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February 25, 2014 By Nicky 56 Comments

These are the Best Place for Family Fun in San Diego, CA – Don’t Miss Them

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San Diego Family Fun Tips from a San Diego resident

What is a hometown, if you don’t have a sense of pride in it? Hometowns are where we live, play, work and where are children grow up. These cities determine the kind of lives we lead and in many ways shape our family dynamic. I am proud to say that my hometown is sunny San Diego, California. San Diego is known as a coastal community, but has much more to offer then just its beautiful coastline. Here are my must see sights for family fun in San Diego, CA.

Embarcadero: located close to Seaport Village © Stephanie Hess

Embarcadero: located close to Seaport Village
© Stephanie Hess

As, I mentioned before, many of our cities shape our family dynamic, this is no different for San Diego. With a beautiful year around climate, San Diego is a perfect destination for the outdoor oriented family.

San Diego, tourism, travel., family fun, family travel

Sea World Turtle Reef exhibit
© Stephanie Hess

There is truly something for everyone in San Diego. However, this article is a direct reflection of my favorite places. The weather in San Diego is ideal for outside activities, so with that said, all my San Diego MUSTS are located outdoors.

San Diego Zoo: A MUST for any family trip to San Diego © Stephanie Hess

San Diego Zoo: A MUST for any family trip to San Diego
© Stephanie Hess

Our World Famous San Diego Zoo is a tourist spot that cannot be overlooked. Not only does it make for an amazing day of lions, tigers and bears, Oh My! But, also an educational one for the family. At the end of the day, I would suggest taking a relaxing ride on the Skyfari. As it floats above the zoo from one end to the other, it will offer your legs a much needed break and might save a child or two from end of the day breakdown.

Balboa Park: A beautiful place to visit in San Diego - Museums, parks, and moreBalboa Park is not only an attraction for tourists but also for locals. With its handful of museums, gardens, trails and architectural beauty, it is a perfect place to make a few moments.

 

San Diego, family travel, family fun

Old Town San Diego: Casa De Reyes during De Los Muertos time
© Stephanie Hess

I also suggest a day or night in Old Town, which hosts some of the best Mexican food San Diego has to offer. Casa Guadalajara and Fiesta De Reyes are two of my favorite Mexican restaurants. Not only is the atmosphere festive and family oriented but you also get a sense of where San Diego began. Make time on your trip, to sit down at one of these two places and enjoy the moment with your family. You’ll find plenty of spots for family fun in San Diego.

San Diego Sunset © Stephanie Hess

San Diego Sunset on the Beach
© Stephanie Hess

Lastly, you can’t visit San Diego without having a beach day. All of our beaches are distinctly different and every one of them amazing in their own way. However, Mission Beach would be my 1st choice, because it provides no only the boardwalk, but also a Wave House, and is surrounded by surf shops, an arcade, and amusement rides for the kids. Mission Beach also showcases one of the oldest wooden roller coasters that is still in commission today.

My Hometown the Ocean Beach Pier - San Diego © Stephanie Hess

My Hometown the Ocean Beach Pier – San Diego
© Stephanie Hess

The true beauty of every hometown comes when you take the time to enjoy it. Life is about being in the moment, and that is why I choose San Diego as my place to live out my moments.

Today’s Hometown Adventure feature is brought to us my cousin and long time resident of San Diego, Stephanie Hess. All of the photos in this article were taken by her. Aren’t they great? If you would like to email her directly about her hometown, you can contact her at [email protected]

Have you been to San Diego before?

What was your favorite spot or attraction?

Here are other articles in the Hometown Adventure series:

  • Joshua Tree, California
  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

 

Filed Under: Family Travel Tagged With: family travel destinations

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About Nicky

Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

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Comments

  1. blankmeredith says

    February 26, 2014 at 9:55 am

    We’ve done San Diego as a family too and it was so much fun! Great, family friendly vacation spot! And your pictures show it all – so fun!

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 2:30 pm

      Thanks Meredith. I grew up 2 hours from San Diego and love it too. There is so much to do there, especially outdoors.

      Reply
  2. blankRobin (Masshole Mommy) says

    February 26, 2014 at 10:10 am

    I will be in San Diego in April for the second year in row & I am so excited to read this. The best Mexican food I’ve ever had was in Old Town. That is definitely on our list of places to go back to this year.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 2:29 pm

      Old Town is one of my favorites too. Another one of my favorites is Balboa Park. If you like sweets and pastries, look up Extraordinary Desserts. There’s 2 locations (Balboa Park and Little Italy). The line can be a little long sometimes, but it’s SOOOO worth it.

