Day 1: Explore the History of Old Town, San Diego, Best Western PLUS Hacienda Hotel Old Town, Day 2: Making a Splash at SeaWorld San Diego, Dinner at Island's Restaurant in Mission Valley, Day 3: Little Italy and Downtown San Diego, Little Italy Mercato Farmer's Market (Saturday only), Little Italy Pizza Tour for Lunch (Saturday only), Additional Little Italy Dining Suggestions, Additional Downtown Itinerary Suggestions, Downtown San Diego After Dark in the Gaslamp Quarter, Find More Places to Stay Near San Diego, California. Tip: if youre here on a weekend, have breakfast at Liberty Station and then make your way to Cabrillo National Monument early to beat the crowds. If you have the luxury of a few extra days in your road trip itinerary, San Francisco is a great . Plus the laid-back feel of the city, the plentiful sunshine, and the beautiful views already have us wanting to go back. Your kids will be able to run around and play at the sculpture garden while parents take a much-deserved rest after a full day. Seaport Village is a perfect place to end the evening. Or head to the beautiful La Jolla Cove beach to see the sea lions and find a safe spot to play in the waves. There are plenty of beaches to choose from in San Diego, but these are a few favourites: Ocean Beach is a traditionally hippy option; Mission Beach is home to the Belmont Park fun fair and amusements; and Pacific Beach is a good place to get started surfing. Located within the grounds are more than 17 museums! You may choose to see the San Diego Air & Space Museum, The San Diego Museum of Art, or one of the many other museums in Balboa Park. San Diego is well known for its craft beer scene and this is a good place to try some at stalwarts including Karl Strauss and Monkey Paw Brewery. And when youre eating in San Diego with kids, those preferences can vary even more, or can change just depending on how youre feeling on a particular day. SO many of the most popular attractions are included in the price, and it can be a big money saver! Your email address will not be published. I got you. Fun Filled 1-Day Itineraries There are all kinds of kid-friendly rides, plus carnival games, food, putt-putt, and more. Youll marvel at the exquisite exhibits and environments. From there, head south a bit to Torrey Pines State Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 10 Amazing Spring Break Destinations in California for Families - Trips With Tykes, [] park alternative to Disneyland (shh dont tell Disney I said that!). We also have detailed guides to loads of California destinations that can help you plan even more. If you have a kid who is obsessed with Legos, you probably wont want to miss LEGOLAND California. If you have kids with you, you may want to check out the Junior Pilots program too, where kids can listen to special audio clues with an audio guide, answer questions, and get their Junior Pilot Wings at the end. But dont worry, your final meal of the trip will be affordable here! Id love to hear! Your email address will not be published. The hummingbird habitat and Wildlife Explorers Basecamp were favorites on our visit, but the koalas and the whole Africa Rocks portions really showcase why the San Diego Zoo is such a special place to visit. These are the photographer credits, starting at the top: La Jolla Beach (San Diego Tourism); Balboa Park (Old Town Trolley Tours); Gaslamp Quarter (Melanie Stocker); Seal lion at La Jolla (Melanie Stocker); Torrey Pines (San Diego Tourism); North Park (Brett Shoaf); Coronado (San Diego Tourism); Old Town San Diego (Malanie Stocker); Embarcadero (John Bahu); Ocean Beach (Annie Pearson); Tiger Tiger (Tiger Tiger Tavern);Lodge at Torrey Pines (my photo); Hotel Republic (my photo); Hotel Palomar (Hotel Palomar); Pendry Hotel (Pendry Hotel). If youve got an e-bike or a scooter at your disposal, that will make it much easier to park and access the beach. Videos featuring 2TravelDads webisodes, TV, promos and more! For the grand finale, glide past some of San Diegos residents who live on the beach, the sea lions! Balboa Park Other Things to Add to your San Diego Vacation Itinerary. I mentioned some of these in the section above, but heres a round-up of some fun tours you could join in San Diego. Day 4, Mon: Was thinking breakfast burrito in Pacific Beach, onto Belmont Park to ride the dipper and then spend the rest of the day in Coronado, before flight home at 5pm. These cookies are used to provide you with useful information based on recent browser data. Enjoy wandering and either grab food at one of the spots in the park or bring a picnic along. This festive area is full of fun shops, a restaurant, and is a great place to catch some music. