10+ Things to Do in San Diego with Kids for an Unforgettable Trip

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
Zoo de San Diego

Planning a vacation to San Diego? Southern California is a top-notch tourist destination for families, as it's home to world-renowned tourist attractions, so you'll never run out of places to go or things to do with kids. Even with 70+ miles of picturesque beaches, San Diego maintains a "small town" atmosphere that makes a family vacation feel manageable. So if you’re looking for things to do in San Diego with kids, check out this list of our favorite kid-friendly activities, including...

  • San Diego Zoo
  • SeaWorld® San Diego
  • LEGOLAND® California
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Belmont Park
  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps
  • New Children's Museum
  • Fleet Science Center
  • Knott’s Berry Farm
  • and more...

Save on Admission to Kid Friendly Attractions

Many of these great kid friendly attractions are available on the Go San Diego® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top San Diego attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Or, build your own pass and save up to 20% off. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

San Diego Zoo

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This world-famous zoo is at the core of the San Diego experience for visitors of all ages. Pop in on the beloved Giant Pandas, discover unusual animals like the binturong, and marvel at Gram the Indian rhinoceros as he paints with his lips. With over 4,000 animals in 9 habitats, this urban paradise is a must-see for most families. It's also just a great way to spend an entire afternoon, learning about the animals your kids love, and their new favorites. The San Diego Zoo was also recently voted #1 Zoo in the world by a TripAdvisor poll, so you'd be majorly missing out not to spend some time here! Getting In: San Diego Zoo tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to intensify your zoo adventure. In essence, you'll journey to Africa and Asia without ever leaving San Diego. You'll come face-to-face with giraffes, zebras, and lions as you tour this enormous wildlife preserve (1,800 acres, to be exact!). The African Tram Safari, a relaxing 25-minute tour, is great for kids. The Tram Safari also includes access to the Conservation Carousel, a great alternative for younger children and a fun ride for all. Other top attractions at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park include Lion Camp, Tull Family Tiger Trail, and many other large naturalistic exhibits. Getting In: San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets are included with the Go San Diego Card.

SeaWorld® San Diego

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This San Diego top attraction offers endless opportunities for fun for everyone. SeaWorld® is a world leader in animal care and conservation. Through up-close animal encounters, incredible shows, or hands-in attractions like Explorer's Reef®, you'll be inspired to connect with and care for the natural world. Soar, dive and twist like a ray on the Manta® coaster or take a spin on Shipwreck Rapids®. Plus, discover the remarkable rescues and groundbreaking research that makes SeaWorld so important. SeaWorld has rescued, treated & returned to the wild over 27,000 animals and counting. For more than 52 years - SeaWorld Cares®. Popular park rides for kids include attractions like "Elmo's Flying Fish" and "Abby's Sea Star Spin." Connect with your family at the place "where worlds connect." Getting In: SeaWorld San Diego tickets is included with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go San Diego Cards.

LEGOLAND® California

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Drawing millions of visitors from all over the world, this unique theme park is one of San Diego's most beloved attractions. The park's 50+ LEGO-themed rides are designed for kids but provide fun for the whole family. Ride to the top of a Kid Power Tower to view the whole park or voyage over to the Treasure Falls mini-water flume for a splash of adventure. Of course, you can't miss Miniland USA, a LEGO recreation of 7 areas of the United States using 20 million of the world-famous building blocks. Some newer LEGO attractions include the exciting LEGO NINJAGO ride, and LEGO Friends Heartlake City. You can also opt to upgrade your admission ticket to include their other fun parks, SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park. LEGOLAND is geared for children under 12, although older children may of course enjoy themselves as well. Getting In: LEGOLAND California tickets are included with the Go San Diego Card.

USS Midway Museum

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The USS Midway Museum has become a mainstay of San Diego and is absolutely worth the trip for the whole family. It's among the most popular attractions in all of San Diego! Visitors can tour 50+ exhibits, which include the sleeping quarters of the USS Midway, the ship’s jail, and the flight control deck, before heading to one of three exciting flight simulators aboard this CV-41 aircraft carrier. You and your kids will love the USS Midway Museum aircraft carrier, whether they're aspiring military members, or just fans of history and exciting technology. Getting In: USS Midway Museum tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card.

