San Diego: Family Fun on a Budget

Discover endless fun and sunny adventures in family-friendly San Diego!

19 July 2023

A family-friendly trip to San Diego offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for all ages. Your family can explore world-class zoos, such as the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, to get up close and personal with exotic wildlife. Enjoy the sunny beaches, visit the USS Midway Museum, and take a stroll along the vibrant and historic Gaslamp Quarter for a memorable vacation in the beautiful city of San Diego.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Soarin' into San Diego

  • Check into the Hotel Del Coronado, a beachfront masterpiece with Victorian charm and spooky ghost tales.
  • Start your trip with a visit to Balboa Park, a vibrant oasis home to museums, gardens, and even a zoo!
  • Chow down on some epic seafood at Anthony's Fish Grotto a local favorite for over 70 years.
  • Get your camera ready for a sunset stroll along the iconic Coronado Bridge, where views are straight-up postcard-worthy.
  • End the day with a cruise along the picturesque San Diego Bay sipping on a cocktail and watching the city lights twinkle.
Day 2

Way Back in Time

  • Immerse yourself in maritime history at the USS Midway Museum, where you can explore an impressive aircraft carrier.
  • Chow down on some tasty fish tacos at Rubio's the birthplace of this SoCal culinary delight.
  • Channel your inner pirate at the Maritime Museum of San Diego discover ships filled with treasure, tales, and sea legs.
  • Get a sugar rush at Donut Bar, a legendary spot with ridiculously huge and mouthwatering pastries baked fresh daily.
  • Wrap up the day by catching a stunning sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park nature's very own canvas.
Day 3

Wild Encounters

  • Start the day with a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, where you can hang out with cuddly koalas and roar with the lions.
  • Satisfy your cravings for a cheesy slice of heaven at Bronx Pizza a family-owned joint with a no-frills atmosphere.
  • Dive into an underwater adventure at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps get up close and personal with vibrant marine life.
  • Head to Liberty Public Market for a tasty foodie experience from artisanal cheeses to mouthwatering BBQ, it's a culinary wonderland.
  • End the day with a relaxing bonfire at Mission Beach perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing spooky stories.
Day 4

Surf's Up, Dude!

  • Get the adrenaline pumping with a surf lesson at Pacific Surf School hang ten and catch some gnarly waves.
  • Grab a bite at Hodad's, a burger joint where the patties are juicy, the toppings are outrageous, and the vibe is totally rad.
  • Explore the vibrant streets of Old Town San Diego immerse yourself in Mexican heritage, traditional architecture, and delicious margaritas.
  • Check out the famous Star of India ship at the Maritime Museum it's the oldest active sailing ship in the world!
  • Bid farewell to San Diego with a sunset cruise on a catamaran sail into the horizon as the sky bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors.

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.

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