home to vibrant wildlife both in and out of the water. In fact, it's not uncommon to spot sea lions hanging close to the cove's bluffs and tide pools. Oftentimes, they even come on the beach. 

This is also an excellent spot for beginner snorkelers. Advanced snorkelers should take advantage of the sea caves located along the bluffs, but only with a guide. If you aren't an advanced snorkeler but still want to see the caves, you can take a kayak tour , or visit the Cave Store, which is home to a human-made tunnel that goes directly inside the Sunny Jim Cave. Travelers say even if you don't plan on swimming or snorkeling, you should still visit the attraction for its picture-perfect setting. 

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Mission Beach Mission Beach free

Mission Beach – one of the top San Diego beaches – is popular with families thanks to its variety of amenities and laid-back vibe. In addition to its approximately 2-mile-long boardwalk, the beach is also home to Belmont Park , a beachfront amusement park featuring arcades and numerous rides, including the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster – a nearly 100-year-old National Historic Landmark. Mission Beach is also a great spot for beginner surfers (several surf schools offer lessons here).

When lunchtime rolls around, head to one of the many beachside eateries that flank the boardwalk or Mission Boulevard (the area's main thoroughfare), or have a picnic at Bonita Cove, the bayfront park located across the street from Belmont Park that also features a playground as well as several restrooms.

Old Town San Diego Old Town San Diego free

Take a trip back in time at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, an approximately mile-long and half-mile-wide area contained stretch of preserved or reconstructed shops and houses on the grounds of the first European settlement in California. Widely considered the "birthplace of California," Old Town San Diego shows visitors what it was like to live through different eras of California history, from the time of Spanish explorers to the California gold rush. Some important stops include the adobe Casa de Estudillo, a house built in the 1820s that is one of the oldest surviving Mexican-Spanish-style structures of its type in the state. The park also shelters a reconstruction of San Diego's first brick building, a courthouse first built in the mid-19th century. Nearby the park, the Junípero Serra Museum, named for the Spanish missionary who helped colonize San Diego and other areas of California, is also a must-see because its architecture and location have helped make it a famous San Diego landmark. It sits on a hill in Presidio Park near green spaces, picnic areas and memorials, and it provides great views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The Whaley House, another of the city's early brick buildings (and one some believe to be haunted), also sits near the park.

There are plenty of shops in the Old Town area, many of which sell handcrafted items from Mexico and other Latin American countries. The town's Mexican heritage is also preserved through the various restaurants that dish out authentic Mexican food. Favorite eateries include El Agave, Cafe Coyote and Tahona Bar. Previous visitors enjoyed simply strolling through the streets, relaxing on the green spaces and listening to mariachi bands. For a little help navigating the area, sign up for one of the best San Diego tours .

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This oceanfront reserve features 1,750 acres of unspoiled land, including the Torrey pine, America's rarest pine tree. There are approximately 3,000 Torrey pines in the reserve alone, and aside from San Diego, the only other place in the country the pines grow are on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of Santa Barbara . The reserve also houses one of Southern California's last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges. What does that mean for you? Plenty of hiking opportunities (8 miles to be exact). Trails offer a chance to get up close and personal with the attraction's famously beautiful sandstone ravines and badlands, as well as breathtaking views of the coastline. And if you come during the spring, you'll see wildflowers on full display.

Popular trails include the short Guy Fleming Trail (0.7 miles round trip), which features two ocean overlooks, and the longer Razor Point Trail (1.4 miles round trip), which tours more of the sandstone geological features of the reserve. There is also the nearly mile-long Beach Trail that leads to Torrey Pines State Beach. Of all San Diego's beaches , a long walk along Torrey Pines State Beach is a must simply for its views of the towering sandstone cliffs that border it.

San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo

Spanning 100 acres in Balboa Park , the San Diego Zoo is not only one of the largest zoos in the country, it's also home to one of the largest collections of rare and endangered animals in the world (more than 12,000 animals in total). Amur leopards, jaguars, red pandas, giraffes, elephants and koalas (the largest collection outside of Australia) are just a few of the many animals that call the San Diego Zoo home. The exhibits are linked by an expansive series of trails, such as the Monkey Trail, the Hippo Trail or the Tiger Trail. On these designated pathways, you'll come face to face with numerous exciting creatures, including hippos and bonobos in the Lost Forest, polar bears in the Northern Frontier, rhinos in the Urban Jungle or Chinese alligators in the Discovery Outpost. You'll need plenty of energy – and a map (or smartphone app) – to see everything the zoo has to offer. Should your feet grow weary while exploring, the zoo offers a 35-minute guided bus tour of the park. There's also the Skyfari Aerial Tram that transports visitors from one end of the park to the other, offering a bird's-eye view of the exhibits below. The zoo also hosts animal presentations and animal encounter programs daily, and houses a 4D movie theater that screens educational wildlife films. 

Travelers almost unanimously agree that the San Diego Zoo is the best zoo they have ever visited. Recent visitors were impressed with the vast number of animals on display and the various activities. In fact, many said a daylong visit isn't enough time to see everything. Travelers suggest wearing quality walking shoes, as the distance between some exhibits is considerable. Some recommended hopping on the Kangaroo Bus that stops at four different places in the park, going on the guided bus tour or taking the Skyfari just for the views alone. Though a few reviewers express disappointment with the amount of walking involved and the high prices of admission and concession, visitors say the experience is worth it.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Birch Aquarium at Scripps

If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to SeaWorld San Diego , consider this small aquarium in La Jolla. Located at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, the Birch Aquarium overlooks the Pacific Ocean, the source of the fish and invertebrates housed in its more than 60 habitats.

Creatures here include sea turtles, sharks and seahorses (which are a key focus of its conservation efforts). The interactive institution has outdoor pools that allow visitors to have hands-on experiences with young sharks, rays and sea cucumbers. It also offers daily behind-the-scenes tours. Other highlights include a two-story, 70,000-gallon giant kelp forest and a blue penguin exhibit (blue penguins are the world's smallest penguins).

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Sesame Place San Diego Sesame Place San Diego

Sesame Place is a kid-oriented destination inspired by the "Sesame Street" TV series. It features a neighborhood constructed to resemble the show's set with recognizable locations like Hooper's Store and Big Bird's Nest. This is where children can have their photos taken with some of their favorite puppet characters (or adults dressed to look like them) or hear them tell stories. Sesame Place also has a variety of themed rides, including Super Grover’s Box Car Derby (a family-friendly roller coaster) and the Sunny Day Carousel, as well as numerous water slides. Sesame Place also stages live parades and shows featuring Bert, Ernie and the rest of the gang. In addition, it has several on-site eateries, such as Oscar's Grouchy Grub and Grover's Grill.

Visitors – adult ones, anyway – point out this is primarily a place for children to romp and may be of limited interest to anyone else. Some say that despite the "Sesame Street" trappings, it’s essentially a water park. (Indeed, it was adapted from the former SeaWorld Aquatica San Diego water park.) And others grumble that it can get rather expensive. Even so, many say that if you enter knowing what to expect, and with companions of the appropriate age in tow, you can have a magical time here.

Pacific Beach Pacific Beach free

Pacific Beach – one of the top San Diego beaches – is popular with college students thanks to its lively atmosphere and proximity to bars and restaurants. Families looking for a quieter stretch of sand may want to venture a little farther south to Mission Beach . Pacific Beach is a popular surf spot that's home to Tourmaline Surfing Park, which is known for its slow waves that are ideal for novices. This section of Pacific Beach is not swimmable, but even if you don't want to try your hand at surfing it's still a fun place to watch others ride the waves, according to past travelers.

Pacific Beach earns high marks from reviewers for its beautiful views and clean shores. Others appreciate the variety of eateries that sit within walking distance of the sand. Aside from Mission Boulevard, you can find a heavy concentration of bars and nightlife options on Garnet Avenue and Grand Avenue. If you don't want to experience this side of Pacific Beach, take a walk along Crystal Pier or stick to the beach north of this pier (a popular area for families). 

