If you’re dreaming of a trip to gorgeous Southern California, be sure to check out these top family friendly San Diego Travel Tips!
Then… finish your planning your next California vacation with these must-read San Francisco Travel Tips!
San Diego Travel Tips and Family Vacation Ideas
Have you heard? The weather is always perfect in San Diego!
Over the years, I have spent SO many vacations in the San Diego area. I mean, with gorgeous sweeping mountain views to the east and 70 miles of sparkling coastline, what’s not to love?
Add to that fun theme parks, epic zoos, pristine beaches, and some of the best weather in the country… and let’s just say, you NEED to plan a visit!
So start planning your next Southern California adventure with these San Diego Travel Tips!
I’ll show you where to eat, play, and stay on the gorgeous coast… all on a budget!
Here’s everything you need to know BEFORE your trip to San Diego…
Related: How to Travel for Free or Cheap (20 Budget Travel Hacks)
San Diego Travel Tips for Things to Do In San Diego
Lori writes: “I was lucky enough to live there! The zoo and wild animal park are a must as well as the Birch Aquarium. La Jolla Shores will forever be my favorite beach.”
Mary writes: “I love the San Diego Zoo or the Zoo Safari Park. I have a thing for visiting a different Catholic Church every time I’m there. We go to Sea World a lot. The Birch Aquarium is a neat little aquarium. Legoland is just north of SD. Go to the beaches, the San Diego Marina’s, or go whale watching. I could go on and on! :)”
Melissa writes: “La Jolla – kayak and go to the Children’s Pool to see the sea lions.
Balboa Park – go on a Sunday for the free organ concert & visit the international cottages, check out the museums & the Zoo is right next door (bonus = eat at Panama 66 or the Prado Restaurant)
Downtown – Seaport Village & the USS Midway Museum. Ride the ferry over to Coronado Island (if you don’t want to drive there) to check out the shops and the Hotel Del Coronado.
Mission Beach – If you are bringing kids/teens, head to Mission Beach and ride the old wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park
Point Loma – visit the Cabrillo Lighthouse, tide pools, and Liberty Station”
Jeri writes: “SeaWorld is an absolute must!!”
Frugal Tip: Pick up a City Pass to Save BIG on admission and entrance fees to your favorite attractions!
Bree writes: “We got the City Pass. It allowed us to go to the zoo as many times as we wanted. Family of 4 with 2 young kids – that was our main highlight. We loved not having to bust out the credit card every time. The pass was very easy to use.”
(Pink Flamingos at SeaWorld)
Jodi writes: “Take the ferry to Coronado, Balboa Park/Zoo.”
MaryBeth writes: “Seaport Village, La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove, Birch Aquarium, Old Town, Balboa Park (great museums).”
Mary writes: “I love the San Diego Zoo or the Zoo Safari Park. I have a thing for visiting a different Catholic Church every time I’m there. We go to Sea World a lot. The Birch Aquarium is a neat little aquarium. Legoland is just north of SD. Go to the beaches, the San Diego Marina’s, or go whale watching.”
Aleah writes: “Visit La Jolla Beach, and go sea kayaking”
Desiree writes: “My home town is San Diego. I Love Balboa Park, Old Town, Solana Beach, Mission Bay, the San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, and the downtown Gas Lamp District. I’m homesick!!”
Kathy writes: “If you go out to the bay you might see Navy seals doing maneuvers.”
Kim writes: “Balboa Park, Coronado Island, USS Midway and San Diego Zoo!”
Jennifer writes: “Old Town has cool shops.”
Nicole writes: “Yes. I highly recommend, if on a tight budget, to look for a cheaper motel that offers free admission tickets to theme parks and the zoo – if you plan to use the room only to shower and for sleep.
Just be sure to use auntie google for directions instead of a random person so you won’t get lost – we ended up crossing the Mexican border back in 2003. Luckily, we were allowed to turnaround at some point. 🙂 Otherwise, our budget-conscientious vacation was marvelous.”
(Ingraham Street Bridge near Mission Beach and SeaWorld)
Amanda writes: “I love SD! Seaport Village, the Gas Lamp District, and Petco Park to catch a game. Balboa Park is awesome… it all is. Such great weather, food, people, and attractions!”
