San Diego Safari: Beaches, Whales, and Artistic Escapes

Explore family fun at its finest in sunny San Diego!

19 July 2023

A family-friendly trip to San Diego offers endless adventures and attractions for everyone. Explore the renowned San Diego Zoo, where kids can marvel at exotic animals and enjoy interactive exhibits. Spend a day at LEGOLAND California, where kids can dive into a world of LEGO-themed rides, shows, and play areas, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach Bumming Bonanza

  • Start your sunny escapade by checking into the whimsically delightful "Sea Breeze Inn" where nautically-themed rooms and seashell-shaped soap await!
  • Begin with a visit to Mission Beach, where you can ride the roller coaster at Belmont Park and dip your toes in the sparkling waters of the Pacific.
  • After building sand castles like professional architects, stroll down the bustling Ocean Beach Pier and treat yourself to some scrumptious fish tacos at Hodad's.
  • Unleash your inner pirate at the Maritime Museum of San Diego and climb aboard a real-life ship with long-lost tales of derring-do!
  • Indulge in a sunset ocean view dinner at George's at the Cove, where waves and delightful cuisine collide in perfect harmony.
Day 2

Wild Creatures & Whales

  • Rise and shine to a breakfast of champions at Café 21, where avocado toast is elevated to masterpiece status. Fuel up, you've got a wild adventure ahead!
  • Spend the morning exploring the exotic inhabitants of the San Diego Zoo, marveling at the jelly-roll bellies of the pandas and the majestic grace of the giraffes.
  • Embark on a thrilling sea safari with Hornblower Cruises to catch a glimpse of majestic whales frolicking in the big blue. Don't forget your binoculars or your whale-to-human translator!
  • For a true taste of the sea, dine at Joe's Crab Shack, where you can crack open crustaceans with reckless abandon and get bibs worth bragging about.
Day 3

Coastal Chic and Artsy Vibes

  • Immerse yourself in the artistic glory of Balboa Park, where Spanish architecture meets lush gardens and museums aplenty. Don't miss the impressive collection at the San Diego Museum of Art!
  • Take a leisurely bike ride along the Mission Bay Bike Path, stopping to admire the impressive sand sculptures at Fiesta Island.
  • Head to La Jolla Cove, a magical spot where sea lions frolic and tourists swoon. Dip your toes in the tide pools and search for hidden treasures among the shells.
  • Savor a delightful lunch at Puesto, a taco joint with a twist. Brace yourself for flavor explosions like the "Carnitas in Surface of the Sun" taco that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
  • End your San Diego adventure with a stunning sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, where the cliffside views and crashing waves bid you farewell in the most awe-inspiring way possible.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to San Diego by plane is to fly into San Diego International Airport (SAN) which is located just 3 miles from downtown San Diego. There are direct flights available from many major cities in the United States and abroad.

Car

Driving to San Diego is a great option if you are coming from nearby cities or states. The best route to take would depend on your starting location, but popular options include taking the I-5 if you are coming from Los Angeles or Orange County or the I-8 if you are coming from Arizona.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no trains that go directly to San Diego. However, you can take Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego from other major cities in Southern California.

Boat

It is not possible to get to San Diego by boat as there are no passenger ferry services that operate to San Diego. However, there are many marinas in San Diego that offer boat storage and rental services if you are interested in exploring the city's beautiful coastline by sea.

Bus

The best way to get to San Diego by bus is to take Greyhound or Megabus which both have multiple daily routes to San Diego from various cities throughout the United States.

Destination

San Diego

If palm trees and sunshine are your thing, then San Diego is the answer to your prayers. Get ready to regret not packing enough sunscreen and flip flops because this city has enough blue skies to make a Smurf jealous.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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