Little Italy Little Italy free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand breakfast, head to the whimsical, pink-themed Morning Glory restaurant. The soufflé pancakes, dim sum cart and spro (espresso) are worth the long wait in line. – Sharael Kolberg

Centered around the 10,000-square-foot Piazza della Famiglia, a European-style plaza connecting Columbia and India streets, Little Italy is a neighborhood teeming with restaurants, cafes, art galleries, craft beer taprooms and boutiques. Here, old-school eateries like Mona Lisa Italian Foods, Filippi's Pizza Grotto and Waterfront Bar & Grill neighbor trendy, upscale establishments like Kettner Exchange, Juniper & Ivy and The Crack Shack.

Gaslamp Quarter Gaslamp Quarter free

The Gaslamp Quarter's 16 blocks are peppered with Victorian-style buildings that now house a variety of shops, art galleries, theaters and trendy restaurants, not to mention plenty of bars and clubs. The area stretches from L Street all the way up to Broadway, including Sixth, Fifth and Fourth avenues as well as out to First Avenue at G Street. The Gaslamp Quarter Association, the city of San Diego and other groups devised a plan to transform some of these streets into car-free plazas collectively called the Gaslamp Promenade. The best place to start your tour of the Gaslamp Quarter is at the Gaslamp Quarter Gate itself, located at L Street and Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue is considered downtown San Diego's main thoroughfare. You'll find the most action here, especially at night. Thanks to all of its amenities, the Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego's premier nightlife destination. If you're not a night owl, another way to experience the Gaslamp Quarter's lively atmosphere is to take advantage of the patio seating offered at some of the neighborhood's restaurants, or venture to one of the many rooftop bars (the Andaz San Diego  boasts 360-degree views of the city's skyline). For help navigating the neighborhood, sign up for one of the best San Diego tours .

Past visitors say this is the area to stay in if you're looking for a hip, busy scene. The Gaslamp Quarter also hosts many annual events year-round, including San Diego Comic-Con. However, because it's so popular, travelers also warn that parking can be limited, especially when there's a game or event at Petco Park . Consider using public transportation instead; several bus lines stop in the area. If you do drive, you can park at Horton Plaza Park or one of the other structures in the area (where rates vary by day of the week, time of day and length of your stay). To avoid all parking fees, you can park at the Old Town Transit Center for free and take the trolley from there, which goes straight into downtown San Diego. You'll find the Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of San Diego, southwest of Balboa Park . The bars, restaurants and stores maintain different hours of operation, so check out the neighborhood's website for more information and to read more about upcoming events.

Seaport Village Seaport Village free

If you want to spend the afternoon watching ships float in and out of the harbor while sipping coffee or shopping for souvenirs, Seaport Village is the place to go. Located on the San Diego waterfront not far from the USS Midway Museum and the convention center, the 14-acre village is home to more than 50 shops, 13 casual dining outlets and four fine dining restaurants. Even visitors who aren't particularly fond of shopping said they still enjoyed strolling the 4 miles of cobblestone paths winding through the sunny outdoor complex. What's more, it's the jumping-off point for one of the best California tours within San Diego: the San Diego Seal Tour. If you're looking for panoramic sea views, grab a bite at Edgewater Grill. And at the end of the day, Seaport Village is a great place to watch the sun set over the Pacific. Many visitors also appreciate the view it affords of the Coronado Bridge.

Seaport Village is also a popular entertainment venue. If you're visiting San Diego in March, don't miss Busker Fest – a free event showcasing street performers from all over the globe. There is also live music every weekend on stages in the Carousel and Lighthouse districts.

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La Jolla Shores La Jolla Shores free

Known for its gentle waves and active beachgoers, La Jolla Shores is an ideal place to relax for a few hours. Locals and tourists hit this beach to surf, see marine life and enjoy the clean ocean water and sand. Families flock to La Jolla Shores and appreciate the reliable lifeguard presence and ample public restrooms. Adjacent to the beach is the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which houses two artificial reefs meant to attract marine life. Its perimeter is marked with buoys to enforce the strict no fishing rules. Along with fishing, collecting seashells is prohibited, as the area is part of the Marine Life Refuge used by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography for research. Away from the protected refuge, surfers and boogie boarders come to catch waves in designated zones. Additionally, kayak and snorkeling gear rentals are available and visitors can sign up for scuba diving classes ahead of time.  La Jolla Kayak  and  San Diego Bike and Kayak Tours  are two companies that offer rental equipment.

There are a handful of dining options where visitors can grab a quick bite or nice meal just a short walk from the shore. For a prime vantage point, visitors suggest seeking out one of the rooftop decks at the local bars, where you can enjoy shoreline views and vibrant sunsets over cocktails.

Liberty Public Market Liberty Public Market free

If you find yourself hungry and near the San Diego Bay, look no further than Liberty Public Market for a delicious solution. Housed in a former Navy training building within the Arts District of Liberty Station, the market features more than 30 independently run food stalls, each with its own unique flair. Visitors can stroll through the bustling market and sample a variety of cuisines, including pizza, tacos, salads and more. Some stalls have more specific products, such as Baker & Olive, which sells premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or Old Town Soap Company, which offers natural self-care and wellness products. Beer, wine and cocktails are also available.

Visitors say the Liberty Public Market is perfect for anyone traveling with a large group, as everyone is sure to find something they like. For more shopping, guests can venture outside to the various other accessory stores around Liberty Station.

San Diego Golf Courses San Diego Golf Courses

With more than 70 courses and temperate weather year-round, the San Diego area ranks as a top destination for golfers. The city of San Diego operates three municipal courses: Balboa Park Golf Course, which boasts views of the nearby downtown area as well as the Pacific Ocean; Mission Bay Golf Course, the only one in the city with night lighting; and Torrey Pines Golf Course, which also features ocean views and has hosted some prestigious professional competitions. All three are regarded as among the best in the area.

Recent players called the Balboa Park course both challenging and fun, and enjoyed its scenic views. Golfers regularly describe the Mission Bay course as small, but frequently cite the friendliness of the staff. Golf enthusiasts rave about the Torrey Pines course with some saying their time there was the highlight of their trip to San Diego. Visit the city's parks and recreation department's website for information on reserving tee times.

Children's Pool in La Jolla Children's Pool in La Jolla free

Animal lovers are sure to enjoy Children's Pool beach in La Jolla. Because of the California coast's sometimes harsh waves, a seawall was built in the 1930s on a portion of the beach to make the waters calmer for children. However, builders didn't realize the calm waters would appeal to seals as well. In recent years, seals have started flocking to Children's Pool to bask in the sun, play in the water and give birth to their pups. The wildlife phenomenon has turned the beach into a must-see tourist attraction.

Visitors can walk out onto the seawall to watch the seals from above, and many agreed Children's Pool was one of the highlights of their San Diego trip. They suggest bringing binoculars to see the seals and jackets as it can get chilly on the seawall. They also warn the abundance of seals can sometimes result in a rather pungent scent, but seeing the animals in their natural habitat is worth it.

Maritime Museum of San Diego Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum offers a hands-on look at San Diego's days as a bustling seaport. You can tour all types of historic vessels, from sailing ships to submarines, including the world's oldest active ship, the Star of India. If exploring boats doesn't satisfy your craving for a nautical experience, set sail on one of the museum's vessels, such as the Californian, the official tall ship of the state of California. Prices and tour availability vary by boat, so make sure to check the website for more information. 

Recent visitors said the boat tours gave them a new understanding of the workmanship and skill required of sailors. Past travelers also note that you should allot yourself plenty of time to explore the various ships. Along with the boat tours, you can also tour several permanent and visiting exhibits that detail San Diego's maritime legacy through art and artifacts. Travelers say the exhibits are fascinating, even for youngsters. 

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Belmont Park Belmont Park

A trip to San Diego is not complete without a visit to beachfront amusement park and boardwalk Belmont Park. The park, which has been in operation since 1925, offers something for everyone. Those looking for a thrill can ride the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the spinning Beach Blaster, while those who prefer something calmer can enjoy the carousel, go mini golfing or hit the arcade. Additional activities and attractions include rock climbing, bumper cars, zip lining and laser tag. Despite the park's busy location ( Mission Beach ), previous visitors were pleased that the lines were usually short. However, they advise going in the morning or evening to minimize wait times regardless. Belmont Park also features a variety of retails shops and equipment rental vendors. Visitors also enjoy Plunge San Diego, the park's indoor pool that features beach views.