Marsha writes: “You cannot leave that place without visiting that world-class zoo! And riding in ANY kind of boat in that gorgeous sparkling Pacific Ocean!!!!! :)”
Gayle writes: “Just sitting on the beach is nice, too.”
Stacey writes: “I’m here right now, we’re taking the kids to SeaWorld today. We have taken them to Legoland too and they loved it.”
Kimberly writes: “Take a Trolley Tour. Coronado Island has a great dog beach, too.”
Joan writes: “Old Town, Seaport Village, Coronado is a must!”
(Coronado Bridge)
Sharon writes: “If you are bringing kids, check out Point Loma National Park; you can scope out the tide pools for sea life. Seals at La Jolla are fun too.”
Fun Photography Spot: Visit Point Loma and check out the tide pools, sea cliffs, and views of the harbor. They’re breathtaking, and make for a great photography spot in San Diego!
Jen writes: “Torrey Pines Gliderport!”
Best Spots to Catch the San Diego Sunset
Sunsets in San Diego are always gorgeous, but my absolute favorite spot to catch them is up north a bit at Encinitas Beach.
Drive up, park, and take a nice LONG walk on the beach about 1 hour before sunset… so you can catch all of that golden hour glory.
(Sunset at Encinitas Beach, just north of San Diego)
Yolanda writes: “I live in San Diego, and I just wanted to mention that the San Diego Botanic Garden (located in Encinitas), is free the 1st Tuesday of each month. Also, the New Children’s Museum (located in downtown SD), is free the 2nd Sunday of each month.”
Elayna writes: “Ocean Beach, Balboa Park, North Park, Adams Avenue, Pacific Beach (Garnet Ave), La Jolla Caves, Cowles Mountain, Devils Punchbowl, and Sooo many more! Oh… and the Horton Plaza Mall downtown, awesome architecture! And every day during the summer, Sea World sets off fireworks, and you can enjoy them while hosting a bonfire on the beach!”
Visit Ocean Beach
Need a break from the crowds? Visit Ocean Beach San Diego (near Hodads) during the week to miss the crowds. (just south of Mission Beach)
Nicole writes: “Gas Lamp District, Seaport Village and Coronado Beach!!!”
Bert writes: “Beach weather doesn’t start until July. May gray and June gloom extend a few miles inland. The San Diego Zoo, near downtown, and the Wild Animal Park are all day affairs. Check out Balboa Park, with its museums, amazing landscaping, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and IMAX Theater, etc.
Torrey Pines is very popular for golfing; look out over the ocean and watch hang gliders while golfing. And if you are a quilter, you have to check out Rosie’s Calico Cupboard on El Cajon Blvd. It is one of the biggest quilt shops in the world, with prices below MSRP. Go on a whale watching boat trip, or go out to see them at the end of Point Loma for great views. I grew up in San Diego, so these are just off the top of my head. ;)”
Visit the San Diego Mission
Give your kids a free history lesson when you visit the Beautiful Mission San Diego de Alcala.
Elizabeth writes: “We lived in SD and my husband still works there. The San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Old Town, Sea World, Hotel Del on Coronado, The Children’s Pool at La Jolla, USS Midway, Downtown, Seaport Village…the harbor tours are pretty fun and very inexpensive.”
(San Diego Harbor Marina near SeaWorld)
Angela writes: “Years ago I stayed at Town and Country Resort, went to Sea World and shopped at Fashion Valley Mall (it was right behind the resort). I then went to Coronado. Great weekend away!”
Tour the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier
Spend an afternoon exploring and touring an aircraft carrier!
Jessica writes: “I’m not a museum fan or a history buff, but I LOVED the USS Midway! I think it’s a must do!”
Jenn writes: “Gaslamp district is where we stayed and loved every minute. Went to uss midway and old town for some great cuisine. Gas lamp district has a ton of great restaurants. And of course the zoo!!!”
