Top Family‑Friendly Things to Do in San Diego

Discover kid-approved spots across San Diego—where little imaginations can run wild and parents can relax.

Published: June 19, 2025
Mother and Son with a Beluga Whale at SeaWorld

San Diego delivers bigtime for families—whether you’re chasing science thrills, beachside play, animal encounters, or interactive museums. Traveling with kids means balancing fun, comfort, and discovery—and this city nails all three. From giant pandas to splash parks, we’ve rounded up the top family‑friendly attractions across San Diego. These picks keep little hands busy and big imaginations active. Ready for quality time everyone will remember? 

San Diego Zoo 

📍 Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, Balboa Park 

 💸 Included with Go City 

Few places get the family seal of approval like the San Diego Zoo. Spanning 100 acres in Balboa Park, it’s home to over 12,000 animals from 650 species, all housed in spacious, naturalistic habitats. But what truly makes it family-friendly is how effortlessly it caters to all age groups. 

Younger kids will love the Skyfari Aerial Tram, reptile house, and Children’s Zoo petting area. Teens tend to gravitate toward the big-ticket residents—like the gorillas, tigers, or Komodo dragons. And let’s be honest, adults are just as likely to geek out over the zoo’s conservation work or impressive aviaries. Everyone wins. 

Walking paths are stroller-friendly, there are plenty of shaded rest stops, and the zoo even offers a guided double-decker bus tour if little legs need a break. Add in kid-approved cafés, ice cream carts, and interactive exhibits like Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, and you’ve got a full-day adventure with zero “I’m bored” complaints. 

The New Children’s Museum 

📍 Location: 200 W Island Ave, San Diego 

 💸 Not included with Go City 

This isn’t your average children’s museum—this is where art meets chaos in the best possible way. The New Children’s Museum is built for hands-on creativity, with giant installations, interactive exhibits, and spaces designed to be touched, climbed on, and transformed. 

What makes this spot so family-friendly? It gives kids full permission to move, explore, and create. There’s a suspended net tunnel to scramble through, a soft play zone for toddlers, and rotating art exhibits that invite messy, open-ended experimentation. Parents love it because it’s safe, inspiring, and—bonus—air-conditioned. 

The museum also hosts family workshops, drop-in activities, and story time sessions. There’s a café with healthy kid-friendly meals, plus picnic seating indoors and out if you’ve packed your own. Best of all? Everyone walks out with flushed cheeks and a head full of new ideas. 

Fleet Science Center 

📍 Location: 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park 

 💸 Included with Go City 

The Fleet Science Center is pure hands-on discovery. With over 100 interactive exhibits and an epic IMAX Dome Theater, it’s designed to make science feel like play. Kids can build circuits, explore water dynamics, test gravity, or get curious about space—and parents can jump right in, or hang back and snap photos of those wide-eyed “whoa” moments. 

The layout makes it easy for families to spread out, and there are sections specifically geared toward younger kids (like Kid City) as well as more advanced exhibits for tweens and teens. Everything encourages movement and experimentation, which keeps boredom at bay and energy high. 

The IMAX shows are family favorites too—especially nature films or space documentaries that feel immersive on the huge curved screen. Combine that with a gift shop full of science kits and STEM toys, and you’ve got an outing that’s equal parts fun and brain fuel. 

Belmont Park 

📍 Location: 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego 

 💸 Free to enter; pay per ride (not on Go City) 

Want beach views and rollercoasters in one family outing? Belmont Park delivers. This historic amusement park in Mission Beach is packed with kid-friendly rides, carnival games, sweet treats, and laid-back SoCal vibes. Families love it because it strikes the perfect balance—thrilling enough for teens, manageable for toddlers, and fun for grown-ups too. 

The star attraction is the Giant Dipper, a classic wooden rollercoaster with ocean views and just the right amount of scream factor. For younger kids, there are gentler rides like the Liberty Carousel, mini golf, bumper cars, and laser tag. Add in the arcade, rock wall, and beachside shops, and no one’s left out. 

There are plenty of snack stops—Dole Whip, tacos, funnel cake—and open seating where parents can relax while the kids burn off energy. Bonus points for being stroller-friendly and right on the beach, so you can easily pivot from thrill rides to sandcastle building in one afternoon. 

Birch Aquarium at Scripps 

📍 Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla 

 💸 Included with Go City 

Perched on a cliff above the Pacific, Birch Aquarium is a hit with families thanks to its manageable size, educational focus, and gorgeous views. Run by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this spot brings marine science to life through colorful exhibits, playful sea creatures, and lots of opportunities to get hands-on. 

Inside, kids will love the glowing jellyfish, shark tanks, and seahorse exhibits. The tide pool terrace lets them touch starfish and sea cucumbers while looking out over La Jolla’s bluffs. For parents, the whole place feels peaceful and thoughtful—not too crowded, not too noisy, just the right pace for learning through play. 