Belmont Park

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San Diego's only beachfront amusement park is sure to please the entire family with a mix of contemporary and traditional rides and attractions. The adventure seekers in your family will delight in riding on "Control Freak," the roller coaster that allows you to control your own car. Younger adventurers will enjoy "Krazy Kars," a kid-friendly bumper car ride. Plus, share family fun at "The Pirates of Belmont Glow in the Dark Miniature Golf," a state-of-the-art "Black Light" mini golf course. Your kids will love the fun and excitement, and you will love the nostalgia factor. Plus, who doesn't want some cotton candy? Getting In: Belmont Park All Access Pass tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

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Animal fans in the family still looking for more critter contact after a visit to the San Diego Zoo? Pay a visit to the delightful Birch Aquarium. Combine entertainment with education at this underwater world with more than 60 habitats. Kids will be delighted by exhibits and interactive displays featuring sharks, sea horses, and coral reefs. Parents are sure to love Birch's incredible ocean view. Wrap up the day with a sandwich or salad at Splash Café, and stop by the aquarium's unique gift shop for marine-themed souvenirs. Getting In: Birch Aquarium tickets are included with the Go San Diego Card.

New Children's Museum

For dynamic, hands-on kid friendly activities, journey over to the New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego. The museum's galleries and studios feature exhibits designed to engage children in interactive artwork. Help your kids create their own audio and video soundtrack with incredible 3-D sequences in the Design Studio or build a birdhouse at the Paint & Clay Studio. Workshops at the studios are always changing, but each new class guarantees a fun and educational experience for all. Be sure to check out the Garden Project across the street, a lovely park that's part of the museum where kids can play and learn about growing fruits and vegetables. Getting In: New Children's Museum tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card.

PETCO Park Tours

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Any sports-lovers in the family? A tour of PETCO Park is a great thing to do in San Diego with kids who like baseball. Experience the Padres' dugout as only the players do and learn about the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building. The "World's Best Ball Park" is complete with swaying palm trees and a view of sandy beaches that only SoCal can offer. If you've got time and are in town in season, you can of course also pick up tickets to a game! There's nothing like a family baseball game, with all the tasty hotdogs and peanuts you'd like. Getting In: PETCO Park Tour tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card.

Fleet Science Center

Kids will love this opportunity to play at being a scientist. This scientific complex full of hands-on things to do and exhibits is sure to delight and inspire the curious. You’ll get the chance to examine images from the Hubble Telescope, build freeform structures using wooden planks, explore the unseen world of cellular biology through the lens of a microscope, and much more. Plus, “Kid City” is a great exhibit for the little ones that includes everything from cranes to conveyor belts. Don’t miss out on the IMAX Dome Theater –the first of its kind! Bonus: one IMAX movie is free with admission. Getting In: Fleet Science Center with IMAX tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card.

Knott’s Berry Farm

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This local favorite is a fun and kid friendly theme park with a long history in California. In fact, Knott’s is best known as America’s first theme park! And it’s well worth a visit - from world-class roller coasters to exciting water rides, this festive park has plenty to offer children of all ages. Popular rides include the thrilling Screamin’ Swing and the refreshing Timber Mountain Log Ride. For small children, specialty rides like the Balloon Race and the Huff and Puff are great activities without the scare factor. There’s also plenty of live entertainment from special guests like Snoopy and the Gang. Getting In: Knott's Berry Farm tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card.

Knott's Soak City Waterpark

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, pay a visit to the companion attraction, Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. This amazing park is filled with slick slides, thrilling rides, shopping, dining, live entertainment, and more. There are fun rides that are geared towards visitors of all ages, from the little Gremmie Lagoon to the big-kid Banzai Falls. Don't miss their newest family raft ride, The Wedge. You’ll spend a very relaxing day here, especially if you opt to rent a relaxing cabana! Getting In: Knott's Soak City Waterpark tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card.

GoCar Tours

Leave your guidebook behind and get behind the wheel of the first-over GPS guided storytelling tour car, one of the most exciting and memorable ways to explore the city. As you drive, the car narrates your tour based on your GPS location, providing interesting insights and historical information that relates to points of interest that you'll see. With the half hour rental you can go at your own pace and pick out the attractions and landmarks you want to see as you blaze your own sightseeing trail through the streets of San Diego. Getting In: GoCar San Diego rentals are included with the Go San Diego Card.

