San Diego is a family travel favorite with its warm weather and sunny skies. From its beaches to its parks to its museums, families will find lots of things to do. For those who need a warm winter destination, San Diego is hard to beat. Best of all the winter brings the migrating whales. Here are the Best Things to do in San Diego with kids for your next getaway.
24 Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
- Balboa Park
- San Diego Museum of Man
- Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
- San Diego Museum of Art
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- Botanical Building
- Balboa Park Carousel
- Balboa Park Miniature Train
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Old Point Loma Lighthouse
- Whale Overlook
- Cabrillo National Monument Tide Pools
- Belmont Park
- San Diego Zoo
- Mission Beach
- Coronado Beach
- Silver Strand State Beach
- USS Midway Museum
- Embracing Peace Statue
- Waterfront Park
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
- San Diego Santa Fe Depot
Plan a Balboa Park Day
This centrally located park offers 1,200 acres and lots to do, like museums and gardens. With 16 different museums, 17 different gardens along with the San Diego Zoo and the Balboa Park carousel and miniature train, you could spend a week exploring. So hit the highlights according to your family’s interests.
Family Fun
- Balboa Park Carousel
- Balboa Park Miniature Train
- San Diego Zoo
Top Museums for Families
- San Diego Museum of Man
- Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
- San Diego Museum of Art
- San Diego Natural History Museum
Top Gardens to Explore
-
Japanese Friendship Garden
-
Botanical Building
-
Moreton Bay Fig
Located off Interstate 5 off Park Boulevard, about 2 miles from downtown San Diego. Free Parking is available, though arrive early in the day for the best selection. It is free to enter the park and it is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Each attraction has its own hours and admission charges.
Best Beaches in Southern California
San Diego Zoo
Within the boundaries of Balboa Park, tour the zoo that pioneered the open-air habitats with a collection of 12,000 rare and endangered specimens of over 650 different species of animals. Start with the 35-minute guided bus tour, then walk around the 100-acre facility.
It’s a compact zoo and easy to explore in one day without long walking distances between each animal exhibit. The Giant Panda, the Koalas and the Tasmanian Devil are all must-see during your visit. Take a ride on the Skyfari Gondola for amazing views above the zoo along with the entire Balboa Park.
Located at 2920 Zoo Dr. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on weekends and holidays. Adult admission starts at $68 for online value tickets and kids ( 3- 11) start at $58.
Planning Guide for Santa Barbara
Cabrillo National Monument
With views overlooking the Pacific Ocean along with Coronado Island, it’s the place to learn discovery of California by the explorer Cabrillo, seasonal whale migrations, the Point Loma Lighthouse along with tide pools. Ideally, families could spend half a day at Cabrillo National Monument.
Near the visitor center, visits can learn about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to land on the West Coast in 1542. The Age of Exploration display explains his voyage up the California coast. Don’t miss the statue of Juan Cabrillo outside.
For kids, the Cabrillo National Monument Junior Ranger badge is a great activity to do. Kids who complete the booklet will receive a good badge for the Park Rangers.
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
While at Cabrillo, visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, restored to its 1880s appearance. Visitors can learn how the lighthouses along the West Coast kept sailors and ships safe. Walk through the house to understand the life of the lighthouse keepers and their families.
Next head to the Whale Overlook to savor the view of the Pacific Ocean. During the winter, whales are visible during their migration.
Why you have to visit Death Valley
Cabrillo National Monument Tide Pools
Cabrillo is one of the top places to tide pool in San Diego so bring the water shoes and look up the low tide time during your visit. Though remember to be respectful of the marine animals during your visit and observe them in their natural habitat.
The tide pool area closes at 4:30 p.m. Limited parking at the tide pool, and it closes periodically during weekends when the lot is full.
Located at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr. Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20 per vehicle or use an annual pass. Since Cabrillo National Monument doesn’t sell food, pack a picnic to enjoy overlooking to the water.
National Parks a Road Trip away from LA
San Diego Beaches
I love the San Diego beaches for family fun. Find several wide beaches perfect for families to park a beach chair and umbrella for the day. Or experience a California classic and enjoy an amusement park steps from the sand.
Belmont Park
Hard to believe, but Belmont Park opened in 1925, though it still pulls in the kids today. With free parking and free admission, it’s got all the standards, pulled salt water taffy, a roller coaster, a shooting arcade along with carnival eats. Spend at least an hour walking through the retro amusement park and arcade.
Located at 3126 Mission Blvd. Open daily and hours vary by attraction. Rides are additional.
Mission Beach
The quintessential SoCal beach experience. Rent an umbrella, a beach chair or a cruiser and watch the sun crawl to the horizon. This is a good beach for most beachgoers.
Located at Mission Blvd. and Venture Place
Coronado Beach
In the shadow of the Hotel del Coronado, the wide beach is open to all, not just hotel guests. Let the kids chase waves, fly a kite and make a sand castle.