Priscilla writes: “Belmont Park”
Michele writes: “I live in San Diego. Here’s the list: San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park, Sea World, La Jolla Shores Beach and La Jolla Village, Coronado, Legoland, Seaport Village, The Gas Lamp District, Old Town, Julian, Little Italy, Balboa Park and Museums, Mission Basilica San Diego…
Fashion Valley Mall for shopping, Hornblower Cruises (whale watching or sunset), Birch Aquarium, Children’s Museum, Corvette Diner, Mr. Wasabi for sushi, Knott’s Soak City, Del Mar (Horse Races, concerts, and fairs/exhibits), hike Cowle’s Mountain right before sunset, Mission Trails, Chula Vista Nature Center.”
Colleen writes: “Stroll the coast of La Jolla close to sunset see the sea lions”
Victoria writes: “I super glued some seashells on top and glued blue yarn to the lid for a little bit of color. The rocks and seashells were from Catalina Island and the sand was from Mission Beach in San Diego.”
Irma writes: “Oceanside is my hometown! The Oceanside harbor is great. If you’re a baseball fan catch a game at Petco.”
Jessica writes: “We loveee Carlsbad 
Sweet little town, great food, and you can walk everywhere.”
Sherry writes: “I live in San Diego…best city ever…the beaches (LaJolla Cove), Belmont park, SeaWorld, the waterfront Embarcadero….the list goes on. To eat Phil’s BBQ, Hob Nob Hill, Point Loma Seafood and Corvette Diner.”
Where to Eat In San Diego
Hodad’s for Epic San Diego Burgers
Go to Hodad’s Burgers recommended by Guy Fieri. I had the “Guido Burger” and it was SO good!!
Cassie writes: “Try a Hodads bacon cheeseburger”
Rubio’s for Best Coastal Burritos in Town
From mahi mahi burritos to fish tacos, and seafood salads to loaded nachos, there’s something fun for everyone at Rubio’s!
My favorite item on the menu is the Chicken Burrito Especial with Guacamole and Chipotle Sauce… and be sure to ask for it ‘Classic Style’ to get the delicious Mexican rice.
Point Loma Seafoods for the Best Fish Sandwich in San Diego
After growing up in Seattle, I developed a bit of a seafood obsession.
If you’re like me and can’t get enough of it, head on over to Point Loma Seafoods and order a fish sandwich. It’s located right on the water/marina, so visit at sunset for a gorgeous view.
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill for Off-the-Charts Fresh Caught Seafood
Eat at the Blue Water Seafood recommended by Guy Fieri.
Our family has been several times to this fun little hole-in-the-wall seafood grill and LOVES it!
They serve up fresh caught fish, shrimp, and even shark tacos! (it tastes like chicken) 🙂 If there’s a line, don’t worry… it’s totally worth the wait!
More San Diego Best Places To Eat
Eloise writes: “Eat at Kono’s in Pacific Beach. Best breakfast and reasonably priced. Find outdoor seating across the boardwalk and watch the surfers in the am while eating breakfast.”
Jennifer writes: “Arrivederci! Great Italian that is reasonably priced!”
Elizabeth writes: “If you go to Old Town, you have to eat at Casa Guadalajara! The ambiance and food is awesome!”
Kimberly writes: “Cafe Sevilla”
Tobie writes: “Eat at Hodads and OB noodle house”
Sharon writes: “You MUST eat at Fish Market near Seaport Village.”
Kari writes: “Altitude sky lounge for city skyline views.”
Denise writes: “Anthony’s Fish Grotto”
Rachel writes: “Little Italy is a great place to eat out. Tons of amazing food.”
Maud writes: “Fillipi’s in Little Italy rocks! Old Town is pretty neat too.”
Jennifer writes: “Old Town has good Mexican restaurants.”
Stacey writes: “We love Karl Strauss brewery – amazing steaks and really good mac and cheese.”
Aleah writes: “Eat at Old Town Mexican Cafe”
Allison writes: “Gaslamp Strip Club for dinner (cook your own steaks…amazing) and Cafe 222 for brunch in the morning.”
Jim writes: “Look on Diners Drive-ins & Dives map for great spots to eat!”
