The city of San Diego is a popular tourist destination for families with young children. There are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained, as well as many opportunities to learn about the city’s history and culture.
We’ll cut to the chase and give you 10 of the best San Diego kids activities.
- Balboa Park: Balboa Park is a must-visit for any family travelling to San Diego. The park is home to museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Kids will love exploring all the different attractions Balboa Park has to offer.
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps: The Birch Aquarium is a great place to take kids of all ages. They’ll learn about marine life and get to see some amazing fish and other creatures up close.
- Cabrillo National Monument: Cabrillo National Monument is a great place to learn about the history of San Diego. The monument is named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who was the first European to explore the San Diego Bay. Kids will love exploring the tide pools and seeing the beautiful views from the top of the monument.
- Children’s Pool: The Children’s Pool is a great place for kids to play and swim. The pool is shallow and has a sandy bottom, making it perfect for young children.
- Coronado Beach: Coronado Beach is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego. It’s perfect for families because the water is calm and there are plenty of activities nearby, such as shops, restaurants, and parks.
- Gaslamp Quarter: The Gaslamp Quarter is a great place to explore with kids. The area is full of historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. Kids will love seeing the old-fashioned streetcars and exploring all the different shops.
- La Jolla Cove: La Jolla Cove is a beautiful place to take a walk or relax on the beach. The cove is also home to a variety of marine life, making it a great place to go snorkelling or diving.
- LEGOLAND California: LEGOLAND California is a must-visit for any family with young children. The park is full of rides, shows, and attractions made entirely out of LEGO bricks.
- Mission Bay: Mission Bay is a great place to spend a day with the family. The bay is full of activities, such as swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. There are also plenty of places to relax on the beach or have a picnic.
- San Diego Zoo: The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Kids will love seeing all the different animals and learning about wildlife conservation.
How to Organize a Day Visiting San Diego with Kids
Here are some tips to help you plan a day trip to San Diego with kids:
- Choose your activities ahead of time and make sure they’re age-appropriate for your kids.
- Make sure you have plenty of food and drinks, as well as snacks for the kids.
- Bring along any necessary supplies, such as sunscreen, hats, and swimsuits.
- Have a backup plan in case of bad weather or if your kids get tired.
- Relax and enjoy your time with the family!
History of San Diego
The first people to live in the area now known as San Diego were the Kumeyaay, who arrived around 10,000 BCE. The Kumeyaay lived in small villages and subsisted off of hunting and gathering.
In 1542, the first Europeans arrived in San Diego when Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo explored the San Diego Bay. Cabrillo was followed by a number of other explorers, including Sebastián Vizcaíno, who arrived in 1602.
San Diego was established as a mission by Father Junípero Serra in 1769. The mission was named San Diego de Alcalá after Saint Didacus of Alcalá. The mission was moved to its current location in 1774.
In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain and California became a Mexican province. San Diego was made the capital of Alta California in 1822 but the capital was moved to Monterey in 1824.
During the Mexican-American War, San Diego was captured by American forces in 1846. California was annexed by the United States in 1848 and became a state in 1850.
San Diego grew rapidly during the late 19th century due to its favorable climate and location. The city became known as the “Birthplace of California” because it was the first site of European settlement in the state.
San Diego’s population exploded during World War II as the city became a major military hub. After the war, the city’s economy shifted from military to tourism.
Today, San Diego is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California. The city is known for its beautiful weather, beaches, and attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.
Where to Eat With Kids in San Diego
San Diego has a wide variety of restaurants that are perfect for families with kids. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Broken Yolk Cafe: The Broken Yolk Cafe is a popular breakfast spot with locations all over San Diego. The menu features a wide variety of items, such as pancakes, waffles, eggs, and sandwiches.
- Lucha Libre Taco Shop: Lucha Libre Taco Shop is a casual eatery that specializes in Mexican food. The menu features tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos.
- Nickel Diner: Nickel Diner is a retro-style diner with an extensive menu of comfort food classics. The menu includes burgers, fries, shakes, and pies.
- Hodad’s: Hodad’s is a local favorite for burgers and fries. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is located near the beach.
- Phil’s BBQ: Phil’s BBQ is a chain of barbecue restaurants that are popular with both locals and tourists. The menu features ribs, chicken, and beef brisket.
