San Diego offers plenty of fun-filled things to do for your big family. A pleasant year-round weather climate makes a trip to San Diego a great idea any time of year. We’ve outlined a fun-filled 3-day itinerary your big family will love. But with so much to do, you could easily fill a 7-day vacation full of activities.
San Diego Itinerary with Kids:
San Diego Day One Activities with Kids
- San Diego Zoo– The San Diego Zoo is consistently one of America’s top 5 zoos year after year. With over 3700 animals housed on 100 acres of great landscaping and foliage, you’ll spend most of your day here. Check out 10 Tips for Visiting the San Diego Zoo
- The Headquarters at Seaport District – Built in 1939, this building originally served as the San Diego Police Headquarters. Surrounded by shopping and restaurants, don’t miss this little free museum of police history. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, you can explore the restored 8 cell jail block, view historic photos and police memorabilia, and snap a pic of the kids up against the lineup wall.
San Diego Day Two Activities with Kids
- USS Midway Museum – Plan for a 4-6 hour visit as your crew explores over 60 exhibits through the historic aircraft carrier. Each lunch at the onboard Fantail Cafe.
- Hornblower Harbor Cruises – Enjoy sightseeing on San Diego Bay with a narrated 2-hour harbor tour. Read our experience of combining these two activities.
San Diego Day 3 Activity with Kids
- Coronado Beach – This top beach deserves a full day in your itinerary so be sure to pack a lunch and plenty of sunblock. Arrive in the morning to take advantage of free parking. Amenities include restrooms and shower facilities.
San Diego Dining:
Feeding a big family in San Diego
The Cheesecake Factory – with so many menu choices, this restaurant is always a winning place to eat for my family
Fantail Cafe – located on the USS Midway behind the gift shop, on the tail of the ship. Sandwiches and salads are $8-10 with extended choices of drink.
Kansas City Barbeque – Located a block from the Embassy Suites, this little restaurant was a hit with my crew. Portions were big and the onion rings were the bomb. Also known as the “Top Gun Bar” since it was used as a filming location for the film Top Gun.
The Embassy Suites San Diego Downtown provided a great breakfast, giving us a great start each day.
Big Family San Diego Accommodations:
Embassy Suites San Diego Downtown – This Embassy accommodates families of six in a two double and sofa sleeper room. The location is superb, being 3-5 miles from the zoo, the beach and walking distance to the USS Midway and Hornblower Cruise. Read my review here.
Find all our San Diego hotel listings for big families.
