San Diego has the best of all worlds: perfect weather, gorgeous beaches, and activities to keep your family entertained for weeks. It’s one of the best cities in the United States for family travel because you can enjoy world-class attractions and relax at the beach on the same day. There are so many things to do in San Diego with kids that it can be hard to figure out how to maximize your time. Below is The Best San Deigo Itinerary with Kids so that your family can experience a mix of all that San Diego has to offer. Our itinerary includes seven days of fun, but families staying fewer days can mix and match what they like best. Get ready to have an incredible vacation and some fabulous fun in the sun!
Day 1 – A Day at the Beach & Sunset Cruise
After a day of travel, grab some chairs and enjoy San Diego’s number one attraction, the beach. Families will appreciate the wide-open sandy beaches, perfect for a game of smash ball. You’ll find that the waves are great for boogie boarding, even for beginners. And, if it’s the right time of year, kids will have fun digging for sand crabs. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are great spots for families in San Diego, as there are plenty of amenities and restaurants nearby. As the day draws to a close, hop on a sunset boat cruise around the harbor with Hornblower. The sun on your face and the wind in your hair will be the perfect start to an unforgettable San Diego vacation with kids!
Book your San Diego Best of the Bay Harbor Cruise here with Getyourguide.com!
Day 2 – San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
There are so many amazing San Diego parks for kids, but the most famous one is the San Diego Zoo. Located in Balboa Park, the internationally recognized zoo is the best place in San Diego to see over 12,000 animals. For added fun, watch the tigers, pandas, and monkeys on live cams online before you visit.
Then, it will be more magical for kids to see them up close! The animals have large enclosures, so prepare to do a lot of walking. There’s an aerial tram and bus tour available for an additional fee. For an upgraded experience, reserve one of the animal programs or feedings. Kids in San Diego will love these intimate encounters! The zoo is a full-day family-friendly San Diego adventure that should be at the top of any itinerary with kids.
If you’re looking for a more “wild” adventure, then add San Diego Zoo Safari Park to your list. This San Diego park for kids is a sister property to the San Diego Zoo. However, instead of walking, visitors can view herds of wildlife from a covered tram. For a unique tour, reserve a jeep, hot air balloon, or overnight safari. The park also provides plenty of traditional zoo-like experiences with a petting zoo and terrific play areas. Located just a half-hour away in Escondido, Safari Park is an easy addition to your family’s San Diego vacation with kids.
Get your San Diego CityPass for discounted admission. The San Diego Zoo is an attraction option!
Use Getyourguide.com to reserve your tickets to the San Diego Zoo!
RELATED: 6 Exciting West Coast Safaris and Animal Parks for Families
Day 3 – USS Midway, Maritime Museum & Old Town San Diego
As the site of a naval base, San Diego has a unique maritime history. Fortunately, the public can experience the might of our military by touring some incredible ships docked in the harbor. First on your list should be the USS Midway Museum.
As the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century, the ship has lots of stories to tell. And, so do the many docents that graciously volunteer as guides. They are a wealth of information for kids in San Diego who want to know about life on an aircraft carrier. Included in admission is an audio guide that will direct your steps. However, be sure not to miss the impressive display of planes and helicopters, as well as a view of downtown San Diego, from the top deck. If you want to explore more ships, you can also visit the fleet at the Maritime Museum San Diego.
After your adventure on the high seas, head to Old Town San Diego, just down the street. This charming old town has several museums that highlight San Diego’s history and bring to life its early days. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or just enjoy meandering along the streets lined with restaurants and shops. Candle making is a favorite kids’ activity in Old Town San Diego and a great souvenir to take home. There are often festivals and live music, so check the calendar online to see what events are scheduled. Located nearby is the Gaslamp Quarter, a popular neighborhood and a great place to eat in San Diego with kids.
Get your San Diego CityPass for discounted admission. The USS Midway Museum is an attraction option!
Use Viator to reserve your tickets to the USS Midway Museum here!
Day 4 – SeaWorld or LEGOLAND®
You can spend an entire week just visiting San Diego’s parks, so you may have to pick and choose. If you have animal lovers in your family, then SeaWorld would be a great fit. It’s a treat to observe magnificent creatures such as dolphins, orcas, walruses, belugas, and more. Plan your day at SeaWorld using our Fantastic 1-Day Guide to SeaWorld San Diego with Kids. Not only does SeaWorld have amazing shows, sea life, and rides, but guests can also visit the adjacent waterpark, Aquatica, for a full day (or two!) experience.
Similar to SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California Resort has a variety of offerings that will easily fill your day. For the LEGO fans in your family, this is the place! The LEGOLAND® theme park has rides and impressive displays of LEGO creations scattered all around. There is also the SEA LIFE® aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park if you want to add an additional day to your visit.
Book your tickets directly to SeaWorld or Aquatica here!