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. What you need to know about choosing a room and maximizing your stay. You can of course, choose to exclusively use Uber or Lyfts to get around, but I prefer to have the control of a rental car in a city like San Diego where I know Ill be spending a decent amount of time in the car. Disclosure:Our stay at Torrey Pines and Hotel Republic were gifted to us. It is a 12-acre garden highlighting original Japanese architecture and gardening. I always use a fork to eat my Hawaiian burger. And this neighborhood's one of my favorites it's chic and pedestrian friendly, packed with trendy restaurants, upscale clothing boutiques on India Street, and even a quaint piazza . Note that La Jolla Village and Village of La Jolla are two different places Village of the La Jolla is where youll find all the cute boutiques, cafes and restaurants. 2 posts 6 day vacation itinerary-family 5 years ago Save I am a single mom with 3 kids ages 2, 6, 18 and my mom is 62. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. These cookies are necessary for the site function. When you arrive, be sure to pick up a map and see where the animals you most want to see are. There are TONS of great beaches around San Diego, so with an extra vacation day maybe pack up that beach bag and swimsuit and enjoy a beach day! Have you visited San Diego before? After lunch, head over the La Jolla. to climb through. Itineraries Make the Most of Your Time in San Diego San Diego Intineraries Get the most out of your time in California's Beach City with these convenient single and multi-day itineraries that make planning your trip to San Diego easy. A beautiful sunset with a picnic would be a great way to end a trip to San Diego! Option 1: Surfing & Amusement in Mission Beach When we brought the kids to San Diego, we had just left Disneyland, so we weren't looking for more amusement parks. San Diego is California's second largest city and the 8th in the US with ~1.3 million people (~3 million in the greater metro area). San Diego Zoo San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego Air and Space Museum Reuben H. Fleet Science Center plus IMAX Only have a few days in San Diego? San Diego Three Day Itinerary Youll also learn how the San Diego Zoo is doing their part to assist animals in need all over the world. Take time to linger here and enjoy your delicious lunch before taking off on the next adventure on your 3 day San Diego itinerary. This historical naval aircraft carrier-turned-museum showcases tons of aircraft, many of which were constructed locally. You can either map them out to see what is near where youll be, or see what youre feeling like! We recommendWorld NomadsorTrue Traveller who both offer reliable, comprehensive cover, includingmedical, evacuation, baggage and a range ofadventure sports and activities. Day 5: Take a family day trip from San Diego. San Diego does not have a great public transportation system for visitors, but there is a trolley system that can take you to some of your destinations. San Diego is hands down one of our favorite larger cities in the United States. All Things To Do Free 1-Day Itinerary 2-Day Itinerary 3-Day Itinerary Day 1. Read our policy on working with brandshere. If you find yourself with extra time in the city, visiting more museums is a great thing to do. Its a gorgeous spot beside the ocean with magnificent rugged cliffs where you can follow a series of different hiking trails to suit a variety of different abilities. Did you know that there are more than beaches to enjoy when you visit SD? San Diego Itinerary: Day 2 Sunday | Beach Day. 2 Days in San Diego Itinerary for the Perfect Weekend Trip The 100-acre world famous zoo inhabits over 3500 rare animals including leopards, pandas, hippos and the largest colony of koalas outside Australia. Adults and children alike will enjoy exploring the depths of the ship. 3 Days in San Diego the Perfect San Diego Itinerary Digging into their 150-year history of preserving and sharing the past, the NAT has an amazing collection of taxidermy specimens for study. Its also home to lots of shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries and concert venues. The dramatic coastline has a selection of beautiful, family-friendly beaches and the village is one of San Diegos most chi-chi neighbourhoods. Dine inside or out on the patio, youll love the atmosphere either way. Day 3: Balboa Park and Point Loma. Little Italy is the area of downtown directly across from the USS Midway and is full of restaurants and shops. Rooms start at $340. Also note that during the summer, San Diego can be very crowded with tourists and visitors attending big conferences and events. Enjoy Fun in the