Dreaming of the perfect summer family get away? As the latest California tourist campaign says, “dream big.” The sun, the surf, the sea life, and the (beer) suds make San Diego the picture perfect summer vacation for children of all ages. Here’s our toddler approved picks for “America’s Finest City.”
The Bay
Let’s be honest, it’s hard not to find a breath taking view near the water. But stay on the bayfront. A paved walkway running along the bay is perfect for a run or stroll with the kids. The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum and the iconic Kissing Statue is withiin walking distance, as well as more than 200 restaurants (including kid-favorite Ghirardelli) and stores in the Gaslamp District. Public transit is also available nearby. Our pick: Hilton San Diego Bayfront with poolside service and a kid’s water slide.
San Diego Zoo
Name an animal. Any animal. No matter how rare or exotic, chances are good that you’ll be able to see it at the San Diego Zoo. This 100-acre zoo is home to more than 3,700 animals. (It gave me a chance to finally see a real tasmanian devil. It’s not nearly as destructive or fast as Warner Brother’s animated version.) There’s so much to see, so start with the 35-minute guided bus tour near the entrance. It gives you a good lay of the land and helps start conversations with little ones about what to see. Trust me- there’s way TOO much to see in one day.
Balboa Park
The zoo is on the outside of Balboa Park, which is home to more than a dozen museums, restaurants and gardens. There is something for everyone. Enjoy free concerts in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion on Tuesday through Thursday nights in the summer. Food trucks roll in on Friday nights during the summer. (But get there right when they open and know what you want to eat…. or you’ll end up waiting 40 min+ for your order.) Parking spots can be hard to find closer to the pavilion at night. But free shuttles run around the park. With so much to do, this became our evening destination every night. Our pick: Panama 66. Delicious drinks and food with even a few kid friendly items. Plus, all of the seating is outdoors.
La Jolla Cove
Two words- sea lions! Start at the Children’s Pool to see the sea lions swimming in the water between the beach and nearby rocks then continue walking down the beach. You find additional areas of beach filled with sea lions swimming and sunbathing. It certainly makes any trip to your local zoo a little less exciting.
Historic Coronado Island
Enjoy a meal and a little shopping before taking in a sunset stroll on the beach infront of Hotel del Coronado. The hotel opened in 1888. It’s hard not to feel as if you are being transported back in time. Take a few pictures then turn off your phone for a few minutes and just enjoy the view (or the squeals of delight coming from children running from crashing waves.) Our pick: Village Pizzeria. Delicious pizza and very kid-friendly staff. Downside? Only a single restroom behind the building.
Breweries
With more than 50 craft breweries, the sky (or your blood alcohol level) is the limit. We love craft beer. However, young visitors are often frowned upon at breweries. Not here. Grab a meal at a brew pub where chefs make some incredible food. Or wait until the little ones fall asleep, put them in a stroller and sip while they snoozed (Yes, we did this and no one batted an eye.) Our picks: Stone Brewery (the food and scenery are incredible at this location with ample grounds/grass for kids to explore) and Green Flash Brewery (yep, this is where we rolled in with a stroller containing sleeping kids.)
Old Town San Diego
A bit of a tourist trap? Perhaps. But the buildings are beautifully restored and furnished. There are houses, stores, even a school. You don’t have to try hard to imagine how early settlers lived. Our three-year-old was able to find familiar looking toys and school items that prompted questions… and staved off some boredom.
We packed in all the sights over a long weekend. But if you have a little more time, consider the Birch Aquarium or Disneyland (about 95 miles away).
Happy travels!
