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
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.
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
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 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.
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 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
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:
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!
Thanks Meredith. I grew up 2 hours from San Diego and love it too. There is so much to do there, especially outdoors.
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.
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.
Love your pics!! San Diego is on my list of must-see places!!
Thanks Ricci. It’s a great place to visit. The weather is great no matter when you go.
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.
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.
I love your photo on the beach! San Diego is a great place and you have done it justice!
Stephanie, the writer of this week’s feature loves her hometown and it shows.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What great places you have near you!
Thanks Debbie.
I haven’t been there in so long, I so want to go back soon!
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.
I’ve never been to the caves. We enjoyed the Children’s Pool (sea lion watching) and the tidal pools along the beach
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!
LA and San Diego are completely different. I find San Diego to be more laid back. The sunsets can’t be beat.
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.
I completely agree with you Helene
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
Thanks so much Kimberly. I grew up there and have fond memories of San Diego. I haven’t been to Northern California though.
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!
I understand what you mean Lois. Are there any places you could recommend people visit that aren’t included?
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
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?
Beautiful pictures, looks like there is a lot to do there!
Thanks Mama.
What great pictures! I really like that picture of the turtle.
Thanks Dawn. San Diego is a beautiful destination.
What a beautiful place! I’d love to visit someday.
It should be on everyone’s bucket list. The weather is great year around and there is so much to see and do.
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.
It’s a great place Beeb. I have to agree with you.
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.
Thanks Janeane. I don’t get to travel as much as I would like. So we can live vicariously together thru others’ photos. 🙂
Some day I hope to visit San Diego – looks beautiful! The weather is gorgeous!
Yes, the weather is great year around
I have a friend that lives really close to San Diego! I want to visit her so bad! 🙂
You should go and enjoy a fun getaway
San Diego looks so pretty! I’d love to take my family there one day. I’d love to visit California, period! Never been.
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!
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.
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.
I’ve never been to the Northeast. Part of what makes a vacation great are the memories.
Oh! The panda and sea turtles! So beautiful! I love shots like these! Looks like you all had so much fun!
San Diego is a great place. It’s hard not to enjoy oneself.
Look at the little oanda. Oh I just want to kiss his little nose.
The pandas are adorable. I also like the koalas at the SD Zoo.
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!
You’re welcome Jodee. When are you going back?
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.
Thanks for sharing your hometown with us Stephanie. The pictures were terrific. It made me miss California.