Mentioned by Family Destinations Guide
25 Best Things to Do in San Diego, CA (for 2021)
"One of San Diego’s gems, Balboa Park, is teeming with free things to do in San Diego. There are over 65 miles of walking trails at Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in America. In addition, there are gorgeous gardens, botanical gardens and spectacular Spanish Colonial Revival architecture to see."
"A post shared by Daniel Deming (@grubyoface619) on May 10, 2016 at 9:44pm PDT. Wander through the attractions in Balboa Park before you make your way to The Prado. This full-service restaurant is perfect for a relaxing dinner where you can spend quality time together."
"Balboa Park is one of the largest urban cultural parks in the United States. It has been home to a pair of world's fairs, and many of the buildings here were built for these expositions.[Learn more]"
"The Children’s Museum is an environmentally sustainable building that provides a dynamic, playful public space and community center for children and families – a place to experience exciting art exhibitions, hands-on studio projects, performances, birthday parties, in-depth classes, camps and educational programs. Across the street from the new building is a beautiful park, extending the museum visit outdoors with space for running, climbing, family picnics and a view of the trains and trolleys going by."
"The New Children's Museum in San Diego is a great museum for families with children to visit. The museum's state of the art center is focused on creating a space where children can think, play and create through hands-on exhibitions, art creation, and educational opportunities. It has something for children of every age and parents will enjoy the learning nature of it as well."
"Originally in La Jolla, the New Children’s Museum opened in its current light-filled downtown space in 2008. Entering the multi-story, 50,000-square-foot space, it’s immediately evident that a lot of thought and imagination has gone into the museum’s design. Off the bat, a room lined entirely with mattresses invites kids to literally jump on the bed."
"If you want something simple, straightforward, and kid-friendly, this small Solana Beach spot sports a nice grassy area, and also has a playground for kids who get bored of swimming. Fletcher Cove also has picnic tables, bathroom facilities, and a beach wash station. This beach is best for walking, playing (there’s a basketball court, too) and boogie or body boarding, but if you’re looking to lounge on the sand all day, try somewhere else because the sand is limited here and sometimes completely swallowed by high tides."
"The main beach in Solana Beach is Fletcher Cove, aka “Pillbox” (because a WWII gunnery installation is there), located where Lomas Santa Fe Boulevard meets the coast and just across Highway 101 from the Solana Beach train station. There are public restrooms and showers, as well as picnic tables and a basketball court on the bluffs above the beach. Lifeguards are on duty from 8 a.m."
"Featuring international artists, this is where you escape to if you’re looking for a life-like fairy tale. It’s one of the most interesting things to see in Escondido. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle has a maze, with walls made of black, white and glass mosaic tiles, a garden with native plants, phenomenal sculptures and a special golden egg fountain with a 24 foot (7.4 meters) statue of Queen Califia herself, with an eagle."
"Queen Califa’s Magical Circle is a special and enchanted garden, filled with brightly colored mosaic sculptures, inspired by California’s mythical and historical past. Hidden within Kit Carson Park, finding the garden is part of the fun. Designed by the French artist Niki de Saint Phalle, the mosaic garden features nine large-scale sculptures, a maze entryway and is encircled by a circular snake wall."
"Tucked inside the Kababayan Bakery in Spring Valley, Snoice serves up pandesal ice cream sandwiches filled with flavors like iconic ube (yam), buko pandan (coconut, screwpine leaves), and mais queso (creamy corn, cheese, milk) alongside shaved snow and favorite Filipino dessert halo halo."
"Time: Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.Specials: $2 off of appetizers and other food and drink specialsOcean View: Panoramic ocean viewWhy Go: Counter-serve café serving mostly Italian cuisine adjacent to UCSD with views in addition to indoor and outdoor seatingNeighborhood: Torrey Pines/UCSDAddress: 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, California 92037"
"It's always good, but the drinks are pretty inconsistent in quality. It seems like they always have new employees making the drinks different ways."
"Look no further than to Spoiled Vegans Cafe for a hearty sandwich or rich sausages wrapped in waffles that are vegan and cruelty free. This eatery, which was founded by co-owners Todd Anderson and Samantha Aaron, serves as a perfect brunch option during the weekends. “We want to use Spoiled Vegans to break barriers,” Anderson said."
"Billing itself an "organic health bar," this little cafe in the heart of La Jolla's village serves natural, organic breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Salads and wraps can be made to order, with customers checking off the items they want; each item comes with a symbol signifying whether it's organic, vegan and/or gluten-free. Specialties include the Acai Bowls, which include the trendy fruit along with strawberries, mango, coconut, granola and soy milk; fresh fruit smoothies; and protein shakes."
"Salads and wraps to die for, plus some delicious protein shakes that will keep you going the rest of the day."