San Diego Family Vacation Ideas

Specially designed for the younger kids, LEGOLAND® California is a magical place where your children’s toys are brought to life. Explore interactive build spaces. Enjoy gentle and exciting rides appropriate for younger and middle-grade kids. Meet life-sized LEGO® characters from their favorite franchises throughout the park. Anything they can imagine, they’ll find in LEGOLAND®.

Another great option for animal lovers is SeaWorld San Diego. Part animal conservation institute, part theme park, this attraction is 100% amazing. Come here to meet some of the most popular marine animals, from penguins to seals to orcas. Then, stick around for exciting thrill rides like coasters, water rides, and much more.

They also often have special programming or events in the summer, so be sure to check their operating calendar before your visit to see what’s going on.

A historical attraction that’s intriguing for adults and kids alike is the USS Midway Museum. It’s been consistently voted one of the top 10 museums in the country by Tripadvisor polls and is a favorite with families because it’s educational and quite fascinating.

The USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the twentieth century, and the 60 exhibits scattered throughout highlight aspects of her history and operation, from the crew quarters to the flight deck. It’s an especially appealing attraction to fans of military history, too.

Balboa Park is the country’s largest urban cultural park and is filled with a bevy of museums, gardens, theaters, and so much more for your family to enjoy this summer. Come with a picnic, stroll through the cactus garden, or make a day of it by visiting a few of the inspiring museums located throughout the park.

There are a ton of things to do in Balboa Park, a few of our favorite museums for families include the Natural History Museum, the Fleet Science Center, the Air & Space Museum, and the San Diego Art Museum.

This classic amusement park offers that ideal combination of fun for the kids and nostalgia for the adults. It’s an exciting destination that features all you could ever ask for on a boardwalk-style attraction, from roller coasters to bumper cars to arcade gamers. There’s even laser tag, a rock wall, a mirror maze, and mini golf. You’ll be able to spend an entire afternoon here at Belmont Park as a family.

Another ideal attraction for animal lovers is the Birch Aquarium. Thoroughly educational and thoroughly enjoyable, this aquarium is affiliated with the scientists of the famed Scripps Institute of Oceanography (based at UCSD). You’ll find that the colorful, exotic, and downright fascinating critters at this aquarium are presented in informative and engaging ways.

Plus, several exhibits focus on issues affecting the planet’s marine life, like the search for renewable energy sources, and global climate change.

A great way to get out and active with the kids while on vacation is with Bike & Kayak Rental. Pedal around the boardwalk or beaches of La Jolla for some peaceful ocean breezes, bright coastal sunshine, and some amazing views. Or, you could also rent a kayak, a stand-up paddle board, or snorkeling gear, if you’d prefer to actually dive into those gorgeous blue waters.

Located outside of San Diego, about 35 miles north of the city, San Diego Zoo Safari Park is another popular San Diego destination. Although the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park have some similar animal species, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park emphasizes animals commonly found on African Safaris, including exotic tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos, and more.

The exhibits at this park are larger, too, so visitors can see animals roaming in open fields - as if you're on an African safari. San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets with Go City® include general admission, a ride on the Africa Tram Safari, admission to the daily Cheetah Run, plus all regularly scheduled exhibits and shows including keeper talks.

Top tip: Try to get to the park early and head straight to the Africa Tram Safari ride as it tends to get busier throughout the day.