What Places To Visit With Kids In San Diego

**Collaborative post**

San Diego is a great place to visit if you are looking for a fun and relaxing vacation.

There are plenty of family things to do in San Diego, including visiting the zoo, taking a tour of the USS Midway Museum, or simply spending time at one of the many beaches.

San Diego Attractions for Family Vacations

San Diego offers a plethora of family-friendly attractions that will keep everyone entertained throughout your vacation. Here are some top picks we’ve distilled for you:

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park that is home to more than 15 museums, as well as the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The park is also a great place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just enjoy the outdoors.

A bit of history:

Balboa Park was originally part of a Spanish land grant given to Don Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542. It wasn’t until nearly 200 years later that the park was given its current name, which honours Vasco Nunez de Balboa, the first European to see the Pacific Ocean.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo is world-renowned for its work in animal conservation and for housing some of the rarest species on Earth. The zoo is also home to a number of family-friendly attractions, including the Panda Express, a petting zoo, and the Skyfari Aerial Tram.

A bit of history:

The San Diego Zoo was founded in 1916 by Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth. It was originally located on just over 100 acres of land in Balboa Park. Today, the zoo spans more than double that amount of land and is home to more than 3,700 animals.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is a marine life park, oceanarium, and animal theme park. The park is home to a number of shows and attractions, including the Shamu Stadium show, Sea Lion Point, and the Dolphin Discovery Center.

A bit of history:

SeaWorld San Diego was originally founded in 1964 as an underwater restaurant called Marineland of the Pacific. The park was later sold and renamed SeaWorld in 1988.

Legoland California

Legoland California is a theme park geared towards families with children ages 2-12. The park features more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, including the Lego Movie World, Miniland USA, and Knight’s Kingdom.

A bit of history:

Legoland California was opened in 1999 as the first Legoland park outside of Europe. The park was originally owned by Merlin Entertainments but was sold to Legoland’s current owner, the Lego Group, in 2005.

San Diego Museum of Art

The San Diego Museum of Art is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. The museum is home to a collection of more than 60,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years of history.

A bit of history:

The San Diego Museum of Art was founded in 1874 as the Fine Arts Society of San Diego. The museum’s collection was originally housed in a variety of different locations around the city before finally settling into its current location in Balboa Park in 1926.

The USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum is a maritime museum located on the USS Midway, a decommissioned aircraft carrier. The museum is home to more than 60 aircraft, as well as a number of interactive exhibits and displays.

A bit of history:

The USS Midway was commissioned in 1945 and served for 47 years until it was decommissioned in 1992. The ship was originally intended to be scrapped but was saved and turned into a museum in 2004.

Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego is a historic district that is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and museums. The district is also home to the San Diego Mission, the oldest standing building in the city.

A bit of history:

Old Town San Diego was founded in 1769 as the first European settlement in California. The area eventually fell into decline but underwent a revitalization in the mid-20th century. Today, the district is a popular tourist destination.

San Diego Maritime Museum

The San Diego Maritime Museum is a maritime museum located in San Diego’s historic waterfront district. The museum is home to a number of boats and ships, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits.

A bit of history:

The San Diego Maritime Museum was founded in 1948 as the San Diego Maritime Institute. The institute was originally located on board the HMS Surprise, a ship that was used in the film “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.” The museum is now home to a number of different ships and boats, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits.

San Diego Festivals and Annual Events

San Diego is home to a number of great festivals and annual events, including the San Diego County Fair, the San Diego Jazz Fest, and the San Diego Beer Week. Check out our list of some of the best festivals and annual events in San Diego.

San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair is one of the largest and most popular fairs in the country. Held every summer, the fair features a variety of attractions, food, and entertainment.

San Diego Jazz Fest

The San Diego Jazz Fest is an annual event that celebrates the best in jazz music. The festival features a variety of jazz musicians from around the world, as well as a number of great food and drink options.

San Diego Beer Week

San Diego Beer Week is a ten-day event that celebrates the best in craft beer. Held every year in November, the event features a variety of beer-related events, including tastings, brewery tours, and more.

San Diego Comic-Con

San Diego Comic-Con is one of the largest and most popular comic book conventions in the world. Held every year in July, the event features a variety of comic book-related events, including panel discussions, celebrity appearances, and more.

San Diego without Kids: The Breweries

San Diego is a mecca for craft beer lovers, and there are plenty of great breweries to visit even if you don’t have kids in tow. Here are just a few of our favourites:

Ballast Point Brewing Company

Ballast Point has something for everyone, whether you like hoppy IPAs or malty stouts. They offer tours of the brewery, but they’re also just a great place to hang out and drink some excellent beer.

Green Flash Brewing Co.

Green Flash is another fantastic option for craft beer lovers, and they offer tours of their facility as well. They have an on-site restaurant where you can get some food to pair with your beer, and they often have live music on the weekends.

Stone Brewing Co.

Stone is one of the most popular breweries in San Diego, and for good reason. They make some incredible beer, and their facility is really impressive. They offer tours as well, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of craft beer.

AleSmith Brewing Company

AleSmith is another must-visit for craft beer lovers, and they offer tours of their facility as well. They have a great taproom where you can try a variety of their beers, and they usually have food trucks on-site if you get hungry.

Coronado Brewing Company

Coronado Brewing Company is a great option if you’re looking for something a little different. They make some excellent beer, and they also have a full kitchen where you can get food to go with your beers. They offer tours of the brewery as well, which is definitely worth doing.

San Diego is a great place to visit even if you don’t have kids, and there are plenty of great breweries to check out. Ballast Point, Green Flash, Stone, AleSmith, and Coronado Brewing Company are all great options, and they offer tours of their facilities so you can learn more about the brewing process.

Final Word

If you are looking for a more active vacation, San Diego also has plenty to offer. There are numerous hiking and biking trails located throughout the city, and the San Diego Zoo is a great place to spend a day.

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What Places to Visit with Kids in San Diego