Belmont Park serves typical amusement park fare (like hot dogs, ice cream and burgers). The park is also home to a handful of upscale restaurants, including seafood and sushi spot Cannonball, which offers one of the city's largest rooftops and overlooks Mission Beach.

Torrey Pines Gliderport Torrey Pines Gliderport

Travelers can take in Torrey Pines' unique coastal scenery from a new perspective at Torrey Pines Gliderport. The gliderport is one of the top spots in California for paragliding, hang gliding, remote control models and sailplanes. In operation for almost a century, this unique adventure hub allows visitors to witness the beautifully preserved California coastline from above. Each tandem paragliding and hang gliding flight (in which you fly with an instructor) lasts 20 to 25 minutes and gives visitors the chance to witness the sandstone cliffs, golf courses and vibrant water from the sky before landing back where they started – 350 feet above Black's Beach. (Or, depending on wind conditions, gliders may land on the beach itself and hike back to the top of the cliff.) Anyone of any age can sign up for a tandem gliding ride, but minors must get formal approval from their parents or guardians.

Visitors say the rides are worth the price because it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many; they rave about the guides who made them feel safe and also made the ride fun.

SeaWorld San Diego SeaWorld San Diego

Though you may spot wildlife at any one of San Diego's beaches (especially Pacific and Mission beaches) none put on quite as good a show as the performers at SeaWorld. Here, you'll get to see a range of animals, including dolphins, California sea lions, California otters and sea turtles, among others. As for the rides, travelers love the lightning-fast Manta roller coaster, but caution against the Journey to Atlantis or Shipwreck Rapids rides if you don't want to get wet. In 2022, the park added the Emperor, which it bills as California's tallest and fastest roller coaster with a 14-story vertical drop and speeds of up to 60 mph. For something a little more low-key, head to any one of the park's animal exhibits, such as the underwater shark-viewing tunnel or the penguin habitat, which features nearly 400 penguins. There's also the Sesame Street Bay of Play (included in your SeaWorld general admission ticket), which features various wet and dry playgrounds, as well as a bounce house, climbing structure and smaller rides suited for children and toddlers.

Recent visitors had a blast at SeaWorld, especially those with kiddos in tow. Travelers say you can't miss a show, with many being fond of the dolphin show in particular. Make sure to arrive early though, as lines can get long. Travelers also highly recommended wearing quality walking shoes and bringing an extra jacket or change of clothes in case you get wet on the rides or at the shows (there's a splash zone for most). Travelers who didn't bring a change of clothes said they were miserable walking around the park wet and balked at the high price of clothing available at the park.

Cabrillo National Monument Cabrillo National Monument

The southernmost tip of Point Loma is where you'll find the Cabrillo National Monument. The statue depicts Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who, in 1542, was the first European explorer to navigate the California coast. Situated about 10 miles southwest of downtown San Diego, this monument is much more than just a memorializing effigy. The main reason people make the journey to the monument is for its incredible views. From the monument, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific as well as downtown San Diego, Coronado, and on a clear day, the mountains of Tijuana, Mexico.

Once you've gotten your fill from the top, walk or drive down Cabrillo Road to experience the Point Loma Tide Pools, or take a scenic walk along the coastal trail. There's also the 2.5-mile Bayside Trail that cascades down into the east side of the point and ends right above the bay waters. For those more interested in the historical aspect of the attraction, the National Park Service site features ranger talks further explaining the story behind the Cabrillo Monument as well as the restored Old Point Loma Lighthouse, located a short walk south from the monument on Humphreys Road. 

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial free

Situated in La Jolla, less than 3 miles south of La Jolla Shores , the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial was built in 1954 to honor every U.S. veteran, living or deceased, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Along with a massive cross, there are also a series of 11 walls displaying more than 3,500 granite plaques devoted to individual military persons and their accomplishments. Volunteer docents are on hand to answer questions. The memorial conducts ceremonies honoring veterans each Friday morning as well as special events on holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

In addition to its solemn purposes, the site atop its namesake mountain boasts exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego and, to the east, the mountains. Visitors frequently remark on the beautifully realized tribute to servicemen and women, as well as the unrivaled views of the surrounding area.

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Silver Strand State Beach Silver Strand State Beach

Situated on a sand-spit between Coronado and Imperial Beach, Silver Strand State Beach stretches for 2 ½ miles on the Pacific Ocean and another half-mile on San Diego Bay and offers exceptional views of both bodies of water. It's a popular spot for boating, surfing, picnicking, water-skiing, fishing, volleyball and camping. The Bayshore Bikeway – a 24-mile bike route that extends from Coronado through Imperial Beach and Chula Vista into downtown San Diego – passes through the area. Silver Stand takes its name from the iridescent oyster shells that cover the sand and make it a popular destination for shell collectors. South of the beach, a trail leads to San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Recent visitors say Silver Strand is an attractive and clean place with a relaxed atmosphere. They also confirm that it's a popular spot for RV camping.

Sunset Cliffs Sunset Cliffs free

A few miles from Cabrillo National Monument , Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent place for ocean views in Point Loma. Situated about 9 miles due west of downtown San Diego, Sunset Cliffs stretches across 68 acres and runs 1.5 miles along Point Loma peninsula's western shoreline. The dramatic sandstone cliffs and untouched vegetation along with its stunning ocean vistas make for an unforgettable stroll. The area is also home to a few secluded beaches as well, though getting to them can be tricky. There is a beach popular with locals at the beginning of Cordova Street off of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, but you have to traverse down the steep cliffs to get there. For an easier descent, head to the end of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard at Ladera Street and take a walk down the available stairway. It won't lead you to the beach, but it will get you just above the crashing waves. You can reach the sand by wading through water on the rocky shore. Nicknamed Garbage Beach for the kelp covering the rocks, the area is pretty popular with surfers, so expect to see lots of locals catching waves. If you venture farther up into Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, you'll find plenty of walking trails right along the ocean and through the coastal scrub that dot the area. 

As its name implies, sunset is a popular time to visit the park and recent visitors say arguably the best. If you want to avoid the crowds at dusk, try to plan a mid-week trip rather than a weekend visit. Travelers recommend bringing along a sweatshirt in case the ocean breeze gets a little too chilly. Past visitors also suggest using the restroom before stopping here as there are no facilities on-site. You can get to Sunset Cliffs via public transportation. If you're staying downtown, take the trolley to Old Town Transit Center then catch the No. 35 bus and it will take you to the beginning of the cliffs. Sunset Cliffs has no opening or closing hours, though it's best to go when there's light for maximum visibility. People have had accidents falling off of the cliffs, so be sure to observe the signs marking unstable cliffs. For more information, visit the parks and recreation website .

San Diego Wine Tasting & Tours San Diego Wine Tasting & Tours

San Diego is home to numerous, mostly family-owned, wineries and tasting rooms located in areas throughout the county, including Escondido, Julian, Solana Beach, Ramona, Carlsbad and in the city proper. The climate and soil are conducive to growing grapes for award-winning artisan wine. You'll find everything from sprawling vineyards like Bernardo Winery with 2,500 vines, or Pali Wine Co.'s charming tasting room in Little Italy , to beachside wineries, such as Gianni Buonomo Vintners, or mountain wineries like Hawk Watch Winery. There is a large range of varietals grown in this area, such as pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, petite syrah, sangiovese and more. Original offerings include almond Champagne and chocolate port by Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards.

Whether you want to get out of town and take a scenic drive to visit one of the winery estates or just want to stop by a quaint wine tasting room in downtown San Diego, these hidden gems are worth exploring while in the area. If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, consider signing up for one of the best Temecula wine tours . Located in the hills of Southern California's wine country between Los Angeles and San Diego, Temecula is home to dozens of wineries.

