Our Family-Friendly Guide to San Diego

We love to travel. Every chance we get, we’re on a Hawaiian Airlines flight to the mainland or beyond. Our most visited locale? San Diego. Whether it is a quick long-weekend getaway or a spring break stay, my husband, 7-year-old son, and I find ourselves in “America’s Finest City” at least once a year to visit relatives and friends, and to enjoy the sights. I mean, what’s not to love? A nonstop flight, minimal time difference, slipper weather (i.e. easy packing), loads of activities to tire out kids, and mom’s must-have Mexican food. Here’s a roundup of our tips, tricks and favorite spots.

SEE ALSO: ✈️ Our Tips for the Best Family Staycation in Hawaiʻi

Soaking in the views during the ferry ride to Coronado Island Photo: Laura Dornbush

Family-Friendly Hotels in San Diego

Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside

This is our go-to spot with suite-style rooms to give us separate sleeping areas and a little more space to spread out. The full kitchens are clutch for stashing snacks and catering to picky eaters. Our other faves: free breakfast, heated pool, and central location in the trendy Little Italy neighborhood. Reserve a high-floor room on the Pacific Hwy. side of the hotel for the quietest position, with bay views to boot.

Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

It’s grand, historic, and splurge-worthy. Perfect if you’re looking for an oceanfront resort experience away from the hustle-and-bustle of downtown. Duke loved playing in the luxurious pool while I sipped on piña coladas (seriously, so good). Coronado Island is a quaint neighborhood to explore, yet still close enough to all the other attractions in San Diego.

Omni San Diego Hotel

Got tickets to a Padre baseball game? Stay here. The hotel has its own private entrance into the ballpark for a VIP-like experience, plus many rooms have views of the field. We geeked-out when we found ourselves in the elevator with players from the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks team. If a ball game isn’t on your agenda, this spot is also in a prime location in the heart of downtown to access the Gaslamp District, waterfront and convention center. Plus, there’s a pool!

Duke and friends, and Duke and dad enjoying a Padres game. Photo: Laura Dornbush

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Family-Friendly Things to do in San Diego

La Jolla’s Children’s Pool Beach

This cove is not for swimming (too cold for Hawai‘i kids anyway!), but rather for saying “hi” to the resident seals and sea lions who nap on the sand. Just like with the Hawaiian monk seals at home, remember to keep your distance. The elevated wall along the edge of the cove is a scenic spot for a family photo. Afterwards, stroll the quaint, upscale La Jolla neighborhood for shopping and a snack.

LEGOLAND

This amusement park celebrating the beloved colorful blocks entertains kids and adults. Duke voted the submarine ride as best, while I loved the miniature models of cities across the U.S.A. Unlike other theme parks, I was impressed at the number of interactive activities for toddlers and younger kids, including a dino dig, multiple LEGO building zones, rock climbing and play structures. With a waterpark and aquarium onsite too, consider staying at one of the LEGOLAND hotels to maximize your time.

Padres Baseball Game at Petco Park

For Hawai‘i kids, this is a perfect introduction to major league baseball. The ballpark is clean, family-friendly and even features a playground and mini baseball diamond in the outfield for keiki to enjoy during the game. Duke loved all the classic snacks (think: Cracker Jacks and peanuts in the shell), while my husband and I enjoyed the elevated foodie offerings from local restaurants.

Fun at the San Diego Zoo. Photo: Laura Dornbush

San Diego Zoo

It’s renowned for a reason. Compared to the approximately 900 animals at the Honolulu Zoo, the San Diego Zoo is home to over 14,000 animals. You’ll need a whole day to see them all or focus on the species that we don’t get to see here at home, including the polar bear, camel, koala and kangaroo. Don’t miss the new Wildlife Explorers Basecamp with hands-on kids’ activities and a water play area which opened in 2022.

SeaWorld San Diego

If your kids love Sea Life Park, you’ll want to visit this attraction to witness the iconic orca show. It is very impressive, yet very sunny (no shade in the stadium!). Similar to Sea Life Park, the wildlife shows are included in admission, but I was disappointed that many of the animal interactions cost extra. While there are a few “kiddy rides,” the majority of the roller coasters have a height requirement of 48” or more.

The New Children’s Museum

Love, love, love. This tot spot is modern, creative, bright and cheery. Spend half a day exploring the art installations, innovators lab, clay studio, climbing spaces and outdoor paint studio. Head up to the top floor to climb the Whammock!, a Dr. Seuss-like crocheted sculpture. Grab a snack from the Bean Sprouts Café offering healthy kid-centric food, including a sunflower butter & jam sandwich which resembles a piano.

Duke having fun at The New Children’s Museum and San Diego Zoo. Photos: Laura Dornbush

Family-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego

Civico 1845

Eat Italian food in the Little Italy neighborhood. We love this upscale café with alfresco sidewalk seating, so we can people-watch. Great for lunch or dinner, we always end up ordering the rich Pappardelle Brasato and buttered noodles for Duke. But, they also have a full vegan menu if that’s your thing.

Il Fornaio

Get out on the water with a ferry ride from downtown San Diego to Coronado Island for lunch or dinner. The large windows in the restaurant look back at the city skyline making for incredible sunset views. Duke loves a booth table for wiggling around and coloring the pasta shapes on the kid’s menu.

In-N-Out Burger

When in California, a stop at this famous fast-food chain is a MUST. The freshly made burgers can be ordered however you like, even plain like Duke requires. Or, foodies like my husband will enjoy researching the off-menu options (try “animal style,” trust me). Keiki can ask for a paper hat just like the employees wear to take home as a souvenir.

Old Town Mexican Cafe

Located in a historic neighborhood with colonial-era museums and adobe ranch homes, the restaurant makes fresh, handmade tortillas on display through the front window. I always go for the crispy shredded beef tacos. For full disclosure, Duke doesn’t like Mexican food, so thank goodness they have a burger & fries option.

Sunset in San Diego. Photo: Laura Dornbush

Of course, this just scratches the surface of all the things to do in San Diego. What we’re looking forward to try on our next trip: the USS Midway Museum and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.