Top San Diego Kid-Friendly Activities 7 days

Our Local Expert Says:

The zoo isn't just for the kids - home to some of the most engaged species in the world, the San Diego World Famous Zoo is always welcoming new guests into its home!

Description:

This world-famous establishment is clearly no ordinary zoo. Walk or ride a double-decker bus throughout this expansive park, home to over 4,000 rare and exotic animals exhibited in beautiful garden habitats. More than a park, this zoo is a major research facility although it is cleverly disguised with entertaining shows and inspiring exhibits like Polar Bear Plunge and Hippo Beach. General Admission required.

Our Local Expert Says:

You can easily devote at least a whole day to wandering around this huge urban park. Package deals are available for museum entrances, and can include the San Diego Zoo, at the north end of the park, as well.

Description:

The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is only one part of this magnificent 1,200-acre city park that was built for the 1915-1916 Panama-California Expo. California's Hispanic roots were celebrated as the city erected breathtakingly ornate Spanish-style buildings, which were eventually permanently restored. So much more than just an urban park, it is home to the zoo, 14 museums, a pipe organ pavilion, botanical gardens, international cultural centers, theaters and performance venues, an antique carousel, off leash dog parks, sports fields, hiking trails, a tennis center, municipal pool, and a miniature-scale train. The December Nights Celebration is held the first weekend of December annually and this popular event is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy pageants, plays, food and music all in the tradition of the Christmas holidays.

Description:

The Scene
Black and white checkered floor, chrome accented counters and real soda fountains fill the two-tiered dining room, with a shiny, vintage corvette on display in the center. Waitresses don huge wigs and display impressive pin collections on their aprons, and their colorful personalities are exaggerated during impromptu song-and-dance routines whenever Rock Around The Clock cranks on the juke box.

The Food
In classic 1950s diner style, every burger is named for a pretty lady and the milkshake section is the longest on the menu. Chicken fingers and mac 'n cheese please the kiddos, which make up the bulk of the clientele, and parents will delight in a decent salad selection. After dessert, watch out for flying Bazooka bubble gum at your table as the check arrives.

Description:

Lovers of all types of marine life will delight in a tour of this world-renowned aquarium and oceanographic museum. Splendid examples of marine life of all sizes, shapes and colors are here on display from the cool Pacific Northwest to the warm waters off Mexico. An extension of the famous Scripps Institute of Oceanography, the mission here is to promote ocean sciences through hands-on experience. A snack shop and gift shop are on premises. Admission required.

Description:

This fragile environment is the home of our nation's rarest pine tree - Pinus torreyana. Once this tree covered a larger area. It now grows only here and on Santa Rosa Island off the coast near Santa Barbara. The park preserves not only the trees, but also the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. The reserve features high broken cliffs and deep ravines on headlands overlooking the ocean. Hikers can follow trails through stands of wind-sculpted pines. A picturesque, pueblo-style structure that served as a restaurant when it was built in 1923 houses the visitor center, featuring interpretive displays. Picnicking and camping are prohibited in the reserve. The reserve's rich plant community features wildflowers in the spring and visitors can see the California quail gathered in coveys in the early mornings of fall and winter. Torrey Pines State Beach can also be reached by trail from the Reserve.

Hiking if available in the preserve, however, picnicking and camping are prohibited.

Torrey Pines State Reserve is located between La Jolla and Del Mar, California, north of San Diego. From Hwy. 5, exit on Carmel Valley Road and drive west for about 1.5 miles till you...

Our Local Expert Says:

Catch the seals before they are "barked" off the site by residents!

Description:

Originally designed as a safe place for children to wade, this pool is now a haven for sunbathing seals. As the seals took over, the spot's notoriety increased, bringing in even more children. But nowadays, the children are only spectators, as the area is often closed to swimmers because of seal-made pollution. The manmade cove is also a popular spot for scuba divers. You can venture out across the water walkway, watching seals and humans-both in their shiny black suits and flippers-slip away into the ocean. Nearby, you will find the beautiful La Jolla Cove and tide pools.

Description:

A restored 1894 beach bungalow, this charming cafe is named for an early resident's hometown (Brockton, MA) and occupies a breathtaking perch overlooking La Jolla Cove. The biggest buzz is at breakfast, when you can enjoy such inventive dishes as soufflé-like "Coast Toast" and Greek "steamers" (eggs scrambled with an espresso steamer, and then mixed with feta cheese, tomato, and basil). Breakfasts are served until noon weekdays, until 3pm weekends. Lunch highlights include homemade soups and salads, as well as such sandwiches as the grilled organic salmon BLT. The somewhat less successful supper menu includes seafood and steak dishes, plus paella, pastas, and grilled meats. But any time you can actually enjoy this spectacular sea view, Brockton's food tastes good. Note: Steep stairs from the street limit wheelchair access.

Description:

Just 30 miles north of San Diego, you can spend an entire day living in the land of imagination experiencing more than 40 fun-filled rides and adventures. 'Activity' is the word for the day with 128 acres of displays including MiniLand where replicas of famous sites (Hollywood Bowl, Washington, D.C.) are created from Legos. In the Imagination Zone, children under six can play with Duplos to their hearts' content. Kids over six can check out the 'Build & Test' center.

