The 11 Best Family Vacation Ideas in San Diego

San Diego is a sunny, friendly spot to easily sneak in wildlife experiences, beaches, museums, kid-minded resorts (and tacos!) before or after your family cruise vacation. The natural beauty of the sand and sea is a perfect backdrop to classic vacation options for the whole family to enjoy.

Each unique San Diego neighborhood gives a different energy with activities that share what that place is all about. Make memories with the kids by going back to basics with parks and playgrounds, outdoor concerts and sunsets at the beach, rollercoasters and cotton candy, surfing and sandcastles waiting to welcome you with that special San Diego charm. 

Lions And Tigers And Bears, Oh Yes!

1. San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido

1,800 acres of open range habitats allow 300+ species to wander at will. Lions, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, giraffes and Sumatran tigers can be viewed from meandering paths, an Africa Tram Safari, a zippy Flightline Safari or by Hot Air Balloon. Roar & Snore, a family in-park slumber party, includes a moonlit flashlight walk to observe nocturnal critters.

● Distance from Port: 33 mi.

● Ages: All ages.

2. San Diego Zoo, Balboa

For many, a visit to this 100-acre collection of happy animal haunts is a bucket list moment. Enjoy trips on Skyfari Aerial Trams or peruse the Panda Canyon and Polar Bear Plunge. This top zoo specializes in endangered species breeding programs.

● Distance from Port: 4 mi.

● Ages: All ages.

3. Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Scripps Institution of Oceanography is perched atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific. (Tip — we have fab family pics from the scenic entry here!) The associated aquarium features a two-story Giant Kelp Forest and the adorable Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins. Conservation-through-inspiration includes daily feedings, behind-the-scenes tours, touch pools and talks by engaging scientists.

● Distance from Port: 14 mi.

● Ages: All ages.

4. Whale, Whale, Whale, Whale … and Dolphins (Which Are Technically Whales)

Spot spouts in style with San Diego Whale Watch or Next Level Sailing. When sailing from San Diego, always keep your eyes peeled for Minke, Fin, Gray, Humpback Whales and dolphins.

● Distance from Port: 1 mi.

● Ages: All ages.

Family Theme Parks With San Diego Vacation Vibes

5. SeaWorld San Diego

Half marine zoo, half sea-themed amusement park from mild to wild — there’s more to SeaWorld San Diego than meets the eye. This facility helps hundreds of injured marine creatures return to their natural habitat annually. Immersive animal encounters with dolphins, orcas, sea lions and penguins take a visit to the next level. (My son still talks about how loud baby penguins are!)

● Distance from Port: 6.8 mi.

● Ages: All ages.

6. LEGOLAND California

You’d be a blockhead not to find something to be wowed by,  such as my crew’s fave — the incredibly detailed Miniland cities and Driving School where kids hop behind the wheel for a spin around the, ahem, block. Dance parties and interactive shows join highlights:

● Deep Sea Adventure.

● Immersive NINJAGO world.

●The Dragon and Technic Coasters.

● Themed LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

● Build a Ferrari (and then race it!).

● Distance from Port: 34 mi.

● Ages: All ages.

7. Belmont Amusement Park, Mission Beach

Celebrate 101 years of good times at Mission Beach’s classic beachfront carnival with simple pleasures like enormous ice cream cones, chiming games of chance and screams from a wooden rollercoaster. Spring for a magical evening without committing to a full-day activity. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Bahia Resort Hotel are great family options for a sandy stay, just a short stroller ride away.

● Distance from Port: 8 mi.

● Ages: All ages.

Where To Stay In San Diego

8. San Diego Bay and Perfect Port Placement

San Diego Bay is ringed by the Embarcadero walking, biking and skating path to Seaport Village, USS Midway Museum and the Cruise Port. You could Uber-hop to Old Town eats, but our family gave the “al pastor” tacos at nearby Historic Gaslamp Quarter’s El Gordo (think icy cans of soda and cafeteria tray of paper-plated awesome) a “grande” thumbs up.

 Cruise ships get prime port placement, but get your feet wet with unique small sails:

● Eco Boat Rental LED-glow pedal boat nighttime cruise.

● San Diego Speedboat Adventures’ drive-your-own mini-vessels (or jet-car!).

● San Diego SEAL Hydra-Terra amphibious vehicle tour.

● Distance from Port: At port.

● Ages: All ages.

9. All the Who’s Down in La Jolla

High above this bustling little surf spot (pronounced la hoya) sat the home of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Although the non-stop action below could translate to noise, noise, noise, noise, this little seaside town is such a charmer you’d have to be a Grinch not to love it. We always make time for:

● Sea Cave Kayaking.