      Reply
  3. blankRicci says

    February 26, 2014 at 11:13 am

    Love your pics!! San Diego is on my list of must-see places!!

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 2:31 pm

      Thanks Ricci. It’s a great place to visit. The weather is great no matter when you go.

      Reply
  4. blankDawn ~ Spatulas On Parade says

    February 26, 2014 at 1:27 pm

    Lovely photos. I have never been to Cali but my husband was in San Diego several years ago for some training and fell in love with it. I see why by your pictures.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 2:32 pm

      Thanks Dawn. I grew up not too far from San Diego. It’s a great place. If you get the chance to go, you’ll love it.

      Reply
  5. blankK Squared Glamour says

    February 26, 2014 at 1:51 pm

    I love your photo on the beach! San Diego is a great place and you have done it justice!

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 2:34 pm

      Stephanie, the writer of this week’s feature loves her hometown and it shows.

      Reply
  6. blankDee says

    February 26, 2014 at 1:40 pm

    I live on the East coast and have never been to California. I did go to Seattle once…and Victoria Islands Canada…but that was the only time I was on the west coast.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 2:33 pm

      California is a whole other world. Along the beach, it can be very laid beach. Then you have the mountains, the inland cities, and more. There’s something for everyone, especially in Southern California.

      Reply
  7. blankJen V says

    February 26, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    I have never been to San Diego before but it looks like a great place to visit. My kids would love to visit the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. We used to have a Sea World here in Ohio, but unfortunately it closed before my youngest daughters were even born.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 2:35 pm

      It’s a great place Jen. The kids will love it. I went to the zoo a few years ago and it was terrific. My kids loved the koalas, pandas, and polar bear. You could spend several days just at the zoo. There’s also the Wildlife park that gives you a different view of animals. San Diego is just a great place to go as a family.

      Reply
  8. blankDebbie Denny says

    February 26, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    What great places you have near you!

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 2:36 pm

      Thanks Debbie.

      Reply
  9. blankSandra says

    February 26, 2014 at 2:26 pm

    I haven’t been there in so long, I so want to go back soon!

    Reply
  10. blankLiz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says

    February 26, 2014 at 3:33 pm

    WE took our daughter when she was less than a year and had the BEST time. I loved Old Town and I also loved the caves in neighboring La Jolla.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 9:55 pm

      I’ve never been to the caves. We enjoyed the Children’s Pool (sea lion watching) and the tidal pools along the beach

      Reply
  11. blankWendy says

    February 26, 2014 at 4:45 pm

    I’ve never been to San Diego, but I’d love to go with my husband! I’ve been to LA, and well, it wasn’t as nice. lol. I want to see those sunsets myself, please!

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 9:56 pm

      LA and San Diego are completely different. I find San Diego to be more laid back. The sunsets can’t be beat.

      Reply
  12. blankHelene Cohen Bludman says

    February 26, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    I’ve been lucky to visit San Diego maybe half a dozen times, and I LOVE it. The weather is the very best thing about it, but also there is so much to do and it’s such a family-friendly city.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 9:56 pm

      I completely agree with you Helene

      Reply
  13. blankKimberly says

    February 26, 2014 at 5:33 pm

    I have never been to San Diego or California for that matter. But I always hear such great things about it. Enjoyed your post. #SGBC

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 9:57 pm

      Thanks so much Kimberly. I grew up there and have fond memories of San Diego. I haven’t been to Northern California though.

      Reply
  14. blankLois Alter Mark says

    February 26, 2014 at 6:57 pm

    We moved to San Diego 15 years ago from New York, and I am so thankful every day when I drive by the ocean – especially after seeing the weather around the rest of the country this winter! We are so lucky!

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 9:58 pm

      I understand what you mean Lois. Are there any places you could recommend people visit that aren’t included?

      Reply
  15. blankmommy2jam says

    February 26, 2014 at 8:30 pm

    I live a couple hours away from San Diego and I think I go once every two years. YOu make me want to go now. Those pictures are so beautiful. Looks like you and your family had a great time

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 9:59 pm

      I grew up East of San Diego and went often. Now I don’t get back as much as I like. The person who wrote the article, my cousin, absolutely loves it. Where do you live?