Snorkeling & Kayak Rentals

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If your kids love the ocean and marine life, then snorkeling is a must-do activity for kids on your vacation list. It’s easier and more affordable than diving, and has practically no learning curve. Spend an entire day scoping out the beautiful and vivid marine life of the Pacific Ocean from the absolute best vantage point – right up close! Expect to see a variety of sea creatures, from flowing plant life to playful creatures like dolphins and sea lions. Keep an eye out for the girabaldi, the beautiful orange and blue fish that’s affectionately known as the “official marine fish” of the state of California. You could also opt for a kayak rental, or a bike or stand-up paddle board rental to mix up your kids activities. Getting In: La Jolla snorkeling and kayak rentals are included with the Go San Diego Card.

UTC Ice Sports Center

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This unique attraction combines the fun of shopping with the thrill of ice skating. Take a spin on this decent sized ice rink, located in the center of a popular outdoor mall in La Jolla. Skate rentals are available for children ages 2 and up, so you can bring the whole family! If you’ve never skated before, or need a refresher, stop by on Saturday mornings for a FREE introductory ice skating lesson. Public skating hours vary, but most are available in the middle of the day. Getting In: UTC Ice Sports Center tickets is included with the Go San Diego Card.

San Diego Natural History Museum

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Located right in Balboa Park, the San Diego Natural History Museum features an immersive collection of exhibits and displays geared towards educating kids about science and California's unique natural history in fun and exciting ways. Take an immersive walk through Southern California and learn about its unique biodiversity from prehistoric times to today. Kids will especially love the "learn and play" activities geared towards younger ages. There are also over a dozen additional museums in Balboa Park for you and your kids to explore, depending upon their interests and engagement level. Many are available on the Go San Diego Card, too! Getting In: San Diego Natural History Museum tickets are included with the Go San Diego Card.

San Diego Hop-on Hop-off Trolley

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Finally, a great way to tour the city with kids is aboard the San Diego Trolley. This fun historic attraction evokes the old town feel of historical San Diego, while still offering plenty of modern fun for kids of all ages. If you choose not to get off, the tour will take about half a day (4 hours), but you could also choose to disembark on any of the 10 featured stops. Stops include: Midway Aircraft Carrier, Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Balboa Park, Little Italy, and several more. Use the trolley to combine multiple attractions into one itinerary. Plus, your tickets are good for two days, so you can enjoy exploring basically all of the stops! Getting In: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley tickets are included as a premium attraction option with the 3-, 5-, 7-Day Go San Diego Cards.

Traveling with Children to San Diego

Ok, so you’ve got your flight booked and you’re set to get to San Diego, but how to get around? Most families choose to rent a car if they aren’t driving to San Diego, as it’s not a very mass transit-centric city. Remember to request any required child seats from the rental company in advance, as these can be difficult to procure last-minute. Vans and SUVs are often more desirable rentals as well, so be sure to make your car reservations as far in advance as you can to ensure you’ll get the right vehicle for your family. Like most major metropolitan cities, San Diego is a bit pricey when it comes to parking, so keep that in mind when budgeting. Many big attractions offer their own parking, but if you’re planning on seeing certain smaller attractions you may need to research public parking options.

Choosing the Right Attractions

Choosing the right itinerary for your family depends on a number of factors. Check out this Southern California travel blogger's review of the Go San Diego Card All-Inclusive Pass here. The age of your kids is obviously an important factor, as they’ll get more or less out of certain attractions depending on how young they are. But it’s also important to balance the big-name, all-you-can-do attractions with some more relaxing and low-key activities.

Dining with Kids

Of course, you’ll need to be eating along the way. While sometimes you have the option to dine at a given attraction (as you would at SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo), sometimes you’re out in the middle of nowhere and somebody says “I’m hungry!” Fortunately, San Diego is a family-friendly city with tons of dining options designed to appeal to eaters of all stripes. Balboa Park itself is surrounded by a wide variety of dining options, as it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Other neighborhoods to look for good family-friendly options include the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and the Oldtown Historic District. Consult our guide to Family-Friendly San Diego Restaurants for other specific recommendations.