● Shorediving the Kelp Forest.

● Watching Sea Lions at La Jolla Cove.

A stay at La Jolla’s The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a treat, especially for PGA fans. Request the gorgeous property’s free Family Slumber Tents for an in-room flair.

● Distance from Port: 13 mi.

● Ages: All ages.

10. Balboa Park for Museums and Culture

1200-acre Balboa Park is a fascinating family hotspot, loaded with some of the most memorable things to do with kids in California. Score serious bang for your buck with the Balboa Park Explorer 16 museum family pass (2 adults, up to 4 kids aged 3-17), including:

● San Diego Natural History Museum: Everyone digs dinos. The Living Lab, full of creepy critters, and The Backyard play space are bonuses.

● San Diego Air & Space Museum: Apollo 9 Command Modules, historic planes, jets and helicopters will fly into your family’s hearts here.

● San Diego Model Railroad Museum: Tommy ain’t got nothing on mini-machines riding the rails with intricate backdrops.

● San Diego Automotive Museum: Add a little vroom to your vacay by viewing historical hot rods, low riders, NASCAR and motorcycles.

● Fleet Science Center: Enjoy space and ocean shows in the Dome, plus plenty of hands-on exhibits.

● Distance from Port: 2 mi.

● Ages: All ages.

11. Coronado Wears the Family-Friendly Crown

Hotel Del Coronado (known as Hotel Del) is a magical place where elevator operators, singing gondola rides, seaside stargazing, beach bonfires, ocean-themed kid camps, ohana surf lessons and beach cruiser bike rides still live. The distinctive California hotel trimmed the first electrically lit Christmas trees and housed author L. Frank Baum while he penned Dorothy’s Oz tales.

Perfect family beach days on the two-mile stretch of soft sand lead to evenings strolling the cute streets of Coronado for a bite or to catch a show at Lambs Theatre.  

● Distance from Port: 7.5 mi.

● Ages: All ages.

Best Beaches For Families In San Diego

San Diego’s setting in sunny California means beach, baby! An amazing family day doesn’t need to break the bank. Pack a picnic and snag a sand castle pack from the local market (or borrow toys from your hotel reception along with a few beach towels). 

Here are a few excellent choices when you have the short set in tow: 

● Del Mar City Beach.

● Coronado Beach.

● La Jolla Shores.

● Silver Strand.

● Distance from Port: Del Mar 22 mi, Coronado 7.5 mi, La Jolla 13 mi, Silver Strand 11 mi.

● Ages: All ages.

An Ultimate San Diego-Based Family Escape Day

If your schedule doesn’t give you an extra week or weekend to explore San Diego’s nooks and crannies, don’t worry. Arriving a day early for your family cruise vacation not only gives you peace of mind but also the opportunity for a memorable day with the kids.

● Start with a hearty Hash House a Go Go pancake the size of a tractor wheel to fuel the fun to come.

● Visit the San Diego Zoo, widely considered one of the best in the world, with innovative habitats housing 12,000 animals and a SkyFari Aerial Tramway.

● Take a ride on the historic 1910 Balboa Park Carousel (snag a brass ring for a free ride!) and grab beach picnic fare at The Marketplace before heading to Coronado.

● Build the sand castle of your dreams on soft golden shores, followed by a cooldown ice cream taco at MooTime Creamery.

● Head to Shelter Island for a sunset sail or wind down over dinner at Bali Hai — kids will love its funky tiki-core. A s’mores-filled beach bonfire at Kona Kai resort is the perfect end to the day.

Plan The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation In San Diego, CA

If you like sunny and warm weather, San Diego is an excellent choice for your family vacation. Give the kids (and the reefs) an SPF break and pack rashguards and water shoes for theme park, beach and splash-sport fun. 

San Diego airport is easy to navigate and a cheap 10-minute ride to the port. Always check traffic, but this is one stress-free departure port. 

Most importantly, choose a cruise that gets kids. Pick Royal Caribbean for the best San Diego-based cruise for families with included interactive kids clubs for every type of tyke. Even teens will be too impressed by the gaming lounges and hideaway hang spots just for them to even roll an eye. Parents can reconnect and recharge at the spa … or swim up bar, no judgment. World-class entertainment is an elevator ride away, and the ships’ dozens of eateries can best both bottomless-pit big kids and the choosiest child with 23 international cuisines served night and day. 

Book Your Ultimate San Diego-Based Family Cruise Vacation