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is a state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue operated by the San Diego Symphony. Located at the Embarcadero Marina Park South, this venue, which opened in 2021, was a five-year collaboration between the San Diego Symphony and leading architects, design firms, sound engineers, construction experts, fabricators and audiovisual teams. It's recognized for its unique and stunning shell design, which it describes as "acoustically superior." Visitors can listen to a variety of live music at this waterfront venue while dining on locally sourced culinary offerings. Musical performances range from classical to pop, with concerts by artists like Michael Bolton, Van Morrison and Counting Crows, to name a few.

Past visitors raved about the scenic waterfront venue, applauding the acoustics and the stunning harbor views.

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• Last Updated On
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8 Best San Diego All Inclusive Resorts for Families – All Ages Love!

In the hustle and bustle of life, taking time out to unwind with your loved ones is absolutely essential. 

And what better way to do it than at the best San Diego all inclusive resorts for families?

San Diego is a magical place with a heart full of sunshine and a coastline that mesmerizes. 

Not to mention, it has countless family-friendly experiences that are waiting for you to discover. 

We’re talking comfy accommodations, fun-packed activities, scrumptious meals – all sorted out for you and your family to indulge in. 

Are you ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in San Diego? 

Dive right into my hand-picked selection of all-inclusive resorts that will give your family the relaxation and fun they so richly deserve. 

After all, we’re all about making every trip an experience to cherish – one laugh, one hug, one unforgettable moment at a time. 

So, let’s get started. 

Best San Diego All Inclusive Resorts For Families Compared

From modern accommodations at the city center to relaxing hubs along the coast, San Diego has an extensive list of all-inclusive places where you can find comfort. Below are some of the finest places you must check out for a relaxing experience during your vacation.

Editor’s Choice

Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa

A resort that oozes luxury through every pore, the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa is a great option for families year-round, thanks to the many special packages it offers to ensure that guests have an inclusive experience.

• Kid-friendly Activities: 4/5
• Family Accommodations: 5/5
• Dining Options: 4.5/5
• Safety and Security: 5/5
• Value for Money: 4/5
• Location and Accessibility: 4/5

#2nd Best Choice

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego

Located in San Diego’s happening downtown area, the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego, is a popular year-round option, letting guests customize their vacation.

• Kid-friendly Activities: 3.5/5
• Family Accommodations: 4/5
• Dining Options: 3/5
• Safety and Security: 4/5
• Value for Money: 5/5
• Location and Accessibility: 5/5

#3rd Best Choice

Hilton San Diego Bayfront

With spectacular views of the San Diego Bay on offer, as well as a ton of great features, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is one of the top San Diego family resorts that are all-inclusive.

• Family Accommodations: 4/5 
• Dining Options: 4/5
• Safety and Security: 3.5/5

Here are the top all inclusive resorts in San Diego for families.

1. Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa (Editor’s Choice)

5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 (858) 756-1123 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Luxurious amenities
• Culinary garden
•  Expensive rates

These packages let you choose the kind of holiday you want; spending your vacation in the spa with its many treatments or gorging on the delicious food in the two onsite dining options is purely in your hands.

Sprawled across 45 acres, the resort boasts 49 casitas with private patios, as well as a tennis court, poolside private cabanas, 2 saltwater swimming pools, and of course, a gorgeous spa.

The resort provides bicycles for guests who want to explore the surroundings.

The resort is also close to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and beach, Cardiff State Beach and the Black Mountain Open Space Park, so a lot of fun is guaranteed, either way.

2. Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego

701 A St San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 696-9800 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Near downtown area
• Friendly staff
• Rooms are not soundproof

Located in San Diego’s happening downtown area, the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego , is a popular year-round option, letting guests customize their vacation.

The resort comes with a ton of great amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center and SHAKE — its super-popular all-day-dining on-site restaurant.

Guests can choose from 264 villas and guest rooms, all equipped with amenities such as fully-equipped kitchenettes and separate sitting spaces.

Heading out and exploring is super easy and fun, with the Petco Park, Balboa Park, the Port of San Diego and the Maritime Museum of San Diego are all close by, making for a vacation that’s as fun as it is educational.

Also See: Kid Friendly Hotels in San Francisco Palm Springs Water Park Resorts

3. Hilton San Diego Bayfront

1 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 564-3333 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• On-site spa
• Waterfront view
• Long check-in process

Generally a popular choice with those traveling to attend conventions at the San Diego Convention Center, that’s right across the street, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is also a great option for families thanks to the many packages it offers them, such as including meals with your stay.

The resort is also a stone’s throw away from the Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village, so there’s quite a bit of fun awaiting you should you go out exploring.

Guests can choose among 1190 smoke-free suites and rooms, all equipped with huge windows to give you the best of the city’s skyline and the bay.

Additionally, delicious food won’t be much of a problem, with the waterfront eatery Odysea with its beautiful terrace and Vela, the signature restaurant of the resort.

Related: Best Family Hotels in San Diego

4. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

3999 Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 488-1081 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa can be a perfect alternative to Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa and Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego, for a tropical ambiance in San Diego.

A lovely resort that sits on the beach, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is a popular option among families for its inclusive offers, such as breakfast for two guests each day of your stay.

You can choose from 310 smoke-free suites and rooms and enjoy delicious in-room dining 24/7.

Better yet, head to Oceana Coastal Kitchen, the signature resort of the Catamaran, or the more casual Moray’s.

You’ll also be spoilt for choice with the range of spa treatments on offer, based on the healing traditions of the South Pacific and Asian regions.

For those days when you find yourself able and willing to leave the spa, head to the Pacific Beach Park, a few minutes’ worth of walking away, or the closeby Belmont Park and La Jolla Cove.

Also See: Family Resorts: San Diego Palm Springs Resorts for Families

5. Fairmont Grand Del Mar

5300 Grand Del Mar Ct San Diego, CA 92130 (858) 314-2000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Nestled amid the Carmel many excellent eateries and wine-tasting destinations in Carmel Valley, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is one of the top San Diego family resorts for an inclusive stay.

The resort offers many great packages that are great for vacationing families, such as enjoying breakfast each day of your stay or several activities included in your room rate, to make the most of your fam getaway.

This way, there’s a little something for every member of the family on offer at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.

Additionally, the resort has 6 great onsite dining options, including a dining program specially designed for the tykes and tots.

There’s also a golf course, a great spa and a gym onsite.

The resort is a mere 6 miles away from the 2,000-acre Torrey Pines State Reserve; the coastal state park is a great spot for guided nature walks.

Related: Best Things to Do in San Diego

6. Wyndham San Diego Bayside

1355 N Harbor Dr San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 232-3861 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Not just one of the top spots in San Diego but in all of California , the Wyndham San Diego Bayside hotel offers guests a range of packages to customize their stay.

Add to that a beautiful and convenient location next to the beach, and you have a win-win.

On the days that you and the kids want to tear yourselves away from splashing around in the waters of the Pacific and soaking in the warm San Diego sun, head to the nearby USS Midway Museum or Maritime Museum of San Diego for fun and learning.

You can choose from 600 smoke-free suites and rooms.

Dining options are aplenty, with a mind-blowing 300 eateries in the area as well as a plethora of onsite dining options.

Related: Best Beaches in San Diego

Also See: Family Resorts: San Francisco

7. The Dana on Mission Bay

1710 W Mission Bay Dr San Diego, CA 92109 (619) 222-6440 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

A waterfront resort with its own gorgeous private marina, The Dana on Mission Bay exudes a tropical feel; the beautiful, lush landscaping only adds to this vibe.

With a state-of-the-art fitness center and 2 outdoor heated swimming pools, The Dana is a great pick for a San Diego family vacation with a ton of family-friendly amenities and offers.

The resort runs a themed-days program, with Wine Wednesdays and Tiki Tuesdays for all the family members to enjoy.

Additionally, the resort fee covers your participation in these themed events, as well as daily drive-in movie nights, board games, 50% off breakfast and lawn games, to name a few — a great budget pick.

You can also make a day trip to the nearby Belmont Park, the 27-mile pristine Fiesta Island Park and the Whaley Museum for a world of more fun.