Sun with the Whole Family on This 3 Day Laid-Back Seaside Escape to San Diego. The site is an incredible collection of museum buildings, artisans, shops of all sorts and restaurants. If you feel like embracing the tourist vibe, theres a narrated hop-on-hop-off tour you can do. So, what do you include in a three day visit to San Diego? This means if you make a purchase using a link, I may get a small commission at no cost to you. The Five Diamond luxury resort overlooks a world-renowned golf course with views of the Pacific Ocean and has a classic, old-world elegance. Especially for popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo. Youll find 70 miles of golden coastline, cliffs and tidepools, and even a National Park Service gem! This 2 days in San Diego itinerary will help you plan your escape! Your San Diego Family Vacation | Trip Packages, Hotels, Activities (2022) This sunny city is full of things to do and could keep you busy for weeks. Gaslamp. Your email address will not be published. The Mission Beach Boardwalk in San Diego, California. SeaWorld San Diego Cabrillo Marine Monument (free!) Unless you plan on spending your time exclusively in the downtown San Diego, I HIGHLY recommend renting a car for your San Diego trip. Day 6: Hit up an Amusement Park (there are lots of choices) Day 7: Time for a little oceanography! A Little Bit about this 3-Day San Diego Itinerary. This itinerary makes for a perfect short family vacation! You also wont want to miss the Fiesta de Reyes area, which is in the northwest corner of the State Park. This 15-minute walk will take you to the shoreline where you will find the ferry station for your ride across the water! Theyll especially suit you if youre a bit like us, keen on discovering the creative side of a destination and in pursuit of all the best cafes, ice creams, doughnuts, bookshops, murals and beauty spots. After your morning (and probably early afternoon) at the zoo, spend the rest of the afternoon (and maybe your evening) exploring Balboa Park. No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to the amazing . [], National Parks near San Diego, California | Park Ranger John, [] suggest using this San Diego Itinerary to help plan your visit to this epic Southern California [], Top Christmas Events in San Diego For Families in 2021, [] Make a long weekend of it with this great 3-day San Diego intinerary. The Best 3 Day San Diego Itinerary with Kids - Local Passport Family Some of my recommendations include: Voted the top zoo in the world, the San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,700 animals. It might be the best place youve ever visited with your kids. Boat tour there are several whale- and dolphin-watching tours that are so fun! The Perfect 2, 3 or 4 Days in San Diego Itinerary Road trips: California Road Trip | Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip | San Francisco to Seattle road trip | San Francisco to Seattle road trip, Handpicked travel guides:Laguna Beach| Mendocino |San Clemente|San Diego |Santa Barbara |Santa Cruz|Shasta Cascade and Redding |Sonoma |Tuolumne County |Yolo County, California family travel guides: California with kids |Los Angeles with kids|Sacramento with kids|San Diego with kids|San Francisco with kids, California accommodation guides:Joshua Tree Airbnb|Laguna Beach Airbnb|Hip Palm Springs Hotels|Palm Springs Airbnb|Palm Springs VRBO|San Diego Airbnb|Santa Cruz Airbnb|Santa Barbara Airbnb|Santa Monica Airbnb | Sonoma Airbnb| Venice Beach Airbnb |Hip San Francisco Hotels, California attraction guides: How to get the most out of Disneyland with toddlers | The ultimate guide to Universal Studios with babies and toddlers. San Diego Itinerary - 3 Days in San Diego for First-timers - Go City Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town/Sea World Area, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown. 3 Day Itinerary: San Diego with Kids This 3 day San Diego itinerary will help you hit the highlights, but Ill be honest if you have more time you can spend in San Diego, then definitely take advantage of it! Even when were not taking the train, I love visiting the old Santa Fe Depot train station downtown. Kayaking in La Jolla (visit the sea caves). . There are TONS of great restaurant options here. Parking Tip! Is a 3 day San Diego itinerary not enough time? Its also a popular spot for nightlife, and is home to some of the citys best craft beer bars, including Tiger Tiger Tavern. OPTION: Full or Half Day at the San Diego Zoo, Guide to Balboa Park, San Diegos Cultural Center, Vintage San Diego Hotel Pick: the Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows, Guide to Visiting Cabrillo National Monument, BW Plus Island Palms