The sunny California coast is truly an amazing destination for a family vacation. With a gorgeous climate, beautiful beaches, exciting, kid-friendly attractions, and a laid-back and relaxed vibe, California really has it all. Whlle I was born and raised in Northern Calfiornia, so I'm admittedly partial to that part of the state, if I had to venture south, San Diego would be one of my top choices.
And of course, for those seeking attractions that are family-friendly, San Diego delivers. The practically perfect weather all year round, combined with tourist experiences, summer events and festivals galore that cater directly to little ones, make it a great choice for a family-friendly vacation.
So if you are planning a cruise from California and want to pack in a few great kid-friendly experiences first, or if you are looking for a destination for your summer vacation with the family, here are some of the best family-friendly options that San Diego has to offer.
La Jolla
It is only fitting to start your family vacation to San Diego at the beach, and La Jolla is one of the best places to start. La Jolla Cove is one of the most picturesque spots in California, and the chance to see lazy sea lions basking in the sun is something that will delight kids and adults alike. Equally, the seven miles of gorgeous golden sand and dramatic cliffs are well worth exploring, and offer some of the best beach life in California.
San Diego Zoo
One of the most impressive and exciting family destinations in San Diego, the zoo and safari park is a wonderful place to get up close and personal with a stunning array of exotic wildlife. Both the 100 acres of zoo and the sprawling 1,800 acres of safari park offer remarkable experiences, from rhinos, giraffes, and Cape buffalo on the park’s African Tram to koalas, Komodo dragons, and kangaroos in the zoo.
Legoland California
The Legoland theme park at Carlsbad, just outside San Diego, is one of the best places to take kids in the country. A brilliant combination of hand-on interactivity, thrill-laden entertainment, and even a spot of gentle education, Legoland lets kids build and race Lego vehicles around racetracks, power their own fire trucks, and discover the versatility and innovation of the amazing models constructed entirely from Lego across the 128 acres of the park.
SeaWorld California
SeaWorld offers your family the chance to see some of the most amazing and exciting marine life up close, and watch extraordinary shows featuring dolphins, orcas, and sea lions. Far more than just an aquarium, SeaWorld is an ocean experience, with the drama of a walk-through shark tank combined with the sweetness and charm of a Penguin Encounter. There are also an array of fun, watery rides and roller coasters to enjoy, although be warned, it is not just the first few rows that get wet!
The New Children’s Museum (and Balboa Park)
Balboa Park is one of the city’s finest tourist attractions full-stop. It is the largest urban cultural park in the US, with 17 incredible museums and a wealth of other attractions like gardens, a theater, and the 200-foot-tall California Tower which offers amazing views of the city. With the incredible choice of museums in Balboa Park it can be easy to overlook the other options in the rest of the city, but families would be well-advised to explore the New Children’s Museum in the Gaslamp Quarter. Dedicated to getting kids to play, think, and explore their artistic and creative sides, it offers interactive exhibitions and fascinating activities. Best of all, it lets kids go off and have some fun while the parents can sit back and relax for a bit!