Related: Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

Related: Southern California Family Resorts

8. San Diego Mission Bay

1775 E Mission Bay Dr San Diego, CA 92109 (619) 677-1161 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Barely 3 miles away from top tourist attractions such as the University of San Diego and Sea World, the San Diego Mission Bay is a 4-star resort that boasts 2 world-class restaurants, a full-service spa and a beautiful marina.

The resort offers 357 rooms to guests, all equipped with balconies/patios, refrigerators, 65-inch LED TVs, bathrooms with free toiletries and hair dryers, coffee makers and laptop-compatible safes.

The resort also offers a ton of other amenities such as a fun children’s pool just for the tykes and tots to splash about in, while mom and dad burn some calories at the 24-hour fitness center, or enjoy a relaxing soak in any of the 3 spa tubs.

Related: Best Hotels in San Diego

Related: Best Restaurants in San Diego

Also See: Family Friendly Hotels in Los Angeles Best Resorts in Los Angeles for Families

Vacationer’s Guide 

Comparing resorts: which one is right for you.

Travelers consider various options before deciding where to stay in San Diego.

Aside from the budget, you must also determine the specific location and amenities you need to have the best adventure in the area.

It’s equally necessary for you to be aware of each place’s benefits and drawbacks.

Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa worked for my family because of its upscale ambiance and unparalleled service.

From the rooms to the common area, this property lives up to its sophisticated clientele from the rooms to the common area.

But its high cost has been a significant drawback that prompts people not to come to this heavenly place.

For an affordable option, the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego, can be perfect for you.

Its downtown location lets you access unique attractions, theaters, and parks within a few minutes.

However, some people get annoyed by the noise since the rooms need to be soundproof.

Hilton San Diego Bayfront impressed us with waterfront views from our homey accommodation.

Just be prepared for a lengthy check-in process they consistently try to address.

Alternatively, try the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa to immerse yourself in a tropical vibe with Sail Bay views.

How I Picked The Resorts 

As a seasoned traveler, I have visited San Diego several times since I loved its atmosphere.

I browsed through online resources to understand the history of its well-known resorts, noting their improvements as the years went by.

With this idea, I set my expectations well when I visited some of its resorts.

Aside from my experience, I used my conversation with locals to get additional insights about what these resorts can offer.

Our Resort Rating Method 

I rate these properties based on the following criteria:

• Kid-friendly Activities: I use this to evaluate the availability and variety of family-friendly amenities at every resort. Does it feature water parks, playgrounds, and kids’ clubs? Does the resort organize events designed specifically for kids? I ask myself these questions whenever I rate this resort’s kid-friendly activities. 
• Family Accommodations: This is used to assess the family accommodations of the resort. Are the rooms spacious? Does it offer family suites with connecting rooms? Can it accommodate families of different sizes? Is there a crib or baby-proofing in every room? These questions are essential whenever I rate the resort’s family accommodations. 
• Dining Options: This evaluates the dining options at the resort. Are there kid-friendly menus or buffet-style dining at the resort? Can the on-site restaurants cater to everyone’s dietary preferences and needs? I use these questions to assess the dining options of every property. 
• Safety and Security: I use this criterion to assess the safety and security of the resorts. Are there lifeguards at the swimming pools? Are the premises secured? Is the staff trained to handle any emergency? I consider these factors when rating the property’s safety and security. 
• Value for Money: This is used to evaluate the value of money provided by the resort. Are the room rates reasonable? Are the services, activities, and amenities suitable for the price? I ask myself these questions to rate the value for money provided by the resort. 
• Location and Accessibility: This measures how accessible the resort is for families. How far is it from the popular family attractions? Is it easily accessible via public transportation? Does the resort offer airport transfers? These are the questions I ask myself when evaluating the property’s location and accessibility. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best resort around downtown san diego.

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse is the best resort in downtown San Diego.

What Are Must-Visit Waterfront Resorts In San Diego?

San Diego Mission Bay and Hilton San Diego Bayfront are must-visit waterfront resorts in San Diego.

With their stellar service, these places deserve their spots in the best San Diego all inclusive resorts for families.

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego, provides easy access because of its proximity to public transportation.

We felt at home inside the property because of the in-room amenities, including plush beds, television, sofas, and work desks.

The friendly staff, always ready with a smile, added a warm touch to our stay. 

We also got to soak our bodies in the hot tub for a pampering experience.

Hilton San Diego Bayfront matched that comfort level through the outdoor pool and the on-site spa.

Returning to this place is tempting because the stunning sights and exceptional amenities are beyond comparison.

Aside from those two, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa provided us with a much-needed escape far from the city center.

Even the food they served was fantastic, so we never regretted our stay in this one-of-a-kind resort.

And who can ever forget about the best of them all?

Spanning 45 acres, the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa gave us a memorable vacation through its plentiful amenities.

We appreciated the fresh Californian fare at the on-site restaurant because its dishes satisfied our picky palates.

Every dime you spend here will be very much worth it.

Inexpensive San Diego Vacation: Exciting Travel Plan That You’ll Actually Love

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: August 2, 2022  - Last updated: January 30, 2024

Getting to travel for a living has its perks for sure, but we also are really careful and deliberate about how we do it. We love SD and have some great recommendations for how to have a budget friendly San Diego family vacation. Curious how we make the most of traveling on points and planning an ideal, budget savvy trip ? Of course you are! 😉

When we first started thinking about a location that the whole family would enjoy and that we haven’t been to recently, us Dads both said “San Diego!” aloud. Chris was stationed in San Diego when he was in the Navy, so he has lots of great memories from SD and the kids and I love beaches, so we started plotting out right away. Something great about Southern California is that if you want to visit on a budget, it’s very doable. And now, commence our San Diego family vacation plan.

Check out our Awesome 3 Day San Diego Itinerary here!

Do we actually use rewards points to travel? Yes.

Every now and then people question if we’re sharing from the heart or just working with sponsors to do fun trips. We are totally sharing from the heart and telling it like it is, including how we travel the way we do. Between our Best Western, World of Hyatt and IHG Rewards Club points, they’ve made many of our trips possible and kept us budget savvy. Just to lend some real-life trip examples to our tips below for planning a San Diego family vacation, check out some of our past rewards points stays.

• New York, NY – Holiday Inn Manhattan Financial District (great location)
• Seattle getaways – Hyatt House, Grand Hyatt, Olive 8 …
• Orlando, Florida – Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express (added days onto Universal Orlando trips)
• Los Angeles, CA – Holiday Inn Express (bonus SoCal beach days paired with work travel)
• Disneyland trip – Best Western Rewards at the BW Stoval’s Inn
• Amsterdam, Netherlands – Holiday Inn Express (cool new property on a long stopover)
• Frankfurt, Germany – Holiday Inn Express (ideal location for exploring old and new Frankfurt)

These stays, along with others, have been made possible by the rewards points we’ve earned over time. See? We totally stand by our methods and points usage plans. Now, check out how we planned and executed a really great San Diego family vacation using/earning IHG Rewards Club points.

Choosing the right hotel for our San Diego family vacation

Before summer of 2018 we hadn’t done a San Diego family vacation yet, so all of our experience in SD was in our younger, carefree years when we just wanted to stay close to the action and play tourist. From our memories and what we could recall of fun neighborhoods in San Diego, we went with the Gaslamp District for our hotel locale. We figured this would be perfect for whatever activities we did, especially if we were able to take the kids to a Padres baseball game.

Well, the Gaslamp District turned out to be a bit more hoppin’ than we expected. It’s great for San Diego with teen s. We were glad to have some really great restaurants close by, but it also meant that it was really busy on Friday and Saturday nights with the many bars and clubs in the neighborhood too. That was something we hadn’t fully thought through when we were choosing a neighborhood for our home-base on our family vacation to San Diego. It worked out fine though!

We ended up booking at IHG’s Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp . Our room was nice and big with very nice fixtures and furnishings. We had a view looking out across the neighborhood and plenty of dining options right outside our door. Our room rate was competitive and better than similar properties in the neighborhood, and we were really pleased with our hotel for our San Diego family vacation.

