San Diego: Perfect Family Getaway

With these handy hints, you can keep the kids busy and get the most out of your trip too. Trust us, it is possible!

Who knew the largest urban cultural park in the US, one of the country's best family beaches and one of the world's most beautiful natural harbors can all be found in the same city? San Diego is not all about nature though. Children of all ages go nuts about this city's super exciting zoos, aquariums and theme parks, which are loads of fun all year round.

San Diego's family-friendly attractions range from the serene to the extreme, with just enough culture and history mixed in to get the tick of approval from "responsible" grown-ups.

No wonder this "SoCal" city is rated as one of the top family destinations in North America. And with new interactive museums and parks popping up all the time, there are no signs of San Diego slowing down.

Image: Tourism Media

It's a Wild Life

  • Grab your binoculars to spot the African and Asian wildlife of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
  • Respond to the call of the jungle at the San Diego Zoo in the heart of Balboa Park. The zoo's 100-acre tropical garden is home to 3,500 rare and endangered animals.
  • Venture underwater at the Birch Aquarium, California's oceanographic museum in La Jolla.

Image: Tourism Media

Making Waves

  • Explore the "Lost City of Atlantis" and a seahorse kingdom at SEA LIFE Aquarium. It's part of LEGOLAND® California, which is... stacks of fun!
  • See the live animal shows and hug a dolphin at SeaWorld® San Diego in Mission Bay Park.
  • Enjoy the thrill of the FlowRide in Belmont Park's Wave House.
  • Hit South Bay to meet wonderful marine creatures and swim and slide, roll and ride at Aquatica San Diego.

Image: Tourism Media

Play in the Bay

  • Swim, surf, snorkel or play beach volleyball to enjoy San Diego's 70 miles of Pacific coastline for free.
  • Capture the panoramic views of San Diego's harbor and coastline from Cabrillo National Monument and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
  • Jump aboard the historic ships at the Maritime Museum of San Diego or dive into the California Surf Museum at Oceanside.

Image: Tourism Media

Mix in Some Culture

  • See some living history in Old Town State Historic Park, once the spot of the first Spanish settlement on the U.S. West Coast.
  • Discover the treasure trove of museums, theaters, gardens and galleries in Balboa Park, the "Smithsonian of the West."
  • Cap off your stay in San Diego with a visit to the New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego.

Created in partnership with San Diego Tourism Authority