San Diego: 4-Day Family Itinerary
It might come as a surprise that San Diego is one of the more affordable options for sand and sun, even during the typical busy seasons of Spring Break and summer. This convention-center city offers hotel inventory to match its biggest events, giving leisure travelers plenty of options and price points during even the most popular months for family travel. And an international airport with non-stop flights from hubs across the country keeps airfare affordable as well, making this SoCal surf town a viable option for last-minute planners. So, what to do once you arrive? If you’re looking to hit some of the highlights, this 4-day itinerary is the perfect mix of local history, playful paradise and kid-friendly fun.
DAY 1 – USS MIDWAY MUSEUM & DOWNTOWN
Downtown San Diego is worth a day exploring and great way to kick off any visit. Start your morning at the USS Midway Museum, the longest serving U.S. Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century. It’s docked along the Embarcadero in the heart of the city, with a four-acre flight deck, engine room, galley, brig and more than 20 aircraft to explore. Arrive early to snag parking in the main lot closest to the entrance and get in before it gets crowded. Tickets can be purchase on-site, but buying online in advance will get you in quicker and avoid an extra line. Be sure to pick up a self-guided audio tour device, and for the littles, a kid’s version with content geared for 7 to 12-year-olds. Even if you don’t use it during the entirety of your visit, it provides great stories that bring many of the details to life. Kids will love how interactive the carrier is with flight simulators and cockpits they can climb inside. Resourceful volunteer guides bring the carriers’ stories to life with special tours including the captain’s quarters and control tower. The aircraft inside and on deck this massive ship will have you all in awe of the size and scope of these engineering marvels and the jobs they perform.
By mid-day you’ll be ready for a meal and meandering the vibrant streets of downtown. Within walking distance, you’ll find of plenty of dining options in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, a historic section of the city that is the heartbeat of this urban center where modern architecture mixes with Victorian-era buildings and plenty to do for an afternoon. From gastropubs to fine dining, you’ll find choices a-plenty for lunch before you stroll the galleries and boutiques that line the streets. The Gaslamp Quarter also boasts the New Children’s Museum, and for baseball fans, is home to Petco Park if you’re lucky enough to catch an afternoon game.
DAY 2 – SAN DIEGO ZOO & LA JOLLA
If you’ve heard the hype that the San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the country, believe it. And plan a day at this beautifully designed and highly educational home to some of the most intriguing – and endangered – animals. Plan to arrive before the park opens for the best parking options as spaces go fast and crowds fill the facilities by late morning. You’ll be impressed not only with the parks layout and landscaping as you wander through various habitats that mimic these animals’ homelands, but you’ll find so many opportunities to learn about the 650 animal species that inhabit the zoo and even their prehistoric ancestors, leaving you feeling more connected to wildlife and the zoo’s mission when you depart. When little legs get tired be sure to hop on the double-decker bus tour for an informative guided trip around the entire park, and be sure to make your way to entrance of the iconic sky tram for the most unique views of this 100-acre habitat.
Head out by mid-afternoon and make your way on to Hwy 5 for a detour to the beautiful beach community of La Jolla, home to the Children’s Pool Beach. Once you find a place to park (it’s all street parking here) head down to the sand where you’ll get 360-degree views of the beach, La Jolla, and if you time it right…a stunning sunset. The kids can walk out into the tide pools that skim the surface and bask in the sun while watching hundreds of seals and sea lions doing the same on Seal Rock. After splashing in the sea, take time to wander around the quaint shops and stop for ice cream in this picturesque village that is blooming with vibrant flowers along it’s hilly side streets and laid-back California vibe.
DAY 3 – TORREY PINES STATE RESERVE & POOL TIME
While San Diego is full of some great man-made attractions, you would be missing out on such a big part of this stunning destination without experiencing the natural wonders that surround it. For a morning exploring oceanside trails, soaking in unparalleled views and spotting local wildlife, head to Torrey Pines State Reserve in La Jolla. This 1,500-acre preserve remains one of the wildest stretches of land along the Southern California coast and offers trails for all ability levels. Like so many San Diego sites, parking fills up fast, so rise early and take advantage of the cool mornings as you explore this peaceful park. Be sure to check out their docent naturalist led programs and small group hikes to learn more about the park’s history and ecology as you plan your day. And while no food or drink (except water) is allowed in the reserve, be sure to pack a post-adventure lunch to enjoy on the beach.
After your outdoor adventure, be sure to leave time to indulge in one of the most important vacation activities – relaxing! San Diego hotels offer some of the best outdoor amenities for families, so be sure to choose one that boasts an outdoor pool and plenty of lounge chairs to soak in the sun while you’re here. While it can be hard to slow down in a destination where there’s so much to see and do, you’ll need to rejuvenate your mind and body before you head out tomorrow to…yes, the theme parks!
DAY 4 – THEME PARKS
Yes, if you have kids, a theme park will likely be on your agenda for at least one day of your vacation. And if you’re like me, you save this for the last day to leverage it for good behavior during the rest of the trip. Yep, I’m ‘that’ mom. The good news is that in San Diego you’re well situated to choose a park that fits your kids’ ages and interests. Whether you opt to visit Legoland (I would recommend this park for kids ages 10 and under), SeaWorld or the easy 90-minute drive to the holy grail of theme parks – Disneyland – there’s plenty of opportunity to make your kids’ dreams come true, at least for one day.
