San Diego blends Indigenous Kumeyaay history, Spanish missions, and a proud Navy legacy with 70 miles of coastline and famously mild weather. Families come for the beaches and stay for Balboa Park’s museums, the USS Midway Museum, La Jolla’s sea lions, and day trips to LEGOLAND in Carlsbad.

Nicknamed “America’s Finest City,” San Diego is easygoing but full of surprises: sea caves you can paddle into, tide pools that feel like tiny aquariums, and neighborhoods like Little Italy and North Park that make eating your way around town half the fun. With efficient highways and compact coastal hubs, it’s simple to explore without feeling rushed.

Expect a relaxed, family-forward vibe and plenty of budget-friendly options alongside memorable splurges. Book popular attractions in advance (Midway, LEGOLAND, Bay tours) and arrive early to beat crowds. A light jacket is useful even in summer—breezes off the Pacific cool evenings on the water.

San Diego

From Coronado’s sparkling sands to La Jolla’s cliffs, San Diego serves up classic California scenery and kid-approved activities. Downtown’s Embarcadero brims with maritime history, while Balboa Park—larger than NYC’s Central Park—packs in world-class museums and gardens.

• Top sights: Balboa Park, La Jolla Cove, Old Town, Coronado Beach, Seaport Village, Liberty Public Market, and the USS Midway Museum.
• Unique activities: Amphibious “SEAL” tours, tide pooling at low tide, sea cave kayaking, and sunset sails on the bay.
• Food highlights: Fish tacos (Point Loma Seafoods, South Beach in OB), Italian in Little Italy (Civico 1845, Filippi’s), and family favorites like Phil’s BBQ and Puesto.

Where to stay (family-friendly picks across budgets):

• The Dana on Mission Bay — Waterfront pools, easy access to Mission Bay paths, and convenient for bay tours.
• Paradise Point Resort & Spa — Bungalow-style “island” resort with lagoons and a laid-back, kid-approved vibe.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley/Zoo — Suites with kitchens for budget-savvy families, close to Balboa Park and the Zoo.
• Fairmont Grand Del Mar — A splurge north of the city with spacious rooms, pools, and canyon trails.
• The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows — Historic, resort-style pool scene and roomy bungalows for groups.

Browse more stays: VRBO San Diego | Hotels.com San Diego

Getting there: Fly into San Diego International (SAN). Use Trip.com or Kiwi.com to compare fares; nonstop flights are common from most US hubs (roughly 1–2 hours from Northern California, ~3 hours from the Pacific Northwest, and 5–6 hours from the East Coast).

Day 1: Embarcadero Welcome, Seaport Village, and an Amphibious Adventure

Afternoon: Arrive and check in, then stretch your legs along the Embarcadero. Let kids climb the waterfront playground near Seaport Village and watch the harbor traffic roll by. For a fun, kid-pleasing overview of land and sea, ride the San Diego Seal Tour departing near the waterfront—expect city views, sea lion sightings, and plenty of laughs.

Evening: Dinner by the bay. Try Puesto at The Headquarters for Mexico City-style tacos (crispy melted cheese “costras,” rotisserie chicken al pastor). Or head to Brigantine at Portside Pier for fresh local fish and a patio over the water. Cap the night with a stroll through Seaport Village for carousel rides and a sunset over Point Loma.

Good to know: If energy allows, pop into the Maritime Museum’s historic ships from the outside for photos; save full museum visits for another day.

Day 2: LEGOLAND Day Trip to Carlsbad

Morning: Fuel up with coffee and pastries at Better Buzz (Mission Beach or Point Loma) or breakfast burritos from Kono’s in Pacific Beach. Drive about 35–45 minutes to LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad (parking is straightforward), or take the COASTER train from Old Town to Carlsbad Poinsettia (~50 minutes) then a quick rideshare to the park. Head straight for hits like LEGO Technic Coaster, Driving School, and NINJAGO The Ride.

Afternoon: Lunch inside the park: Knights’ Smokehouse BBQ (hearty platters), Everything Is Ramen (kid-favorite bowls), and don’t miss Granny’s Apple Fries. On warm days, consider the seasonal Water Park add-on; otherwise, SEA LIFE Aquarium (adjacent) is a calm, educational wind-down.

Evening: If you have time before the drive back, swing by Carlsbad Village for dinner. Pizza Port (house-brewed root beer and pizza by the slice) is a family classic; Campfire serves wood-fired plates and s’mores kits at your table. Shoppers can detour to Carlsbad Premium Outlets for quick bargains. Return to San Diego and rest.

Tip: Arrive at LEGOLAND before opening for minimum lines, and hit water play zones last so kids dry off before leaving.

Day 3: Balboa Park, Hop-On Hop-Off Highlights, and the USS Midway

Morning: Breakfast choices: Morning Glory (playful, photogenic pancakes) in Little Italy; or The Mission (Mission Beach or North Park) for chilaquiles and soy chorizo plates. Start your day on the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour from Old Town—ride to Balboa Park for gardens, the San Diego Natural History Museum, Fleet Science Center, or the Model Railroad Museum for younger kids.

Afternoon: Continue the trolley to the Embarcadero and tour the USS Midway Museum (Admission). Kids love the flight deck, aircraft cockpits, and the island’s radar room; docents are retired Navy, and their stories bring the ship to life.

Lunch ideas near the park or bay: Panama 66 for burgers and salads inside the San Diego Museum of Art’s sculpture garden; The Prado (California fare, shady patio); or Carnitas’ Snack Shack at the Embarcadero for pork sandwiches and tots.

Evening: Head to Little Italy for dinner: Civico 1845 (light, modern Italian and gluten-free pasta), Filippi’s Pizza Grotto (old-school red-checkered booths), or The Crack Shack (fried chicken and slaw). After dusk, enjoy a glow-up on the water with the family-friendly Glow Nighttime Pedal Boat Rental in San Diego Bay—LED-lit boats and skyline views make for unforgettable photos.

Day 4: La Jolla Cove, Beach Time, and Departure

Morning: Make your way to La Jolla. Breakfast at The Cottage (lemon ricotta pancakes) or Sugar and Scribe (Irish-inspired bakery plates). Walk the coastal path to Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove—sea lions lounge on the rocks, and at low tide the tide pools reveal sea stars and crabs. If you prefer a calmer finale, wander the boutiques along Prospect Street for last-minute gifts.

Afternoon (Departure Day): Squeeze in a quick Mission Bay stop. Rent bikes for the flat boardwalk between Mission and Pacific Beaches, or let kids ride a few attractions at Belmont Park (classic wooden coaster, mini golf). Grab lunch before you go: Point Loma Seafoods (fresh fish and chips), South Beach in Ocean Beach (battered mahi and grilled shrimp tacos), or Board & Brew (big deli sandwiches). Head to the airport for an easy afternoon flight home.

Optional swap: If your family prefers more time on the water, you can trade the Day 1 SEAL Tour for a classic San Diego Harbor Cruise (narrated skyline and naval base views).

Shopping notes: For souvenirs and snacks, try Seaport Village, Liberty Public Market, and Little Italy’s Mercato (Saturday mornings). With a LEGOLAND day, Carlsbad Premium Outlets make a convenient stop for back-to-school or travel basics.

This family-friendly San Diego itinerary balances marquee sights with breezy beach time and a full LEGOLAND day trip. Between the bay, Balboa Park, and La Jolla’s wildlife, you’ll head home with sandy shoes, full bellies, and plenty of stories.