We didn’t really have any needs while staying at the Hotel Indigo, but all of the staff we interacted with in the course of our stay were very kind and willing and able to help with anything. They even provided parking alternatives since we didn’t want to do valet during our stay, which was awesome and a great money saver for us.

Find a budget friendly San Diego hotel here!

Booking travel for a San Diego family vacation

If you’re on the West Coas t and as far inland as Denver , traveling to SD for family vacation is pretty easy. Why don’t we do it more often?! We were able to line up our San Diego family vacation with a quick trip to Disneyland so we looked for flights going into LAX and returning home out of San Diego. I know, you’re thinking that multi-city plane tickets are totally expensive and not a cost-effective/savvy way to travel. Not true though.  Here’s exactly how we book a family’s worth of tickets for a great deal.

• Book directly through the airline when it’s just one carrier to ensure reservations are exactly what you need, including kid travel info
• Be flexible with flight times – busier flight times cost more, but very early or even very late flights are often $75 to $150 less per ticket (one way)
• Book shortest flights possible – layovers add stress and delay starting your vacation. You can usually find a direct flight for the same cost and less travel time
• Use miles when available – we are often able to get one or more flights with miles, and West Coast routes usually are available for smaller quantities of miles

So yeah, that’s how we manage booking flights on a budget, even if we can’t follow each of our tips every time. We most frequently fly with Alaska Airlines, so our status also often gets us upgrades. It’s all about using points for travel all the time!

Bonus : with many credit cards you often get a either Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check credit to be used towards applying/enrolling in either security program. HUGE time-saver for us, particularly with kids in a busy airport.  We recently added CLEAR and now it’s the FASTEST SECURITY EVER.

Taking Amtrak between LA/OC and San Diego

The other handy tip we have for doing a trip like this (LA/Anaheim to San Diego) is to take the train between your destinations. This might sound odd or not a budget savvy travel choice, but it really is. Renting a car from one airport and returning it to another incurs a whole bunch of fees and taxes you don’t need to pay. Here’s the breakdown of how we saved on travel between the Los Angeles area and San Diego:

• Cost of rental car for five days – $780 , this includes taxes from both airports/cities, 5 days of use AND a drop fee for returning the car to a different location (and tax on that)
• Cost of train tickets from Anaheim to San Diego – $120
• Cost of rental car for three days in SD only – $140
• Total ground transportation cost – $260 , A savings of $520  due to less days of rental, no drop fees and fewer taxes.

The combination of smart flight booking and budget savvy ground transportation made the combo trip of a Disneyland AND San Diego vacation completely within our means.

San Diego Family Vacation itinerary

So, that’s how we planned out everything ahead of our trip to San Diego, making sure we were rewarded with points as we went. And now for creating an ideal weekend plan that’s fun for the whole family.

Fun nature in San Diego

One of our favorite places to visit when we lived in SoCal was Cabrillo National Monument . Located on Point Loma on the north side of San Diego Harbor, it’s the only National Park site in the area. We love it for the lighthouses (it has two!) and the tide pools. Seriously, say the phrase “tide pools” around the kids and they get really excited. The weather was a bit of a bummer initially, but we hunted for crabs and sea life just the same.

The other dose of nature we were able to score was a visit to the La Jolla tide pools and La Jolla Cove. Between tiny sea creatures in some of the most uniquely formed tide pools around and the plethora of seals at the La Jolla Cove, it was the perfect addition to our San Diego vacation.

History and culture in San Diego

Yep, we got a little dose of history already with our visit to Cabrillo, but we’re never going to turn down more fun learning opportunities. We made sure to visit Mission San Diego de Alcala while in town too. It’s a beautiful site and is a great way to show kids a different side of California history. Mission San Diego was the first mission built along El Camino Real so is actually a key piece in the story of California’s development.

Tip : for a fun road trip plan, drive El Camino Real from SoCal to the Bay Area . Lots of cool towns and missions to visit! And there are enough national brand hotels that using points to book rooms is actually pretty easy.

Balboa Park was our next stop to get a little culture. We hit it a bit late in the day so didn’t get to do the art or natural history museums, but we did enjoy checking out the conservatory, the gardens, lily pods, fountains, did a little hike in the jungle-like valley area, and even took in a short organ concert in the amphitheater.

And you can’t visit San Diego without a stop in Hillcrest, the known hub of the LGBT community in SD and where the San Diego Pride Festival happens!. We try to visit neighborhoods like this whenever we travel so the kids see more couples like us Dads and more families similar to theirs. Hillcrest is the perfect spot to feel at home and have great food, so we made sure to have an afternoon relaxing and enjoying the vibe of our favorite gayborhood. 🙂

Tip : if you like to plan out your dining or even just make reservations on the fly, Hillcrest and other popular neighborhoods may get pretty busy for dinner time. Using Open Table to make reservations is both efficient AND can earn you rewards club points, specifically IHG points. Who knew that booking dinner reservations was also a budget savvy thing to do!

Beautiful beach days in San Diego

Let’s be honest: the purpose of planning a San Diego family vacation is for the beaches. From Coronado to La Jolla, there is plenty of sand and surf for everybody. Parking though, that’s another story.  We had the most perfect plan for visiting a different beach each day, but San Diego’s parking problem foiled us. Our day at Ocean Beach was spoiled when there was no parking within 100 blocks of the beach due to the OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-off. Then our first attempt to do Baymont Park and Mission Beach was scratched after failing to find parking again… We learned that you must head to the beach as early as you can to be able to find parking.

Tip : drive to the relative neighborhood of the beach you want to hang out at and then get dropped off at the actual beach. A ride service like Lyft or Uber is great for getting a ride to the beach from wherever you were able to find parking.

We eventually were able to have an incredible day at Mission Beach enjoying the waves and swimming with the kids, and then the next day scored a great spot at Pacific Beach. Really, we did end up having awesome San Diego beach days that were just what we’d been hoping for, it just took a few tries. Once that sun came out and we were playing in the sand, we were golden! And FYI, there are lots of dog-friendly beaches in San Diego if you happen to be traveling with a pup!

Tip : check out our article on sun protection for the family for our best tips for keeping kids burn-free on San Diego beaches (including bringing a beach tent).

Planning a budget savvy San Diego family vacation definitely paid off. We got some great time together and had a nice recharge. The extra effort to be budget conscious and use rewards points for travel and hotels made it so we didn’t spend an arm and a leg for the fun in the sun. 

We hope this is helpful in building and having some fun trips with your own family. We have learned how to accumulate and leverage points and it’s worked out well, so please let us know how our tips help you too!

Want to pin this for later when you’re working on planning a budget savvy trip or San Diego family vacation?  Go for it!

For more great San Diego travel ideas:

• 3 Day San Diego Itinerary
• Guide to San Diego’s Balboa Park
• Guide to San Diego Pride Festival
• Visiting San Diego’s Cabrillo National Monument
• Vintage SD Stay at the Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club and Bungalows
• Shelter Island Resort: BW Plus Island Palms Hotel

Heather Fairall

Saturday 20th of April 2019

Hey Bob! I am planning a trip to San Diego! And of course, checked out your site first thing are there other neighborhoods/areas, other than Gaslamp, that you recommend looking for accommodations at? What are the “must see/do” thing you recommend. Thank you!!!

Sunday 21st of April 2019

Great question! If you can get a nice place in the Hillcrest/Balboa Park area, you'll be set! Awesome neighborhood and endless fun. Also, if you want to look in the Pacific Beach area, you'll like it too. It's the best of the beach neighborhoods. We're going in July... will we get to run into you then?

Renee Oswald

Thursday 12th of July 2018

Have you tried using Costco for car rental? You can avoid airport tax on rental cars if you rent a car from a different location. For instance if your hotel has an airport shuttle use it. Then rent your car through Costco. They use Enterprise Rental Car who will pick you up and take you to their office. When you return the car they give you a ride back to your hotel.

Totally a genius idea. The fees and taxes can really get you when you're doing a larger trip than just one city. Thanks for the advice!

