We don’t usually write about the “best things to do with kids” when visiting a new destination. But this trip to San Diego was a little different – it was a family visit to see friends who also have a child, so we planned our itinerary around activities the kids would enjoy. The best part? We ended up loving them too! In this post, we’ll share our favorite things to do in San Diego that are fun for both kids and adults alike.
We visited San Diego from Mexico, where we stayed again for a view month to visit family and friends. Flying in from Mexico City, we flew to the airport of Tijuana and crossed the border from there. We stayed at our friends place around Spring Valley and spent some great days exploring the various things to see and do in the city with kids.
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Days built around animals are also the easiest vocabulary lesson a parent will ever get for free. A small child who has just watched a cheetah move holds on to words like sprint, stalk and prowl in a way no worksheet manages. Mrs Wordsmith builds card games, word books and workbooks around exactly that, teaching vocabulary through pictures and characters rather than lists, and a deck of cards travels well enough to come back out at dinner while everyone recaps what they saw.
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San Diego Zoo - Safari Park
One of the absolute must-dos in San Diego for both kids and adults is visiting the zoo. While we’ve been to quite a few zoos around the world, this time we wanted to try something a little different. So we headed to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park instead. Mathias was especially excited to see the tigers and cheetahs and luckily, we got to see both, along with plenty of other incredible animals on this safari-style adventure. We took a tour of the entire park and hopped on a ride through the African Plains, which turned out to be a real highlight of the day. There are numerous play areas and restaurants around the site, so you will always find a place to play or eat for the kids.
Seaport Village, Tuna Harbor & Waterfront Park
Since we all love being by the ocean, a stroll around Tuna Harbor was the perfect way to soak up the sea breeze and discover some fun spots along the way. Seaport Village, a charming waterfront area filled with shops and restaurants, is a great place to grab a bite or pick up a souvenir before or after walking along the Embarcadero. This lively promenade runs along San Diego’s waterfront and offers a glimpse into the city’s rich maritime history with historic ships, shops, and fishing boats. Just nearby, you’ll find Waterfront Park, an ideal place to unwind for the afternoon. There’s a huge grassy lawn for picnics, a creative playground where kids can run wild, interactive splash fountains to cool off, and beautiful views of the bay to enjoy while you relax, just don’t forget your sunscreen, especially if you’re planning to spend a few sunny hours outdoors – the sun is San Diego can be very intense!
USS Midway Museum
One of the absolute highlights for families in San Diego is a visit to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. Stepping aboard this massive ship is an experience in itself, and exploring the various decks, rooms, exhibits, and historic aircraft turned out to be just as exciting for us adults as it was for Mathias. A real standout moment was getting to climb inside some of the aircraft on the flight deck and even try out a flight simulator – such a fun and unforgettable experience for all of us!
La Jolla
Another spot we really enjoyed exploring was the stunning coastline of La Jolla. This charming seaside village is known for its dramatic ocean views, winding coastline, and a mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants. There’s plenty to see and do here, from visiting the famous La Jolla Caves and watching sea lions lounging at the Coves, to spending time at the beautiful La Jolla Shores beach. It’s also home to the Birch Aquarium and the Museum of Contemporary Art, making it a great place to combine nature, wildlife, and a bit of culture in one visit.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is undoubtedly a must-visit when you’re in San Diego. Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, the park offers a wide range of attractions from art centers and museums to lush gardens and the renowned San Diego Zoo. Many of the buildings are historic landmarks, some dating back over a century. For children, there are playgrounds, a charming miniature train, and a classic carousel to enjoy. Plus, with plenty of restaurants both in and around the park, you’ll have no trouble finding a bite to eat as you explore this expansive and vibrant destination.
Where we ate in San Diego
Due to its proximity to Mexico, food in San Diego is very much influenced by food from across its border. We never heard of it before but the term “Cali Baja Cuisine” sums up the amazing combinations of flavors and recipes found in San Diego. We had no particular food or restaurant in mind but enjoyed every bit(e) of the things we ate around. From Burgers to Seafood, brunches, Cafés and Beers – we indulged in it all. The following restaurants are simply places we visited and not particularly family-restaurants but were delivious nevertheless!
Malibu Farm San Diego
If you will be exploring the Tuna Harbor and Seaside Village area, we definitely recomment this restaurant for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. The Malibu Farm offers fresh, farm-to-table food from Southern California and is a delicious treat before or after your ocean-side visit.
Location: Malibu Farm San Diego
Crazee Burger
Located in the in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego, this Burger place is great place to enjoy some amazing burger creations. Known for its diverse and exotic Burger, beer and meat (Ostrich, Gator, Venison or Buffalo meat?!) selection, this place was a great way to eat and dine the American way! (They also have vegetarian options btw).
Location: Crazee Burger
C Level Lounge
Perched on Harbor Island, C Level Lounge boasts breathtaking views of San Diego Bay, the downtown skyline, and the iconic Coronado Bridge. The menu highlights California Coastal Cuisine, offering fresh, creative seafood dishes alongside timeless meat classics. C Level is open daily for both lunch and dinner. It’s the perfect spot to wrap up a day in the city with a gorgeous sunset
Final Words
Although we only spent four days in San Diego, we truly had a fantastic time exploring all the family-friendly attractions the city has to offer. From interactive museums, sunny beaches to world-class zoos and scenic parks, there was never a dull moment for us or Mathias. San Diego’s laid-back vibe, great weather, and variety of activities made it an ideal destination for a fun and memorable family getaway. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or a longer stay, there’s something here to delight every member of the family. We’re already talking about what we’ll see next time (Maybe Disneyland but with a kid?!) – we’ll definitely be back!
And if your travels take you farther up the coast, don’t miss checking out all the amazing things to do in Los Angeles too.
This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in San Diego.