Resort on Shelter Island, San Diego. Gaslamp Quarter is conveniently located for an easy walk to many popular attractions and restaurants (including some included in this itinerary). San Diego Itinerary: How to Get the Best Out of 3 Days in San Diego Lets start by exploring the coastline of San Diego. This takes you all around the zoo, will give you views of a lot of the animals, and may help you cross some things off your list. You can buy both True Traveller and World Nomads insurance even when youve left home, which is unusual for travel insurance companies. You cannot go to San Diego without visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo! I have done quite a bit of research for our trip and I'm trying to figure out how to fit everything in that we want to do. One of the beauties of San Diego is its variety of local areas that can cater to every taste. Learn More. There are a few thing you might want to be aware of though. The San Diego Zoo is VERY hilly and at the end of a long day or if you are mobility-challenged the transportation is welcome back up to the top of the hill. Other San Diego locations. San Diego Weekend Getaway: The Perfect 3-day Itinerary 3 Day Two of San Diego 3-day Itinerary: Balboa Park 4 Day Three of San Diego 3-day Itinerary: Water Day 5 Where to Stay in San Diego Where is San Diego Located? Often you can even catch performances or demonstrations of skills and cultural practices you might not see anywhere else in California. It often makes the cut for lists of the USAs most desirable cities, and its the kind of place that people go to for a few days and end up dreaming of staying for longer. Go San Diego pass Review - My Fun-Filled 3-Day Vacation Spending 3 days in San Diego or more is ideal as it will allow you to cover a lot of ground, see some sites, but also enjoy some time on the beach and San Diego has a number of amazing beaches that you don't want to miss! The zoo actually has two branches the main location in Balboa Park, and the Safari Park, which sits a bit northeast of the city. San Diego is one of those cities that hits the perfect balance of being family-friendly. Being at the heart of California history as the Spanish moved into the area, as well as being a hub for Western expansion in the 1800s, San Diego is full of history. If youre heading elsewhere in the USA or even worldwide, see more of our family travel tips here. With the pass you gain admission to nearly everything in the park except the San Diego Zoo. On our visit, we went to The Maritime Museum of San Diego, which was a great small museum for the morning full of historic ships to explore. (Always remember not to get close to wildlife and follow instructions for areas that may be marked off for wildlife during pupping season.). Our recommendation for a shorter visit to the zoo includes doing the free tram tour around the whole zoo, as youll get both a birds eye view of many of the animals, but youll also learn about the zoo and its inhabitants. The Best Way to Spend 3 Days in San Diego With Kids If you have time for a 4-day San Diego itinerary, then you're really in luck. The bathroom in our room was beautiful with a huge tub in a haven of clean design. Owner of ItineraryFrog.com. Today, head back to the same location where you picked up the ferry to Coronado Island yesterday. San Diego Three Day Itinerary for Families | SheBuysTravel As I mentioned above, there are a number of areas that would make a good home base. Kensington is a cute one-street village andthis Airbnb studiowas beautiful, situated in the owners garden shes a stylist at West Elm, so the place is beautifully put together. Youll be ready to plan your next trip back before youve even left! This island is a popular vacation spot, with its well-known hotel. Offering renowned beaches and a quaint downtown area, this destination will make you feel as if you have left San Diego for another vacation altogether. About 15 minutes from Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, its a natural stop to add to your day of San Diego history. The Sites I Recommend & Use to Book My Travel: We are reader supported. San Diego Weekend Getaway: The Perfect 3 Day San Diego Itinerary Dont forget to stop for ice cream at the iconic Moo Time Creamery! Buy tickets online ahead of time if you can! Table of Contents A San Diego native shares her insider tips and touring ideas, meal and dining suggestions along with plans for after sunset in this San Diego three-day itinerary. But even after living in the Bay Area for over 6 years, we realized wed never actually taken our kids to visit! Board the San Diego Coronado Ferry (adjacent to the cruise ship terminal) every hour on the hour