San Diego City Guide for Families
Welcome to our San Diego City Guide! If you're planning a family vacation to San Diego, you're in for a treat. With its sunny beaches, world-class attractions, and family-friendly neighborhoods, San Diego is a top destination for families with kids. This guide is your go-to resource for planning your trip and making the most of your time in this beautiful city.
We know that traveling with kids can be a challenge, which is why we've put together a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate San Diego like a pro. We'll cover everything from the best family-friendly neighborhoods to stay in to the top attractions and activities for kids of all ages. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, San Diego has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and let us be your guide to visiting San Diego with kids.
Family-Friendly Hotels in San Diego
Bahia Resort
This beautiful resort is located on a private beach in the heart of Mission Bay. With its lush gardens, tropical palm trees, and stunning views of the bay, the Bahia Resort is the perfect place for families to relax and unwind. The resort offers a range of family-friendly activities, including water sports, bike rentals, and beach games. Kids will love the giant chess board, ping pong tables, and pool area, while parents can enjoy the spa, fitness center, and on-site restaurants.
Hotel del Coronado
This historic hotel is an iconic landmark in San Diego and is known for its stunning Victorian architecture and picturesque beachfront location. The Hotel del Coronado is a favorite among families, with its expansive beach, outdoor pool, and family-friendly activities like beach bonfires and movie nights. The hotel also offers a range of dining options, including a beachfront ice cream shop and a family-friendly restaurant with a children's menu.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
This modern resort is located on Mission Bay and offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including a water park, multiple pools, and a kids' club. The resort also offers a variety of water sports and beach activities, as well as on-site restaurants and a spa. With its central location, the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina is a great choice for families looking to explore San Diego's top attractions.
Family-Friendly Areas in San Diego
La Jolla
This upscale beach community is a favorite among families. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, tide pools, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. The La Jolla Cove is a great place to see sea lions and seals, and there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions in the area.
Old Town
This historic neighborhood is a great place for families to stay, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and museums that showcase San Diego's early history. The area is home to several historic sites, including the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where you can explore preserved buildings and learn about San Diego's early settlement. There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions in the area, including the Whaley House Museum, which is said to be haunted, and the Fiesta de Reyes, a colorful outdoor marketplace that features live music and entertainment.
Coronado Island
This picturesque island is located just across the bay from downtown San Diego and is known for its stunning beaches, charming shops, and restaurants. It's a great place for families to stay, with plenty of family-friendly activities like biking, paddleboarding, and exploring the historic Hotel del Coronado.
Parks and Playgrounds
Mission Bay Park
This park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the country and offers a variety of activities for families, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of space to bike, skate, or jog. There are also water activities available, such as kayaking, jet skiing, and sailing.
La Jolla Cove Park
Located in the upscale neighborhood of La Jolla, this park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a great spot for families to relax and play. There is a small playground area for kids, as well as tide pools to explore and plenty of spots to picnic.
Waterfront Park
This park located in downtown San Diego offers a large playground area, splash pad, and expansive grassy areas for families to relax and play. There are also walking paths, picnic tables, and a large fountain that kids can play in.
Activities for Babies and Toddlers in San Diego
San Diego Zoo - Explore over 3,500 animals from around the world in a stroller-friendly environment with plenty of play areas and interactive exhibits for young children.
Balboa Park - Enjoy 1,200 acres of green space, gardens, and cultural institutions with family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.
Seaport Village - Visit this waterfront shopping and dining destination for family-friendly activities including a carousel, a kite store, a sweet shop, and street performers.
Beaches - Enjoy beautiful beaches like La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, and Mission Beach with gentle surf, clean sand, and amenities like restrooms, showers, and playgrounds that are perfect for families with babies and toddlers.
Activities for Kids ages 5-12 in San Diego
USS Midway Museum - This naval aircraft carrier turned museum offers a unique experience for families. Kids can explore the decks, climb aboard planes, and even sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet.
