If you and your kids are searching for exciting activities to do in the beautiful city of San Diego, you’re in luck! This vibrant city offers an abundance of family-friendly places that will delight children and adults alike. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or educational experiences, there is no shortage of things to do in San Diego with kids. Get ready to create lasting memories as you explore the best spots in San Diego! We stayed for five days and didn’t even come close to doing it all. We will definitely be back!
La Jolla Tide Pools + La Jolla Cove
Head to La Jolla and explore the fascinating tide pools as well as a stop at La Jolla Cove! Kids can see a variety of sea life up close, including crabs, starfish, mussels, and even sea anemones. Take a guided tour or venture out on your own – no matter what you choose it’ll be an unforgettable experience. Make sure you check the tide tables the day of your visit so you can visit at low tide, when the tide pools will be fully visible. The photos below are at low tide.
After exploring the Tide Pools, why not take a short walk over to the picturesque La Jolla Cove? Known for its breathtakingly beautiful views, clear waters, and abundant sealife, it’s a perfect spot. Don’t forget to bring your camera – La Jolla Cove’s resident sea lions love to pose for photos!
La Jolla is home to a friendly colony of these adorable marine mammals. Feel the excitement as you and your kiddos watch them play, sunbathe, and interact in their natural habitat. Remember to keep a respectful distance, though: these are wild animals, after all. This unique encounter will surely be one of your trip’s highlights. It’s not every day that you get to see sea lions up close and personal!
Sea Cave Kayaking
Take a kayaking adventure and explore the underwater caves of San Diego! Most tours provide all of the equipment you need, so no need to worry about bringing your own gear. Kids will love paddling around in the mysterious depths and discovering the unique wildlife that lives there.
Keep your eyes peeled for sea stars, colorful coral gardens and all kinds of curious fish. Keep the fun going with a picnic on one of the nearby beaches. It’s a great way to relax after an exciting day on the water!
Oh, and did I mention the bright, eye-catching orange Garibaldi fish? These beauties are California’s state marine fish and are a common sight when kayaking in the caves. Their vibrant color really stands out against the backdrop of the sea, making them hard to miss! We saw tons of them.
At certain times of the year, this area is also known for it’s large population of tiger sharks! But don’t worry, despite their tiger-like stripes, leopard sharks are totally harmless. In fact, they’re quite shy and are more likely to swim away than come closer. It’s an incredible experience to watch these graceful creatures in their natural habitat. Just remember, they’re called leopard sharks, not tiger sharks, despite their strikingly similar pattern!
The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the country for good reason – it’s filled with over 3,700 animals of more than 650 species. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, take part in fun activities and see some of their favorite animals up close.
The San Diego Zoo goes beyond just viewing animals in their habitats. It’s a place where kids can learn about conservation efforts, animal behaviors, and the importance of biodiversity. Be sure to hop on the guided bus tour for an overview of the park, or the Skyfari Aerial Tram for a bird’s-eye-view of the animals.
The zoo also has several interactive experiences that kids will love. One of them is the Australian Outback where children can feed giraffes, another is the Polar Bear Plunge where they can learn about the Arctic habitat. And don’t forget about the Panda Trek! Although pandas have returned to China, the exhibit still houses several captivating species like red pandas and takins.
The San Diego Zoo is not just a day of fun—it’s a day of discovery and learning that your kids will cherish. So pack some snacks, put on your comfy shoes, and prepare for an adventure!
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Just a short drive away from the main zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is another must-visit spot for families. This expansive wildlife sanctuary is home to over 3,000 animals from more than 300 species. The park, designed to mimic natural habitats, offers a unique opportunity for kids to see animals in wide, open spaces, much like their native homes. From the African Plains to the Asian Savanna, your little ones will be enthralled by the sight of giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs roaming freely. One of the highlights of the Safari Park is the Africa Tram, which offers guided tours around the African exhibits. For the more adventurous families, the park also offers a thrilling zip-line experience over the habitats. Don’t forget to visit the Lemur Walk, where you’ll get a chance to walk through an enclosure filled with playful lemurs! The Safari Park is not only loads of fun, but also an educational journey into the world of wildlife.
Little Italy
Next, take a stroll through Little Italy, a vibrant and lively neighborhood perfect for families. Famous for its authentic Italian restaurants and artisan gelato shops, it’s the perfect place for a mid-day refuel. Kids will enjoy the open plazas and colorful murals, while parents can appreciate the fabulous coffee shops and boutiques. Don’t forget to visit the weekly Mercato Farmers’ Market for some fresh local produce and unique handmade crafts!
Shelter Island
Shelter Island is one of San Diego’s most picturesque areas. Take a stroll along the waterfront and watch the boats pass by, or head to one of the nearby beaches for a day of fun in the sun. There are also plenty of restaurants that offer both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for a family outing. We ate at Bali Hai and requested patio seating – it was fabulous.
Cruise Around In A Convertible
There’s no better way to enjoy the splendid San Diego sunshine than by cruising around in a convertible! Renting a convertible is a fun, exciting way to explore the city sights while enjoying the open air. It’s an unforgettable experience your kids will absolutely love! It also gives you the flexibility to hop from one attraction to another at your own pace. And don’t worry about fitting in all your beach gear; many car rental companies offer models with plenty of trunk space.
Roller Coaster at Mission Beach
After refueling, it’s time to head over to Mission Beach, home to the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. This classic wooden roller coaster, located at Belmont Park, is one of San Diego’s hidden gems. With its thrilling drops and turns, it’s sure to leave your kiddos screaming with delight. And don’t worry, it’s not just for the thrill-seekers. Belmont Park also offers a variety of other family-friendly attractions like the vintage carousel, mini golf, and bumper cars. Plus, the park sits right on the beachfront, so you can even squeeze in some sandcastle building or a quick dip in the ocean!
Explore Coronado Island
Next on your San Diego adventure, hop on a ferry over to the enchanting Coronado Island. This charming island, known for its pristine beaches and historic Hotel Del Coronado, feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you can rent bikes and explore the picturesque streets lined with unique shops and quaint cafes. Don’t forget to spend some time at Coronado Beach, renowned for its sparkling golden sand – it’s a great spot for building sandcastles or soaking up the sun. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some navy seals training off the coast! Trust me, Coronado Island is a must-visit locale on your San Diego family outing!
No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, San Diego has something for everyone. From exploring tide pools to roller coaster rides, there are plenty of things to do in San Diego with kids that will make your family vacation truly unforgettable. So pack up the car and hit the road – you won’t regret it! Happy travels!