There’s also a fun “Hall of Fishes” with floor-to-ceiling tanks that make little ones stop in awe. If your family’s into ocean life—or even if you just need a low-stress activity that balances fun and education—this aquarium is a win. 

 

USS Midway Museum 

USS Midway Museum 

📍 Location: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego 

 💸 Included with Go City 

What kid doesn’t want to explore a giant aircraft carrier? The USS Midway Museum is one of San Diego’s most exciting family attractions, especially for curious kids and history-loving parents. It’s hands-on, huge, and full of real-life military aircraft that you can climb into, walk through, or learn about via cool audio tours. 

Families love the sense of adventure here. You can tour the captain’s bridge, sit in a fighter jet cockpit, or check out the flight deck with its stunning harbor views. Volunteers (many of them veterans) share amazing stories that keep kids engaged and spark a hundred questions. 

There are also family-focused exhibits, flight simulators, and junior pilot programs that keep younger visitors busy. The layout is surprisingly stroller-friendly for such a massive ship, and there are plenty of restrooms, water fountains, and shaded areas to keep everyone comfortable. History becomes real here—and fun, too. 

 

San Diego Natural History Museum 

📍 Location: 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park 

 💸 Included with Go City 

Dinosaurs? Check. Fossils? Yep. Giant shark jaws and glowing minerals? Absolutely. The San Diego Natural History Museum (aka The Nat) is a must-visit for curious kids and grown-ups alike. Located in Balboa Park, this four-story museum is packed with exhibits that bring Southern California’s natural world to life. 

Little ones will love the life-sized T. rex and prehistoric marine creatures, while older kids can get lost in the interactive biodiversity displays and rotating exhibits on geology, climate, or regional wildlife. There’s even a 3D theater where short films about nature and science give everyone a break from walking. 

The museum is air-conditioned, stroller-friendly, and designed with kids in mind—think hands-on zones, step stools for little explorers, and plenty of visual stimulation. It’s educational without feeling stuffy, and compact enough to explore in a few hours, making it a great mid-day stop between park explorations. 

Living Coast Discovery Center 

📍 Location: 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista 

 💸 Included with Go City 

Tucked into a wildlife refuge just south of the city, the Living Coast Discovery Center blends a zoo, aquarium, and outdoor adventure into one family-friendly day out. It’s smaller and quieter than San Diego’s main zoo or aquarium, but that’s part of the charm—it feels personal, relaxed, and refreshingly close to nature. 

Here you’ll meet sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, owls, and even a bald eagle. Kids can watch animal feedings, touch rays in the interactive tank, and walk trails that loop through marshes buzzing with birdlife. There’s an optional scavenger hunt that turns it into a full-on learning adventure, with just the right amount of fun. 

It’s ideal for families who want something low-key and nature-forward, with zero stress and loads of photo ops. Bonus: the shuttle from the parking lot makes arrival easy, and the whole experience takes about 2–3 hours—perfect for morning or afternoon energy levels. 

Waterfront Park 

📍 Location: 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego 

 💸 Free (not on Go City) 

If your family needs a break between sightseeing or a spot to burn off energy, Waterfront Park is the go-to. This expansive public space along San Diego Bay has something for every age: splash fountains, climbing structures, wide-open lawns, and killer views of the harbor. 

The highlight for kids? The interactive water play area. Dozens of jets spray into the air, creating a mini waterpark vibe on warm days. Bring a towel and swimsuit—it’s almost impossible to resist joining in. There’s also a large playground with tunnels, ropes, and imaginative equipment for toddlers through tweens. 

Parents can chill under shady palms, grab coffee from a nearby café, or stroll along the harbor while keeping an eye on the action. It’s free, easy, and super central—making it a great recharge zone during a day of museums or downtown adventures. 

SeaWorld San Diego 

📍 Location: 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego 

 💸 Included with Go City 

Animal encounters, thrilling rides, and splash zones? SeaWorld ticks all the family boxes. This combo marine park and theme park has dolphins, sea lions, orcas, and penguins—not to mention rollercoasters, water rides, and a Sesame Street Bay of Play just for younger kids. 

Families love how easy it is to split the day between shows and play. Watch dolphins leap sky-high, feed bat rays, or take a spin on kid-friendly rides like Abby’s Sea Star Spin. Meanwhile, older kids (and thrill-seeking parents) can brave Emperor or Electric Eel—SeaWorld’s high-speed coasters. 

The park is stroller-friendly, packed with family dining options, and has plenty of shaded seating for snack breaks and cool-downs. With a mix of education and entertainment, SeaWorld is a full-day outing with something for everyone. 