from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday) and cross San Diego Bay to spend the day in Coronado. While its always nice to go to La Jolla and check out the many galleries, visiting with kids is great for watching wildlife. This could cause some difficulty in finding parking places in and around the city if you are choosing to rent a car, so taking a cab or calling an Uber might be less stressful. Between dinosaur fossils and gemstones, natural history museums are always a hit with our family, but theres something special at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Be sure to pack a light jacket. For upscale, try, Dance the night away at one of the many nightclubs like. Required fields are marked *. What were some of your favorite stops? Highlight: there is also an active paleontology lab onsite at the San Diego Natural History Museum. And of course you have to have beach time when you come to San Diego. Table of Contents How to Spend 3 Days in San Diego Itinerary Day 1 in San Diego Day 1 Morning - Explore Balboa Park and the San Diego Art Museum Day 1 Afternoon - Traverse The Extensive San Diego Zoo Day 1 Evening - Unwind At Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Day 2 in San Diego Day 2 Morning - Tour The USS Midway Museum We visited in October and thought it was the PERFECT time. Plus it seems like there is almost always something going on, from Farmers Markets to live music and more. One of the best zoos in the country, its well worth a visit. 3 Day San Diego Itinerary | U.S. News Travel Try the, Live music can be found in many of the coffee houses and pubs. Unless you are driving from somewhere in California, youll likely be flying into San Diego. Located in the southernmost region of California, San Diego is known for its incredible weather, vibrant sunsets, and endless opportunities for adventure. Favourites include: San Diego is also well known for its seafood, which. 3 Day San Diego Itinerary This itinerary makes for a perfect short family vacation! Try, Dinner options are plentiful. SeaWorld San Diego is another popular attraction for families, and not just for the sea life. Or you could try your hand at driving your own speed boat! The San Diego Museum of Art is just the right size for nearly any attention span or level of interest in art. Follow it during your trip if you want to explore San Diego like a local! This itinerary takes in San Diego itself (Downtown, Marina etc) as well as taking in some of the wider, surrounding beauty stops. Tip: if you would like to attend a religious service, mass is open to the public and happens daily. To return back to the hotel after dinner, the trolley station is within walking distance of the restaurant (approximately 7 minutes). Wondering if you should visit the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park? Seaport Village is an excellent place for the whole family to enjoy, wander, and fuel up. It was such a delightful little babymoon and we loved exploring the city. The guided tour is an easy 15-mile, go-at-your-own-pace ride, where it will be just you and your crew as you ride under the Coronado Bridge and across Coronado island. This 3 day itinerary includes: LEGOLAND California Museum of Making Music Carlsbad (free!) This is a sister park to the citys San Diego Zoo, and focuses more on conservation and African animals. The magic of San Diego is not really found in the city centre so do take the time and make the effort to get around the area. You can also subscribe without commenting. You can drive over there or take the ferry from the Embarcadero. You can easily walk along a trail in La Jolla starting by The Cave Store and heading south to Childrens Pool. Learn how your comment data is processed. Day 3, Sun: Balboa Park, maybe or explore more of La Jolla if we haven't. unsure. Renting a car and/or using Uber services are usually unnecessary, but if you are tired or choose not to walk or ride a bike, its what I recommend. Arts/Theatre: Balboa Park. 3 days in San Diego - Itinerary. You can definitely hit most of the city's highlights in 3 days, but if you have more time definitely don't hesitate to stay in San Diego longer! Everyone's been there, so naturally, having some well-thought-out packing list ideas is helpful. 