Legoland California - Located just north of San Diego, Legoland California is a theme park dedicated to all things Lego. Kids can enjoy rides, shows, and attractions like the Lego Ninjago World and the Lego Friends Heartlake City.
Sea World San Diego - This aquatic park is home to marine animals like dolphins, sea lions, and orcas. Families can enjoy live shows, educational exhibits, and exciting rides like the Manta rollercoaster.
San Diego Natural History Museum - This museum offers interactive exhibits that explore the natural history of Southern California. Families can enjoy hands-on activities and immersive displays, including the rooftop nature trail.
Old Town San Diego - Step back in time and experience the history of San Diego at this vibrant cultural district. Families can enjoy traditional Mexican food, browse local shops, and explore historic buildings like the Old Adobe Chapel.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps - This aquarium offers a variety of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that showcase the marine life of the Pacific Ocean. Families can explore the outdoor tide pools, get up close with sharks and sea turtles, and learn about marine conservation efforts.
Activities for Teens in San Diego
San Diego Zoo Safari Park - This wildlife sanctuary offers an up-close and personal experience with animals like lions, cheetahs, and giraffes. Families can take a safari tour or zip line over the savannah for an exciting adventure.
Liberty Public Market - This indoor marketplace in Point Loma offers a variety of local food vendors, artisanal goods, and live music. Teens can enjoy sampling different foods and browsing unique shops in a vibrant atmosphere
San Diego Padres Baseball Game - Take in a ball game at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. The stadium offers stunning views of downtown San Diego and is conveniently located in the heart of the city.
Belmont Park - This beachfront amusement park offers a variety of rides and attractions for teens, including the iconic Giant Dipper rollercoaster, laser tag, and a zip line over the beach.
Surfing Lessons - San Diego is known for its surf culture, and taking a surfing lesson is a great way for teens to experience it. There are many surf schools throughout the city that offer lessons for all skill levels.
Check our more great activities to do in San Diego with kids!
Family-Friendly Places to Eat in San Diego
Richard Walker’s Pancake House - If you're looking for a delicious breakfast spot, look no further than Richard Walker's Pancake House. This family-owned restaurant serves up some of the fluffiest, most flavorful pancakes in town, as well as a range of other breakfast favorites like waffles, omelets, and crepes. The casual atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for families, and there's something on the menu for everyone.
Sugar Factory - For a fun and whimsical dining experience, head to Sugar Factory in the Gaslamp Quarter. This restaurant and candy store offers a menu of sweet and savory dishes, as well as an extensive list of creative cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. The highlight of any visit to Sugar Factory is the towering milkshakes, which come in flavors like cookie dough and rainbow, and are garnished with candy and other sweets.
Filippi's Pizza Grotto - When it comes to family-friendly dining, it's hard to beat a good pizza place, and Filippi's Pizza Grotto is one of the best in San Diego. This casual Italian eatery serves up classic pies as well as other Italian favorites like pasta dishes and subs. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a relaxed family dinner, and the reasonable prices won't break the bank.
Corvette Diner - For a dining experience that's both delicious and entertaining, head to Corvette Diner in the Liberty Station area. This retro-themed restaurant offers classic diner fare like burgers, fries, and milkshakes, as well as an array of arcade games and other activities to keep kids entertained. The waitstaff even performs dance routines and sings along to classic rock tunes, making for a lively and memorable meal.
Hodad's - If you're looking for a laid-back beach vibe, head to Hodad's in Ocean Beach. This casual burger joint is a local institution, serving up some of the best burgers in town, as well as hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes. The outdoor seating area is perfect for people-watching, and the surfboard decor and beachy atmosphere will put you in a relaxed vacation mood.
Great Places to Find Souvenirs
Old Town - Old Town San Diego is a historic district with a variety of shops selling Mexican pottery, jewelry, and hand-crafted candles. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops selling postcards, t-shirts, and other fun items to remember your trip.
