40+ BEST Things to Do in San Diego with Kids (2024)

San Diego County overflows with fun for families. As a mom who lived in this Southern California beach city for many years and returns regularly with her brood, I’m excited to share the best things to do in San Diego with kids based on my family’s experiences and knowledge of our former hometown. There are plentiful activities to keep all ages content, from theme parks and animal adventures to nature play and museums. Take a look at more than 40 kid-friendly San Diego attractions!

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1. The Beach

When considering the best San Diego attractions for kids, the beach always tops the list. This popular California vacation destination is renowned for its long sandy beaches and surfable waves. In fact, San Diego boasts more than 70 miles of coastline. No matter what time of year you visit, beauty and fun abound at San Diego beaches.

In summer, kids can build sandcastles and splash in the waves. Active families will enjoy participating in water sports like surfing lessons, boogie boarding, or a sea-kayaking tour.

Cooler spring and fall temperatures mean more space to relax and spread out a beach blanket or go for a walk along the shore. Off-season is a great time to explore San Diego tide pools, searching for hermit crabs, sea stars, mussels, and other sea life at low tide. Those visiting San Diego in winter are often surprised to find the beaches too chilly for swimming. But wetsuits are available from surf shops for die-hard ocean lovers.

Best Beaches in San Diego for Families

• Mission Beach (mellower waves for young children, near Belmont Park Amusement Park)
• La Jolla Shores Beach (beautiful crescent-shaped beach)
• Coronado Island Beach (immaculate beach near the Hotel Del Coronado)
• Children’s Pool Beach (manmade breaker protects from large waves, located in La Jolla Cove)
• Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach (smaller beach with playground)
• Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach (bustling boardwalk, lots of restaurants, frequented by college kids)
• Torrey Pines State Beach (a local favorite with fewer tourists, near Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve)

2. Balboa Park

The location of the first-ever World’s Fair, Balboa Park is definitely one of the best things to do in San Diego with kids. Enjoy free admission to this spacious park, which you might be surprised to learn is twice as big as New York City’s Central Park. Some attractions and activities require a fee.

Top Things to Do at Balboa Park

• Listen to live music on the world’s largest outdoor organ at Spreckels Organ Pavillion.
• Visit the world famous San Diego Zoo.
• Play the Brass Ring Game on the Balboa Park Carousel for a chance to win a free spin.
• Wander through 19 gardens, including the Desert Garden, Japanese Friendship Garden, and the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden.
• Eat at numerous snack carts and eateries, including The Prado Restaurant.
• Shop for artwork and take art classes at the Spanish Village Art Center.
• Ride the Balboa Park Miniature Train.
• Enjoy numerous picnic areas and playgrounds.
• Watch live theater performances at The Old Globe Theatre.
• Participate in a Balboa Park Scavenger Hunt.
• Explore 17 museums showcasing art, science, history, and more.

Free Balboa Park Museums (Donation Suggested)

• Timken Museum of Art
• Centro Cultural de la Raza
• Institute of Contemporary Art
• San Diego History Center

3. San Diego Zoo

Of course, you can’t go to San Diego with kids without visiting its renowned zoo. Widely regarded as one of the best zoological centers in the world, the San Diego Zoo wows animal lovers. This zoo’s focus is on the conservation of endangered animals and educating the public about the world’s creatures.

Four thousand animals representing 800 species make their homes here. Take a peek at lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). But there are also koalas, Komodo dragons, and many other animals sure to fascinate visitors.

The San Diego Zoo is one of the only zoological centers in the U.S. that houses giant pandas. In an agreement with China, pandas were welcomed in the summer of 2024 to the San Diego facility after the previous Oreo-colored residents returned home in 2019. Visitors can also see red pandas at the San Diego Zoo.

Kids will enjoy visiting the Children’s Zoo. They can play on the Fisher-Price Discovery Playground and interact with goats, sheep, and other mellow creatures in the petting zoo.

As a many-year annual member, read my tips for making the most of visiting the San Diego Zoo with kids. Ready to go? Buy your San Diego Zoo entry passes now!

4. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Safari Park is just as impressive as its sister property, the San Diego Zoo. This animal park encompasses a whopping 1,800 acres compared to the zoo’s 100. Be warned that it’s a lot of ground to cover with little legs!

