A San Diego family getaway is perfect for relaxing and discovering Southern California. Here are things to do on your San Diego vacation.

Traveling with my family is undoubtedly one of my favorite things to do. As my kids grow up and get older, I have discovered that taking the time to unplug and unwind with them has become increasingly important. Recently, we had the opportunity to spend a few days in beautiful San Diego, California. The break from our daily routines—with that typical hustle and bustle—was welcome and much needed. Here are ways to find fun and adventure on your San Diego family getaway.

A San Diego Family Getaway Begins on Coronado Island

We began our vacation with a quick stop on Coronado Island. If you’ve never had the opportunity to head over the bridge from San Diego, you are missing out. The Island has a different vibe—it’s more of a small-town feel.

We stayed overnight at Lowes Coronado Bay Resort. Our room, with two full-sized beds, comfortably accommodated four people. Before exploring the area, we spent some time at the pool cooling down and enjoying a little outdoor R&R.

We also spoke to other families who rented bikes in Coronado. That sounds like a plan for next time!

Lowes Coronado Bay Resort is on the beach and has a great pool. Photo courtesy Lowes Coronado Bay Resort

A great restaurant, La Cantina, is located poolside. Several other restaurants in the resort offer delicious bites, including Crown Landing, Silver Strand Exchange, and Cays Lounge. We enjoyed our quick stop in Coronado, but bigger adventures lay ahead for our nearly week-long visit to the area.

Paradise Point Resort: San Diego Family-Friendly Hotel

For the remainder of our vacation, we stayed at Paradise Point Resort, which I didn’t even know existed until our most recent visit. This tropical paradise was perfect for our family to spend time together and escape our busy daily lives.

Paradise Point Resort in San Diego. Photo courtesy Paradise Point Resort

Our room was on the beachside of Mission Bay. It was quiet and featured beautiful waterside views. I could have sat outside on our back patio all week and just relaxed and stared at the views. On our first evening, we checked out one of their private bonfires set up by a hotel team member. We roasted s’mores near the bay—you couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the night.

The waterfront rooms offer great views of the Marina. Photo courtesy Paradise Point Resort

Paradise Point Resort is one of several properties in Mission Bay and part of the Discover Mission Bay group. While we didn’t stay there, we toured San Diego Mission Bay Resort, a great spot for groups, couples, and families. They have a fabulous spa on site that houses the only Himalayan salt block table in San Diego.

Active Fun During Our San Diego Family Getaway

We also checked out a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park. As a baseball lover, I have to say that this ballpark is one of my favorites. I appreciate the beautiful weather, tons of food and drink options, and watching America’s favorite pastime. If you visit during baseball season, I highly suggest taking in a game or two while you are there. Parking prices are a bit hefty downtown near the stadium, but well worth it.

Check out Petco Park and take in a baseball game if you visit during baseball season. Photo by Gretchen Pahia

We also got some activity in by renting a Surry Bike—a two- or four-person bike—and taking a tour of Mission Bay. Action Sports Rentals has spots on a few of the hotel properties in the area, and offers a variety of options, including the bikes we rented, boats, wave runners, and more.

Then, as if that wasn’t enough fun, we spent an afternoon at Belmont Park along the coastline in Mission Bay. We rode rides, played laser tag, tried our hand at some video games, and enjoyed an afternoon snack on the boardwalk.

Wooden rollercoaster at Belmont Park at Mission Beach in San Diego, California. Photo by Ron Niebrugge/DRR.net courtesy California Travel & Tourism Commission

If you haven’t visited Belmont Park, I suggest you stop. You can spend an hour or more, which is a pretty affordable way to enjoy family time together.

Enjoy some family time at Belmont Park. Photo by Gretchen Pahia

A Visit to Sea World

For our family, no vacation in San Diego is complete without a visit to SeaWorld.

Our kids have grown up loving this place and watching it move from an all-animal park to a legitimate thrill-ride park with many roller coasters and other ride options for the entire family.

Enjoy seeing the ocean life at SeaWorld in San Diego. Photo by Chad Ehlers/DRR.net courtesy California Travel & Tourism Commission

The shows are as great as ever, and the dolphins are always a great experience.
Save Up To 40% at San Diego’s Best Theme Parks & Attractions

Dolphins at SeaWorld in San Diego. Photo by Gretchen Pahia

Eating During Our San Diego Family Getaway

Honestly, one of the best parts of our visit to the area was checking out several eating spots. As a family, we enjoy our special mealtimes together, and San Diego did not disappoint.

Dining at Paradise Pointe Resort

While on-site at Paradise Pointe, we checked out some of its restaurants, including Barefoot Bar & Grill and Tidal. Barefoot Bar & Grill is a bit more laid-back and has a casual dining experience. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu has many options, and the restaurant is open late, which is excellent.

Tidal was a spot where we enjoyed our last dinner of the trip, and it was an amazing final memory of our San Diego family getaway. Tidal does a family-style menu that changes depending on the day. It offers tasty food and excellent service. Even if you aren’t staying on the property, I suggest stopping here if you are in the area.

Special Dinner Out in San Diego

One of our favorite meals during our visit was a special dinner near the bay at Firefly Eatery & Bar at The Dana on Mission Bay. We dined on an amazingly delicious meal served family-style; everyone tasted a little of everything. Our dining experience began with homemade guacamole and shrimp ceviche. My kids had never tried ceviche before, but they are excited to try it again!

A favorite meal during our family getaway in San Diego was at Firefly. Photo by Gretchen Pahia

We also noshed on calamari, Caesar salad, sea bass, and more. We finished dinner with warm, homemade chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.

Local Dining Hot Spots in San Diego

During our visit to San Diego, we checked out some other hot spots that showcased additional local bites. We visited Puesto, an excellent restaurant serving Mexican dishes such as street tacos, elote, margaritas, and more. There are a few of these restaurants in the region. We were lucky enough to check out the spot in La Jolla—one of my favorite places to visit in the San Diego area.

We loved the Mexican flavors at Puesto. Photo by Gretchen Pahia

We also spent some time at the Liberty Public Market and checked out the delicious tastes offered at White Rice. White Rice puts a modern twist on Filipino foods, so be ready for a punch of flavor. and bring your appetite, as the food is filling.

The Filipino flavors are memorable at White Rice. Photo by Gretchen Pahia

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When You Head Out for Your San Diego Family Getaway

This was one of our favorite visits to San Diego, and my kids are already asking when we can return. Honestly, I’m also wondering that because San Diego gives me a sense of serenity and peace. Next time, we might consider checking out San Diego Vacation Rentals to see what they offer for family accommodations.

Check out Wander for more great places to explore in Southern California and other exciting family getaways.

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