Located at 919 Ocean Blvd.
Silver Strand State Beach
With access to the Pacific Ocean along with the San Diego Bay via pedestrian tunnels, get the best of both. Along with traditional beach fun, Silver Strand State Beach offers a seasonal café and ranger programs.
In collaboration with the Coronado Surfing Academy, arrange a surfing lesson for the kids or even yourself.
Located at 5000 Highway 75.
Downtown San Diego with Kids
If you are staying on Coronado Island, take the Coronado Ferry to Broadway Pier and explore Downtown San Diego on foot.
USS Midway Museum
Tour the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Explore the decks and see several different types of aircraft, many of which were manufactured in California. The USS Midway Museum includes a theater and flight simulators.
Located at 910 N. Harbor Dr. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $34 and kids ( 6- 12) enter for $24.
Embracing Peace Statue
Next to the USS Midway, find the Embracing Peace statue.
Located at 55 Tuna Lane.
Waterfront Park
As you explore the waterfront give the kids a few minutes to run off some energy. At the Waterfront Park find a complex that blends playgrounds, splash pads and grassy areas.
Located at 1600 Pacific Highway.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Walk through San Diego’s history from the 1820s to the 1870s with original abodes and living history demonstrations. After learning some history, find a place to eat as restaurants flank this popular area.
The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is the most visited state park in California.
Located at 4002 Wallace St. Free to enter. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
San Diego Santa Fe Depot
Walk through the San Diego Santa Fe Depot regardless of how you arrived. Built in 1887 the Spanish Colonial Revival style depot features rich details, including the tile work. The Amtrak departs from this station with service up the Pacific Coast.
The building also houses the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Located at 1050 Kettner Blvd.
How to Get Around SoCal and San Diego
Old Town Trolley
Use this hop-on, hop-off trolley to get around for a day packed with attractions. With stops like Old Town Market and the Gaslamp Quarter, leave the car at home or your hotel and use the trolley to navigate San Diego. Tickets required.
Coronado Ferry
Take the 15-minute ride across the San Diego Bay from Coronado to the Broadway Pier. At $7 each way, it’s a relaxing alternative to crossing the Coronado Bridge.
Amtrak Train
If you’re traveling from Los Angeles or further north, consider Amtrak. I’ve traveled on the Pacific Surfliner that serves San Diego.
Where to Eat in San Diego
Casa Guadalajara—In Old Town
After exploring Old Town, step into a brightly decorated patio for a combo plate of Mexican standards. Great option for families with kid-pleasing tacos and margaritas for Mom and Dad.
Located at 4105 Taylor St. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Carnitas Snack Shack—next to the Broadway Pier
Steps from the Coronado Ferry, take a minute and chomp on some pork. Grab a table and let the kids run around while Mom and Dad grab drinks from the bar.
Located at 1004 N. Harbor Dr. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Chocolate SD—in the Gaslamp Quarter
509 Fifth Ave.
A one-stop for European indulgences, like gelato, espresso, and crepes, both savory and sweet. It offers a few tables outside and more inside, tops for people watching at night.
Located at 509 Fifth Ave. Open most days from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Beach House Grill—next to Belmont Park
For solid beach eats with an extensive bar list of local craft beers and tropical cocktails, dine at the Beach House Grill. The outdoor seating is worth the wait.
Located at 3125 Ocean Front Walk. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Georges at the Cove—in La Jolla
1250 Prospect St. La Jolla
Where the entrees compete against the sunset for attention. Featuring inventive Californian Modern cuisine with deconstructed fish tacos featuring yellowfin tuna and local avocado. Grab a sitter; Georges is a date night must.
Located at 1250 Prospect St. in La Jolla. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Places to Stay with Kids
Hotel del Coronado
As the beloved icon of Coronado Island, this Victorian red-roofed resort boasts century-old charm that meshes modern-day luxury. Enjoy the best beach on Coronado with a book in a lounger or a bucket and a kite.
Located at 1500 Orange Ave.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
About 15 miles from the San Diego International Airport on Coronado Island, the Loews Coronado Bay Resort sits on a 15-acre peninsula. The resort is surrounded by San Diego Bay, and the Silver Strand State Beach is across the street.
Located at 4000 Loews Coronado Bay Road.
With a resort-style pool and a kids club, families love this resort. Shuttle service to the beach or downtown Coronado is available.
Kona Kai Resort
Enjoy the secluded location at the tip of Shelter Island though 15 minutes from the Downtown or the airport. With a private beach and resort-style pool, kids can enjoy the best of both. Since the beach overlooks the marina, no water play at the beach.
Located at 1551 Shelter Island Dr.
Disclosure
Consideration for brands mentioned. This post contains affiliate ads.
Comments are closed.