The African Tram is the park’s king attraction. It transports visitors through a wide-open landscape similar to that of the African Savannah. Riders spy on such creatures as rhinos, giraffes, and Cape buffaloes. Pay an additional fee to get up close to the animals on a Caravan Safari (shown above).

But that’s not the only memorable adventure at the Safari Park. Purchase a cup of nectar at Lorikeet Landing to come nose to beak with brightly plumed lorikeet parrots. On hot days, bring swim gear for children to cool off in the animal-shaped fountains at the Savannah Cool Zone. (Always my kids’ favorite part of the park!) Buy your San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets now!

You can even zip-line at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park over the heads of wild animals. Or, for a truly memorable adventure, sign up for the Roar and Snore overnight camping in the park.

5. LEGOLAND California

While many amusement parks present passive entertainment, parents will be pleased to discover interactive attractions at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad. At the Volvo Driving School, children drive pint-sized cars around streets dotted with stop signs and working stoplights. Kids can also build and race LEGO vehicles and even program computerized LEGO Mindstorms robots.

The Police and Fire Academy Rescue ride gets Mom and Dad involved. Riders pile into a fire truck or police car. Then they power it by pumping levers up and down as they race other teams to put out a “fire” and stop make-believe robbers. This always leaves my family huffing, puffing, and laughing!

Read my tips for visiting LEGOLAND California with all ages or purchase discounted LEGOLAND California tickets.

6. Belmont Park

Kids of all ages adore Belmont Park on the Mission Beach Boardwalk. Go to this waterfront theme park for carnival games with prizes, ice cream treats, funnel cakes, and more than a dozen fun rides.

Admission is free at this popular San Diego attraction. Pay as you go to ride and play. For unlimited access to 13 rides and included parking, purchase a Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass.

The star attraction at Belmont Park is the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. This historic wooden roller coaster was originally built in 1925 and has been restored for your rickety riding pleasure. Heads up: this is a very jerky ride. (But my teens love it!)

7. La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a fabulous place for outdoor activities. Come at low tide to look for marine life in tide pools along the Pacific Ocean. Then, walk along sea cliffs and peer at California Harbor seals and sea lions lazing on the beach near Children’s Pool Beach. At Scripps Parkway, enjoy a picnic lunch on an expansive grassy area overlooking the ocean.

This jewel of San Diego is also well-known for its designer shops, art galleries, and upscale dining options. For a funky spot to shop for SoCal souvenirs, head to the Cave Store and climb down a 145-step tunnel to the Sunny Jim Sea Cave. (Be careful, though—the steps can be slippery!)

8. SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is best known for shows starring ocean animals like dolphins and sea lions. Aquariums filled with sea life abound here, too, including a walk-through shark tank. For an extra special treat, book a Premier Experience, like a Dine with Orcas Meal or Penguin Encounter.

This theme park also features fun rides, which has always been a draw for my kids. Sesame Street Bay of Play provides sweet rides for young children, like Elmo’s Flying Fish and Abby’s Sea Star Spin. The Sky Tower and Bayside Skyride provide impressive views of Mission Bay. Meanwhile, roller coasters like Manta and Shipwreck Rapids thrill adventurous parkgoers.

Read my tips for visiting SeaWorld San Diego with kids and buy your SeaWorld San Diego Skip-the-Line Tickets!

9. Birch Aquarium at Scripps

This aquarium in La Jolla provides a worthwhile alternative to SeaWorld San Diego. It’s a great place for families on a tight budget or with limited time. The focus at Birch Aquarium is on ocean education, animal care, and conservation.

I especially recommend this San Diego attraction for families with babies and toddlers. Little kids love to get an up-close view of tanks filled with fish. Get your fill of glowing moon jellies, beautiful lionfish, silvery sardines, sharks, and other sea creatures.

Older children also enjoy viewing marine life and exploring hands-on exhibits. They can even gently pet sandpapery sea stars and slimy sea cucumbers in faux tide pools in the outdoor Tide Pool Plaza. Read all my tips for exploring Birch Aquarium with kids.

