Planning a family trip to San Diego? You’re in the right place. San Diego is one of the best cities in California for a fun, family holiday, especially if you’re travelling with kids. With its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, hiking trails and theme parks, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do for all ages. Whether you’re looking for toddler-friendly attractions or relaxing outdoor adventures, this guide will help you plan a memorable family trip to San Diego with kids.
Our boys were 3.5 years old and 4 months old at the time of our trip. We spent three full days in San Diego, and we managed to fit quite a lot into this time. Is 3 days enough in San Diego? Yes, although if you’re planning to take a day trip to LEGOLAND California, you should add an extra day!
- Where to Stay in San Diego with Kids
- Best Things to Do on a Family Trip to San Diego with Kids
- See Wildlife in La Jolla Cove
- Visit the San Diego Zoo
- Explore Downtown San Diego
- Wander Seaport Village
- Relax on the Beach at Coronado Island
- Walk Annie's Canyon Trail
- Explore North Park
- Bonus: Take a Trip to LEGOLAND California
- Sesame Place San Diego
- Map of San Diego with Kids
- FAQ's on San Diego with Kids
SAN DIEGO WITH KIDS QUICK PLANNING:
Best Time of Year to Visit:
Between March and May or September and November.
Ideal Trip Length:
Plan 3–4 days to enjoy the beaches and family attractions without rushing.
Getting Around San Diego:
Having a car is ideal for exploring San Diego properly. Find the best rental car price here.
Other Areas of CA to Visit:
Turn your visit into a road trip. We also have guides on Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
Family Hotel Recommendations:
Best Western Downtown is a great budget option, while The Westin San Diego Bayview and The Westgate Hotel are perfect luxury choices.
Must Explore Areas:
Downtown
La Jolla
Coronado Island
Annies Canyon
Activities to Book:
San Diego Zoo
LEGOLAND California
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Where to Stay in San Diego with Kids
Staying in San Diego’s Downtown area is a great choice for families, thanks to its central location and easy access to many of the city’s top attractions. From here, you’re close to the waterfront, the lively Seaport Village area, and just a short drive from places like La Jolla and the famous San Diego Zoo. For accommodation, the Best Western Downtown is a great budget-friendly option, while The Westin San Diego Bayview and The Westgate Hotel are excellent luxury choices offering spacious rooms and a comfortable base for exploring the city with kids.
Best Things to Do on a Family Trip to San Diego with Kids
Below, I will share the best things to do in San Diego with kids!
See Wildlife in La Jolla Cove
I’m starting with La Jolla because it was our absolute favourite thing to do in San Diego with kids. It is a great spot that the entire family can enjoy. Everyone told me to go to the San Diego Zoo, but no one told me you can see unique wildlife up close at La Jolla FREE!
Walk along the waterfront, and you’ll see seals, sea lions, pelicans and other wildlife along with amazing views. It’s important to remember that these are wild animals, so be respectful and keep your distance.
When it is low tide, there are lots of rockpools that kids will love to explore.
La Jolla Cove
There is a Children’s Pool, which is a fabulous little cove designed for children to play on the beach and splash in the water; however, seals can also swim in this water, so be sure to give them space.
It was pretty chilly when we visited (a morning in early July), so it was not beach weather. My son loved climbing in the trees at Ellen Browning Scripps Park (just opposite La Jolla Point).
We also stopped for a drink and snack at one of the many eateries on Prospect Street.
There is free parking for up to 3 hours (you can move the car if you need longer or pay to park).
La Jolla
Visit the San Diego Zoo
If the seals in La Jolla aren’t enough, you also have the option to visit the San Diego Zoo. Personally, I much prefer to see animals in the wild, but I have been told that the San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the world!
Explore Downtown San Diego
There are lots of fun things to do in Downtown San Diego with kids.
There is an amazing playground called Waterfront Park, which is the perfect place for kids. I always think finding playgrounds during family trips is essential; they keep them entertained and let them burn some energy. Waterfront Park did not disappoint! It also has a HUGE splash pad if you visit when the weather is good!
Waterfront Park, a perfect place to take kids in San Diego.
It is a beautiful walk along the marina and Harbour Drive. Kids will love looking at all the huge ships! If you have time, visit the USS Midway Museum.
Try posing in front of Unconditional Surrender (the Sailor Kissing Statue). It was pretty busy, so I just snapped a quick photo in between posers, but it looked fun!
Unconditional Surrender & USS Midway Museum
Wander Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a beautiful little area to add to your family trip to San Diego itinerary. Kids and adults will both love exploring the pretty streets and looking at all the birds and ducks.