Let's Recap

There you have it - some of our favorite things to do in San Diego with kids. Traveling with the whole family is often the most rewarding vacation experience, but it can also be really complicated to coordinate all the necessary logistics when you’re traveling with children. It can be difficult to decide where to go, what to do, and how to accommodate children of different ages at various stages along your journey. Plan to add a few of these attractions to your vacation itinerary and we are sure you will have a fun time during your trip to Southern California. Remember, you can save on combined admission to many of these popular family friendly attractions and more.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Plan A Fun-Filled Day Near Birch Aquarium
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Plan A Fun-Filled Day Near Birch Aquarium

Discover what to do after your visit to Birch Aquarium—from beach walks to brunch with a view.
Crystal Pier on Pacific Beach, San Diego
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Things to do in Pacific Beach San Diego

Sandwiched between La Jolla to the north and Mission Beach to the south, Pacific Beach – or P.B. as it's known to locals – is a sun-drenched slice of Californian paradise. Alongside a beautiful sandy beach and fairly calm waters, it boasts some of the best nightlife in the area, with a high density of lively bars and restaurants frequented by the local student‘n’surfer crowd. Dive in to discover our favorite things to do in Pacific Beach San Diego. Beach Party Atmosphere Central Pacific Beach’s party vibe is the stuff of legend. During the day, the sunkissed blonde sands are alive with kitesurfers, kids playing volleyball and everything else in between. Firepits glow red in the twilight of balmy summer evenings as revelers soak up the gentle sea breezes and prepare for an evening in the hip bars and restaurants around the broad, palm-lined Garnet and Grand avenues. Mosey along to the SD Taproom on Garnet to sample a selection of San Diego’s legendary craft beers, from hoppy pale ales to rich chocolate stouts. A bar menu that includes pizza, burgers and giant pretzels will help soak up all that lovely beer. Or hit the Pacific Beach Fish Shop for ocean-fresh tacos brimming over with the grilled fish or crustacean of your choice, plus crab cakes, clam chowder and more. The three-mile oceanfront boardwalk stretches all the way south to Mission Beach and Mission Bay, and bustles with cyclists, skateboarders, rollerbladers and shoppers. Hire a bike to explore this scenic stretch of the California coast, and make a day of it by taking a picnic and meandering south around Mission Bay’s winding shoreline. Or head north into the bluffs of La Jolla, with their spectacular sea views. Fishermen angle for bass and halibut off Crystal Pier, jockeying for position with selfie-takers. Tread its boards as the sun sets, turning the sky several remarkable shades of orange, pink and purple, for some of the finest photo opportunities in the area. You needn’t stray too far from the main drag to find a relatively quiet stretch of beach, either: the calm waters and broad sands just north of the pier are a little less lively and especially popular with families as a result. Like Central P.B., North Pacific Beach has designated swimming and surfing areas, and a reassuring lifeguard presence. Surf’s up! Grab your board and make for Tourmaline Surfing Park. This cute cove where P.B. meets La Jolla is surrounded by cliffs and accessed down a steep, palm-lined road through Tourmaline Canyon. The slow-rolling waves make this beach popular with novice surfers, as well as windsurfers and kiteboarders when the wind is up. Park Life A big favorite with in-the-know locals, Kate Sessions Park is 79 acres of gorgeous greenery set on the verdant slopes of Mount Soledad. Pack a picnic and throw down your blanket on the grassy lawns for fresh sea air, balmy breezes and some absolutely cracking views of Mission Bay, P.B. and San Diego’s famous urban skyline. On clear days you might even glimpse the Coronado Bridge curving across the shimmering blue ocean. There’s a playground as well as plenty of wild trails for walking and biking. As dusk descends, fire up one of the barbecues for a sunset cookout and enjoy that magical moment when the lights come on in downtown San Diego’s distant skyscrapers. Lying east of the Pacific Beach neighborhood on the other side of Interstate 5, Tecolote Canyon National Park makes for a great day out thanks to its unchallenging walking trails and nature center with information on the canyon’s diverse flora and fauna, including a rainbow of butterflies and wildflowers and the occasional snake. Take the 10-kilometer Tecolote Canyon Trail, which weaves its fairly flat way through the narrow valley, and keep your eyes peeled for the majestic birds that give the canyon its name (tecolote is the Spanish word for owl). A shorter trail through the Native Plant Garden is ideal for families. Plants are numbered along the trail, and you can learn the names of each both in English and Kumeyaay, the language of San Diego’s original Native American settlers. Top Nearby Attractions North of Pacific Beach, picture-perfect La Jolla boasts wild, pine-scented hills and valleys and a long stretch of alternatingly rocky and sandy coastline that make it great for surfing, swimming, sunbathing and... seal-spotting. A number of colonies of harbor seals call this sunny spot in California their home. Head on up to Children’s Beach, where you’ll find dozens frolicking playfully in the surf and basking on the warm sand. Originally intended as a safe place for kids to swim following the installation of a concrete breakwater in the 1930s, it’s now one of the best seal-spotting destinations on the coast, with the colony estimated to be over 200 strong. And, if the cute seals have whetted your appetite for marine life, you’re in for an absolute treat at SeaWorld San Diego, just a short distance south of Pacific Beach in Mission Bay. Here’s where you’ll find orca whales and other giants of the deep including beautiful loggerhead turtles, other-worldly Japanese spider crabs and the elusive giant Pacific Octopus, a master of disguise. There are 19 enormous aquariums to explore here, plus stacks of high-octane thrill rides to keep everyone entertained. You’ll find gentler, more old-fashioned fun at nearby Belmont Park on Mission Beach, where the wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster is a century-old National Historic landmark. Other fun amusement rides in this nostalgia-fueled beachfront theme park include bumper cars, mini golf and a traditional painted carousel. Save on things to do in Pacific Beach San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
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One Week in San Diego - 7 Day Itinerary for Your Vacation

