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5 Fun Things To Do With Grandparents in San Diego

a couple of people that are standing in the sand on a beach

Whether you are visiting San Diego for the first time or have been to America’s Finest City multiple times, there are always new adventures. The city has attractions and activities for everyone, so taking a multigenerational family trip is a great way to explore San Diego. Here are five fun things to do with grandparents in San Diego.

1. Take the Old Town Trolley Tour

This guided tour is a convenient way to see the city highlights. One- and two-day passes are available. There are 11 places the trolley stops, and you can get on or off at any of those sites, such as the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where you can learn how California was founded. There are also stops at the historic Gaslamp Quarter and the USS Midway. Since you can create your own adventure, this is the perfect way to see the sights you want to see.

2. Shop at the Seaport Village

If you like shopping, Seaport Village is the place to go. Covering 14 acres, this waterfront property has shopping, entertainment, and dining facilities. While you are there, hop on the carousel for a ride, and take home a caricature drawing of your family to remember your trip. This is also one of the places where the Old Town Trolley Tour stops, so there is no need to worry about parking.

3. Grab Lunch in Little Italy

From authentic Italian food to seafood, Little Italy has restaurant options for everyone. Even if you don’t enjoy pizza or lasagna, grab lunch in Little Italy. You might even find a restaurant that serves fried chicken or steak.

After lunch, check out the Lady of the Rosary Church. Due to its incredible architecture, it is known as the Jewel of Little Italy. You can also visit more than a dozen art galleries in Little Italy.

whale jumping out of water

4. Play Mini Golf at Pelly’s

Located at the Del Mar Golf Center, Pelly’s mini golf has two 18-hole courses, Ocean Adventure and Surfin’ Safari. The whole family can enjoy this relaxing outdoor activity. If you want to play the easier course, choose Surfin’ Safari. Read the signs through the courses to learn more about recycling and conservation while playing miniature golf. You can also grab a snack at the cafe.

5. Visit San Diego’s Museums

San Diego has over 90 museums, with 18 located in Balboa Park. When you are on your trolley tour, stop at the park to explore. There are transportation museums, such as the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the San Diego Automotive Museum and San Diego Model Railroad Museum, and a veterans museum and memorial center. Balboa Park is also home to the San Diego Zoo, which can be enjoyed by the young and old alike. Since there is so much to see at Balboa Park, you might want to spend more than one day there. Check out their multi-day combination pass to visit the museums and the zoo for one price.

During your lunch stop in Little Italy, visit the San Diego Firehouse Museum. There is fire equipment that dates back to the 1800s. The Maritime Museum of San Diego and the Old Town Model Railroad Depot are both must-see museums in other parts of San Diego. The Maritime Museum has a collection of historic ships and activities for all ages, while the Railroad Depot boasts 2,000 square feet of railroad track where several model trains travel through a city at night that includes a working drive-in movie theater.

No trip to San Diego is complete until you go on a whale-watching tour. Find a reputable company to make your on-the-ocean adventure fun for the whole family!