Description:

In Short
While it does possess all the typical acoutrements of the standard 90s coffeehouse (chalkboard menu, pastries from Brad & Cie, musty, dark decor), the Pannikin boasts one attribute unique to any other in San Diego: the mini-chain has been a force on the caffine scene in San Diego for more than 20 years. Each location also features unique gifts, cards and gourmet food items from all over the world to complement the mostly South American beans.

Description:

An American favorite, the potato, is featured at this North County spot. Serving breakfast and lunch, the restaurant uses low-fat milk and cholesterol-free oil, allowing the health conscious to enjoy the specialties. Three-egg omelets are a breakfast menu favorite. Of course, American fries may be added to any of the breakfast entrees. For lunch, try a baked potato topped with cheese, butter, sour cream, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, broccoli or jalapenos. Beyond potatoes, guests may select from numerous sandwiches on the menu.

Description:

Located near the coast, this upbeat dining establishment serves traditional Mexican specialties. Enjoy delicious Carnitas, Enchiladas, Tacos and Burritos at the festive, brightly-decorated restaurant. Locals recommend the Crab Enchilada (crab meat topped with cheese, tomatillo sauce and sour cream). Wash it all down with a memorable Margarita from the onsite cantina. Fidel's Norte, a second location of this popular dining venue, is located along the North County coastline in Carlsbad. In addition it also boasts of a full bar. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner.

Our Local Expert Says:

A college hangout, this place isn't just great for the friends on Friday night but with games in the back can keep kids entertained while waiting for the pizza, or a seat

Description:

Established in 1987, this original pizzeria has been a favorite among locals for years. The atmosphere is casual, located seconds from the Pacific coastline. Surfboards are suspended overhead, while arcade games hold a spot in the back. Popular menu items include the BBQ Chicken Pizza, as well as the hometown favorite, Pizza Solana. With homemade pizza and award-winning handcrafted beer brewed on the premises, this spot has a favorable reputation among locals. Beer, clothing and other souvenirs are available in the gift shop. See website for menu, calendar of events, and locations in Carlsbad and San Clemente.

Our Local Expert Says:

Not just for the kids - if you buy a year pass you can visit anytime, and sip on one free glass of free beer!

Description:

Spend a full day exploring the awe-inspiring world of marine life at SeaWorld San Diego. Every encounter is a new adventure when you come face to face with the friendly dolphins, magnificent white beluga whales and playful penguins of SeaWorld San Diego.

Experience life far under the sea as you feed dolphins, get up close to a polar bear and count the teeth on a shark! Of course, there's also the mythical rush of the Journey To Atlantis water coaster and Shamu - our biggest star both day and night in Believe and Shamu Rocks.

See itinerary below for full descriptions of SeaWorld attractions.

Special Offer - Book for travel in 2010 and receive unlimited admission for seven (7) consecutive days - BOOK NOW!

Our Local Expert Says:

Enjoy walking the broad, mile-long sandy beach, the northern tip of which is designated a leash-free dog beach

Description:

Coronado Island sits pretty just across a bridge from San Diego's famed downtown and while it has been deemed an island for years, this center city is actually not an island at all. Rather, this chic and upscale resort town features most sides on waters edge, but likewise houses a connection to San Diego's southern neighborhoods. Coronado features some of the area's most exquisite eateries, museums and beaches, but it might be best known for it's namesake hotel, the Hotel Del Coronado. Tourists flock here year round to enjoy the white beaches, specialty cocktails and historic homes, though for the majority of its residents the island is home because of their job. Just as beautiful as Coronado is, it is additionally home to the area's largest naval base, where some of the residents in San Diego live, work and play.

Our Local Expert Says:

Mission Bay isn't just a place for college kids - with tons of fine restaurants, a boardwalk and "celebrities" it's a great place to relax, enjoy the beach and eat!

Description:

Near the manmade islands of Mission Bay, this beach runs along Mission Boulevard and boasts a fabulous boardwalk. One of the best places in San Diego to soak up the city's beach lifestyle, this is an unsurpassed area for people watching or building sandcastles. For a faster pace, rent a bike or in-line roller skates. Or better yet, take a ride on Belmont Park's world-famous wooden roller coaster. Whatever attraction you choose, be prepared for large crowds and limited parking. Dogs allowed on leashes before 9am and after 6pm.

Description:

Animal lovers of all kinds will want to make the trek to this beautifully designed park and refuge for endangered species, including a renowned display of extremely rare California Condors. Thirty two miles north of downtown San Diego, you'll be transported to the wilds of Africa, Asia and Australia. Here at the park, more than 3,500 animals representing 260 species roam in habitats designed to simulate their natural environs. Ride the Wgasa Bush Line Railway for a five-mile, 55-minute guided tour or walk the trails that weave through the 1,800 acre park. Exceptional Botanic Gardens, gift shops, research information and restaurants can all be found here. Check out some gear for you or your own companion animals in the gift shop. Admission required.