When it comes to deciding where to go on a family vacation, a few destinations always come up in discussion: Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg. While these are great family-friendly vacation spots full of fun activities for kids of all ages, another destination deserves to be in the conversation: San Diego.
This Southern California beach town has delicious food, balmy weather and plenty of great family-friendly things to do. Check out activities your whole family can enjoy on your visit to San Diego.
1. Balboa Park
Often referred to as San Diego’s backyard, Balboa Park is a 12,000-acre urban cultural park featuring 18 museums, beautiful gardens, the San Diego Zoo and a variety of cultural events. You could spend your entire family trip to San Diego exploring this one-of-a-kind park, but here are some highlights.
The San Diego Natural History Museum — or The Nat — features millions of years’ worth of natural history, focusing on Southern California. View dinosaur fossils, learn about Baleen whales, take a walk on the Nature Trail and explore the landscape of the region all before lunchtime.
No trip to Balboa Park is complete without a ride on the Balboa Park Carousel. The Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel, as it is officially known, is an original menagerie carousel built in 1910. Snap some pics on this iconic ride and rest your feet for a bit after a day of exploring.
2. San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, is a must for family-friendly fun in San Diego. With more than 12,000 animals representing more than 600 species, it’s no surprise that the San Diego Zoo is one of the most visited zoos in the country and regularly makes Best Zoos in the U.S. lists again and again.
The San Diego Zoo also offers several special events and activities throughout the year, one being Nighttime Zoo. Taking place from May 25–September 2 and beginning at 4 p.m. daily, Nighttime Zoo allows guests to visit and observe nocturnal animal residents become more active in the cooler evening hours.
3. Moonlight State Beach
Take some time to lay back and relax with a trip to the beach, specifically Moonlight State Beach. Just north of San Diego in Encinitas, California, this wide, sandy beach is perfect for all kinds of beach activities including swimming, surfing and fishing. You can also pick up a game of volleyball or tennis with recreational equipment rentals available, as well as a snack bar to fuel up from your day of sightseeing and fun.
4. La Jolla Shores Snorkel Tour
San Diego has much to explore on land but even more under water. Book your family spots on the La Jolla Shores Snorkel Tour and get an up-close look at sandy and rocky reef in the area’s ecological reserve. You’ll also catch glimpses of the leopard sharks. These creatures are harmless to humans and thousands migrate to La Jolla Shores from June to September each year.
While this activity is family friendly, it is only for swimmers ages six and up with an adult present.
5. La Jolla Sea Caves
Once you’ve fully explored under the water of La Jolla Shores, take some time to explore above the waves with a kayak tour of the La Jolla Sea Caves. This fully guided kayak tour walks you through the ecological reserve and La Jolla sea caves. An experienced tour guide will share facts and history about La Jolla and safely guide you to the caves and even lead you through one (weather permitting).
Again, just as with the snorkel tour, this adventure is suitable for children ages 6 and up.
6. New Children’s Museum
The New Children’s Museum is the quintessential San Diego family-friendly activity. Focused on art, this museum will give your kids an opportunity to stretch their creativity to the max while engaging with contemporary art. The museum is open every day except Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
7. Park at the Park
If your family vacation to San Diego happens to take place during baseball season, why not catch a San Diego Padres game? The Padres play ball at Petco Park and Gallagher Square, often called the Park at the Park, is right next to it with clear views of the field. It’s a grassy area with plenty of space to sprawl out and have a picnic or just run and play. If you plan to visit on a game day, you’ll need tickets since it’s located inside the gates of Petco Park.
8. LEGOLAND®
An entire land devoted to a beloved children’s toy? LEGOLAND® California is a theme park, water park and aquarium all in one. Enjoy rides for children of all ages, explore MINILAND USA where millions of LEGO® bricks form scenes from coast to coast — including New York and Las Vegas — and cool off with a thrilling spin through the water park. Insider tip: stay at MarBrisa, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club to enjoy a private theme park entrance exclusive for resort Members and Guests.
You can also explore the SEA LIFE® Aquarium where kids learn about marine life with hands-on activities and educational talks.
Where to Stay
Where you stay in San Diego is just as important as what you do. Consider making MarBrisa, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club your homebase during your family-friendly trip, located close to the above attractions. This sprawling resort is a family-friendly destination all its own with firepits, hammocks, a cabana and a pool, plus a splash pad. And with spacious 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Suites, everyone can spread out and relax after a day of making lifelong memories.
Interested in visiting Southern California? Read about Ashley S. and her family’s spring break trip to San Diego, including what they did and their stay at MarBrisa.