Fall 2022: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego With Kids
San Diego is a wonderful family vacation destination, with plenty of things to see and do for all ages. From shopping to dining to marine adventures, San Diego has so much to offer. If you are planning a trip to San Diego this fall, here are some of the best things you can do with your kids.
Visiting San Diego During Fall Season
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit San Diego with your kids. The weather is perfect, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and evening temperatures staying above 60. There is an average of only one rainy day per month, meaning you are unlikely to miss activities due to weather.
Since tourists are usually visiting the city in the summer, by fall they are gone and the city is less crowded. This also means that hotel rates are lower and many attractions are not only less crowded but may offer a bargain as well.
With perfect weather and no crowds, your fall visit to San Diego with your kids is sure to be a raging success.
Best Restaurants in San Diego
The food scene in San Diego is booming, and wonderful restaurants of every cuisine are available all over the city. However, these SD restaurants have set themselves apart as being especially kid-friendly.
Haramama Noodles & Buns (La Jolla and Little Italy)
This pan-Asian favorite offers dim sum and Japanese buns that kids adore. Be sure to try the character buns, the cutest food you’ll ever see.
CUCINA Urbana (Bunker Hill)
This lovely upscale restaurant has plenty to offer adults, while the kids can enjoy a make-your-own pizza right at your table.
Corvette Diner (Point Loma)
Don’t miss this 1050’s classic diner, a local favorite for more than 25 years. With live entertainment and a Gamer’s Garage, dinner here is bound to be a highlight of your trip.
Must Visit Beaches & Parks
San Diego’s beautiful beaches are a must-visit for families. All 70 miles of beaches in San Diego are free to the public. Check out these beaches which are especially kid-friendly.
Coronado Central Beach (Coronado Island)
This wide, flat beach is perfect for the kids to run and play on, and the chairs and umbrellas that are available for rent from the Hotel Coronado accommodate parents as well. The water here is usually calm enough for children to play safely.
Moonlight Beach (Encinitas)
This beach has the most family-friendly amenities in San Diego, including picnic tables, restrooms, a snack bar, and equipment rentals. There are lifeguards on duty to protect swimmers.
Mission Bay Beaches (Mission Bay)
Mission Bay hosts the largest aquatic adventure park in America, making this a must-do for adventurous families. Bay beaches are perfect for young families since there are virtually no waves. Younger kids can enjoy the water while older kids enjoy the water activities here: you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, aqua cycles and jet skis from vendors on the beach.
In a city known for its parks, a few stand out as great places for families to make memories. Here are some of the best places to visit with your kids.
Waterfront Park (Downtown)
With interactive water fountains that the children can play in and plenty of playground equipment, kids love to visit this park. There is a large grassy area perfect for picnics and games, and if you’re lucky you may even catch an outdoor movie. Don’t miss the spectacular views of San Diego Bay.
Skate Parks
San Diego is home to world-famous skateboarders like Tony Hawk. If you want to try your hand at it, Carlsbad Skate Park is good for beginners. If you want to watch experts do their thing, chick out Washington Street Skate Park or Linda Vista Skate Park, the second-largest in California.
Balboa Park
No list is complete without including the world-famous Balboa Park. The list of things to do in this 1200-acre masterpiece is almost unlimited. With more than 16 museums, multiple performing arts venues, magnificent gardens and walking trails, this park is not to be missed. Balboa Park is also home to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo.
Best Places to Shop
Shopping with kids can be challenging, but choosing a venue that has things of interest to them can make it a pleasant experience. If you are hoping to do some shopping while in San Diego, check out these kid-friendly places.
Grossmont Center (La Mesa)
With a wide range of stores and restaurants, there is something for everyone at this lovely outdoor mall. Built in 1961, this mall has been a California mainstay for generations.
Otay Ranch Town Center (Chula Vista)
This open-air lifestyle shopping destination houses more than 88 stores, including family favorites like See’s Candies. It also hosts a Farmers Market, art shows and community events regularly, so no matter when you visit there is bound to be something exciting happening.
Plaza Bonita (National City)
This indoor mall is a great place to visit on a rare rainy day. A movie theater can let you catch the newest release, and plenty of shopping and restaurants can keep you busy once your film ends.
Whale Watching in San Diego
Fall is a wonderful time to take the family on an unforgettable excursion in San Diego: whale watching. The weather is perfect to be out on the water and there is plenty to see.
In the autumn, blue whales are migrating up the coast toward colder water in search of their only food source, krill. Pods of whales are easy to spot and the excitement of seeing them in the wild is something your children will never forget.
Next Level Sailing offers tours on a 139-foot racing yacht with room for 77 people. This style boat affords plenty of room for your family to move around to get the best views. The top-notch crew is prepared to answer all your questions and make your trip both entertaining and easy.
On your tour, you can expect to see a variety of whale species, including blue whales, finback whales, humpbacks and minke whales. There is plenty of other marine animal life on view as well, such as dolphins, sea lions, seals and maybe even orcas.
Planning a fall trip to San Diego for your family is sure to provide you with memories for a lifetime. Consider an itinerary that includes these best things to do with your kids.