San Diego, often called “America’s Finest City,” is a dream destination for families. With its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and a plethora of attractions, it’s no wonder families flock here year after year. We’ve been visiting San Diego regularly with our family, and it’s become one of our favorite getaways. From quick weekend trips to longer spring break vacations, San Diego offers something for everyone, especially families with kids. The easy flights, pleasant climate, and incredible variety of activities make it a stress-free and exciting destination. Plus, as a must for any mom, the delicious Mexican food is a huge bonus! Let us share our insider tips and favorite spots for making the most of your family vacation in San Diego.
Mom and son enjoying the ferry to Coronado Island
Family-Friendly Hotels in San Diego
Choosing the right accommodation is key to a successful family trip. San Diego boasts a range of hotels perfect for families, offering comfort, convenience, and kid-friendly amenities. Here are some of our top picks:
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
For families who appreciate space and convenience, Homewood Suites Downtown/Bayside is an excellent choice. The suite-style rooms are a game-changer, offering separate sleeping areas which provides much-needed privacy and room to spread out – especially important when traveling with kids. The full kitchens are incredibly handy for storing snacks, preparing simple meals, and catering to picky eaters. We particularly love the complimentary breakfast, a heated pool for year-round swimming, and its central location in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood. For a quieter stay and stunning bay views, request a high-floor room facing Pacific Highway.
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
If you’re seeking a truly memorable and luxurious oceanfront experience, look no further than the Hotel del Coronado. This grand, historic hotel is a splurge, but worth it for a special family vacation. Located on Coronado Island, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere away from the downtown bustle. Our son absolutely loved the magnificent pool, while parents can indulge in poolside refreshments. Coronado Island itself is a charming area to explore, and it’s still conveniently close to all of San Diego’s main attractions.
Omni San Diego Hotel
Baseball fans, rejoice! The Omni San Diego Hotel is a home run for families attending a Padres game. Its unique private entrance directly into Petco Park offers a VIP experience that’s hard to beat. Many rooms even boast views overlooking the baseball field. We had a fun, unexpected moment bumping into players in the elevator during our stay! Even if baseball isn’t on your itinerary, the Omni’s location in the heart of downtown is ideal for exploring the Gaslamp District, the waterfront, and the convention center. Plus, a pool is always a welcome amenity for families.
Family-Friendly Things to do in San Diego
San Diego is bursting with activities that will keep families entertained throughout their stay. From wildlife encounters to thrilling theme parks, here are some must-do family activities in San Diego:
La Jolla’s Children’s Pool Beach
La Jolla’s Children’s Pool is a unique spot, not for swimming (especially if you are used to warmer waters!), but for an unforgettable wildlife encounter. This cove is home to seals and sea lions who love to bask in the sun on the sand. Remember to admire these amazing animals from a respectful distance, just as you would with monk seals. The elevated wall along the cove provides a perfect backdrop for scenic family photos. Afterward, take a stroll through the upscale La Jolla neighborhood, browsing shops and enjoying a treat.
LEGOLAND California
For families with LEGO enthusiasts (and who isn’t?), LEGOLAND California is a must-visit. This amusement park celebrates the iconic colorful blocks and provides entertainment for all ages. Our son’s favorite ride was the submarine adventure, while the detailed miniature models of cities across the USA were a highlight for the adults. What sets LEGOLAND apart from other theme parks is the abundance of interactive activities designed for toddlers and younger children. From dino digs to LEGO building zones, rock climbing, and play structures, there’s plenty to keep little ones engaged. With a waterpark and aquarium also on-site, consider staying at one of the LEGOLAND hotels to maximize your time and fun.
Padres Baseball Game at Petco Park
Introducing kids to the excitement of major league baseball is a fantastic family experience, and Petco Park is the perfect venue. This ballpark is known for being clean, family-friendly, and packed with amenities for children. There’s even a playground and a mini baseball diamond in the outfield where kids can burn off energy during the game. Classic ballpark snacks like Cracker Jacks and peanuts are always a hit with kids, while parents can enjoy the more gourmet food options from local San Diego restaurants.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo’s reputation as one of the world’s best zoos is well-deserved. With over 14,000 animals, it dwarfs the Honolulu Zoo in size and variety. Plan for a full day to explore it all, or focus on animals you might not see at home, like polar bears, camels, koalas, and kangaroos. Don’t miss the recently opened Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, featuring interactive kids’ activities and a water play area – a perfect way for kids to cool down and learn.
SeaWorld San Diego
For families fascinated by marine life, SeaWorld San Diego is a must-see. The iconic orca show is truly impressive, although be prepared for full sun exposure in the stadium. Like other SeaWorld parks, the animal shows are included with admission, but be aware that many animal interactions require an extra fee. While there are some rides for younger children, the majority of the roller coasters have a height requirement of 48 inches or taller, so keep this in mind when planning your visit with younger kids.
The New Children’s Museum
The New Children’s Museum is a bright, modern, and incredibly creative space designed for kids. You could easily spend half a day exploring its engaging art installations, innovators lab, clay studio, climbing areas, and outdoor paint studio. A highlight is Whammock!, a Dr. Seuss-esque crocheted sculpture on the top floor that kids can climb and explore. The museum’s Bean Sprouts Café offers healthy and kid-friendly food options, including a cute sunflower butter & jam sandwich shaped like a piano.
Family adventures at the New Children’s Museum and San Diego Zoo
Family-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego
San Diego’s culinary scene is diverse and delicious, with plenty of family-friendly options. Here are some restaurants we recommend:
Civico 1845
Located in Little Italy, Civico 1845 is a fantastic Italian restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere for families. The alfresco sidewalk seating is perfect for people-watching while enjoying your meal. Great for both lunch and dinner, we highly recommend the Pappardelle Brasato and the simple buttered noodles, a guaranteed kid-pleaser. They also offer a full vegan menu, catering to different dietary needs.
Il Fornaio Coronado
For a dining experience with stunning views, take a ferry ride from downtown San Diego to Coronado Island and dine at Il Fornaio. The restaurant’s large windows offer breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline, especially beautiful at sunset. Booth seating is great for families with younger children, and the kid’s menu even features pasta shapes to color, keeping little ones entertained.
In-N-Out Burger
No trip to California is complete without a stop at In-N-Out Burger. This iconic fast-food chain is a must-try. The burgers are made fresh to order and can be customized to your liking – even plain for picky eaters! For the more adventurous eaters, explore the “animal style” and other off-menu options. Kids can also ask for a paper hat to wear and take home as a fun souvenir.
Old Town Mexican Cafe
Immerse yourselves in history and flavor at the Old Town Mexican Cafe, located in San Diego’s historic Old Town neighborhood. This restaurant showcases fresh, handmade tortillas being made right in the front window. The crispy shredded beef tacos are a personal favorite. While Mexican food might not be every child’s favorite, they thankfully have a burger & fries option to please everyone in the family.
Family enjoying a sunset on a San Diego beach
This guide just scratches the surface of the incredible family-friendly experiences San Diego has to offer. On our list for our next visit are the USS Midway Museum and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. San Diego truly is a city that keeps families coming back for more, year after year.
