San Diego Family Vacation Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore with Kids
Loving This Adventure contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links—at no extra cost to you. Loving This Adventure is also a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy and for more information.
Planning a San Diego family vacation and wondering if it’s worth it?
Yes. Absolutely.
San Diego is one of my favorite places in the U.S. to travel with kids.
Between the beaches, world-class attractions, incredible parks, and easygoing vibe, it’s the kind of destination that truly works for families.
Even better? Most attractions are close together, the weather is mild year-round, and there are plenty of activities kids of all ages will love.
In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to plan your trip, including:
- Where to stay in San Diego with kids
- Family-friendly restaurants
- The best things to do in San Diego with kids
- Helpful planning tips to make your trip easier
Where to Stay on Your San Diego Family Vacation
Whenever we visit San Diego we stay at Homewood Suites San Diego Airport -Liberty Station, and it has become our favorite home base for exploring San Diego.
For families, it checks a lot of important boxes.
First, the hotel offers large one- and two-bedroom suites, which makes a huge difference when traveling with kids. Our family of six fits comfortably without feeling cramped.
Another big perk is the free breakfast each morning, which saves both time and money before heading out for the day.
The property also has:
- A pool
- A beautiful patio with a fireplace
- Outdoor seating areas perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing
If you want to see photos of the hotel and why it works so well for our family of six, you can read my full post on where we stay in San Diego with kids.
Traveling with a larger family can make finding the right hotel tricky. We’ve stayed at Homewood Suites Liberty Station multiple times and love it as a home base for exploring San Diego.
👉 Check current prices and availability for Homewood Suites Liberty Station
Why I Love the Liberty Station Area
The location is what really makes this hotel special.
Liberty Station is a fantastic area for families because it’s walkable and filled with great restaurants, coffee shops, green spaces, grocery stores, and shops.
After a full day exploring San Diego, we love being able to simply walk to dinner instead of getting back in the car.
Right behind the hotel, there’s also a scenic walking and biking trail along the waterfront, which is perfect for stretching your legs in the evening.
Another bonus? The hotel is less than two miles from the airport, and it’s centrally located for visiting beaches and attractions across the San Diego area.
Even if you choose a different hotel, I highly recommend looking at Liberty Station when deciding where to stay in San Diego with kids.
Where to Eat in San Diego
Because we stay in Liberty Station, we often eat dinner nearby after a busy day of exploring.
It’s quick, convenient, and there are several great family-friendly options.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Oggi’s Pizza and Brewhouse
If your kids love pizza, this is an easy win.
Oggi’s is located just steps from the Homewood Suites, making it incredibly convenient after a long day.
They offer:
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Salads
- A kids menu
It’s casual, relaxed, and perfect for families.
Corvette Diner
This is one restaurant our kids always ask to go back to.
Corvette Diner is a 1950s-style diner with fun decor, great milkshakes, and an arcade that kids absolutely love.
It’s loud, energetic, and a fun experience for the whole family.
Liberty Public Market
Liberty Public Market is one of my favorite spots in the area.
Think of it as a very cool, upscale food hall with dozens of options.
It’s a great place when everyone wants something different. You’ll find everything from tacos to sandwiches to desserts, with both indoor and outdoor seating available.
Mom Tip
Liberty Station is a popular area, especially in the evenings. If a restaurant accepts reservations, it’s a good idea to make one.
Barra Barra Saloon
Located in Old Town San Diego, Barra Barra Saloon is a great stop if you’re exploring the historic area.
The outdoor courtyard atmosphere is beautiful and unique, and the Mexican food is delicious. They also offer a kids menu, which is a huge plus!
Best Things to do in San Diego with Kids
There are so many things to do in San Diego with kids that the hardest part can actually be deciding what not to do.
These are some of the attractions our family enjoyed the most.
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier
The USS Midway Museum is one of the most fascinating attractions in San Diego.
Even if your kids aren’t huge history fans, this experience is surprisingly engaging.
Visitors explore a real aircraft carrier while learning what life was like for sailors stationed aboard the ship.
Some highlights include:
- A self-guided audio tour
- Dozens of historic aircraft and helicopters
- Interactive exhibits throughout the ship
One of my kids’ favorite parts was completing the Junior Pilot program.
Kids receive an activity sheet and explore the ship answering questions.
Once completed, they return the sheet and participate in a short ceremony where they receive their Junior Pilot wings.
My boys were so proud of those wings.
Plan to spend at least two hours here.
There’s also a café and snack shop onboard if you need a break.
San Diego Zoo
A San Diego family vacation would not be complete without visiting the San Diego Zoo.
Located in Balboa Park, this world-famous zoo spans over 100 acres and is home to thousands of animals.
