Family Friendly Educational Nature Adventure in San Diego

Day 1: Travel Day

San Diego, USA on December 26, 2024

12:00PM

Depart from St. Louis

Catch a lunchtime flight from St. Louis to San Diego, filled with excitement for the week's adventures.
Flight duration is approximately 3.5 hours.
USD250 per person (average), 3.5 hours

4:00PM

Arrive in San Diego

Settle in at your budget-friendly accommodation in the Mission Valley area, a perfect home base for exploring.
Public transport or rideshare to accommodation.
USD50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Phil's BBQ

Grab a casual dinner at Phil's BBQ for some of the best barbecue in San Diego, perfect for families.
Short drive or public transport, about 15 minutes.
USD80 for 5 people, 1 hour
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Day 2: Balboa Park Day

San Diego, USA on December 27, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Cottage in La Jolla, known for its yummy pancakes and fresh juices.
About a 15-minute drive from Mission Valley.
USD50 for 5 people, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Balboa Park

Discover the 1,200-acre park filled with museums, gardens, and Spanish Colonial architecture.
Park entrance is free; entry to museums may have a fee.
USD0 (free entrance), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Panama 66

Enjoy lunch at Panama 66, located at the San Diego Museum of Art, with outdoor seating overlooking the sculpture garden.
Walk to the restaurant within Balboa Park.
USD70 for 5 people, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the California Academy of Sciences

Spend the afternoon at the California Academy of Sciences, an engaging place for educational exhibits.
Walking distance within Balboa Park.
USD125 for 5 people, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Old Globe Theatre

Wrap up the day with dinner at The Old Globe Theatre’s cafe, where you can catch a show for the evening.
Walking distance back within Balboa Park.
USD90 for 5 people, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature at La Jolla

La Jolla, USA on December 28, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Start with breakfast at The Cottage where kids will love the special pancake designs.
15-minute drive from Mission Valley.
USD50 for 5 people, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit La Jolla Cove

Enjoy the stunning coastal views and perhaps spot some sea lions lounging on the rocks.
A short drive from breakfast spot to La Jolla Cove.
USD0 (free attraction), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Duke's La Jolla

Lunch with a view at Duke's La Jolla, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties.
Available parking nearby or short walk.
USD80 for 5 people, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kayak Tour of La Jolla Caves

Experience a guided kayak tour of the famous sea caves and marine life around La Jolla.
Meet up location is a short drive from lunch.
USD200 for 5 people, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at George's at the Cove

Finish the day with an elevated dinner at George's, known for their amazing sunset views.
Short drive from La Jolla.
USD150 for 5 people, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Torrey Pines Exploration

Torrey Pines, USA on December 29, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Donut Bar

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Donut Bar with an assortment of gourmet donuts.
15-minute drive from Mission Valley.
USD30 for 5 donuts and coffee, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Embark on scenic trails that showcase the native coastal ecosystem, perfect for family photos.
Short drive from breakfast to the park.
USD30 for parking, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch Picnic at Torrey Pines

Pack a picnic lunch enjoyed amidst the natural beauty you've just explored.
Bring your own food or grab sandwiches nearby.
USD40 for groceries, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Engage with ocean science and research at the Scripps Institution, offering educational insights.
Short drive from Torrey Pines.
USD0 (free entrance), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Fish Market

Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner while overlooking the San Diego Bay.
Short drive from the Scripps Institute.
USD120 for 5 people, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: San Diego Zoo

San Diego, USA on December 30, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Mission

Fuel up for a day at the zoo with delicious and healthy breakfast options at The Mission.
About a 20-minute drive from Mission Valley.
USD70 for 5 people, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the San Diego Zoo

Spend the day exploring one of the largest and most renowned zoos in the world, filled with diverse species.
Short drive to the Zoo.
USD250 for 5 people, 6 hours

3:30PM

Snack Break at the Zoo Café

Recharge with ice cream or quick bites available at the Zoo Café.
Inside zoo premises.
USD40 for snacks, 1 hour

4:30PM

Continue Exploring the Zoo

Continue to discover more of the Zoo and catch the animal shows.
Explore the remaining exhibits.
USD0 (included in zoo ticket), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Crack Shack

Cap off the day with delicious fried chicken and tasty sides at The Crack Shack.
Short drive from the zoo.
USD100 for 5 people, 1 hour
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Day 6: Cabrillo National Monument

Point Loma, USA on December 31, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 21

Start your day with farm-to-table breakfast options at Café 21.
A short drive from Mission Valley.
USD70 for 5 people, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cabrillo National Monument

Explore the historic site, with trails offering incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.
Short drive to Point Loma.
USD20 for parking, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Liberty Public Market

Visit Liberty Public Market for a variety of lunch options, perfect for picky eaters.
20-minute drive from Cabrillo.
USD75 for 5 people, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the tide pools

Spend some time exploring the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument—a perfect educational activity.
Tide pools are within the Monument area.
USD0 (included in monument entrance), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at El Indio

Enjoy authentic Mexican food at El Indio, a local favorite known for their tortillas.
20-minute drive back to Mission Valley.
USD80 for 5 people, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Beach Day and Family Fun

Coronado, USA on January 1, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Coronado

Start the New Year with a seaside breakfast at The Coronado, famous for fresh pastries and strong coffee.
Ferry ride or drive from Mission Valley.
USD70 for 5 people, 1 hour

10:00AM

Relax at Coronado Beach

Spend the day enjoying sun, sand, and surf at Coronado Beach, a perfect relaxing finale.
A short walk from breakfast.
USD0 (free access), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch Picnic on the Beach

Enjoy a family picnic lunch on the beach with snacks from a local grocery store.
Bring your own food.
USD40 for groceries, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Coronado Ferry Landing

Walk to Coronado Ferry Landing for shopping and sightseeing while enjoying the waterfront.
Short scenic walk.
USD0 (free access), 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Early Dinner at Peohe's

Finish the trip with a delightful dinner at Peohe's, offering views of downtown San Diego.
Short walk or drive to restaurant.
USD120 for 5 people, 1.5 hours
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