San Diego is a treat for families. Nestled along California’s southern coast of the Pacific Ocean, the city has so many attractions that you’ll wonder where to start. How about spots that are fun for both kids and adults alike? Planning your itinerary around the following four destinations is sure to please every member of the family.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s sprawling 1,200 acres are filled with 17 museums, 19 gardens, and cultural sites. Balboa Park offers a kids’ itinerary so enticing that they guarantee you’ll never hear “I’m bored!” But you may hear the kids say, “Can we take a break?”
Parents will especially love the San Diego Museum of Man, a museum dedicated to human history and culture. The Museum of Man has exhibits on both beer and cannibalism as well as the more kid-pleasing topic of monsters. How can you go wrong?
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
No San Diego city overview guide and trip itinerary would be complete without a day along the wild coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Sunbathe in the inviting stretches of sandy beach, surf or boogie board in the waves, and hike through the pine trees and along the calm lagoon.
Parking is available for a day-use fee at the beach or for free along Highway 101. Pack a picnic and an umbrella to stake your spot early, especially during summer weekends.
LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California is a theme park, a water park, and an aquarium rolled into one. The main attraction is the theme park, made up of nine areas that include Ninjago World, Pirate Shores, and the Land of Adventure. This park is particularly suited for younger children, but older children and adults alike will enjoy checking out the impressive LEGO structures and engineering a few of their own.
The LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE Aquarium can both be added to a regular LEGOLAND California ticket. With so much to do, you may need to stay at one of the on-site hotels.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Vibrant, blooming flowers turn the 50-acre Carlsbad Ranch into a riot of color for eight weeks a year. Plan your visit between March and the middle of May to experience the wonder that is the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.
In addition to the flowers, kids and parents have plenty to explore. Hop in an antique tractor for a wagon ride around the ranch, sluice for polished gemstones at the Carlsbad Mining Company, check out Santa’s Playground, and try to make your way out of the sweet pea maze. The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are a beautiful destination on a sunny California day.
San Diego is the perfect location for a family vacation, with a myriad of destinations that will please both adults and children. Whether it’s exploring the museums of Balboa Park, spending a relaxing afternoon on the beach, entering a day of discovery at LEGOLAND California, or discovering the natural wonder of the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, San Diego is sure to delight.