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San Diego

Family Vacations

Just a Hop, Skip and a Smile Away

Rated One of the Top Family Destinations in America

Whether you love theme parks, state parks or water parks, building sandcastles or beach bonfires, exploring kid-friendly museums or hiking trails, families always have a blast in San Diego. In fact, San Diego is consistently ranked one of the top family destinations in America, and it's no wonder.  With 70 miles of beautiful beaches; such world-class attractions as the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California; and budget-friendly hotels, dining and activities, there are plenty of family vacation options available.  Plus, many San Diego hotels and resorts offer special children's programs for kids of all ages. From crafts and puzzles for younger kids to video games, air hockey and sports lessons for teenagers (some even complimentary), the entire family can be entertained from sunup to sundown.

Family Fun

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Explore These Awesome Museums

Where learning is more like recess

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7 Reasons to Bring the Family to San Diego

San Diego is the perfect place for families to spend quality time at the beach, at a world-class attraction or up-close and personal with wildlife!

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The best beaches, according to kids

San Diego's kid-sized, 70-mile sandbox

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9 Kid-Approved Parks

Some of the best places to play in San Diego

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Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

May 9 - May 12, 2024

The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco, this 4-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts & performances on 7 stages, wooden dance floors, shade, green grass and plenty of fun for the kids.

Come for the music, stay for the food. Gator By The Bay’s mouthwatering French Quarter Food Court is what foodie dreams are made of. Check off every box on your bayou-inspired culinary bucket list and chow down on authentic Cajun, Creole and Southern culinary delights, including gumbo, jambalaya, beignets and 10,000 pounds of crawfish brought directly from Louisiana. Gator By The Bay is Mardi Gras in May

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Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024

A highly-anticipated 7+ stage, 80+ bands, 3-day music, culinary and arts festival will descend upon the stunning waterfront of downtown San Diego all along the Embarcadero. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village and plenty of local flavors. Wonderfront festival’s re-entry policy encourages festival-goers to customize their weekend experience and truly integrates the city into the fabric of the festival.

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La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 18, 2024

The La Jolla Half Marathon is one of America's most picturesque and beautiful point-to-point races. Starting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the course follows a scenic coastal route before reaching the challenging climb to the summit of Torrey Pines State Park. The course then rolls atop Torrey Pines mesa, continues down through residential La Jolla Shores, and finishes at La Jolla Cove.

For those interested in a shorter option, the La Jolla Shores 5K offers a mostly downhill course and features some of the most scenic views of the last 3.1 miles of the half marathon course.

 
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Annual Over The Line Tournament

Jul 13 - Jul 21, 2024

The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) is calling all players, beach-goers, and sports enthusiasts to the biggest summer event in San Diego!

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What's Hot

View More

Explore These Awesome Museums

Discover

7 Reasons to Bring the Family to San Diego

Discover

The best beaches, according to kids

Discover

9 Kid-Approved Parks

Discover

What's On

View All

Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

May 9 - May 12, 2024
Discover

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024
Discover

La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 18, 2024
Discover

Annual Over The Line Tournament

Jul 13 - Jul 21, 2024
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Awesome Adventures

You're invited to embark on an epic quest to discover new places to play.

Deals just for you

Museums

Kids Free at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum

San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Valid: Oct 1, 2023 - ongoing

Kids 12 and under get in FREE to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum year-round and during Kids Free October!   

Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Feb 2, 2024 - ongoing

Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...

Activity

$10 off Tall Ship Sail Experiences

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Mar 20 - ongoing

Join the Maritime Museum of San Diego Sail Crew for a 4-hour sail aboard the state tall ship Californian or the Spanish galleon San Salvador and save $10.00 with this promo code TALLSHIPSAILFUN24! ...

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