Enjoying a drink from Margaritas Kitchen & Cantina
It’s also a great place to stop for food or a drink. TIP: The main food court (near the carousel) gets very crowded. Lines are long, and it can be hard to find a table. Waiting in line is no fun for a toddler, so I took the kids to watch the ducks while my husband waited. We found a bench with a great view to eat our delicious Mexican food! We ordered from Margaritas Kitchen & Cantina and I would recommend it!
Seaport Village in San Diego with Kids
Relax on the Beach at Coronado Island
Coronado Island is an area of San Diego, located just across the bay from Downtown San Diego. To get there, it’s a 30-minute drive across the Coronado Bridge. If you’re looking for some relaxing beach time during your family trip to San Diego, then this is a must-do! We only had half a day on Coronado Island, but a full one would have been nice.
Coronado Island
Parking is free, but it was extremely hard to find a space. We ended up parking quite far away from the beach. There is an option to get a boat to the island; if we’d realised, it would save a lot of time driving around!
We just chilled out here and played on the beach. It’s especially fun as planes from the Naval Air Station sometimes fly overhead!
Coronado Island
Walk Annie’s Canyon Trail
Our whole family LOVED walking Annie’s Canyon trail; it is such a fun, family-friendly thing to do in San Diego and to make it even better, it is free admission. There didn’t seem to be a specified parking lot for the trail but we left our car at the Solana Hills Trailhead Parking Area, which was also free and began the trail from there.
I had read that this was an easy trail suitable for toddlers and little kids. Honestly, it wasn’t as easy as I thought, as it did involve some climbing, but our toddler managed it fine with a little help!
Family photo from the top of Annie’s Canyon Trail
Even though it was narrower and you had to climb more than I thought you would, I would definitely recommend Annie’s Canyon trail if you’re on vacation in San Diego!
The actual canyon is only 0.25 miles but the overall trail is about 2.5 miles. It is NOT stroller-friendly (pushchair-friendly). Take a baby carrier or you might just want to piggyback toddlers some of the way.
Don’t be like me, wear appropriate clothing and footwear!
Annie’s Canyon Trail
Explore North Park
One great thing to do in San Diego with kids is to find the “Greetings from San Diego” Mural. A photo here would make a lovely keepsake from your family trip to San Diego. Unfortunately, our baby was sleeping, and our toddler was not keen to pose on this occasion, so I just got a photo of the sign.
Another popular thing to do in San Diego with kids is to explore Balboa Park – we found this very disappointing. It was just a lot of hilly, dry grass; we only found a small playground and a small nature area.
The San Diego Botanic Garden is also located in Balboa Park. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations at the time of our visit, but the photos I’ve seen of it look beautiful!
Honestly, if you’re short on time, I would skip North Park!
San Diego Mural
Bonus: Take a Trip to LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California is actually located in Carlsbad rather than in San Diego, but they are very close to each other, roughly a half-hour drive. We decided to spend a night in Carlsbad, so we could have two days at LEGOLAND (one in the main park and one in the waterpark), but if your kids are good with a long day out, you could easily spend one day there as a day trip. Read our full review and tips for visiting LEGOLAND California with young children here.
Outside LEGOLAND California with kids
LEGOLAND California was such a fun, family activity, and I would highly recommend it. Even with a baby and a toddler, there was plenty for us all to enjoy!
BOOK: LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA TICKETS.
The Waterpark at LEGOLAND California
Sesame Place San Diego
If you’re visiting San Diego with toddlers or young children, an alternative option to LEGOLAND is Sesame Place and SeaWorld San Diego. This is a Sesame Street-themed theme park and water park that I’m sure kids will love!
It’s only around a 20-minute drive from Downtown San Diego, so very easy to access!
BOOK: Sesame Place and SeaWorld San Diego.
Map of San Diego with Kids
On the map below, I have pinned all the best things to do in San Diego with kids, plus hotel and restaurant ideas. Just click on the top right-hand corner to open it in Google Maps.
FAQ’s on San Diego with Kids
Yes, San Diego is an amazing family vacation destination. There are plenty of things to do that the whole family can enjoy, as well as many child-focused activities.
Honestly, it is great for all ages. We visited with a baby and toddler, and the whole family had a great time. There are plenty of rides with no height restrictions and even more for older children.
La Jolla was our favourite place to visit in San Diego as a family. It has a family-friendly beach, and there is a dedicated children’s pool. At low tide, lots of tide pools and rocks for kids to explore.
Thank you for reading our guide on the best things to do during your family trip to San Diego with kids. I hope it has helped you to plan your California vacation!!
Happy Travelling,
A London mum sharing stylish, family-friendly travel guides.
I In our travel guides, I show you that you can still travel as a family and create beautiful memories, even when trips aren’t full of kid-centric activities.
When I’m not planning our next adventure, I also share timeless style inspiration and ideas for living more thoughtfully and sustainably.