Curator’s statement
San Diego is one of the best family-friendly destinations in the U.S., offering a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and world-class attractions. As a local who has lived here for over a decade and started my family in this beautiful city, San Diego holds a special place in my heart. This guide also includes surrounding areas like Carlsbad and Encinitas, which offer fantastic family-friendly activities, dining, and outdoor adventures. From the stunning coastline to the vibrant neighborhoods, I’ve explored it all and love sharing my favorite spots with other families looking to experience this gorgeous city.
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Things to do in San Diego
Beaches for families
La Jolla Shores – Gentle waves, lifeguards on duty and a playground make it great for families.
Coronado Beach – Wide, sandy shores and calm waters with stunning views of the Hotel del Coronado.
Moonlight Beach – A North County favorite with a playground, volleyball courts and fire pits.
North Ponto: A less crowded beach in Carlsbad, mostly locals, ideal for families looking for soft sand, gentle waves and beautiful sunsets.
Top attractions for families
See a Concert at The Rady Shell — a stunning outdoor music venue with breathtaking bayfront views, offering family-friendly concerts and events.
Catch a Padres Game — Experience an exciting baseball game at Petco Park, a fun outing for sports-loving families with great food and activities.
San Diego Safari Park - My personal favorite. This expansive wildlife park offers incredible up-close animal encounters, including safaris through open-range enclosures where giraffes, rhinos and other animals roam freely.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps – A smaller, manageable aquarium with hands-on tide pools and fun marine life exhibits.
Balboa Park & Museums — The Fleet Science Center, Natural History Museum and Air & Space Museum offer interactive exhibits.
La Jolla Cove & Sea Caves – Older kids will love kayaking or snorkeling with sea lions and exploring the tide pools.
Torrey Pines State Reserve – A great spot for family-friendly hikes with stunning coastal views.
Places to eat & drink in San Diego
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (Multiple Locations) – A trendy breakfast and brunch spot with creative pancakes, eggs benedict and a lively atmosphere.
Duke’s La Jolla — A family-friendly oceanfront restaurant serving Hawaiian-inspired dishes with stunning coastal views.
Liberty Public Market (Point Loma) – A food hall with plenty of options for picky eaters.
Hodad’s (Ocean Beach) – Famous for their burgers, with a laid-back beach vibe.
The Cottage (La Jolla) – A perfect breakfast spot with kid-friendly options.
The Camp Store (Carlsbad) – A casual spot situated on an ocean bluff, great pizza and live music, perfect for a relaxed family meal.
The Windmill Food Hall (Carlsbad) – A collection of diverse food stalls offering everything from sushi to BBQ, great for families with different tastes.
Cafe Topes (Carlsbad) – A popular breakfast and brunch spot known for its giant cinnamon rolls and fresh coffee.
Breakfast Republic (Multiple Locations) – A fun, quirky breakfast chain with creative dishes that kids and adults will love.
Travel Advisor
Alisha Bjorndal
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our San Diego page.