10. San Diego Botanic Garden

The 37-acre San Diego Botanic Garden contains more than two dozen themed gardens along four miles of trails. This is one of my personal favorite things to do in San Diego with kids and a must-see every time my family returns to our former hometown.

Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden

The Seeds of Wonder Children’s Garden is geared toward young kids (kindergarten and younger). Children might enjoy making bubbles with tubs of soapy water and wands. Then, dig up buried plastic dinosaurs. A child-sized playhouse is always a hit for pretend play. Best of all is the model railroad track with trains that chug through the garden.

Hamilton Children’s Garden

Meanwhile, Hamilton Children’s Garden appeals to bigger kids. Families can start by playing a giant game of tic-tac-toe. Next, wander through a labyrinth made of feathery plants. Children can learn to read a sundial and climb the centerpiece treehouse, too. During hot summer months, kids play with toy boats and cool off their tootsies in a miniature stream.

Learn more about these and other gardens in my full San Diego Botanic Garden review.

11. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

The reserve is home to the rare twisty Torrey pine as well as desert brush, prickly pear cactus, wildflowers, and other native plants. Choose from eight hiking trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. After your hike, cool off in the ocean at the Torrey Pines State Beach below the beach cliffs.

My preferred path is the Beach Trail, which descends over 3/4 of a mile from the sea cliff to the beach and provides sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean along the way. The 2-1/2-mile loop Guy Fleming Trail is an easy path for families with young children. Everyone, including those in wheelchairs or strollers, can enjoy the 1/2-mile Discovery Trail near the Torrey Pines Lodge, which features information markers about local plants.

12. Old Town San Diego

Step back in time in this historic area of San Diego. Staking claim as the birthplace of modern California, Old Town is where the first Spanish settlers arrived in 1769 and built the first of 21 missions in the state. Today, vacationers and locals wander through 15 historic buildings in Old Town San Diego. Shop a variety of stores peddling souvenirs, homemade soaps, candies, and more.

The real reason my family loves Old Town? The food! With over 25 eateries within a one-mile radius, you are sure to find something to please every family member’s taste buds. The specialty here, though, is Mexican cuisine. Menus burst with traditional dishes like tamales, enchiladas, and chiles rellenos. Read about my family’s Old Town favorite and more in this round-up of the best San Diego family restaurants.

13. The New Children’s Museum

With 17 museums at Balboa Park, it’s easy to miss this great spot for children in the heart of San Diego’s Downtown Gaslamp Quarter. This museum was designed to encourage children to think, play, and create using hands-on exhibitions and artistic activities.

Some areas of The New Children’s Museum are age-specific, like Sketch Aquarium for ages 2+ and Reconnecting to Home for ages 6+. Other spaces engage children across age groups. It’s the perfect place for parents to rest a bit while the kids play.

14. Cabrillo National Monument

Bring the kids to Cabrillo National Monument for a San Diego history lesson. Then hike along the Bayside Trail to take in gorgeous panoramic views of the ocean and city below. You may even see migrating whales in January and February!

This national monument is named for Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. In 1542, he was the leader of the first European expedition of what is now the West Coast of the United States.

15. Old Point Loma Lighthouse

The highlight of a visit to Cabrillo National Monument is Old Point Loma Lighthouse. From 1855 to 1891, it lit the way for sailors entering San Diego Bay. Today, visitors get a glimpse of life in the 1800s through period furnishings and lighthouse tools on display.

16. LEGOLAND Water Park

For water lovers, LEGOLAND Water Park is definitely one of the top things to do in San Diego with kids. This aquatic center offers exciting full-sized water slides and a lazy river for big kids, teens, and grown-ups. For young kids, there are water playgrounds with mellow waterslides and animal-shaped fountains. Dive into all the splashy fun with my LEGOLAND Water Park tips.

17. Whale Watching in San Diego

San Diego is one of the best places to go whale watching all year long. Gray whales migrate from Mexico to Alaska and back from mid-December to mid-March. Off the Pacific Coast in the summer, you might even spot the world’s largest animals, blue whales. You’ll likely spot dolphins, too, during your San Diego whale-watching adventure. Book your San Diego whale-watching tour now with our partner, GetYourGuide!

My daughter and I sometimes suffer from seasickness, but we both fared well on our San Diego whale watching tour. For families who suffer from motion sickness, pack some Dramamine just in case.

