Destination Guide : San Diego
Growing up in LA, our family took many trips down on the Pacific Surfliner train to San Diego. I can vividly remember riding the merry-go-round at Seaport Village, buying candy on Coronado, and begging to go to the Science Museum.
So when I found myself with a little family of my own, I knew that I wanted to re-live those great San Diego memories through our kids. San Diego became our go-to destination during Thanksgiving break. In Southern California, the weather is still warm and while we're not heading to the beach there, we could always enjoy lots of time outdoors. We spent three Thanksgiving breaks in San Diego and those trips taught me about the power of tradition. Even though the kids were little, they still recall bits and pieces of our time there. Definitely more than one-off trips that we’ve taken to other places. It makes me excited to think up a new family trip destination to repeat year after year!
With at least 8 trips under my belt, here are all of my favorites in…. Destination Guide : San Diego!
STAY
I’ve spent many of my trips staying at the Embassy Suites across from Seaport Village. It’s super touristy, but I’m not going to knock it. It’s a great spot with kids. More recently we’ve enjoyed staying in an Airbnb in North Park. Making it our home for just a few days. If you’re visiting and don’t want to rent a car, staying in Little Italy is the way to go. There you will be surrounded by places to eat and things to do and see are a short light rail, ferry, or Uber away.
GETTING AROUND
The easiest way to get around San Diego is by car. This is California after all. But San Diego also has a great light rail system linking downtown and Little Italy. The ferry out to Coronado is also so fun!
EAT
STATION TAVERN - We love this little spot for great craft beers and burgers. There’s a little kid’s play area outdoors which makes it even more enjoyable!
UNDERBELLY - While the days might be warm in late November, the nights usually get a bit chilly. We love getting ramen at Underbelly to heat us up from the inside out. They’ve got a spot in Little Italy and North Park.
PANAMA 66 - Museum food can be hit or miss. Located in the San Diego Museum of Art, Panama 66 is a hit! Delicious beers and hot and cold sandwiches make for the perfect, quick lunch while exploring all of the museums in Balboa Park.
BREAKFAST REPUBLIC - Great breakfast selection with many locations in San Diego.
YOUNG HICKORY - San Diego’s original coffee and beer shop… sign us up! We enjoyed two breakfasts here. And would definitely go back for a third!
DAVANTI ENOTECA - This is our favorite Italian restaurant in Little Italy.
THE CRACK SHACK - We’ve always wanted to try dinner at The Crack Shack but have yet to make it. Next time!
DO
SAN DIEGO ZOO OR SAFARI PARK - San Diego is home to some amazing animal experiences. The zoo is famous worldwide and totally worth the price of admission. We haven’t taken the kids there yet but we loved our family visit to the Safari Park. The Cheetah run, Africa tram, the bird show. We easily filled up a day here. You can even stay overnight at the park!
LEGOLAND - Our son loves LEGOs so much and asked to visit Legoland many, many times after hearing about his friend’s visit. We had a fun day there, but for us it was a one-time visit. I don’t feel the need to return.
SEE
BALBOA PARK - This spot is a must for our family and a great stop to visit repeatedly on our yearly vacation. There are so many museums to see here (17 to be exact!) that you can’t possibly visit them all in one vacation. Our favorite is the Fleet Science Center. We love to catch the latest IMAX there. The botanical garden with their lily pads out front are another favorite.
USS MIDWAY MUSEUM - Board this legendary aircraft carrier for an hour or two to learn all about life at sea. We haven’t visited as a family, but it’s next on our list!
HOTEL DEL CORONADO - A day trip out to Coronado is always a blast. Stroll down the little streets, pop into shops, grab an ice cream. And, of course, visit the picturesque Hotel Del Coronado.
HEAD OUT OF TOWN - There are just too many little towns north of San Diego to enjoy in one trip. We love visiting the race track at Del Mar, the beaches at Mission Beach, or to grab lunch in La Jolla.
PLAY
Hands down our favorite playground in San Diego is Waterfront Park. It’s been so fun to visit year after year and watch the kids grow and be able to conquer new parts of the park on their own. We also like the playground right outside of the museum area of Balboa Park. On our next visit, we’re heading to Children’s Park near Seaport Village.
TREAT
Our favorite little ice cream shop in South Park is now gone. (So sad to find out!) But it is replaced with a very cute little bookstore. A change that I can get behind. Good thing that there is a Salt & Straw in Little Italy. And, while it’s not a small business anymore, I’m always happy to support Ben & Jerry’s and their location in Seaport Village.
DRINK
San Diego is a major player in the craft beer revolution. Stone is based down in San Diego County. Visiting their World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido is still on our to-do list! But there are so many other breweries, big and small, from San Diego to try. Some of our favorites are Modern Times, Ballast Point, Societe, Green Flash Brewing Company, Coronado Brewing Company, and Pizza Port (also a must-stop restaurant for us when traveling to or from San Diego).
We also enjoyed an afternoon at Nolita Hall, a modern beer hall, even with our little ones.
Have you visited San Diego? What are your favorites?