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10 of the Best U.S. Road Trips for Families

Create memories with your kids on these short but sweet journeys that feature stunning scenery and unique landmarks.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

A road trip is a classic American vacation, but it takes planning to make it great — especially when little ones are involved. To help you plan your family's next journey, we've rounded up some of the best road trips around the United States for families with kids, from single-day jaunts to journeys that can take more than a week. With stops the whole crew will enjoy, these drives are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia

Explore two popular Southern cities on one trip with this short-distance getaway. The drive from Charleston straight to Savannah takes just under two hours, but we'd recommend extending your itinerary over a few days so you can stop to enjoy the outstanding hotels and beaches along the way. You can stay at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island an hour south of Charleston, or fill up the tank for a beach day at Hilton Head , only an hour farther. Once you've passed through Savannah, drive one more hour south for a stay at The Cloister at Sea Island . This five-star resort is another good option for families, with plenty of swimming, fishing, and nature walks.

San Diego to Los Angeles, California

At around two hours, this drive is easy for parents and just long enough to be exciting for the kids. San Diego, Los Angeles, and the stretches of coast between them are packed with beaches and a plethora of crowd-pleasing attractions. Explore the San Diego Zoo, Legoland California, and Disneyland, about a 30-minute from downtown L.A. in Anaheim.

New York City or Boston to Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Whether you choose to stay in a shingled cottage or beachfront apartment, your kids will fall hard for the Cape . Wellfleet is a particularly great destination for families, reachable in two hours from Boston or five hours from New York City. You'll want to stop in other charming towns along the way, like Falmouth and Chatham, before settling in the sands of the Outer Cape. Once you're there, no trip is complete without a visit to Mac's on the Pier , where you can gaze out at the harbor and feast on whole belly clams. Exploring one of the Cape's kettle ponds, which families often have all to themselves, is also a must, as is checking out the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary , home to five miles of trails and salt marshes.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Beginning in Orange County's Dana Point and reaching north to San Francisco, this popular drive can be completed in under eight hours. But why keep it short? With many major stops — from Los Angeles to Carmel-by-the-Sea — you could make this road trip last for days. Driving northward, head to the top of the Topanga Lookout in Malibu for incredible views of the San Fernando Valley. A few hours north in Santa Ynez wine country, relax with a glass of vino as you plot your visit to Hearst Castle. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the media magnate's vast estate, with its sprawling gardens, Roman-style pool, and extensive art collection.

New York City to Philadelphia to the Poconos

At Woodloch Resort in the Pocono Mountains, you'll feel like you're back at summer camp — in a good way. On and off the property, there's plenty to do, including golf, paintball, fishing, and more. A variety of accommodation options are available, too, perfect for families of any size. Whether or not you're headed to the Woodloch, though, the Poconos are an easy getaway for East Coasters. New York City is about a two-hour drive and Philadelphia is about three hours; the two cities can easily be combined with a Poconos visit for a fun multiday adventure.

Boston, Massachusetts, to Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont, is a great destination in all seasons for families road tripping within New England. Just three hours from Boston, the town offers some of the East Coast's best skiing in wintertime and an abundance of outdoor adventure in summer. On your warm-weather visit, cool off with the kids at the Waterbury Reservoir in Waterbury Center State Park , or enjoy the fresh mountain air with a hiking or biking excursion.

There are few roads as iconic as Route 66 , so why not take your kids on this classic American trip? Whether you embark on the full journey from Chicago to Los Angeles or opt for a smaller section, you're bound to have a memorable time. Little ones will love the route's kitschy roadside attractions (world's biggest ketchup bottle, anyone?), while adults will be wowed by the scenery, from the wide-open spaces of west Texas to the mountains of Santa Fe.

Tucson to the Grand Canyon, Arizona

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Take in some of the country's best views on a multiday road trip through Arizona . Start in Tucson and visit Saguaro National Park to see the namesake cacti before heading to Scottsdale. Next up, drive to the stunning, red rock-surrounded town of Sedona. Finally, continue north to Grand Canyon National Park for a couple of days in the great outdoors, reveling in this massive natural wonder.

Rocky Mountain Loop from Denver

If you'd like to swap red rocks for snowy mountaintops, set off on a Colorado road trip through some of the state's incredible national parks and charming small towns. From Denver, head northwest to Boulder and Estes Park, a perfect home base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park . Drive farther into the mountains to check out towns like Glenwood Springs, Telluride, and Durango, all located in the western part of the state. Spend a day at Mesa Verde National Park , home to ancient Native cave dwellings that will fascinate kids and grown-ups alike before turning back east. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Colorado Springs are great stops en route back to Denver.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Beautiful year-round but especially colorful in spring and fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway makes for an excellent family road trip. Connecting Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park , the Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic mountain and foliage views across the Appalachian landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina. Plus, there are plenty of great hikes for all skill levels and places to camp along the parkway if you want to spend a few nights under the stars.

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Money Talks News

12 Affordable Destinations for a Memorable Family Vacation

Posted: May 13, 2024 | Last updated: May 13, 2024

San Diego, California

San Diego offers a perfect blend of sun, sea, and family-friendly attractions. With its temperate climate, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore the famous San Diego Zoo, or visit the interactive museums at Balboa Park.

Accommodations in San Diego can be affordable, especially if you opt for vacation rentals or budget-friendly hotels. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones in this vibrant coastal city.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a classic family vacation destination that won't break the bank. This coastal city boasts miles of sandy beaches, a bustling boardwalk, and numerous attractions suitable for all ages.

Take a ride on the SkyWheel for panoramic views, visit the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, or explore the stunning sculptures at Brookgreen Gardens. With an array of affordable hotels and resorts, Myrtle Beach is a budget-friendly option for a fun-filled family getaway.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and family-friendly entertainment. Take a scenic drive through the national park, go hiking on the numerous trails, or enjoy the stunning views from the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

The town is also home to several affordable attractions, such as the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. With its cozy cabins and budget-friendly accommodations, Gatlinburg is an ideal destination for a memorable family vacation.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

A visit to the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience that every family should have. This natural wonder offers breathtaking views, hiking trails for all skill levels, and educational opportunities to learn about the area's geology and history.

Camping is an affordable option for lodging, allowing you to immerse yourself in the park's beauty. Alternatively, you can find budget-friendly accommodations in the nearby towns of Tusayan or Williams. A family trip to the Grand Canyon will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Step back in time and explore America's history in Williamsburg, Virginia. This charming city offers a unique blend of educational experiences and family-friendly fun. Visit Colonial Williamsburg, a living-history museum where you can interact with costumed interpreters and witness daily life in the 18th century.

Williamsburg is also home to Busch Gardens, an exciting theme park with thrilling rides and entertaining shows. With a variety of affordable hotels and vacation rentals in the area, Williamsburg is a budget-friendly destination for a family vacation that combines learning and adventure.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a nature lover's paradise and an ideal destination for an affordable family vacation. Marvel at the colorful hot springs, watch Old Faithful erupt, or go wildlife spotting to see bison, elk, and even bears in their natural habitats.

Camping is a budget-friendly option for lodging within the park, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Alternatively, you can find affordable accommodations in the nearby towns of West Yellowstone or Gardiner. A family trip to Yellowstone will create unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for nature's wonders.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Known as "The Waterpark Capital of the World," Wisconsin Dells is a family vacation destination that offers endless fun and excitement. With numerous indoor and outdoor water parks, your family can splash and play regardless of the weather.

In addition to the water parks, Wisconsin Dells offers other affordable attractions, such as the Wisconsin Deer Park, the Timbavati Wildlife Park, and the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. With a wide range of budget-friendly hotels and resorts, Wisconsin Dells is a perfect choice for a memorable family getaway.

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City is a vibrant coastal town that offers a classic beach vacation experience for families on a budget. Enjoy miles of sandy beaches, a lively boardwalk with amusement rides and games, and a variety of affordable dining options.

Take a stroll down the boardwalk, visit the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, or go fishing at the Ocean City Fishing Pier. With an array of budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals, Ocean City is an ideal destination for a fun-filled family beach vacation.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge is a family-friendly destination nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. This charming town offers a wide range of affordable attractions, including the Dollywood theme park, the Titanic Museum Attraction, and the WonderWorks interactive science museum.