Because the zoo is so large, I recommend either:
- taking the guided bus tour when you arrive
- downloading the zoo map or app ahead of time to plan your route
Besides the incredible animal exhibits, there are also play areas for kids, which are a fun way to let them climb and move around for a bit before continuing through the zoo.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of the most beautiful places in San Diego.
The park is filled with:
- gardens
- walking paths
- museums
- historic buildings
Even just walking around the grounds is worth the visit.
When we go, we usually spend some time exploring outside and then visit a museum or two.
Two of our kids’ favorites are:
- Fleet Science Center
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
If your family enjoys museums, I also put together a guide to the best museums for kids in San Diego
You could easily spend an entire day in Balboa Park.
If you need a quick meal nearby, Craveology is a great option located right next to the Fleet Science Center.
Old Town Trolley Tours
If this is your first time visiting San Diego, Old Town Trolley Tours is a great way to get an overview of the city.
These hop-on hop-off tours allow you to:
- learn about San Diego’s history
- visit multiple attractions
- explore different neighborhoods
- get a good overview of the area
- decide which places you want to explore more
The flexibility of the hop-on hop-off tour makes it especially helpful when traveling with kids.
If they start getting restless, simply hop off, explore for a bit, and catch the next trolley.
Another fun option from the same company is the SEAL Tour, which travels on an amphibious vehicle that drives through the city before splashing directly into the harbor.
Kids think this part is hilarious.
Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in the San Diego area.
The sand is wide and soft, and the famous Hotel del Coronado creates a stunning backdrop.
My sister actually got married here, so this beach is a pretty special place for our family.
Even if you’re not planning a full beach day, it’s worth visiting to walk along the shoreline and explore the charming town nearby.
Cabrillo National Monument
If you want incredible views of San Diego, head to Cabrillo National Monument.
Located at the tip of Point Loma, this national monument offers:
- panoramic views of the city and harbor
- scenic hiking trails
- the historic Point Loma Lighthouse
- educational exhibits
During low tide in the fall and winter, families can also explore tide pools, which kids love.
Admission currently costs $20 per vehicle, and National Park passes are accepted.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla is another must-visit area during a San Diego family vacation.
The coastline here is absolutely beautiful, and it’s one of the best places to see California sea lions and harbor seals in their natural habitat.
One unique activity nearby is the Sunny Jim Sea Cave.
Visitors descend 145 stairs to reach the cave opening along the ocean. The self-guided tour takes about 15 minutes and is a fun little adventure for families.
Tip for Parents
If you’re visiting the cave with a baby or toddler, a baby carrier works better than a stroller since the steps can be steep and slippery.
Other Family-Friendly Attractions in San Diego
There are so many things to do in San Diego with kids that it’s impossible to see everything in one trip.
Other popular attractions include:
- SeaWorld San Diego
- Seaport Village
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- LEGOLAND California
Helpful Tips for Planning a San Diego Family Vacation
Best Time to Visit San Diego
San Diego has mild weather year-round, which makes it a great destination in any season.
Summer is the busiest time to visit. If you want slightly fewer crowds, spring and fall are fantastic times to travel.
We’ve also visited multiple times in the winter, and it’s still an amazing time to go. The weather is mild, attractions are less crowded, and it’s a great escape if you’re coming from colder parts of the country.
Plan for a Rental Car
While some areas are walkable, having a rental car makes it much easier to explore beaches, neighborhoods, and attractions throughout the city.
Visit in October if Possible
San Diego offers an incredible promotion called Kids Free October.
During the month of October, kids receive free admission to dozens of attractions and museums across the city when accompanied by a paying adult.
Participating attractions often include:
- San Diego Zoo
- SeaWorld
- USS Midway
- Old Town Trolley Tours
This can save families a significant amount of money.
If you’re trying to plan a budget-friendly trip, I also put together a guide to some of the best free and cheap things to do in San Diego that families love.
If you’re wondering how to fit many of these attractions into a realistic schedule, you can also check out my 4-Day San Diego Family Itinerary, where I walk through exactly how we structure our days when visiting the city.
Why San Diego Is Such a Great Family Vacation Destination
San Diego truly has something for everyone.
Whether your family enjoys beaches, museums, outdoor adventures, wildlife, or theme parks, you’ll find plenty of options to fill your days.
Between the beautiful weather, incredible attractions, and relaxed coastal vibe, it’s easy to see why so many families return to San Diego again and again.
If you’re thinking about planning a San Diego family vacation, I highly recommend it.
More California Family Travel Ideas
If you’re planning a Southern California trip, you might also enjoy these family-friendly guides:
- Top Things to do in Palm Springs with Kids
- 5-Day Palm Springs Itinerary for Families
- Visiting Joshua Tree National Park with Kids
And if you want help planning your trips, you can also download my free travel itinerary planner to organize your days and make your vacation easier. Get it below.
May you love your adventure. KW
