San Diego Family Attractions
Titan Beach Rentals guarantees our guests first-class customer service, and one of the many ways we do this is by providing all our vacationers with a guide to help plan their vacation. Offering local tips and suggestions can make planning your activities less of a hassle and more enjoyable.
Our San Diego guide is meant to introduce our guests to the area by sharing all of our favorite San Diego family activities. From a day at the San Diego Zoo to a trip to Mission Beach and Belmont Park, we have you covered.
If you have any questions, or need us to help narrow down some of our suggestions, please feel free to contact us! Also, you might enjoy reading our recommendations for the best museums in San Diego.
San Diego Zoo
The world famous San Diego Zoo is a must visit, especially for those with children. Home to more than 12,000 animals, 3,700 rare and endangered animals, 650 species and displaying over 700,000 exotic plants. The zoo will keep you, and your little ones, entertained all day, especially considering it spans 100 acres of Balboa Park, just outside downtown.
Considered a pioneer park due to the open-air concept, allowing animals to roam through cage-free exhibits. The San Diego Zoo is also featured in a tv series on Animal Planet, titled “The Zoo: San Diego”.
Finally, be sure not to miss out on the koalas, elephants, polar bears, hippos and penguins. The zoo also features an aerial tram, guided bus tours, and multiple kids play areas.
SeaWorld
A staple in the Mission Beach area for decades, SeaWorld San Diego offers a unique experience to see marine life up close and personal. The park offers an assortment of shows, rides, educational experience, and most importantly, offers care to injured or displaced marine life throughout the Southern California area.
Do not miss the fantastic animal experience areas, shows such as Orca Encounter and Sea Lions Live, three different roller coasters, plus the iconic Bayside Skyride. SeaWorld San Diego also offers holiday fireworks, including during the summer months, which are fantastic to view while staying at our Mission Beach vacation rentals.
Belmont Park
Built in 1925, this oceanfront amusement park has been the center point of Mission Beach since its inception. Entry is free, and there is plenty to do! From the historic Big Dipper roller coaster, to carnival rides, an arcade, putt-putt golf, an escape room, go-karts, shopping, ice cream and more!
Additionally, there is a beautiful multi-story gym, called Fit Athletic Club, which also features a rooftop deck to soak up the sun, ocean and bay views. Take the kids to a stop at Plunge San Diego, for an indoor aquatic experience at one of the largest pools in Southern California.
LEGOLAND California
If you or your children love LEGOs, this park is the perfect place for everyone! It is quite diversified, featuring multiple interactive attractions and hotels.
LEGOLAND California is about a half day visit, and perfect for younger children and toddler, typically between 2-12 years old. There are dozens of games, rides and attractions; even a small roller coaster and a boat cruise.
The LEGOLAND Water Park is home to more than seven slides, fun beaches, a river where you can build your own raft, Pirate Reef, and more all spread across 10 acres.
Sesame Place California
Sesame Place California, located in San Diego, is the only Sesame Street themed park on the entire West Coast. If you are familiar with the Aquatica Water Park, this park is replacing the old local favorite.
Featuring seven Sesame Street-themed rides, 11 water attractions, a 500,000 gallon wave pool, and an interactive musical play area. Much like Disneyland, the park will also host live character shows, a daily parade, photo opportunities with characters, and more!
Old Town
Visit the birthplace of California! One of the city’s most popular destinations, nearly everything in the area is walkable. Kids will enjoy the Whaley House, a popular haunted house with tours, even at night.
Additionally, there are plenty of free museums, historical artifacts and learn about the history of the area, featuring the Kumeyaay People, plus the Spanish and Mexican heritage from the area.
Finally, take a walk around through the many souvenir shops, stores, plenty of Mexican restaurants, mariachi performances and more!
Balboa Park
One of the most beautiful areas in all of San Diego, Balboa Park truly is a “Hidden Gem”. Located centrally, just north of downtown, the Park has so, so much to offer.
Home of the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park also has more than 16 fantastic museums, multiple performance venues, lovely gardens, trails, and more. The main attractions, outside of the zoo, are the Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Cabrillo Bridge, California Tower, and many other amazing gardens.
San Diego Botanic Garden
This garden, located in beautiful Encinitas, is an absolute delight with more than 29 stunning themed gardens. Spanning 37 acres, the garden includes rare bamboo groves, California native plants, Mediterranean landscapes, a subtropical fruit garden, desert gardens and even a tropical rainforest.
Also, there are classes, including online ones, kids garden and programs, special events, and more. You can even host your wedding at this magical place!
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
While not the same size as larger aquariums you might be used to, this smaller, budget friendly version is perfect for a shorter trip with the little ones, and keeps you coming back for more.
First of all, it helps to be in beautiful La Jolla, especially on the stunning coastline. However, there are more than 60 habitats, many of which are hand-on exhibits, including the Tide Pool Plaza area outside. Finally, the Birch Aquarium features the Seadragons and Seahorses exhibition. There are very few aquariums in the world who breed either fish, and while you will not be able to view the babies, it is a stand out experience.
La Jolla Cove
Not far south from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, you can stroll along the fabulous coast line and explore La Jolla Cove. The selling point here is viewing the wild sea lions swimming in the cove and bathing on the beach. Oh yeah, there is the majestic view as well.
To make things even better, you can walk right into the downtown coastal La Jolla area and shop, grab lunch or dinner at some of the most amazing coastal restaurants in the area, and take in the scenery as far south as the natural tidepools, only a few blocks away.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Need to burn off some of your kids’ energy? This is the perfect local spot. Even better, the ocean and coastal views are some of the best in the city.
Covering more than 1,750 acres, the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located above the Torrey Pines State Beach. Home to the rare Torrey Pine trees and other local wildlife, this is the perfect location for a quick hike, stroll through some of the nature trails along the winding cliffs, and you can even stop by the beach before and after.