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I think we are all looking for a good vacation destination. Maybe it is for future travel (please let 2021 be kinder to those of us with wanderlust), or perhaps it is a social distanced vacation with plenty of things to do now. One of my favorite destinations to visit, one I try to add on to a Disneyland trip at least once a year, is San Diego. There are so many things to do in San Diego, especially with kids, that you might decide it is perfect for your next trip.
With so many things to do in San Diego, I asked my friends at Get Away Today for some recommendations. Between their recomendations, and my own personal favorites, we have come up with quite the list of things to do in San Diego with kids.
(Please note – not all attractions may be open right now due to state and local government restrictions. Please verify availability before travel.)
Also, if you are heading to San Diego from up north, and want to make a road trip with your kids out of it, I highly suggest planning a few extra days, taking highway 101 like we did with our Seattle to San Diego road trip a few years ago.
Things to do in San Diego with Kids
Did you know Get Away Today sells discount tickets to a number of San Diego attractions? Plus you can bundle attraction tickets and your hotel and use code ThisCrazy10 to save an additional $10 when you book with Get Away Today. They also have an amazing Peace of Mind Plan, which let’s you cancel or make changes to your vacation up to 5 days before travel. I highly suggest this add-on right now.
1. Things to do in San Diego with Kids – SeaWorld San Diego
Book your SeaWorld San Diego vacation with Get Away Today and choose between a length-of-stay ticket and single-day tickets with Eat Free All day perks. You’ll love SeaWorld for it’s family-friendly attractions, Sesame Street characters, and thrill coasters.
2. San Diego Kids Activities – San Diego Zoo
At the San Diego Zoo you can book guided tours, or experience the exhibits at your own pace. It’s a great spot to see animal and botanical collections from around the world. Book with Get Away Today and save up to 10% off gate prices. Plus, their tickets include the Kangaroo Bus and Skyfari Aerial Tram.
3. Old Town Trolley
There’s no better way to see San Diego than on the Old Town Trolley. It makes its way through San Diego, with various stops along the guided tour. The two-hour ride allows you to get on and off throughout, so you’ll see the best of the best in San Diego. Look for some of my favorites, including Old Town, Seaport Village, Coronado, and Balboa Park.
4. San Diego with Kids – USS Midway
You can head to the USS Midway museum via the Old Town Trolley, or on your own. USS Midway is docked in San Diego and offers a look at aviation and naval history. It’s fun for guests of all ages and includes over 60 exhibits and 25 historic aircraft. There’s even a flight simulator!
5. LEGOLAND Resort
I know LEGOLAND Resort isn’t technically in San Diego, but Carlsbad is close! And I can’t suggest a Southern California vacation without mentioning it.
LEGOLAND is designed for ages 2 – 12, but there really is something for everyone. You’ll find kid-friendly rides, miniature LEGO cities, shows, and delicious food at the Resort. Plus, there are two on-site properties just steps away from the Resort so you can stay next to all the fun. If you add a stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel to your theme park tickets, you can save an additional $10 with code ThisCrazy10 when you book with Get Away Today.
6. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
You may think that hiking with kids isn’t your family’s thing, especially if you have younger children, but I’d encourage you to adventure on at least one of Torrey pines State Natural Reserve’s hiking trails. You’ll encounter gorgeous beach scenery along the Pacific Ocean, as well as stunning cliffs, prickly pear cactus, and hundreds of wildflowers along the way. If you do have smaller children, may I suggest to you the Guy Fleming Trail, which is only a ⅔ mile loop that’s even wheelchair and stroller accessible?
7. Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is another neat one for your family to check into. They have some of the world’s finest historic sea vessels and other neat ships you’ll enjoy, like submarines, sailboats, and steam-powered boats. It’s even optional for your family to spend a night aboard the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship.
8. The New Children’s Museum
If you have toddlers or young elementary students, I’d recommend that you stop by The New Children’s Museum. Children will have the chance to use their imagination, create, play, make crafts, and get their hands on several engaging interactive exhibits that are even neat for mom and dad. There are also several camps and workshops that are available throughout certain times of the year.
9. Balboa Park
I’ve already slightly mentioned this one already, but please make sure that you do pay a visit to San Diego’s Balboa Park. The park has 17 museums, and Old Globe Theatre, a train ride for the kiddos, the San Diego Zoo, five playgrounds, and several attractive gardens. It’s a beautiful place to visit and to simply take a stroll past the many Spanish Colonial Revival architectural buildings.
10. Belmont Park
Belmont Park is an amusement park that is located just off of Mission Beach. It’s the perfect break and change in pace after a fun day at the beach. There you’ll find plenty of theme park rides, a historic roller coaster, laser tag, a zipline, an arcade, and much, much more.
11. Seaport Village
Located in downtown San Diego, the Seaport Village may be a bit more of a touristy destination, but they do have a fudge shop! Yum. There are over 50 shops and restaurants that you’ll find on the oceanfront, along with spectacular views of the ocean, all within walking distance of most of downtown’s hotel rooms.
12. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
For those of you visiting the La Jolla area and are looking for a great destination to spend several hours at, don’t hesitate to visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. There’s also a number of kid’s hands-on exhibits that will teach your children about conservation. The aquarium itself is immense, with over 60 different fish habitats and invertebrates that can be found in the Pacific Northwest, down into Mexico.
13. Children’s Pool Beach and La Jolla Cove
Your kids will love the opportunity to visit the seals at Children’s Pool and witness the sea lions along La Jolla Cove. The Children’s Pool was originally created for a safe place for children to swim, but it’s become a protected area. Next, take the boardwalk to the dazzling and picture-worthy La Jolla Cove. Though these two locations are fairly close to one another, you’ll notice how the sea lions and the seals both keep their distance.
San Diego Discounts with Get Away Today
Thanks to their Best Price, Best Service Guarantee, you’ll always find San Diego discounts with Get Away Today. You can browse all their San Diego vacation packages online at www.getawaytoday.com or call 855-GET-AWAY for personalized vacation planning assistance. When you book any Southern California vacation package, let them know This Crazy Adventure Called Life sent you!