 

Balboa Park Carousel & Miniature Railroad 

Balboa Park Carousel & Miniature Railroad 

📍 Location: 1889 Zoo Pl, San Diego 

 💸 Small fee per ride (not on Go City) 

For a dash of vintage charm, families can’t go wrong with the Balboa Park Carousel and Miniature Railroad. The historic carousel, built in 1910, still features hand-carved animals and a classic ring toss game kids absolutely adore. 

Right next door is the Miniature Railroad, a 3-minute loop that takes riders through four acres of Balboa Park scenery on a pint-sized train. Both are quick, affordable, and offer that timeless “kid magic” moment that even adults can’t help but smile at. 

These attractions are great for younger children, and they make for the perfect break between museum visits or after the zoo. There’s seating nearby, snack stands around the corner, and plenty of space for strollers. Short, sweet, and seriously nostalgic. 

LEGOLAND California 

📍 Location: 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad 

 💸 Included with Go City 

If your kids are LEGO fans (or if you’ve ever stepped on one barefoot), you know how powerful those bricks are. LEGOLAND California is an entire theme park built around imagination, creativity, and color—and it’s made specifically for families with younger children. 

The rides here are tailored for little adventurers, with gentle coasters, interactive dark rides, and splash zones. There’s also Miniland USA, where kids (and adults) can gawk at famous cities built entirely out of LEGO bricks. Add in the SEA LIFE Aquarium and water park, and you’ve got multiple days’ worth of fun. 

It’s clean, super walkable, and loaded with interactive build zones where kids can take a break from rides and build their own creations. Bonus: It’s rarely overwhelming, so it works especially well for first-time theme park visitors. 

San Diego Botanic Garden 

📍 Location: 300 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas 

 💸 Entry ~$18 adults, $10 kids (not on Go City) 

Nature lovers of all ages will appreciate this lush, peaceful escape in Encinitas. The San Diego Botanic Garden offers 37 acres of themed gardens—from desert and rainforest landscapes to a playful children’s garden with sand pits, treehouses, and interactive exhibits. 

It’s a calm alternative to busier attractions, with plenty of space to roam, climb, and explore. Parents can enjoy the gardens’ beauty, while kids burn off energy in safe, engaging environments. The Hamilton Children’s Garden has oversized musical instruments, a maze, and a splash pad in warmer months. 

Perfect for families who want something scenic but low-key, this garden mixes learning, nature, and open-ended play in a beautiful outdoor setting. 

Coronado Beach 

📍 Location: 919 Ocean Blvd, Coronado 

 💸 Free 

Sometimes the best family attraction is a good old-fashioned beach day—and Coronado Beach delivers. Known for its wide, flat sands and gentle surf, it’s perfect for sandcastle building, wave jumping, or simply relaxing with the family picnic blanket in tow. 

The beach is super accessible, clean, and family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty and amenities like restrooms and showers. The nearby Hotel del Coronado adds an extra dose of charm (and ice cream), and the surrounding area is walkable if you need a snack or shade break. 

Whether you’re in full swimsuit-and-buckets mode or just want a breezy sunset stroll after dinner, this is an easygoing and always‑reliable family favorite. 

Tidelands Park 

📍 Location: 2000 Mullinex Dr, Coronado 

 💸 Free 

Just across the bay from downtown, Tidelands Park is a hidden gem that’s ideal for families. It’s got big grassy fields for picnics or sports, a creative playground for kids of all ages, and a bike path along the water that offers fantastic skyline views. 

It’s quiet, local, and full of that relaxed SoCal energy that makes you want to hang out for hours. There’s plenty of shade, parking, and space to run—making it a great stop for letting little ones stretch their legs between bigger attractions. 

Bring a kite, a football, or just your snacks and sunscreen. It’s low-pressure and high-reward. 

In San Diego, family time isn’t limited to theme parks (though there are plenty of those, too). From hands-on science and wildlife encounters to splash pads, railroads, and sandy beaches, this city delivers something fun for every age and stage. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, the key ingredients—creativity, variety, and space to roam—are all here. So pack the snacks, load up the stroller, and dive into a family trip that’s as playful as it is unforgettable. 

 

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Lifeguard station on a San Diego beach
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Is San Diego Safe?

