San Diego, California is known for their big attractions including the San Diego Zoo, Legoland (in north county), Sea World and miles and miles of beaches. However, those well known places are not the only things to do in San Diego with kids.
America’s Finest City is a kid friendly family vacation destination with year round moderate & inviting temperatures. And while our little guy would vote the beach as his #1 spot in San Diego, he would likely name one of the countless public parks as his second favorite. There is much more to do with kids than build sandcastles at the beach or play on the slide at one of the many parks while enjoying Southern California’s perfect climate.
Top 10 Things To Do in San Diego With Kids
(in no particular order, these activities all come with the highest recommendation)
Fly Kites at Seaport Village
(BYOKite or purchase one at the nearby Kite Shop. Seaport is also a great place to watch boats pass by.)
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
(Along with the Railroad Museum, there are several other museums at Balboa Park.)
Birch Aquarium
(The Birch Aquarium is located in La Jolla and offers a real hand on experience to ocean life.
Bike Ride Coronado Island
(Take ferry to the island and enjoy biking at the bay side park. Bikes are available to rent.)
Walk the Pier at Ocean Beach
(There is a small cafe at the end of the pier that is often lined with fishermen. Kids absolutely love watching the fish being reeled in.)
U-pick Strawberry Farm in Carlsbad
(Strawberry season falls in the spring and early summer.)
Children’s Pool in La Jolla
(The Children’s Pool is more for an up close view of Sea Life.
It is not beach that you will want to play in the water.)
Belmont Park Rides & Games (Mission Beach)
Tidepools at Cabrillo National Monument
San Diego is also home to some of the best hiking trails for all skill levels. The San Diego Padres also call San Diego, home; and when in season I recommend attending an MLB game (or two).
San Diego With Kids
Now, back to the beaches; our family’s favorite San Diego beaches are La Jolla Shores, Solana Beach and Pacific Beach. Before settling on which beach you would like to visit be sure to look up what each area offers (and doesn’t offer). Some will have boardwalks with shops, others will not have an eatery within walking distance. Decide what is important for your beach visit and then plan accordingly.
As for the parks; well, they really are countless and regardless where you are lodging during your San Diego getaway there will, undoubtedly, be a park just around the corner. Several San Diego parks are close to the water with bay views and sandy beaches within yards. Those are my favorite parks. I love breathing in the ocean air while my little guy cheerfully climbs the jungle gym.
Whatever it is you choose to do with your time in Southern California ~ Enjoy it!
~> Legoland
And more by Trish on San Diego – Here
Originally posted June 24, 2015; Updated July 3, 2019
Skip the Childrens Pool in La Jolla…should call it seal toilet…you’ve been warned
Thanks, Marc! Exactly why I wrote “It is not beach that you will want to play in the water.” At the same time, from up above it is fun for little ones to see the animals. Of course, that is as long as you can stand the stench. 😉
I’ve never been to San Diego, so this was interesting. Makes me wanna take a trip over there ha 🙂
I highly recommend a visit!
Just returning from Cali. Didn’t get to San Diego this time but,pinning for when the opportunity arises.
Thanks for stopping by! And thanks, too, for the pin. Happy weekend!!
These are awesome ideas! Bookmarking this for the day we go to San Diego (bucket list!) The beaches look gorgeous.
San Diego is a MUST!! Thanks for stopping by!!
We are headed to San Diego in August! I am pinning this post and will be consulting it again for sure! Thanks for sharing.
🙂
Traci
Enjoy your time in America’s Finest City!!
I grew up in Southern California, and my family loved to visit the tide pools! They are so beautiful.
Agreed! <3 And thanks for stopping by!!