Your family's Southern California holiday begins with a morning journey from Montrose Regional Airport, touching down at San Diego International Airport to collect your rental car. After a quick drive across the soaring San Diego-Coronado Bridge, you'll arrive on Coronado Island to let the children burn off some energy at the waterfront [Tidelands Park](https://www.google.com/search?q=Tidelands+Park+From+Montrose+Co.+to+Sandiego+ca.+May+23-27++need+flight+car+and+lodging+for+4+adults+and+3+children+official+site) while the adults soak in the skyline views.
After checking into your lodging, spend the mid-afternoon exploring the historic beauty of the Hotel del Coronado and its legendary grounds. Following the tour, the whole group can relax on the sparkling sands of Coronado Central Beach, where the children can splash in the tide pools while the adults enjoy the gentle Pacific breeze.
As the sun sets, walk over to the Coronado Ferry Landing for a celebratory dinner at Peohe's, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while children marvel at the shimmering city lights. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through Centennial Park to capture a group photo against the panoramic backdrop of the San Diego Skyline across the water.
After a restful night following your Coronado arrival, head to the cultural heart of the city at Balboa Park to admire the stunning Spanish Colonial architecture along El Prado. Your family will then bypass the city crowds with an early morning entry to the San Diego Zoo, starting your wildlife adventure at the Lost Forest to see the playful primates and colorful aviary birds.
Continue the wildlife adventure by visiting the majestic inhabitants of the Elephant Odyssey and the towering giraffes at the Urban Jungle. Afterward, take a scenic flight across the grounds on the Skyfari Aerial Tram before exploring the vibrant tiles and local craft studios at the [Spanish Village Art Center](https://spanishvillageartcenter.com).
Conclude your day of discovery with a vibrant family dinner in the heart of Little Italy, where you can dine al fresco at Filippi's Pizza Grotto to satisfy travelers of all ages. Afterward, take a short stroll to the Piazza della Famiglia to watch the fountains and enjoy a sweet treat from Salt & Straw while soaking in the neighborhood's lively evening atmosphere.
Begin your Memorial Day morning by honoring the city's deep military roots with a tour of the [USS Midway Museum](https://www.midway.org/visit/buy-tickets/), where adults and children alike can explore the massive flight deck and historic aircraft. Afterward, take a short, reflective stroll through the adjacent Tuna Harbor Park to see the iconic Unconditional Surrender Statue and the moving A National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military memorial sculptures.
Transition from the morning's naval history to the water by boarding a narrated City Experiences harbor tour to view the city's impressive skyline and active naval vessels from the San Diego Bay. Following your cruise, take a short walk to [Seaport Village](https://www.seaportvillage.com) to enjoy some waterfront shopping and treat the children to a nostalgic ride on the historic [1895 Looff Carousel](https://www.google.com/search?q=1895+Looff+Carousel+From+Montrose+Co.+to+Sandiego+ca.+May+23-27++need+flight+car+and+lodging+for+4+adults+and+3+children+official+site).
Head to the historic Liberty Station to explore the eclectic food stalls and artisan shops within the [Liberty Public Market](https://libertypublicmarket.com/). Enjoy a final Memorial Day meal in the beautiful outdoor courtyard of Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Liberty Station before letting the children play in the open spaces of NTC Park as the sun sets over the water.
After your reflective Memorial Day, dive into a high-energy morning at SeaWorld San Diego where the entire family can marvel at aquatic life during the Orca Encounter. The children will love the interactive splash pads and character meet-and-greets at the Sesame Street Bay of Play, while the more adventurous adults take on the high-speed thrills of the Manta roller coaster.
Keep the high energy going by heading to Mission Bay Park, where the calm, shallow waters are perfect for the children to splash safely or for a family picnic on the grass. Afterward, make your way to the historic Belmont Park to enjoy vintage boardwalk thrills, including the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster and the colorful neon lights of the Liberty Carousel.
Wind down your day of coastal thrills by driving to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to witness a breathtaking Southern California sunset from the rugged sandstone bluffs. Afterward, head to the laid-back neighborhood of Ocean Beach for a famous burger at Hodad's before ending the night with a peaceful moonlight walk along the historic Ocean Beach Pier.
Start your final morning by stepping back in time at [Old Town San Diego State Historic Park](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=663), where the family can explore the preserved 19th-century adobe buildings and the lush gardens of Casa de Estudillo. Afterward, enjoy an authentic Mexican breakfast and browse the vibrant artisan stalls at Fiesta de Reyes to pick up unique handcrafted souvenirs before heading toward the airport.
Before heading to the terminal, take a final moment to enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the grassy slopes of Presidio Park, located just above the historic district. After returning your rental car, proceed to San Diego International Airport to relax in the modern Terminal 2 concourse, where you can grab a last-minute snack and reflect on your family vacation before your flight home.
As your flight heads east, watch the city lights of the South Coast fade into the distance while your family relaxes for the final leg of the journey. Upon touchdown at Montrose Regional Airport, gather your belongings and begin the short drive home through the quiet beauty of the Uncompahgre Valley, reminiscing about your favorite coastal memories.