Day 5 – LaJolla – Hangliders & Sea Lions
LaJolla is a beautiful enclave in San Deigo and is worth exploring. Begin the day at Torrey Pines Gliderport, where you can stand on a picturesque cliff and watch gliders ride the wind. Brave adults can try tandem paragliding, and a small cafe and deck are available for spectators. It’s impressive to watch the paragliders soar with the birds over the ocean! Next, visit Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for a hike along the jagged hills. The Guy Fleming Trail is a relatively flat and easy 2/3-mile loop with amazing views and two overlooks.
Down by the water, you can book a tour to kayak through sea caves with La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks. While on the oceans, see if you can spot Dr. Seuss’ house! Then, make your way to LaJolla’s Children’s Pool. Kids in San Diego will love swimming in this small protected area, and parents will appreciate the lifeguard on duty. However, the best part is watching all the sea lions sleep and play on the surrounding rocks.
If visiting on a weekend, stop at the nearby farmer’s market for some fresh goodies. Finally, end the day with dinner at Duke’s LaJolla, a surf-inspired restaurant with spectacular ocean views. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset while listening to the sea lions bark goodbye to the day.
Use Getyourguide.com to reserve your San Diego Sea Cave Kayak tour!
Day 6 – Beach & Belmont Park
After several days of adventure, it’s good to plan for some relaxing beach time. Pack the toys and picnic blanket, and head for the sand! If you’re looking for a little exercise in San Diego with kids, then rent bicycles from one of the many shops along Mission Beach and cruise the oceanfront bike path down to Belmont Park. This beachside amusement park has a little bit of everything, including an old-fashioned Giant Dipper Rollercoaster. You’ll know you’re getting close when you start smelling the waffle cones. Belmont Park is a great spot for a few rides and afternoon treats before biking back to your spot on the beach!
RELATED: Spectacular 4-Day Itinerary for San Francisco with Kids
Day 7 – Museums, Outdoor Adventures & More
There are lots of things to do in San Diego for families. How to fill your time depends on what your crew enjoys the most. For example, you can spend an entire day in Balboa Park. It’s the location of several museums, gardens, and even a small train to ride.
Or, museum lovers can add The New Children’s Museum, Birch Aquarium, Fleet Science Center, or the San Diego Natural History Museum to their list of things to do in San Diego. For additional outdoor fun, try whale watching, a San Diego Padres baseball game, or cheer on thoroughbred horses at the famous Del Mar Racetrack. There are so many family-friendly activities to add to your San Diego itinerary with kids!
Disneyland Option
While in Southern California, families may choose to visit the Disneyland Resort. This is a great addition to your San Diego itinerary with kids but requires some extra planning. Keep in mind that the Disneyland Resort is not an ideal day trip from San Diego because the drive can take several hours, depending on traffic.
The best way to experience the Magic Kingdom is to arrange your itinerary so that you spend the night close to the park the evening before your visit. That way, you can rise and shine without worrying about traffic, parking, and travel time. Another option is to fly into Los Angeles, visit the parks, and then fly out of San Diego, or vice versa. The Disneyland Resort is truly magical and, with planning, it’s the perfect way to start or end a trip to San Diego with kids.
Where to Stay in San Diego with Kids
There are so many terrific places to stay in San Diego with kids! The city is full of waterfront hotels with pools and easy access to the beach. The most iconic property close to downtown is Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton. Its famous red roof has been a landmark since 1888. Mission Beach and Mission Bay offer families in San Diego a beachfront central location close to all the attractions.
In addition to online home rentals, there are several San Diego family-friendly hotels in the area, including Mission Bay Resort, Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, Paradise Point, and Bahia Resort Hotel. Visitors to LaJolla can stay at LaJolla Beach & Tennis Club or LaJolla Shores Hotel and be beachfront within walking distance to restaurants. Regardless of which option you choose, we know you’ll make the best choice for your San Diego itinerary with kids!
RELATED: Best Waterfront Hotels in San Diego for Families
Interactive Map of San Diego
Use this interactive map to search for and find accommodations that meet your needs during your own San Diego itinerary with kids. Our location-based interactive map will provide travelers with the ideal accommodations for their stay, regardless of their budget. Find out what to do, restaurants, airports, and local activities.
Happy Travels!
Whether you like relaxing at the beach, exploring museums, outdoor adventures, or amusement parks, your family is sure to love San Diego with kids! This San Deigo Itinerary with Kids includes a mix of popular attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences so that your family can return home with a heart (and camera roll) full of memories! Have a blast, and I hope you enjoy every minute!
*Unless otherwise noted, all images are courtesy of and belong to Emily Kapic.
RELATED: 8 Awesome Weekend Getaways from the Bay Area with Kids
Book Tours and Activities in San Diego
*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled by the attributed author, Emily Kapic.
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