Then Score Free Coffee at Starbucks in San Diego! With all the time spent outside in the sun and at the beach… you just might be needing a caffeine fix! I’ve been to Starbucks all over SoCal, I love grabbing a coffee on the way to the beach. There are so many Starbucks locations all around San Diego, so check this out…
Starbucks Money Saving Hacks
How To Visit San Diego On A Budget
So You’re Planning a Trip to San Diego? To keep your vacation budget-friendly, you’ll need to plan ahead. One of the first things you’ll want to do is start stashing cash away for your ‘San Diego Trip Fund’.
Need to increase your travel fund stash? One of the easiest ways is to make extra money on the side in your free time! Here are my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…
27 Side Hustles Ideas
Where to Stay in San Diego
When considering where to stay in San Diego, you can stay within the city limits, or head north a bit for a slower paced beach vibe stay. In addition to staying right in San Diego, I have loved my stays up north in Encinitas and Carlsbad.
If you’ll be camping, be sure to check out these San Diego RV Parks!
Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next vacation? It’s so much easier than you think!
Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…
75 Hotel Hacks Everyone Should Know
In addition to hotels, be sure to also consider VRBO properties in San Diego to save BIG on your trip. I’ve personally stayed at multiple lovely condo complexes through VRBO.
Not only were they significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came fully stocked with beach towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and an in-room kitchen. One even had in-room laundry!
These amenities alone saved us SO much money! Plus… as a bonus there was free parking, no resort fees, gorgeous pools and hot tubs, and excellent customer service! Such a perfect home away from home!
Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO? These little known hacks will save you SO much money! Check this out…
How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO
How to Get Cheap Flights To San Diego
35 Southwest Airlines Hacks (What To Know BEFORE You Fly)
25 American Airlines Flight Hacks (Weird Tricks Everyone Should Know)
23 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks (Savvy Travel Hacking Ideas)
More Budget San Diego Travel Tips
30 Eat Out Cheap Ideas (How to Save Money Eating Out)
21 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars
How To Save On Gas (Genius Hacks)
Military Discounts for Travel
How to Travel for Free or Cheap (20 Brilliant Budget Travel Hacks)
More Fun and Frugal Southwest and Beach Vacation Ideas
Now that you’ve had fun reading these San Diego travel tips, start dreaming of more vacations in California with these fun tips below…
31 San Francisco Things To Do
32 Yosemite Travel Tips (what to know before you go)
75 Best Things to Do in Phoenix Arizona
50 Grand Canyon Travel Tips You Can’t Afford to Miss!
68 Tucson Travel Tips – Best Things to do in Tucson Arizona
90 San Antonio Travel Tips and Things To Do
71 Nashville Travel Tips You Never Thought Of!
75 Best Maui Travel Tips
75 Kauai Travel Tips (What To Know Before You Go)
75 Oahu Travel Tips and Tricks
101 Myrtle Beach Travel Tips and Things to Do (What to Know BEFORE You Go)
101 Charleston South Carolina Things to Do
35 Wilmington North Carolina Things to Do
50 Outer Banks Travel Tips for the Perfect Getaway!
37 Washington D.C. Travel Tips You Need to Know!
40 Top Rome Italy Travel Tips
101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets
So… do YOU have any fun San Diego Travel Tips to share?
What are some of your favorite places to see, things to do, beaches to visit, etc?
Leave a comment & share!
I have always wanted to visit San Diego so thank you for sharing this great list of tips!
You’re very welcome, Christie… you will LOVE San Diego! 🙂
My favorite part of the article is when you talked about some awesome photography spots. My family and I are going to visit Southern California for a few weeks and are looking for great things to do. I love being in nature and taking some cool nature photos will be a great way to spend our time.
Another SoCal native here…agree with all the suggestions, but didn’t see Joshua Tree mentioned. It’s inland and a unique scenic desert area, popular for hiking, rock climbing, camping and stargazing.
I can’t believe the tide pools at Cabrillo! They were SO cool. TOTALLY worth the trip out to see the light house then a very short drive to the tide pools. our kids were from 2-9 and they loved it. There were cool views of Coronado and the sailboats going in & out of the marinas.
I love SD!!!