Family-Friendly Fun in San Diego

• San Diego Zoo: This world-renowned zoo is home to over 3,500 animals. Insider tip: Don't miss the Panda Canyon and the guided bus tour for an overview of the park.

• Legoland California: Located just north of San Diego, this theme park is made for kids under 12, offering interactive rides and a water park. It's perfect for young Lego enthusiasts.

• Balboa Park: Explore its 17 museums, beautiful gardens and the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is particularly great for kids with itsIMAX theater and interactive exhibits.

• Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Offers fascinating insights into marine life and conservation. Insider tip: Check out the tide-pooling tours where kids can touch sea stars and other tide-pool creatures.

• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: Take a step back in time with historic building tours, live folkloric dancing and hands-on activities like candle-making.

• Coronado Beach: Known for its crystal-clear waters and gentle waves, it's perfect for a family beach day. The wide, flat beach is ideal for building sandcastles.

• USS Midway Museum: Aboard this retired aircraft carrier, families can explore naval history with self-guided audio tours designed for kids full of fascinating stories and fun facts.

• The New Children's Museum: A dynamic, playful public space combining art and play, perfect for encouraging creativity and imagination in children.

• La Jolla Cove: Walk along the rocky shore to spot large colonies of sea lions lounging in their natural habitat and looking after their pups. Have a picnic while soaking up the views of the ocean from the cliffs at sunset.

• San Diego SEAL Tour: Ready to see the best of San Diego on sea and land? Kids will love getting on this boat with wheels and riding through the city's streets before splashing down for a cruise through the waters of the San Diego Bay.

• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: A 2000-acre natural wilderness with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. There are hiking trails through sculpted sandstone gorges, and access to the unspoiled beaches. This was one of my kids' favorite spots to explore! Insider Tip: Check out the Guy Fleming trail for an easy, mostly level hike (great for families with younger kids). On this trail there are two scenic overlook points with panoramic views, and it also happens to have the greatest variety of wildflowers, cacti and ferns in the reserve.

Day Trips:

• Encinitas, CA: Drive up the historic US Route 101 to enjoy a 25-minute beautiful scenic drive along the Pacific Ocean. Once you arrive in Encinitas, you will be greeted by a cute beach town with great shopping and eateries. Turn the day into a family beach day and head to Moonlight State Beach. This is one of our favorite beaches to visit in the area as it has a long stretch of sandy beach with a concession stand and clean restrooms. It's an absolutely beautiful beach that we loved spending the day swimming and looking for seashells.

• Also make sure to check out the Meditation Gardens, located in Encinitas. They are open to all, and it is an absolutely beautiful place to take in the panoramic ocean views.

Breakfast

• Night & Day Cafe (Coronado): This is a small diner-style restaurant. If you happen to get a seat inside, you'll be able to see your food cooked right in front of you. They also have outside seating on the patio, which is ideal for bigger groups or those with kids. The food is absolutely delicious and I'm still dreaming about the breakfast burritos!

• Morning Glory (Little Italy): Make sure to get here early as it is a very popular spot! However, the wait is worth it as the menu boasts many creative options. Insider Tip: Try the soufflé pancakes...so, so good!

• Sugar and Scribe (La Jolla): If you're visiting the La Jolla area, you have to stop here for breakfast! The food is exceptional, and the service is top-notch! The lobster Benedict was divine.

Lunch

• Dukes (La Jolla): A perfect family-friendly spot for lunch. The kids loved sitting out on the 2nd-story deck and looking out to the ocean. They loved their food, which is always a win since we've got some picky eaters, and our food was amazing as well! Oh, and the drinks are top-notch also! Try the lavender colada, you will not be disappointed.

• Liberty Station/ Liberty Public Market: San Diego's first indoor food market and art and culture hub located in Point Loma. The market offers food stands where everybody in the family can pick their favorite spot and then sit and enjoy the outdoors at a table. There are also multiple restaurants to choose from if you'd rather enjoy your meal at a sit-down restaurant. The Corvette Diner is a fun spot to check out with kids.

• Panama 66 (Balboa Park): If you're already checking out Balboa Park for the day, make sure to stop by Panama 66 for lunch. The atmosphere is amazing for kids and the food is delicious.

Dinner

• Cafe Coyote (Old Town): If you're looking for good, authentic Mexican food, you can't go wrong with visiting Old Town. We always love visiting Cafe Coyote as the environment here is so fun and perfect for kids! The food is amazing - strong flavors, authentic & homemade feel and just so good. Don’t miss this place!

• City Tacos Ocean Beach: The sprawling 10,000-square-foot space in Ocean Beach gives kids plenty of space to run around and play outdoor games, like Jenga, cornhole boards, foosball tables and bocce ball. The tacos here are reasonably priced and offer an abundance of different flavors for parents and kids alike.

• Underbelly (North Park): This Asian fusion restaurant offers kid-friendly baos with pork belly, short ribs and Japanese fried chicken. Or if your kids are picky like my daughter, they also have ramen with just “broth and noodles” or just a side of noodles. They also offer a wide selection of beers on tap for the adults.