18. Sesame Place San Diego

Sesame Place opened in the southern suburb of Chula Vista in 2022. This theme park was designed specifically for children aged 3 to 10. Expect live shows, parades, kiddie rides, water slides, and photo ops with beloved characters like Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster.

Sesame Place Rides

• Abby’s Fairy Flight (swing ride)
• Cookie Climb (tower drop ride)
• Elmo’s Rockin’ Rockets (circular ride)
• Rub-A-Dub Sub (vertical circle ride)
• Sesame Street Soar & Spin (provides park views)
• Sunny Day Carousel
• Super Grover’s Box Car Derby (kiddie roller coaster)

Sesame Place Water Park Rides

For a splashing good time, young kids will enjoy amusements like Elmo’s Silly Sand Slides and The Count’s Splash Castle. Bigger kids will be excited to find thrilling water slides, too. For example, Cookie’s Monster Mixer is a 4-story raft ride that sends families on a swirling, swishing adventure.

19. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

I have been visiting San Diego regularly since I was a kid and lived here for 15 years, but until 2024, I had never visited Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. What a shame!

Locals and a few in-the-know travelers flock to this free nature park at sunrise and sunset to take in what many consider to be the absolute best views in San Diego, myself included. The 68-acre Sunset Cliffs stretch along the western ridge of Point Loma, with hiking trails and numerous lookout points to take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. For safety’s sake, keep a close hold of children and dogs.

20. Old Town Trolley Tour

Explore 11 San Diego stops on Old Town California: Hop-On Hop-Off Narrated Trolley Tour. Book a 1- or 2-day adventure aboard this cheery orange vehicle. It’s a fun way to explore the city at your own pace without worrying about driving in California traffic or finding parking.

Old Town Trolley Tour Stops

• Old Town Market
• Maritime Museum / Star of India
• Embarcadero Marina
• Seaport Village
• Marriott Marquis And Marina
• Gaslamp Quarter
• East Convention Center – Petco Park and Hilton Bayfront
• Barrio Logan
• Coronado / Orange Avenue
• Balboa Park / Zoo
• Little Italy

21. Seaport Village

Wander through quirky boutiques and souvenir shops at the waterfront Seaport Village shopping and entertainment complex. It’s situated beside San Diego Bay near downtown San Diego. This is one of the best places to take in bay views over a restaurant meal. Kids will especially enjoy the Historic Carousel, sweets shops, and darling Gepettos Toys Store.

22. Carlsbad Flower Fields

Every spring, San Diegans and tourists alike flock to the Flower Fields at Carlsbad to smell the ranunculus and pose for amazing photo opportunities among thousands of blooms. Ride a tractor-pulled wagon through more than 50 acres of rainbow-colored rows of flowers. Then, tiptoe through a maze made of sweet peas.

At Santa’s Playground, children climb and slide among restored playhouses and gigantic mushrooms. These were once part of the popular Santa’s Village amusement area. It was located in Lake Arrowhead from 1955 to 1998 before being relocated to the flower fields.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad are typically open from March through Mother’s Day each year. Read my advice for visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields with kids.

23. Petco Park

One of the coolest places in the country to watch a baseball game is Petco Park. That’s because it’s built right into the historic Western Metal Supply Company Building in the Gaslamp Quarter. Take in views of downtown while cheering on the home team, the San Diego Padres. Plus, there are plenty of places to explore right before or after the game.

Petco Park is also the only major league baseball stadium with a hotel directly connected to it. My husband and I stayed here one weekend, and it was such a thrill to walk right across the skyway from the hotel to the stadium! Look for special baseball packages at the Omni Hotel San Diego.

24. Hotel del Coronado

Yes, it’s a hotel. But the Hotel Del Coronado is also a tourist attraction in its own right. Many people come to this famous resort just for the day.

The hotel is located on Coronado Island across from downtown San Diego. The “island” is actually a peninsula, but it’s got an island vibe and feels worlds away from the city. Coronado Island Beach is public, so anyone can splash and play here. Or you can pony up big bucks for beach loungers, an umbrella, beachside service, and hosted games.

