San Diego
San Diego has so much to offer families. After a week of exploring I still couldn’t fit in all the fun things to do. From the city to the seashore you won’t get bored. I put together a list of the places I was able to visit. If you are traveling with small children you won’t want to miss the New Children’s Museum. I also found a few cafes with play spaces!
Play:
The Birch Aquarium was fun way to spend a couple hours. It is pretty small, they have some touch pools the kids can explore outside. Check the feeding schedule to get the most our of your visit.
The New Children’s Museum is incredible! So many things to do and exhibits to explore. The sensory play was so fun, clay building, painting with water brush, and so much more. Massive installation build outs of fort like structures with small rooms and different levels for climbing are part of what makes this museum so unique. Its for the kids, but I found it all so inspiring I was literally trying to figure out how to recreate one of the build outs in my house. The whole place had a very organic and calming flow in the midst of all the stimulation. To finish off our visit we went to the The bean sprout cafe and found it is not your typical museum cafeteria. The food was thoughtfully selected with attention to allergies and made into the funnest shapes and sizes for kids to enjoy. Check the website for special events and toddler time activites.
The San Diego Zoo is a classic destination. It is well maintained and massive. If you are visiting with small children I recommend choosing which animals to see, or stay where they are interested. Trying to fit it all in takes away from the fun of just enjoying where you are. For example, if we would have spent all our time at the flamingos and giraffes we would have done enough. You start to run out of steam. Also make sure to check which exhibits are closed, the park is huge and you don’t want to walk to one side of the park to find a closed exhibit. I recommend bringing a picnic.
Eat:
Waypoint public in North Park is good for an easy lunch. They have a play space for kids and lunch specials.
https://www.waypointpublic.com/
El Pascador Fish Market was a hit. Generally speaking it doesn’t get any fresher. I had the local sea bass plate with a big salad. All sauces and dressings are made in house. M loves fish so she was quite content to get in on the family feast. Places like this are great for eating family style, place your order and find a table. I highly recommend their agua frescas, the watermelon lemonade- oh my! (g/f, and vegetarian options)
https://www.elpescadorfishmarket.com/
Had dinner at a low key Himillayan restaurant. The ambiance was very mellow and the food was great. After we walked down to Children’s Pool Beach. There were sea lions everywhere! M had fun chasing seagulls-- literally like they wouldn't fly away. Saw the sunset. It was beautiful. Last stop Gelato. We lucked out and parked next to the best spot, Bobboi Natural Gelato. It was hands down the best I’ve had. P.S. Its organic. (g/f, and vegetarian options)
https://www.tasteofthehimalayasca.com/
Communal Cafe is a great spot for coffee and breakfast/lunch. They also have fresh cut flowers. There is a small kids play space which was a hit. Once you become a parent enjoying a coffee shop can lose its charm, the play area made everybody happy. *check their schedule for children’s music hour hosted by Seed and Song
http://www.communalcoffee.com/
The Taco Stand has great tacos. Its small inside and gets packed so go early and go hungry.
http://www.letstaco.com/
Snooze Eatery is great for breakfast. It has a super cute retro ambiance and something for everyone. They get extra points for serving fluffy gluten free pancakes and strong coffee.
https://snoozeeatery.com/