Seaport Village - Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping and dining complex with over 50 stores and galleries offering unique gifts and souvenirs as well as popular chain stores. The picturesque location with views of the harbor and Coronado Bridge makes it a great place to spend an afternoon shopping and exploring.
Balboa Park - Balboa Park is home to more than 17 museums, gardens, and cultural institutions, and has a variety of gift shops and boutiques offering souvenirs and gifts inspired by the park's art, history, and natural beauty. From books and postcards to jewelry and home decor, there's something for everyone in the gift shops at Balboa Park.
Getting Around San Diego
Car Rental - Renting a car is a great way to get around San Diego, especially if you plan to do a lot of exploring outside the city center. Most major car rental companies have locations at the airport and throughout the city, and having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Public Transportation - San Diego's public transportation system includes buses, trolleys, and trains that connect many of the city's top attractions. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers affordable fares and frequent service, making it a convenient option for families on a budget.
Ride-Sharing Services - Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in San Diego and offer a convenient way to get around the city, especially for families with younger children who may not want to navigate public transportation.
Biking - San Diego has a network of bike paths and trails, and many areas of the city are bike-friendly. Renting bikes or bringing your own is a great way to explore some of the city's beautiful beaches and parks.
Walking - Finally, walking is a great way to get around many of San Diego's most popular neighborhoods, especially in areas like downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Little Italy. Walking allows you to take in the sights and sounds of the city at a leisurely pace, and it's a great way to get some exercise while on vacation.
Free Things to Do in San Diego with Your Family
Beach Day - San Diego has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Spend a day relaxing in the sun, playing in the surf, or building sandcastles with your family.
Seaport Village - This waterfront shopping and dining district offers a variety of free entertainment, including street performers, live music, and beautiful views of the harbor.
Coronado Island - Take a ferry or drive over the bridge to Coronado Island and explore the charming small town. Walk along the beach or visit the historic Hotel Del Coronado.
Old Town San Diego - Step back in time and visit this historic neighborhood that dates back to the mid-1800s. Tour the museums and historic buildings, watch artisans at work, and enjoy live entertainment.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park - Watch the sunset over the ocean from this beautiful park located on a cliff overlooking the Pacific.
Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial - Visit this beautiful and peaceful memorial, which honors veterans and offers stunning panoramic views of San Diego and the surrounding area.
Balboa Park - While some of the museums and attractions in Balboa Park have admission fees, there are plenty of things to do for free, including exploring the gardens, hiking the trails, and watching street performers.
Mission Beach Boardwalk - Take a stroll or bike ride along the boardwalk, which runs along the beach and offers beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding area.
Julian - Visit this historic gold mining town located in the mountains east of San Diego. Walk along the main street and explore the shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Cabrillo National Monument - Visit this historic site located on the tip of Point Loma, which marks the spot where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first landed in California in 1542. The monument offers hiking trails, stunning views of the ocean, and a visitor center with exhibits about the area's history and ecology.
Tips for Families Visiting San Diego
Visit Beaches Early
Visit the beaches early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and parking difficulties. This is especially important for popular beaches like La Jolla Cove and Coronado Beach.
Park for Free
Take advantage of free parking in Balboa Park on Tuesdays, and enjoy the park's museums, gardens, and cultural institutions without having to worry about parking fees.
Visit Farmer’s Markets
Check out the local farmer's markets for fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts. The Little Italy Mercato is a popular option on Saturdays, while the Hillcrest Farmers Market takes place on Sundays.
Take a Hike
Take a hike in one of San Diego's many scenic parks, such as Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or Mission Trails Regional Park. These parks offer stunning views of the coastline and are a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Enjoy the Wildlife
Take a day trip to nearby La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions and seals up close. The area is home to a large colony of these playful marine mammals, and visitors can observe them from the bluffs above or take a guided kayak tour for a closer look. The nearby La Jolla Cove beach is also a great place to swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the sand.
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