Spending one week in San Diego but aren’t sure what to do to make the most of your time? Check out our week-long, 7 day itinerary for some suggestions on what to see and where to go. This San Diego 7 day itinerary is filled with a wide variety of attractions and activities, from theme parks and zoos to museums and tours. Visit these attractions with a 7-Day All-Inclusive Pass and save on combined admission costs vs. paying at the gate. This 7 day itinerary includes: SeaWorld San Diego Belmont Park San Diego Zoo San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego Air & Space Museum Fleet Science Center San Diego Zoo Safari Park USS Midway Museum Coronado Island LEGOLAND® California Museum of Making Music Birch Aquarium Speed Circuit: All Access Whale Watching Tour Knott’s Berry Farm DAY 1 Stop #1: SeaWorld San Diego What better place to begin your explorations than SeaWorld San Diego? Part amusement park, part conservation center, and all fun, SeaWorld has been a great family destination for decades and is adding new and exciting attractions every year. Some of the highlights of your SeaWorld experience include unparalleled animal shows, behind-the-scenes feeding demonstrations, animal encounters, thrilling amusement park rides, and so much more. Don’t forget to visit the interactive “Explorer’s Reef” exhibit! We recommend reserving between 4-5 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: Belmont Park After you finish at SeaWorld, treat yourself to some old-fashioned amusement park fun with a visit to Belmont Park. Filled with classic rides and arcade games that the whole family will love, this popular San Diego attraction is a great mellow way to round out the rest of your afternoon. A few of the available rides at Belmont Park include the Giant Dipper roller coaster, a few wave rides, the Vertical Plunge, Krazy Kars bumper cars, and the Coconut Climb. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. Stop #3: Seaport Village (free!) Leave La Jolla and take a quick ride back down to San Diego proper for a chance to explore the popular Seaport Village area. This waterfront locale is filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. From bookstores to cafés and everything in between, you can window shop to your heart’s content in this quirky neighborhood. Or, stop in a few places in search of that perfect souvenir. This is also a great place to have dinner, if you're in search of some fun culinary options. DAY 2 Stop #1: The San Diego Zoo This popular San Diego destination is truly the heart of Balboa Park. It spans about 100 acres of the park, and is home to more than 3,700 animals from over 650 different species. Filled with creatures great and small, from the adorable Giant Pandas to the tiniest of little fish, the San Diego Zoo is the perfect destination for animal lovers. The San Diego Zoo is also one of the leaders in global conservation, rescuing and rehabilitating hundreds of animals each year. In fact, admission fees goes right back into their rescue efforts! We recommend reserving between 3-4 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: San Diego Natural History Museum With its particular focus on the history and culture of Southern California and Baja California, the San Diego Natural History Museum is a unique cultural destination in Balboa Park. The NAT (as it’s known by locals) is filled with fascinating exhibits and ancient artifacts that will delight and inspire the whole family. Some highlights of their offerings include dinosaur fossils, a collection of 200 animal skulls from their research lab, and special exhibitions on everything from whales to Mayan culture and civilization. We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Stop #3: San Diego Air & Space Museum This one is a must-see attraction for all space lovers. San Diego, after all, is the home of modern aviation and particularly naval aviation. Another Balboa Park stand-out, this museum is perfect for space geeks of all ages. The San Diego Air & Space Museum is filled with immersive exhibits and real restored aircraft spanning all of aviation history – truly a treat for any fan of flight. The kids will love the scope and variety of the available exhibits, and you’ll love how educational everything is. Some of the exhibits you and your family can enjoy feature a variety of mint-condition historical aircraft, including a Navy F6F Hellcat and the A-4 Skyhawk Jet, as well as the Wright EX Vin Fiz (from 