THE 10 BEST Things to Do in San Diego with Kids (Updated 2024)
Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

THE 10 BEST San Diego Things to Do with Kids

Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

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187 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.


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Showing results 1-30 of 187

What travelers are saying

  • AussieJulesW
    Melbourne, Australia508 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is so interesting. Largely staffed by veterans of the actual ship, it certainly provides an insight into life in the navy, both in and outside of wartime.

    The flight deck has an array of vintage planes and helicopters, many of which you can go into. The other levels show how and where the mariners lived and worked. It gives you a new appreciation for sailors.

    I think I inadvertently perplexed one veteran when in the engine room. Given our location, I asked him if this was where he had worked. He looked shocked then explained he’d been a pilot, but knew all about the ships engines - that he then explained in great, great detail. Thanks Ron!

    A must when you’re in San Diego.
    Written April 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CLS1108
    Calgary, Canada37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pretty cool zoo! Lots of hills but the kangaroo bus can help you get around if you get tired. If you plan your route well, you can end up taking the Skyfari tram back to the entry/exit. Lots of shady, well kept pathways. Lots of gift shops, food wasn’t great though (including Alberts, which we thought was awful). Would return for sure.
    Written March 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wanderer
    Holbeach, UK401 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely cove to sit up and watch sea lions and seals from in the natural habitats, watching them dive, play and sunbathe was a special experience.
    Written April 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AussieJulesW
    Melbourne, Australia508 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yes, this place is as good as all the reviews say. Beautiful architecture and buildings, gardens (admission fee for the Japanese version) , museums (some of them free), the Globe Theatre, walks, etc. We wandered around for hours in and between them all.

    We tried the restaurant and that was good too.

    We also went on the free tram around the grounds, but that largely seemed to be views of the car park (and a way for people to get from there!). The ladies in the info centre were cheerful and helpful.

    We thought it was amusing the church bells were playing a Backstreet Boys song.

    Bilboa Park is a true credit and ongoing legacy to the people of San Diego.
    Written April 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Natalie H
    San Diego, CA6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Listen, the food options here are craaazzzyyy! lots of great san diego restaurant favorites have a spot in Petco- from açaí bowls to tri tip nachos, you can really have it all at the ballpark!
    Written November 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michelle T
    New York City, NY673 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited Torrey Pines on the drive back from Anaheim to San Diego. It was such a lovely stop. I had done some research when I was trip planning, but after 2 days where we spent 14+ hours in the Disney parks, we were beat. I did not think our original trail was going to work. We asked some volunteers for the park for their recommendation and they sent us to the Guy Fleming Trail, which they said was probably the easiest one. It is a â…” mile loop with 2 scenic overlooks with panoramic views and the greatest variety of wildflowers, cacti, and ferns. It was perfect. The trail was easy, not too elevated, and gave us fantastic views. We were there in time for wildflower full bloom so we saw a lot of beautiful flowers. If you have more time - and more stamina, their other trails are fantastic as well.

    Pro tip: You do pay for parking in the park when you enter, so ignore all the signs that tell you that you need to pay to park again!
    Written April 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Clarence And G
    San Diego, CA172 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the Cabrillo National Monument this weekend, and it was beautiful. It was a brilliant day.

    We're members, and we were visiting on our last month of our membership, April 2024.

    After we passed through the gate, we drove down to the lower level. BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL VIEWS!!!

    We love to see the sea lions and pelicans, and hear the crashing of the waves.

    We then drove up to the top, to the what you would call the Visitors Center. We went to the lookout, then the Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo Statue.

    After that, we split up. Gonzalo headed up to the Cabrillo Lighthouse, and I headed to the theater for the film. It was all about the discovery of San Diego by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, and his crew.

    It was another brilliant day at the Cabrillo National Monument.
    Written April 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fearless10820324196
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was a very fun experience, my kart almost spun out but I beat my boyfriend in the race so 10/10 would go again
    Written September 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • wennitiong
    Kuching, Malaysia161 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are many people come to this place for sunset viewing. Very romantic!

    As tourists, we were not so prepared. But I am sure that if we know about this place earlier, we can pack a picnic mat, blanket and find a good spot to enjoy the sunset view with loved one. :)
    Written March 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Terri Defilippi
    Reno, NV3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This monument is beautiful. It is so nicely maintained. We were lucky enough to speak with a docent who showed us all the well known people on the plaques. The 360 degree views are breathtaking. I highly recommend it.
    Written March 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wanderer
    Holbeach, UK401 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must do drive whilst in San Diego, although even in a big car you don't get the most magnificent views for a lot of the journey, but when you do manage to see some there are some great views of the city.
    Written April 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • April M
    San Diego, CA1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The pilot was experienced and I felt very comfortable. It was a beautiful day, it was peaceful and beautiful. The take-off and landing were so smooth, and I appreciated the entire process. The views were breathtaking.
    Written March 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • brutus313
    Virginia Beach, VA85 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Views, wonderful place to get a total view of San Diego. Beautiful scenery and educational too. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. And have your camera ready.
    Written April 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chantae R
    Suva, Fiji3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are few places nicer than LJ shores to spend a day. Sea lions and seals so close by, scuba diving, surfing, lounging in the sand... plus a park for the kids. This beach is usually patrolled and also super clean. Great way to spend a day and cafes/restaurants are just a short walk away. TIP -- shuffle your feet when in the water to scoot away stingrays.
    Written January 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EaglesFan27
    Reading, PA647 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are so many unique shops and restaurants to explore. We also really enjoyed the live music on a beautiful Sunday evening. It’s a great spot to spend a couple of hours.
    Written January 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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