3 Day San Diego Itinerary Day 1: Zoo + Balboa Park 3 Day San Diego Itinerary Day 2: Annie's Canyon, Torrey Pines, La Jolla 3 Days in San Diego Itinerary Day 3: Cabrillo or USS Midway + Coronado More Time Here are suggestions for a 4 Day San Diego Itinerary or San Diego Itinerary 5 Days One Day in San Diego MORE POSTS A Grand California Family Road Trip All the filling breakfast basics are here, like omelets, eggs Benedict, pancakes and biscuits with gravy. If you need a 2 day San Diego itinerary, be sure to add in Torrey Pines and Cabrillo, with perhaps a walk along the historic waterfront. They are also included on the Balboa Park Explorer Pass (if youve gotten it). Road Trip the Faroe Islands with this 5-Day Itinerary, 35 Awesome Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, 18 Camping Essentials for Women: What to Buy Before You Camp, 14 Best Beach Toys for Kids, Teens and In-Betweens, On-the-Go Fun: The 12 Best Travel Toys for 1-Year-Olds, 15 Best Tire Pressure Gauges to Keep in Your Car, Best Travel Purse for Europe: Our 17 Top Picks. This short, 15-minute ferry ride will be a new and exciting way to transport around the city. Weve picked our favorite historic sites to round out this three-day San Diego itinerary. Additional San Diego Itinerary Days. Three Days in San Diego: Awesome Itinerary for SD Fun! - 2TravelDads There are several trails in the park (Guy Fleming and Parry Grove are beautiful), either up to gorgeous viewpoints or down to the beach. Coronado, The Crown City. Rooms start at Hotel Republic start at $225 per night. In the Hangar Deck there are also opportunities to climb into a real cockpit and get in a flight simulator. Check out our zoo comparison! The weather was beautiful, plus San Diego does a thing called Kids Free October, where kids get in free to most area attractions, making this a perfect time to visit as a family. A lot of the sights youll want to see are not located in the city center. This luxury hotel in the Gaslamp District is one of the finest options among San Diegos hotels. Traveling along El Camino Real is its own fantastic California itinerary, but if you want just a taste of the historic missions, visit Mission San Diego de Alcala. Pack some sack lunches, grab a bite to eat at the Gaslamp Breakfast Company, and head towards the water for todays adventure. Check out more ofour detailed itinerary posts here. So if you are thinking about a trip, heres an itinerary to get you started! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Your email address will not be published. For 25+ years, Islands has been serving up delicious food in San Diego. It is a great place to grab a seat on a bright red stool while chowing down on a burger and milkshake. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hello and thanks for visiting my site! Day 3: Explore your choice of local neighbourhoods (San Diego Old Town; North Park; Coronado; Embarcadero; Beaches). Its all a bit kitsch, but a good place to get to know the areas history, plus the Mexican food is really good. I hope this review is helpful to you as you consider your many options when traveling to San Diego. 3 Days in San Diego Itinerary (Things to do + where to eat!) While you may be leaving Coronado Island behind, the memories will stay forever. We usually spend at least two different days there, either doing museums in the morning and the San Diego Zoo in the afternoon, or we will just visit multiple times to see whats happening during our time there. The Embarcadero is an area along the waterfront where you can explore some of San Diegos top attractions: the Maritime Museum, the USS Midway (a long serving aircraft carrier with 29 restored aircrafts on board) and the Star of India (the worlds oldest active ship). Putting together a San Diego family vacation itinerary is exciting and nerve-wracking. There are plenty of beaches to choose from in San Diego, but these are a few favourites: Ocean Beach is a traditionally hippy option; Mission Beach is home to the Belmont Park fun fair and amusements; and Pacific Beach is a good place to get started surfing. Two hours in the morning, a nice long lunch break, then another two hours in the afternoon. Photos: Most photos in this post are courtesy of sandiego.org. Visit on a summer weekend to see historic reenactments and enjoy a ranger talk, or explore Cabrillo in the middle of winter to watch for migrating gray whales. It is full of historic buildings with historical actors, small shops, and museums. Dont miss the Skyfari either! Pretend to be a soldier in the Battle of Midway, the ships namesake! This also means that once you reach the airport, getting to wherever you are staying within San Diego is pretty easy, whether you are renting a car, taking an Uber or Lyft, or using some kind of shuttle service. Its true! You should! Balboa Park Museums (Model Railroad Museum. The Embarcedero is also where you can hop on a boat for a harbour cruise or some whale watching (between December and April). Taking the ferry is a fun and convenient way to reach the island while being able to view the San Diego skyline from the water.
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