3-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Exploring San Diego with a Visit to the San Diego Zoo

1. Day 1: Balboa Park
   15 minutes (3.1 miles) from San Diego Zoo
   • 9:00am - 12:00pm: Visit the San Diego Natural History Museum. Learn about the history of San Diego and see the fossil collections.
   • 12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch at The Prado at Balboa Park. This restaurant features a scenic view of the park and serves delicious American cuisine.
   • 1:00pm - 4:00pm: Visit the Fleet Science Center. Enjoy hands-on exhibits and learn about science and technology in an interactive way.
   • 4:00pm - 6:00pm: Visit the Botanical Building and Lily Pond. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the beautiful gardens and take pictures of the iconic lily pond.
2. Day 2: San Diego Beaches
   20 minutes (7.1 miles) from Balboa Park
   • 9:00am - 11:00am: Visit La Jolla Cove. This beach is great for swimming, picnics, and sunbathing.
   • 11:00am - 12:00pm: Visit the Children's Pool. This beach is great for families and kids who want to see the seals up close.
   • 12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch at George's at the Cove. This restaurant features a scenic view of the ocean and serves delicious seafood.
   • 1:00pm - 3:00pm: Visit Coronado Beach. Enjoy the white sands and picturesque views of the Hotel Del Coronado.
   • 3:00pm - 5:00pm: Visit the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Enjoy the beautiful sunset view and the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
3. Day 3: Old Town San Diego
   20 minutes (6.8 miles) from San Diego Beaches
   • 9:00am - 11:00am: Visit the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Learn about the history of San Diego and experience the life of the early settlers.
   • 11:00am - 12:00pm: Visit the Bazaar del Mundo Shops. Shop for unique souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
   • 12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch at Casa Guadalajara. Enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine in a colorful and festive setting.
   • 1:00pm - 3:00pm: Visit the Whaley House Museum. Learn about the history of San Diego's most famous haunted house.
   • 3:00pm - 5:00pm: Visit the Mormon Battalion Historic Site. Learn about the history of the battalion and the role they played in the Mexican-American War.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the USS Midway Museum to learn about the history of aircraft carriers and the role they played in the military. You can also take a side trip to Tijuana, Mexico for a cultural experience. To maximize your fun, consider renting a bike or scooter to explore the city. Don't forget to try some authentic Mexican food while you're in San Diego!

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