1911!). We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. Stop #4: Fleet Science Center The Fleet Science Center is one of the most important scientific complexes in the region. It's also conveniently located in Balboa Park, so you don't have to travel too far from your previous attraction to explore this fun option. It’s both a museum and an active research facility, offering the best of both worlds to curious visitors. Although their collections are vast and diverse, a few of the most popular exhibits include “Cellular Journey,” “Kid City,” So Watt,” and more. Don’t forget to check out the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. DAY 3 Stop #1: San Diego Safari Park This magnificent animal park is like nothing you’ve ever seen before and is probably unlike anything you’ll ever see again. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a truly unique institution, filled with animal encounters and experiences that go way beyond your typical zoo visit. For example, the Cheetah Run exhibit allows you to watch a cheetah go from 0-60 miles per hour in just seconds – an intimate glimpse of what their lives are like in the wild. You can also get up close (behind glass!) to lions, tigers, and many other majestic Saharan creatures. We recommend spending your entire day here. Plan on having lunch at one of their many delicious on-site restaurants. DAY 4 Stop #1: USS Midway Museum The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is one of the most-visited attractions in all of San Diego – for good reason! Its historic significance alone makes it worth exploring and its modern reincarnation as a world-class museum makes it worth spending plenty of time here. You’ll learn all about the battle that gave the ship its name, about aircraft carrier participation in U.S. Naval battles, and about the lives of sailors during WWII. Don’t miss their popular movie, “Battle of Midway: Voices of Midway.” We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: Coronado Bike & Kayak Rentals If you’ve got one full week to spend in San Diego, it’s definitely worth taking the time to explore Coronado, with its totally distinct culture and vibe. Hop aboard the ferry to come over. While you’re enjoying the sun in Coronado, why not be a little more active with your outdoor time with a bike, kayak, or stand up paddle board rental? This is an excellent way to explore the great outdoors in style, by land or by sea. Some of the sights you may see include Petco Park, the Embarcadero, the USS Midway, Naval Station North Island, the Silver Strand, the Convention Center and Glorietta Bay. Stop #3: Explore Coronado Island & Centennial Park (free!) There's also plenty more to see in Coronado, so you might as well spend the rest of your day here. There's the historic Hotel Del Coronado, today a resort with popular dining options (which you can enjoy without being a guest). Then, there's a golf course, multiple parks, and beaches to enjoy. As for Centennial Park, this cute little garden space is located just near the ferry landing. It provides stunning ocean views and amazing views of the San Diego skyline – the perfect photo opportunity. We recommend reserving between 30 minutes to 1 hour for this attraction. DAY 5 Stop #1: LEGOLAND® California Every kid’s favorite toys come to life at LEGOLAND® California! This fun-filled wonderland has enough exhibits, attractions, rides, and slides to keep the whole family busy for practically the entire day. The little ones will love the DUPLO® play area, and the older kids will enjoy exciting roller coasters and the famous Miniland USA. Did you know there’s also a water park and an aquarium that make up part of the larger LEGOLAND® complex? If you want the complete experience, why not check out the new LEGOLAND® hotel? We recommend reserving between 5-6 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: The Museum of Making Music The Museum of Making Music is a specialty museum dedicated to studying the art of how humans create, distribute, and enjoy music. It's also located in Carlsbad, so you don't have to drive too far from LEGOLAND to enjoy this attraction. Immerse yourself in over a century of musical history in interactive and exciting exhibits that cover all of the major developments in American musical history. With over 500 vintage instruments and hundreds of audio and video examples, the Museum of Making Music is a comprehensive portrait of the kinds of music that Americans have enjoyed and produced over time, from the player piano to the invention