Whether you’re looking to make some furry friends, learn a little something about space exploration, or revisit your own childhood, there’s no end to the attractions San Diego holds for families. Here’s some of what you can look forward to on your next San Diego trip:
Zoos and Aquariums
Let’s face it – there’s no age group that doesn’t like animals. Home to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, San Diego is a great place to see some wildlife with your entire family.
The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are two separate, world-renowned attractions with a lot to offer. Spanning over 107 acres and housing more than 800 species from around the world, the San Diego Zoo is as entertaining as it is expansive – currently on exhibit are giant pandas, alligators, honey badgers, dolphins, and much more. If you visit the zoo with our Go San Diego Card, you’ll receive includes such perks as use of the Guided Bus tour as well as the Children’s Zoo.
For a more up close and personal animal experience, take the African Tram Safari for a quick trip around the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park, which puts you and your family right alongside giraffes, antelopes, and other creatures as they are in their natural habitat. You can also check out the ongoing exhibits at the Birch Aquarium that let you interact directly with local San Diego marine life, including the Wonders of the Water and Living Tide Pool exhibits.
Educational Sites
There are plenty of museums, historical sites, and monuments to visit in the San Diego area if you’re interested in an educational trip for your family. There’s a lot to do in Old Town, the oldest settled area of San Diego and now a cultural and historical landmark for the city. Every night in February and March there are different live performances and activities, which are free for the whole family.
If you’re looking for museums, our Go San Diego Card gets you free admission into such great spots as the Air and Space Museum, The Firehouse Museum, the Natural History Museum, and more.
For a hands-on museum trip that won’t bore the younger kids, visit the Discovery Science Centerand play some virtual volleyball, climb a Rock Wall, and explore the Boeing Rocket Lab on the center’s two floors of exhibits.
Beaches and Water Fun
There’s over 70 miles of coastline in Southern California, it’s a must when visiting San Diego to take your family to the beach. Coronado Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the San Diego area; take advantage of its supervised swimming and surfing, as well as countless other beach activities such as volleyball, body-boarding, and of course, tanning.
To get out on the water, take the Coronado Ferry from San Diego to Coronado Island, and once you’re back on land take a walk around Ferry Landing Marketplace to find a place to eat or take in the view of downtown San Diego.
And, of course, LEGOLAND California
Located just north of the city, LEGOLAND, California is one of Southern California’s top attractions. With entire rides made out of everyone’s favorite childhood building block, play areas, water rides, and countless other attractions, this amusement park is a great place to keep everyone in your family entertained. Current attractions also include LEGO Ninjago: Rise of the Snakes, a Princess Meet & Greet, and SEA LIFE Aquarium Shows and Feedings. With so many things to do, changes are no one will complain about going. Just remember that at 128 acres this park is larger than the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, so keep an eye on those kids!