San Diego’s golden beaches, fine museums, world-class attractions and buzzing nightlife mean you’ll never struggle for something to do in the town they call America's Finest City. From picnicking at the botanical gardens in Balboa Park to meeting curious critters at SeaWorld, riding the 100-year-old rollercoaster at Mission Beach and sipping fresh beer in the city’s famed taprooms, there really is something for everyone here. But is San Diego safe for tourists? Read on to find out more... How Safe is San Diego? Regularly ranked among the 20 safest cities in the country, and named the safest big city in the US by the FBI in 2017, thanks to its lower than national average crime rate, it’s fair to say San Diego is a pretty decent bet for a worry-free vacation. This is a city where violent crime is rare, if not entirely unheard of, and where you’re more likely to get a nasty sunburn than become a victim of crime. So far so safe, but as with most major cities there will always be an element of petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, with tourists inevitably providing the easiest pickings for opportunistic thieves. And while Downtown areas are mostly ok, the likes of the East Village does have a slightly higher crime rate than the Gaslamp Quarter or waterfront Embarcadero due to its large number of nightlife venues and other businesses, including the Petco Park stadium, home of the Padres baseball team. To prevent a tiny minority of crooks and criminals from spoiling your trip, you should follow a few basic precautions such as staying alert to shifty looking characters and generally trying not to walk around with a flashing neon sign above your head that alerts would-be thieves to your status as a walking, talking ATM. Tips for Staying Safe in San Diego Opportunists after a quick buck will tend to ply their trade in and around the biggest attractions, especially where crowds of tourists make it easier to become invisible and disappear fast. Avoid being a victim by keeping your wits about you around the likes of San Diego Zoo and Balboa’s Park’s other big hitters, such as the San Diego Museum of Art and Air and Space Museum. San Diego is a party town with bustling street markets in the likes of Hillcrest and Ocean Beach, a thriving nightlife scene and major annual festivals that draw hordes of revelers from around the world, including the annual Oktoberfest, Pride parade, Comic-Con and County Fair. All of these are prone to creating the kinds of crowd that are so beloved of petty crooks. Scams like ‘friendly helpers’ hanging around ATMs or people offering to take a nice souvenir photo of you with your or smartphone may seem obvious, but the element of surprise often pays off as, flustered and embarrassed, you willingly hand over your expensive camera equipment only to look on helplessly as it vanishes into the crowd. In the unlikely event you do lose your valuables to a bag snatcher, scammer or pickpocket, don’t try to give chase – it’s not worth it. Instead, report the incident to police, put it down to experience and try not to let it spoil the rest of your trip. Oh, and make sure you get travel insurance before you go on vacation! It’s also worth remembering that, as long as you take reasonable precautions such as keeping cash and valuables out of sight, being alert to lurkers at ATMs and not falling for obvious scams, it’s likely the worst thing that will happen to you in San Diego is waking up with a sore head after one too many of the city’s famous craft beers. Or coming out in lobster-red blotches after inexpertly applying your sunscreen. Staying Safe in the San Diego Sun San Diego is an outdoorsy kind of city, with a warm Mediterranean climate, some great canyons and nature reserves for hiking, and some of the best beaches in California. So it’s inevitable you’ll spend a fair bit of time in the sunshine, whether baking on La Jolla’s golden sands or exploring the many museums and gardens in sprawling Balboa Park. Simple precautions like slapping on the sunscreen and drinking plenty of water cover most of the bases, but it’s also worth packing a good moisturizer, especially in autumn when the hot, arid Santa Ana winds are at their most punishing. If you’re hitting the beach and feel like cooling off in the water, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the warning flags and their meanings. Red means no swimming; checkered marks the boundary separating surfing and swimming areas and yellow with a black ball in the center means no surfing. Riptides are not uncommon along this stretch of the California coast so make sure to swim only where there are lifeguards present. In the event you’re caught in a riptide, remember to swim sideways through the water, parallel to the shore, then diagonally towards the beach once free. Above all, stay calm. La Jolla Shores, South Mission Beach and Coronado Central Beach are some of the safest beaches for swimming, especially if you’re traveling with young kids. Nighttime Safety in San Diego San Diego is generally safe at night, even for solo and female travelers. Thanks to good street lighting and visible policing, even the Downtown neighborhood is largely trouble-free. But, like everywhere else, it pays to take sensible precautions such as dropping friends and family a note of your plans if you’re going out alone at night and avoiding trouble hotspots like quiet streets and late-night public transport. San Diego’s nightlife is the stuff of legend. Late-night taprooms and dive bars jockey for position with classy rooftop cocktail joints, comedy clubs and music venues galore. There is, truly, never a dull moment here. Do drink in moderation, especially if you’re on your own, and don’t accept offers of drinks from charming strangers. By all means you should make new friends in this most sociable of cities, but it’s always safer to politely decline the free drink and pay for your own until you’re certain your new pal or pals can be trusted. If they’re genuine, they’re unlikely to be offended. Ideally take a cab home rather than using public transport at night. Apps like Uber and Lyft operate in San Diego, or hail a yellow cab. Check for the San Diego County identification badge and be sure to ask your driver to start the meter when you hop in. Save on things to do in 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
Birthday celebration
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Top 10 things to do in San Diego for your birthday

Sky-high adventures, down-to-earth park picnics and more. Happy birthday to you!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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