of modern digital music. We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Stop #3: Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall (free!) Explore downtown Carlsbad by strolling around the Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall, a great hidden gem. It’s a shopper’s paradise with more than 15,000 square feet and over 100 sellers at the Art & Antique Mall itself, although there are also more shopping options in Carlsbad Village as a whole. You are also close to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, should you be craving a more intense shopping experience. Depending on how much shopping you feel up to, we recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. DAY 6 Stop #1: Birch Aquarium Your San Diego itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. This highly interactive oceanographic institute is the perfect destination for anyone who loves sea creatures. From various special exhibits to several marine habitats and the opportunity to interact with select sea creatures, there’s so much to do and see here that you’ll never want to leave. Some exhibits you'll find at the Aquarium of the Pacific include "Boundless Energy," "There's Something About Seahorses," and "Coral Displays." You also won’t want to miss the beautiful, unforgettable view of the Pacific that you’ll see from inside the Aquarium! We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: La Jolla Beaches What better way to take advantage of the natural beauty of La Jolla than with some good old fashioned beach time? Sun, swim, or just wander these beautiful beaches to your heart’s content and feel like a real Californian. If you’re looking for something specific to explore, check out the fascinating Shell Beach Tide Pools, located at the south end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. Stop #3: Speed Circuit: All Access Transition from water-bound fun to some totally awesome indoor adventures at the Eastlake Speed Circuit. Feel like you’re a real race car driver as you speed through hairpin turns and long straightaways. The state-of-the-art equipment offered at this establishment is thrilling to observe and even more exciting to drive. Advanced technology will allow you clock your lap times, aim for specific speeds, and more. It’s one of the best indoor kart tracks in the country! Make sure to pay a visit to the Thrill Park too, equipped with wipe-out trampolines, a human hamster ball arena, 50-foot zip lines, and more! DAY 7 Stop #1: Whale Watching by Newport Landing Another attraction you won’t want to miss is an informative and exciting Whale Watching and Dolphin Tour by Newport Landing. With several daily departures available, you’ll be able to enjoy one of these great cruises any time you visit. A few of the fascinating and majestic species you may see on your adventure include the California Gray Whale, Giant Blue Whales, Orcas, Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, and other sea creatures including dolphins, seals, sharks, and more. Stop #2: Knott’s Berry Farm For your last attraction of the vacation, take a short drive up north to Knott’s Berry Farm. This classic theme park attraction is both a historic establishment in California (the very first theme park) and an exciting modern destination. Enjoy dozens of thrilling rides and slides, plus other fun attractions. There are breathtaking rides for the adults and gentler rides for the little ones, so there’s something to appeal to all visitors. Some of the popular rides are coasters like GhostRider and Boomerang, thrill rides like La Revolución, and rides for the little ones like those you'll find at Camp Snoopy. Don’t forget to pick up some Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Pie! We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction. Save on Attraction Admission So there’s your fun-filled San Diego 7-Day itinerary. It’s packed with every variety of attraction and activity you could imagine, complemented with delicious meals and fun free activities. So make the most of your one week in San Diego! Visit each of these above attractions with the 7-Day All-Inclusive Pass with Go City and save on combined admission costs. Plus, get additional discounts on shopping, dining, and more attractions. Go City® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Only have a few days in San Diego? We’ve also put together a 1 day, 2 day, and 3 day San Diego itinerary.
Katie Sagal

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