Close Banner
Show me:

San Diego City Guide

Overview

With mild weather and an abundance of kid-friendly attractions, it's no wonder San Diego is a top destination for families.

The city — nestled along the Pacific Coast and the border of Mexico, 120 miles south of Los Angeles — boasts some 70 miles of beaches and coastline, a number of world-class attractions, and plenty of shopping, sports, outdoor entertainment and nightlife. While children will no doubt be drawn to its three biggest attractions, SeaWorld® San Diego, the San Diego Zoo® and LEGOLAND® California, parents will enjoy soaking up the food, history and culture of Balboa Park and Gaslamp Quarter.

While visiting the main attractions doesn't require the same detail of planning as, say, a trip to the Disneyland® Resort or even Los Angeles, just a little bit of planning for your San Diego trip will yield maximum returns.

Use this guide as the starting point for your San Diego family vacation planning!



San Diego at a Glance
March 23, 2023
Crowd Level: High
Temperature: HI 57° LO 53°

Powered by Dark Sky


Best Time to Visit

Thanks to nearly year-round pleasant temps, there isn’t a bad time. July, August and September are the sunniest and warmest months.

What We Love

  • Family-friendly beaches
  • Easy access to attractions
  • Year-round mild temps and special events
  • It's super safe and easy to navigate by car

Fun Facts About San Diego

  • The average yearly high is 70 degrees
  • There are some 70 miles of beaches
  • The historic Hotel del Coronado is thought to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman who checked into the hotel in 1892 but never checked out
  • May 29th is officially “Tony Hawk Day” in San Diego in recognition of the legendary skateboarder and native
  • Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, wrote most of his children’s books in San Diego’s seaside community of La Jolla.

Take the trolley! You can hit up many of San Diego’s most iconic spots on the hop-on, hop-off trolley and leave the driving to someone else.

Want even more tips? Check out our Frog Family Blog!
San Diego at a Glance
March 23, 2023
Crowd Level: High
Temperature: HI 57° LO 53°

A Typical First Time Visit to San Diego

Popular Length of Stay
6
days
for a famliy of 4
Average Hotel Cost
$412
Per Night
for a moderate Frog Family Favorite hotel
Average Ticket Cost
$112
Per Person
for a family of 4

San Diego Planning Guides

City Guide
When to Visit San Diego
With its pleasant temps, San Diego is a popular year-round destination. We've put together this guide to help you determine when to visit San Diego.
City Guide
Where to Stay in San Diego
With its mild weather, fun attractions and beautiful beaches, it's no wonder San Diego is a favorite family escape. Check out where to stay in San Diego,
City Guide
Transportation Options
It's fairly easy to get around in this beach town that has grown into a thriving metropolis. Check out transportation to and around San Diego.
City Guide
What to Do & See
Nature- and animal-loving families will be especially impressed with all of the options of what to do and see in San Diego.
Park Plan
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego
Blog Post
11 Tips to Maximize Your Time at SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego is known for its animal shows, exhibits and rides. You will need to do a little planning to maximize your time at SeaWorld San Diego.
Blog Post
LEGOLAND California Tips
We created these LEGOLAND California tips so that you can build the most awesome day ever at the park, from touring tips to not-to-miss experiences.
Blog Post
Guide to SeaWorld San Diego Height Requirements
It's one of the family-friendliest theme parks we know, but there are quite a few SeaWorld San Diego height requirements that parents should know about.
Blog Post
9 Not-to-Miss SeaWorld San Diego Rides & Shows
So much splashing fun to be had at SeaWorld San Diego! Hop over to our favorite SeaWorld San Diego Shows and Attractions.
Blog Post
9 Not-to-Miss LEGOLAND California Attractions
There are plenty of not-to-miss LEGOLAND California attractions and a handful of "pink knuckle" rides, and all of them are kid approved.
Blog Post
Best Southern California Theme Parks By Age Group
California has many theme parks to choose from! Need some help deciding? Check out our guide to best theme parks in California by age group.
Blog Post
Guide to Southern California Theme Park Special Events
A few weeks ago we wrote about Disneyland special events, and today we wanted to take a look at all of the Southern California theme park special events.
Blog Post
Read More of Undercover Tourist's Blog Posts
Read More of Undercover Tourist's Blog Posts