The Hotel Del Coronado is renowned for its extravagant weekend brunch, fancy-schmancy shops, and immaculate stretch of beach. Adding to the glamorous vibe, many movies have been filmed here, most notably Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. It made our list of the best beach hotels in the world.

The Del (as it’s known to locals) is worthy of a visit year-round. During winter holidays, day visitors and hotel guests alike can take a spin on the oceanside outdoor ice skating rink. In summer, there’s a roller rink instead.

25. Coronado Ferry Landing

On the other side of Coronado Island is the Coronado Ferry Landing, a wonderful place to play while taking in incredible San Diego skyline views. To cross the San Diego Bay, drive along the 2.1-mile Coronado Bridge or board the Coronado Ferry at the Convention Center or Broadway Pier in San Diego for a memorable way to reach the island.

The Landing is home to a handful of shops as well as many sit-down restaurants and casual eateries. On weekends, you’re likely to hear live music playing as you wander. From here, you can also rent bicycles, surreys, kayaks, and jet skis. There’s also a small beach that’s popular with local families for its mellow waves, perfect for young kids.

26. Little Italy

San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood near the Gaslamp Quarter packs a tasty punch. This is a super fun place to stroll through art galleries and darling shops, but the main draw is the delicious Italian cuisine. From gelaterias and pasta shops to high-end cuisine, you won’t go hungry in Little Italy.

The most fun for families is Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. A wee grocery filled with delightfully stinky cheeses, hanging salamis, and other Italian goodies will entertain hungry customers waiting for a table. And the pizza? Fugheddaboudit!

27. Fleet Science Center

Located at Balboa Park, Fleet Science Center (formerly Reuben H. Fleet Science Center) is filled with interactive exhibits. Kids of all ages will have so much fun turning knobs and pressing buttons, they won’t realize they’re learning about science. My children loved this museum so much when they were little, I had a hard time tearing them away when it was time to go!

28. Maritime Museum of San Diego

The whole family will enjoy touring unique sailing vessels at the floating Maritime Museum. Steam-powered boats, sailing ships, and submarines make up the museum’s fleet of nine boats.

The experience includes the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing yacht. Kids get a kick out of pretending they are pirates on the high seas on this impressive old ship.

29. USS Midway Museum

Not far from the Maritime Museum, seafarers and military buffs will appreciate the USS Midway Museum at Naval Pier. Climb aboard to explore this retired naval aircraft carrier. Reserve your USS Midway Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets now!

30. Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium

Visitors get a glimpse of what it’s like to live under the sea at Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium from encapsulated pop-up plastic bubbles in fish-filled tanks. Purchase separate tickets or choose park hoppers to explore this aquarium located at LEGOLAND California. Learn more about both the theme park and the aquarium with my firsthand LEGOLAND California tips.

31. Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden

Although there are 19 gardens at Balboa Park, I think one in particular deserves a shout-out. The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden bursts with colorful blooms, especially in springtime. With a central fountain and fragrant flowers, this is a favorite especially for young children. There is no entrance fee for this or the Desert Garden right next door.

32. Balboa Park Carousel

The Balboa Park Carousel was built in 1910. It features three chariots, 27 hand-carved horses, and 25 other animals, including giraffes, pigs, and a dragon. I’ve got a soft spot for this merry-go-round since it was the first amusement park ride my son ever rode. The carousel is typically open on weekends and school holidays.

This is one of the few carousels in the world that still offers the brass ring game. Big kids and adults who want to play should choose an outside horse. Then, reach out to grasp the small rings on each spin. Iron rings don’t count. Only the rider who nabs the brass ring wins a free ride!

33. Balboa Park Railroad

Climb aboard a miniature train located just outside the San Diego Zoo’s entrance. It takes 3 minutes to chug through Balboa Park’s grassy landscape and a long tunnel. Keep your eyes peeled for humorous Burma Shave signs planted along the track. The train typically runs every day during summer and spring break but only on weekends off-season.

If sharing a train ride with a gaggle of school-aged children, beware that field-tripping kids scream in unison through the tunnel. It’s best to wait for the next train.

34. San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Got a kid who loves trains? Then the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is for your family! It houses one of the largest indoor model train displays in the world. This attraction is a huge hit with the preschooler set. Find this museum celebrating all things choo-choo at Balboa Park.

