Guest Post:
San Diego is known for its outstanding weather, spectacular beaches and wide variety of outdoor attractions, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. If you’re planning your next family vacation, in San Diego you’ll find no shortage of activities and destinations that both parents and children can enjoy. The hardest part about visiting San Diego with family is choosing which places to see. Here are five that are sure to please young and old.
Balboa Park
San Diego’s Balboa Park is the nation’s largest urban cultural park, offering plenty of history and knowledge for families of all kinds. Balboa Park is home to most of San Diego’s top museums, boasting fifteen major museums in all. Make sure the kids get some hands-on science fun (and learning!) at the Ruben H. Fleet Center and San Diego Air and Space Museum. Any visit to San Diego would be remiss without some time spent outside. Grab some lunch and have a family picnic in the acres of space that the park provides.
Sea World
Sea World isn’t just home to the famous Shamu, it’s a chance for your kids to get up close with a world of fascinating animals. One of the nation’s four Sea World locations is located in San Diego and from the outstanding shows with some of the most awe-inspiring animal tricks you’ll ever see to Sea World’s wide variety of rides, a day at Sea World won’t disappoint you and your children.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo isn’t called the World Famous San Diego Zoo for nothing. Home to seemingly every member of the animal kingdom, the zoo is appointment viewing for families visiting San Diego. If you’re planning on seeing the zoo’s famous pandas, show up a little early to beat the crowds so you can spend more time exploring and less time waiting in line.
Seaport Village
Located near the heart of downtown San Diego, Seaport Village is San Diego’s premier shopping, entertainment, and dining complex. Right along the waters of San Diego Bay, you’ll find acres of space to take the in city’s unbeatable scenery, explore unique shops, and find the perfect restaurant for a romantic night out or a casual meal with the whole family.
Beaches
San Diego’s miles of coastline give you plenty of options to build the perfect relaxing family day at the beach. At La Jolla Shores lies one of the most picturesque beaches in the country, ideal for a day of family fun. Just north, Torrey Pines State Park offers terrific seaside cliffs with plenty of hiking for the more adventurous families. Whichever beach you choose, no trip to San Diego with the family would be complete without a day spent at one of San Diego’s storied beaches.
Warren Howe is a San Diego native and writer for Seaport Village. Opened in 1980, Seaport Village offers visitors and locals alike 90,000 square feet of picturesque San Diego attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Seaport Village’s bayside quarter mile boardwalk is an experience you and your family won’t soon forget!
