Curator’s statement
A few years ago, my husband and I traveled alone to San Diego. From cliffside coastlines to palm-lined streets, we were in a constant state of awe. We kept saying, "I wish they could see this." Our quintessential California date nights were surrounded by families with children who were thriving, not just surviving dinner. That's how our couple's getaway became a blueprint for a family adventure.
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Things to do in San Diego
USS Midway Museum
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
We visited both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, and this was my personal favorite. Because it’s so much more spread out, it felt significantly less crowded than the city-center zoo.
Unpopular opinion: Don't feel pressured to book a pricey added safari tour if you're on the fence—the Africa Tram is actually included with your ticket and gives a great overview of the savanna. Instead, make a lunch reservation ahead of time. We had an incredible experience dining at The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook, where we enjoyed sweeping safari views while we rested and refueled. This was one of our most memorable San Diego dining experiences.
Note for future travelers: As of March 2026, the park has transitioned this experience to the brand-new Mkutano House in Elephant Valley. It offers that same "dine-amongst-the-animals" magic—just with the elephant herd as your backdrop instead.
San Diego Zoo
Arrive early and head straight to the Skyfari Aerial Tram (it usually opens at 10 a.m., so you have an hour to explore the front exhibits first). Taking the tram to the back of the park is the ultimate "hack" for reaching the Panda Ridge habitat before the midday rush.
From there, work your way back toward the heart of the Lost Forest for your lunch reservation at Albert’s Restaurant. This was a peaceful, elevated retreat from the zoo crowds with fresh, healthy options that still felt satisfying. Request a table on the open-air deck by the private waterfall.
The USS Midway Museum
This maritime and naval aviation museum truly has something for everyone. For the kids, the VR Screaming Eagles flight simulator and the Junior Pilot Program were major hits; they loved following the kid-specific audio tour to earn their junior pilot wings. I was fascinated by the "below-deck" exhibits—the Chow Line, the Midway Chapel, and the Wardroom, which offer a detailed look at the crew's daily life, from sleeping quarters to the intense conditions of the engine room. Meanwhile, my husband was living his best life exploring the 29 restored aircraft on the flight deck.
La Jolla
Enjoy a low-key day with a stroll along the scenic Coastal Walk Trail, taking in the dramatic cliff views before observing the sea lions at La Jolla Cove. For lunch, grab a reservation at Puesto for their famous blue-corn tacos and house-made salsas. Finally, head into the village for a post-dinner sweet treat at the nostalgic Balboa Candy, where you can fill up a bag with retro sweets and saltwater taffy.
Coronado Island
For a day that feels like a true getaway, start by catching the Flagship Ferry from downtown San Diego. The 15-minute ride across the bay is a huge hit with kids, offering "front-row" views of massive Navy ships and the skyline. Once you dock at the Ferry Landing, head into the village for lunch at Garage Buona Forchetta. This converted-garage spot is family friendly, serving up authentic Neapolitan pizzas and handmade pastas that satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll down Orange Avenue to explore the legendary grounds of the Hotel del Coronado. Even if you aren't staying there, the Victorian castle architecture and the sparkling sand on the beach behind it are must-sees. Before heading back to the ferry, make sure to stop at MooTime Creamery for a sweet treat. This nostalgic 1950s-style parlor is a local icon—order a MooPie or a MooTaco and enjoy it on the sidewalk benches while you soak in the island's charming, small-town atmosphere.
Places to eat & drink in San Diego
Cesarina
Cesarina
Cozy heated patio dining, a thoughtful kids' menu, and the prettiest colorful pottery make it feel like an intimate Italian dinner at home. After a date night here during our couple's getaway, we brought the boys back for a family dinner and had to take home one of their signature pottery pieces, the rooster pitcher, as a keepsake.
The Mission Cafe, Mission Beach location
This nostalgic cafe pulled us in almost daily. We loved it so much we brought two local pieces home from their art-lined walls after making this our breakfast staple.
Malibu Farm, Seaport Village
Perfect for light bites to hold everyone over, then coffee downstairs before a pre-dinner stroll along the waterfront.
The Prado at Balboa Park
An elegant yet warm and cozy setting. The steak on the kids' menu was a win for our little foodie who always wants to order from the adult menu.
Corvette Diner
An adjoining arcade while you wait for your table, sassy servers who throw straws at your table and perform dance routines every 15 to 20 minutes, and an extensive milkshake menu—this was a whole experience on its own, and we loved every minute.
Puesto, La Jolla
Interactive kids' menu with color shaping sticks and a mini Spanish lesson, and ordering the kids horchata was an easy "yes." Food and drinks were fresh and flavorful; my husband sung my praises all afternoon for picking this spot.
Solare Ristorante
After dinner at Cesarina, I was craving another Italian dinner; I made a reservation at Solare after seeing a takeout bag on a local's outdoor dining table. They offered their private wine room to us, a family with two young boys in tow—does it get more warm, welcoming, and family-friendly than that? I would also consider this to be a date-night gem.
Need to know
Pro tips for stress-free travel
If you’re traveling across time zones, the best thing you can do is lean into the early bird life. We mentally prepared for early exhaustion by booking all our dinner reservations for 5 p.m.—this allowed us to beat the heavy crowds and get the kids fed before the evening meltdowns hit. To manage the inevitable 5 a.m. wake-ups, we packed kids' sleep masks and stocked our room with easy breakfast items to hold them over until the local cafés opened. And, to be honest, we fully embraced early morning TV time to keep things low-key while the rest of the world (and the hotel) woke up.
To set everyone up for success at nicer restaurants, we brought along "paint by sticker" books and kid travel journals. These kept little hands busy and minds patient while we waited for our food, turning what could have been a stressful meal into a peaceful family highlight.
Travel Advisor
Rachel Gallo
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