      Reply
  16. blankMama to 5 BLessings says

    February 26, 2014 at 8:35 pm

    Beautiful pictures, looks like there is a lot to do there!

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 26, 2014 at 9:59 pm

      Thanks Mama.

      Reply
  17. blankDawnC says

    February 26, 2014 at 10:10 pm

    What great pictures! I really like that picture of the turtle.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 27, 2014 at 4:31 pm

      Thanks Dawn. San Diego is a beautiful destination.

      Reply
  18. blankAly Mashrah says

    February 26, 2014 at 11:18 pm

    What a beautiful place! I’d love to visit someday.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 27, 2014 at 4:35 pm

      It should be on everyone’s bucket list. The weather is great year around and there is so much to see and do.

      Reply
  19. blankBeeb Ashcroft says

    February 26, 2014 at 10:21 pm

    I love San Diego! I went there a few years ago to visit family and had such a great time. I can’t wait to go back someday.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 27, 2014 at 4:32 pm

      It’s a great place Beeb. I have to agree with you.

      Reply
  20. blankJaneane Davis says

    February 26, 2014 at 10:50 pm

    You shared so many beautiful scenes. it was a pleasure to see them. At the same time, it made me want to get up travel.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 27, 2014 at 4:33 pm

      Thanks Janeane. I don’t get to travel as much as I would like. So we can live vicariously together thru others’ photos. 🙂

      Reply
  21. blankDebbie L. says

    February 27, 2014 at 4:43 am

    Some day I hope to visit San Diego – looks beautiful! The weather is gorgeous!

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 27, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      Yes, the weather is great year around

      Reply
  22. blankTerin Garrett says

    February 27, 2014 at 6:32 am

    I have a friend that lives really close to San Diego! I want to visit her so bad! 🙂

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 27, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      You should go and enjoy a fun getaway

      Reply
  23. blankMariana says

    February 27, 2014 at 8:20 am

    San Diego looks so pretty! I’d love to take my family there one day. I’d love to visit California, period! Never been.

    Reply
  24. blankTina says

    February 27, 2014 at 8:39 am

    San Diego is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s different to come as a tourist, though, when you devote your time and energy to seeing things. A Local doesn’t usually do that. I’m so glad you decided to play tourist with your family so you could enjoy all of the beautiful sites San Diego ha to offer!

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 27, 2014 at 4:38 pm

      It’s fun to play tourist in your own hometown. This series of articles features 2 hometowns each month. We’ve covered Joshua Tree, CA and Oklahoma City, OK. As a local, it’s good to get out and explore your city.

      Reply
  25. blankShauna says

    February 27, 2014 at 1:44 pm

    Oh my, how gorgeous. I have never been, but would love to. My favorite vacation spot has to be Cape Cod, MA… not so much for the area, though it is an awesome beach town, but because I grew up vacationing there every summer and love those memories.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 27, 2014 at 4:39 pm

      I’ve never been to the Northeast. Part of what makes a vacation great are the memories.

      Reply
  26. blankLexie Lane says

    February 27, 2014 at 2:32 pm

    Oh! The panda and sea turtles! So beautiful! I love shots like these! Looks like you all had so much fun!

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 27, 2014 at 4:39 pm

      San Diego is a great place. It’s hard not to enjoy oneself.

      Reply
  27. blank[email protected] says

    February 28, 2014 at 9:19 am

    Look at the little oanda. Oh I just want to kiss his little nose.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 28, 2014 at 2:51 pm

      The pandas are adorable. I also like the koalas at the SD Zoo.

      Reply
  28. blankJodee Weiland says

    February 28, 2014 at 10:58 am

    We,ve been to San Diego and many of the places you list here, but some are new ideas for are upcoming trip there. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      February 28, 2014 at 2:54 pm

      You’re welcome Jodee. When are you going back?

      Reply
  29. blankStephanie says

    March 4, 2014 at 5:31 am

    Thanks to all for the compliments on my photos, as you can see San Diego has amazing opportunities for pictures! And, to think, there is so much that I didn’t touch on either. I just wanted to give my perspective, but San Diego has so much more to offer then what I mentioned in this article. Please feel free to email me with any questions or a little more detailed input if you plan to visit.

    Reply
    • blankLittle Family Adventure says

      March 5, 2014 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks for sharing your hometown with us Stephanie. The pictures were terrific. It made me miss California.

      Reply

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