San Diego: An All Season Kid-Friendly Destination

The San Diego Zoo is a great start to any vacation in San Diego. The beauty of this zoo is how the glass enclosures allow the kids to get within inches from the animals.

The Birch Aquarium is a very manageable 1-2 hour activity.

This not a pool, but a protected cove where California seals congregate. Parking can be challenging but the scenery is worth it. This was a huge hit with both the adults and kids.

This luxurious hotel has beautiful rooms and ocean views. The town is cute and the overall area is perfect for walking and bike riding. The hotel has daily kids activities, offers surging lessons, and rents a variety of bikes including cruisers, tandems, and surreys. The restaurant is excellent and welcomes families. In the Winter, the hotel adds an ice skating rink to its' beachfront - a unique and fun California experience for a winter visit.

Torrey Pines State Reserve has incredible views of the ocean and surrounding areas. The Guy Fleming trail is .7 miles and affords gorgeous views. It is common to see pods of dolphins playing and even the occasional whale during the winter months. Parents should know that there are no fences in some areas of the trail.

Set in one of San Diego’s most beautiful areas, Torrey Pines is a destination in and of itself. The landscape is comprised of red cliffs and undeveloped canyons that drop into the Pacific Ocean. The Arts and Crafts style resort is a world famous golfer’s paradise, but it also has a top-notch spa and outstanding restaurant. Despite these adult-focused amenities, the resort goes out if its way to welcome families, particularly during summer months when they offer an array of kids activities. The décor is warm and cozy, and rooms are spacious. Although the location feels secluded and is a short drive from shops and restaurants, family-friendly San Diego attractions are easy to access.

Just steps from the beach, the Catamaran Resort is in an excellent location for all ages. Guest rooms are simply decorated but comfortable. Suites are spacious and many rooms have nice water views. There are plenty of restaurants nearby for those that want to walk to meals and the hotel offers free tickets in the evenings on the Bahia Belle boat (cruises through Mission Bay). Pricing is value-oriented for the space, room amenities, and location.

Set in the heart of Del Mar, a picturesque town that embodies Southern California laid-back elegance and charm, L’Auberge Del Mar is a boutique, luxury hotel that manages to be hip yet kid-friendly. With just 120 guest rooms, the recently renovated hotel has airy, peaceful spaces with stunning views of the Pacific. Rooms are casual and comfortable with an upscale yet homey feel created by bookshelves, fireplaces and beautiful coral accents. The convenient location, just blocks from the area’s best playground, beaches, cafes and shops, is ideal for families. The pool is busy with kids of all ages on weekends.