Take a scenic drive through the mountains, enjoy a dinner show, or explore the many shops and restaurants along the Pigeon Forge Parkway. With its budget-friendly accommodations and endless entertainment options, Pigeon Forge is perfect for a memorable family vacation.

Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is a natural wonder that offers a breathtaking experience for families on a budget. Witness the power and beauty of the falls up close on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, or take a scenic hike through Niagara Falls State Park.

The area also offers other affordable attractions, such as the Aquarium of Niagara and the Niagara Adventure Theater. With a variety of budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals nearby, Niagara Falls is an ideal destination for a memorable family getaway.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and family-friendly fun. Explore the historic Castillo de San Marcos, take a ghost tour through the city's haunted past, or visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

Enjoy the beautiful beaches, take a scenic cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, or stroll through the charming downtown area with its many shops and restaurants. With affordable accommodations and a variety of budget-friendly activities, St. Augustine is a perfect destination for a memorable family vacation.

Branson, Missouri

Branson is a family-friendly destination in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, offering a wide range of affordable entertainment options. Enjoy live music shows, visit the Silver Dollar City theme park, or explore the many natural wonders in the area, such as Table Rock Lake and the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.

Take a scenic drive through the mountains, go hiking on the numerous trails, or visit the Branson Dinosaur Museum for an educational experience. With its budget-friendly accommodations and endless activities, Branson is an ideal choice for a memorable family vacation.

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Marriott Marquis Marina vs Hotel del Coronado - San Diego Forum

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Marriott Marquis Marina vs Hotel del Coronado

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5 replies to this topic

The Marriott Marquis has qn excellent location on the bayfront in downtown San Diego , with some lovely views. The walkway along the bayfront is located in front of the hotel, with access to many shops, restaurants, and boating activities. The other attractions of San Diego, such as Zoo, Balboa Park , etc are close by. There are many restaurants in the area; including Little Italy , Gaslamp, and SeaPort Village .

The Marriott has an awesome pool. That said, the Del is just the better hotel. It's iconic. Ultimately, you are comparing two different types of properties, a nice convention hotel vs a historic resort that's world famous. What matters more to you? Do you want modern rooms or something that feels more special in terms of the overall environment but the rooms are historic?

The Del has some rooms that are much newer than the Marriott's. If you don't enjoy small rooms from the 1880s with plumbing and electricity that were added on later, then pick one of the newer buildings. You could opt for The Cabanas or The Shore House, both of which were completed within the last 6 or 7 years. Or you could go for The Views, which are older but were completely refurbished and updated when The Shore House was built. Or if you want a time share experience, look for something in the Beach Villages.

The pool area at the Del has a glassed in deck and great sunset views. It doesn't have the tropical feel of the Marriott's pool area, but you're right that it's not going to be so warm that you'll be laying out poolside for hours. Both pools are heated, so you can definitely get in the water if you want to, but April is better for walking on the beach, biking, kayaking or paddle boarding than baking in the sun.

I also would not say the Marriott Marquis is a "better location". I'd much rather be in Downtown Coronado than the Gaslamp/Marina. The pool is also no great shakes at the Marriott Marquis either, it is just an odd shape. It actually was fun before they pulled the slide out.

The Hotel del has two pools, three if you are staying in the Beach Village.

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Robbery gone wrong suspected as possible motive in killing of U.S., Australian surfers in Mexico

Family members confirmed the three bodies found in the bottom of a well were the missing surfers who disappeared last weekend while camping south of Ensenada

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Three bodies found at the bottom of a well in a remote area south of Ensenada are those of two missing San Diego men and a visiting brother from Australia, Mexican officials confirmed Sunday.

The victims’ families, who traveled to Ensenada, were able to identify the bodies, so there was no need for genetic testing, the Baja California Attorney General’s Office said in a press release.

Mexican officials said a carjacking gone wrong was a possible motive in the fatal shootings. The group was last seen April 27 while on a surf trip.

Baja California Attorney General María Elena Andrade said that the preliminary investigation suggests the assailants wanted to steal the white Chevrolet pickup the trio was riding in, in hopes of taking the vehicle’s tires. Callum Robinson, 33, an Australian living in San Diego; his visiting brother, Jake Robinson, 30; and their friend, Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, a U.S. citizen and San Diegan, were traveling in Baja California when they went missing last weekend.

Andrade said it appears the victims resisted the robbery and were shot. She said she believed that when the attackers “realized they lost control of what was originally a robbery, they tried to get rid of the bodies by throwing them into a well.”

The 15-meter deep well was found on a remote and difficult-to-access oceanfront lot about 4 miles from where the victims had camped. Bottles, bags and uneaten food were found in an unoccupied brick house on the property, Andrade said.

At the isolated campsite officials found evidence including a shell casing, blood stains and drag marks that led them to believe the victims had been assaulted.

After an extensive search by several agencies, officials recovered the remains of four bodies from the bottom of the well.

A fourth body, unrelated to the investigation, was also found at the bottom. Officials estimated the body was there longer, between 15 or 30 days.

A coroner’s report released Sunday said the three men suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Officials estimated they died five to seven days ago.

Prior to holding a press conference at the prosecutor’s headquarters in Tijuana, Andrade met with relatives of the victims, as well as officials from the U.S. and Australia, she said.

A man identified only as Jesús Gerardo, alias El Kekas, was arrested on suspicion of forced disappearance as a result of the investigation. The suspect has a criminal record, officials said.

Two others, a man and a woman, who prosecutors said were still under investigation, were arrested on suspicion of drug possession. Andrade said the investigation is still open and that more people could be involved.

Previously, Ensenada officials said a woman was arrested in possession of what is believed to be one of the victim’s cellphones. A gun was also found in the alleged attacker’s vehicle, according to prosecutors.

On Sunday, Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila reiterated her call for a thorough investigation to “clarify all doubts surrounding these events.”

“I also ask the state judiciary to apply the law rigorously against those responsible for these regrettable acts,” she said. “Baja California is and will continue to be a state with safe tourism for the thousands of people who visit us from the rest of the country and the world. I send my condolences and solidarity to the families in this difficult moment.”

On Sunday afternoon, a group of Baja California surfers held a paddle-out memorial at San Miguel Beach in Ensenada to honor the victims.

“This goes not only for our fellow surfers who came to visit us but also for all the missing people in Baja California,” said Gino Passalacqua, vice president of the Baja Surf Club, founded in 1965. “We demand justice and that the authorities do something to stop this.”

Surfers from both sides of the border attended the ceremony.

Passalacqua said the tragedy happened at a popular spot for surfers, where many of them camp. “Part of surfing is being able to explore sites in peace and quiet,” he said.

Surfers felt it was important to draw attention to their safety concerns. “So we said we have to do something and we have to do something now,” he added.

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U.S. & World

Friends organize paddle out in memory of three surfers killed in Baja California

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Surfing and lacrosse were normal beach activities for Callum Robinson, but on Saturday, his family and friends did those things together to feel his presence with them.

“It feels so surreal that someone so much larger than life could be out of our lives,” said Josh Nelson, Callum's friend.

Callum, his brother Jake, and their friend Carter Rhoad went missing while on a surfing trip in Baja California two weeks ago. Mexican authorities said their bodies were found in a well four miles from where they were camping .

Callum lived in Ocean Beach, and Carter lived in Point Loma.

“All of us looking for the latest news report," Nelson said. "It feels like everyday there’s more questions than answers.”

Nelson played lacrosse with Callum for the last two years. He organized a paddle out in Ocean Beach, in memory of his friend.

“When he came through the door you just felt a wave of energy," Nelson said. "He lifted everybody up around him.”

“It’s kind of shattering, even if you didn’t know them - it's shattering,” said Kara Welker, another friend of Callum's.

Many signed a notebook for Callum's family, sharing anecdotes of their experiences with him.

“You think about 'could I have cautioned them?' but I would’ve felt so safe with those guys," Welker said. "I never would’ve thought that to be a risky thing.”

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