35. San Diego Natural History Museum

The entire family will enjoy learning about dinosaurs, ocean creatures, geodes, and more at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park. Kids will be enthralled by the huge Bea Everson fountain out front, too.

36. Unconditional Surrender

In front of the USS Midway in the waterfront park, Tuna Harbor, you’ll find the iconic Unconditional Surrender statue. This 25-foot-tall sculpture celebrates the victory of the Allied Forces after World War II. You might be surprised by just how big this statue is in person — I know I was!

It is based on the famous photo of a sailor and a nurse embracing in a kiss after the news of Japan’s surrender in 1945. There is some controversy about this statue because the pair were not a couple. Rather, the woman was grabbed by a stranger who kissed her.

37. San Diego County Fair

If visiting San Diego with kids in the summer, hit up the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar. It typically runs from early June through early July each year. Save money and time by buying your tickets in advance online.

Expect theme park rides, carnival games with prizes, livestock displays, unusual retail offerings, and live entertainment. Food, garden, and art contests are also fun to peruse.

Fair food is another major draw. Get the grilled corn on the cob and slather it with cotija cheese and chili powder for a Mexican street corn treat. Deep-fried treats and frybread tacos are always a hit, too. Parents may want to swing by the beer garden for an adult beverage to wash it all down.

38. Whaley House

While exploring Old Town San Diego, older kids might enjoy a tour of Whaley House. This supposedly haunted building was featured on the Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted. 

It is also San Diego’s first house made of bricks. Over the years, the building has been used as a courthouse, theatre, billiard hall, and school.

39. San Diego Air and Space Museum

The San Diego Air and Space Museum is popular with would-be pilots and astronauts. Experience aerospace history with a re-creation of the Wright Brothers’ 1901 glider. Also, view fighter planes from World War I, World War II, the Golden Age of Flight, and way beyond.

“Be the Astronaut” gives kids and adults alike a taste of space travel. This hands-on exhibit teaches about the excitement and challenges of exploring our solar system.

40. San Diego SEAL Tour

Enjoy the sights of San Diego during a fun 1.5-hour San Diego SEAL Tour. It takes place on both land and sea.

The narrated tour starts at Seaport Village and continues along San Diego streets. You’ll learn about the history of the city along the way. Then your amphibious vehicle will carry your family into the harbor for a floating tour of the bay.

Save Money on Your San Diego Family Vacation

Want to save money on the fun things to do in San Diego with kids? Of course you do!

Get Away Today

Use discount code TravelMamas to get $10 off any two-night or longer Southern California package (hotel and two-ticket minimum) when you book through our partner, Get Away Today. Also, find San Diego deals, including attraction ticket discounts!

Kids Free San Diego Month

Those considering a fall visit are in luck! October is Kids Free San Diego Month, with over 100 deals just for kids. It’s a great way to save a bunch and gives families a good reason to head to San Diego off-season. Take a look at which attractions, hotels, and restaurants are offering freebies to families.

Go San Diego Card

It’s well worth investing in a Go San Diego Card. You’ll save up to 55% on fun things to do in San Diego, like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, the New Children’s Museum, and much more!

Groupon

It makes good sense to check Groupon for discounts on activities and restaurants in your destination, and San Diego is no exception. View Groupon San Diego deals now.

Learn More About California with Kids

Check out my San Diego attractions with kids video above that I made as part of Expedia’s Kids in the City campaign. This project highlights 12 of America’s most popular destinations, with recommendations from some top family travel bloggers.

Looking for good food in San Diego? Read my picks for the best San Diego restaurants for families.

A fabulous San Diego vacation requires fabulous accommodations. Take a look at my picks for best hotels for kids in San Diego. (I’ve personally stayed at every hotel!)

Explore more of the Golden State with these California vacations for families.

Keep These San Diego Family Attractions

For future reference, save this list of things to do in San Diego with kids. The best way is to pin the image above or below to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!

What do you think are the best San Diego attractions for kids? Let us know your tips and questions in the comments below!

Travel Mamas was compensated by Expedia for participating in the Kids in the City project when this story launched in 2012. This blog post is updated regularly to reflect San Diego’s current offerings for families. 

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