San Diego
🌴 Spring Break in San Diego: A 4-Day Family Getaway Full of Sunshine, Discovery and lots of Tacos!
From historic aircraft carriers to vibrant flower fields, San Diego gave us the perfect balance of adventure, learning, and coastal charm, just right for a short family vacation. Here’s how we made the most of our 4-day spring break trip with the kids.
Stay: Hyatt Regency at Mission Bay
This hotel was a little way from the central downtown area in a quiet neighborhood of Mission Bay. We had rented a car to help us get around for the 4 days, which made things pretty convenient.
Travel Month April
Day 1 – History, Waterfront Walks & Amphibious Fun
Morning: USS Midway Museum
We kicked off our trip with a deep dive into naval history at the USS Midway Museum, a massive aircraft carrier docked on San Diego Bay. This floating museum is incredibly interactive—perfect for kids and adults alike. We spent about 4–5 hours climbing into cockpits, testing out simulators, and listening to stories from retired Navy personnel. The scale of the ship alone is enough to impress, but the hands-on exhibits made it a highlight for the whole family.
Afternoon: Seaport Village
A short walk from the museum led us to Seaport Village, a lively waterfront spot filled with charming boutiques and casual eateries. We grabbed some fresh fish tacos from a local taco shack, watched the boats glide by, and browsed through artisan shops for souvenirs. It was a relaxing and delicious break after a busy morning of exploring.
Evening: SEAL Tour (Land & Sea)
In the evening, we hopped on the San Diego SEAL Tour—a super fun, 100-minute amphibious vehicle tour that starts on land and ends in the water. It was both entertaining and educational, offering amazing views of the harbor while the guide shared quirky facts and kid-friendly history.
Dinner: Puesto Mexican Restaurant
We ended the day at Puesto, a popular spot known for its vibrant decor and delicious tacos. Their handmade blue corn tortillas and inventive taco fillings were a hit. (Tip: Make a reservation—the place gets busy!)
Day 2: Animal Encounters & Sunset by the Sea
Morning to Afternoon: San Diego Zoo & Skyfari
We dedicated most of the day to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. The kids were fascinated by the variety of animals—from elephants and tigers to penguins and capybaras. One of the best features was the Skyfari Aerial Tram, which gave us a scenic ride over the entire zoo and helped save our legs between exhibits. The layout is stroller-friendly and has plenty of shaded rest areas.
Evening: La Jolla Cove Walk
After some downtime, we headed to La Jolla Cove in the evening. The sunset views were breathtaking, and the kids were delighted to spot dozens of seals lounging on the rocks or splashing in the surf. The coastal paths are easy to walk and offer plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the view.
Dinner: Casual Tacos by the Beach
We grabbed a low-key taco dinner nearby—because nothing pairs better with a beach evening than warm tortillas and a salty breeze.
Day 3: Scenic Views & Cultural Gems
Morning: Cabrillo National Monument & Hike
We started the day with a short hike at Cabrillo National Monument. The views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego skyline were spectacular. We explored tide pools, read about early explorers, and visited the lighthouse for a quick history lesson and panoramic photo ops.
Afternoon: Coronado Island Drive
We took a scenic drive across the Coronado Bridge and cruised around Coronado Island. From palm-lined streets to the historic Hotel del Coronado, this part of the city felt like stepping into a classic beach town. We made a few beach stops to enjoy the calm vibe and ocean breeze.
Evening: Old Town San Diego Exploration
Our evening was spent wandering through Old Town San Diego—a lively, historic area filled with colorful buildings, street performers, and open-air markets. We explored old adobe structures, browsed shops full of handmade goods, and soaked in the festive atmosphere.
Dinner: Cafe Coyote in Old town
A traditional Mexican plan with a good selection of margaritas and tacos
Day 4: Blooming Beauty Before Goodbye
Morning: Carlsbad Flower Fields
On our final day, we drove up to Carlsbad to visit the Flower Fields—a seasonal attraction bursting with rows of bright, blooming ranunculus flowers. The sight of endless color was magical, and there were tractor rides and photo spots that the kids loved. It was the perfect, relaxed way to wrap up our busy itinerary.
Afternoon: Departure
After soaking up one last bit of SoCal sunshine, we packed up and headed home—our phones full of photos and hearts full of memories.
💡 Final Thoughts & Tips
San Diego truly delivers when it comes to family travel. Whether you’re into museums, marine life, or just enjoying some sunshine by the sea, it’s a destination that keeps both kids and adults happy. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a little flexibility go a long way in making your trip smooth and fun
