Top Ten Family
Activities in San Diego

1. Sea World
   Touch and feed dolphins, come face to face with a polar bear, and experience a spine-tingling movie adventure at R.L.Stine’s Haunted Lighthouse 4-D. If you are feeling brave, you can even challenge eight stories of unpredictable plunges, twists, and turns on the all-new Journey To Atlantis. It's a mythical rush through uncharted waters! And just try to stay dry when the world-famous Shamu comes a-splashing! It doesn't matter what age you are, Sea World San Diego is truly a place that will leave you in awe.



2. San Diego Zoo
   Swing by the San Diego Zoo and visit its newest exhibit, Absolutely Apes. Explore other naturalistic attractions including the SBC Giant Panda Research Center and Tiger River. View animals in habitats that simulate their native homelands of Africa, Asia, North and South America, and more. In all, you'll view more than 4,000 amzing mammals, reptiles, and birds.
To read about my personal experience at the San Diego Zoo, read
A Guide To the World Famous San Diego Zoo.


3. San Diego's Beaches
   San Diego is home to over 30 beaches stretching along 70 miles of beautiful coastline. One of San Diego’s most famous beaches, Coronado Beach, was once again named among America’s Top Ten Beaches by “Dr. Beach”, a.k.a. Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, in his 14th annual ranking of America’s Top Beaches. So whether you want to work on your tan, surf, boogie board, or simply want to enjoy a leisure day at the beach; San Diego’s beautiful weather and countless beaches make it a beach lover’s paradise.
Visit our Kid Friendly San Diego Beaches page to read more about specific beaches in San Diego County.


4. Balboa Park
   Balboa Park is made up of more than 1,000 acres and offers fifteen museums, various gardens, arts and international culture associations, as well as the San Diego Zoo, making it a place that offers something historical, horticultural, educational and recreational for everyone. This urban park, just minutes away from downtown San Diego, is also renowned for its brilliant displays of seasonal flowers, shady groves of trees, and meandering paths through rolling lawns.



5. Old Town San Diego
   Although San Diego boasts many attractions, perhaps the most colorful is Old Town. Dating back to the time of the early Spaniards in California, Old Town reflects the rich and colorful history of early California. Daily shows, monthly festivals, haunted houses, dining, artisans, and a wealth of beautiful shops give Old Town its festive air. It's the one place you won't want to miss!



6. Wild Animal Park
   Journey to the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. Take an African safari adventure, where rare and exotic creatures roam in herds and flocks much like they would in the wild. Hop aboard the Wgasa Bush Line Railway, a 5-mile (8-kilometer) journey, and encounter herds of giraffes and elephants, crashes of rhinos, and a pride of lions. Legoland



7. LegoLand
   Imagine a whole park constructed out of Legos and decked out in its primary colors. Everything is kid-sized and Legoland accommodates even the youngest children. Most of the attractions are hands-on and "kid-powered," and allow kids as young as three to ride solo while some allow parents to take infants aboard. Legoland is a great place to take your kids for a day they will always remember.



8. Mission Bay
   The West Coast's largest aquatic man-made park covers over 4,000 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities. Swimmers and sun-lovers are drawn to the calm water and soft sand Mission Bay beaches offer. Mission Bay also offers boat docks and launches, sailboat and motor rentals, bike/walk paths, basketball courts, and playgrounds for children. It's one of San Diego's most fun-filled spots to visit. Public restrooms and showers are available and life guard station are located in designated areas.



9. La Jolla
   La Jolla is located 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. It has wonderful beaches, cultural activities and fine restaurants. La Jolla is an exquisite combination of a southern European resort atmosphere and Southern California fun. While La Jolla is known to be one of the most affluent communities in the United States, it has a down to earth sense due to the beautiful natural scenery and the helpfulness of its residents. So during your San Diego trip, plan at least one day to experience everything that La Jolla has to offer.



10. San Diego Harbor
    Here you will find The Broadway Pier which was originally constructed in 1913, the ferry to Coronado, Hornblower Cruises, The Cruise Ship Terminal, San Diego Maritime Museum with the Star of India and an excellent view of Coronado, some aircraft carriers if you are lucky, Point Loma, Shelter and Harbor Island and of course San Diego Bay. There are plenty of places you visit and see in San Diego, and it’s a great way to spend your day.

     

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