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Family-Friendly 3-Day Adventure in San Diego, California

Viewed by 71 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Balboa Park

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Cottage, known for its outdoor seating and tasty pancakes.
Located just a 10-minute drive from Balboa Park.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the San Diego Zoo

After breakfast, head to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, home to over 3,500 animals and amazing exhibits that will delight the kids.
A short 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the café.
USD68 per adult, USD58 per child (3-11 years), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Zoo's Albert's Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Albert's Restaurant inside the zoo, which offers a kid-friendly menu and beautiful views.
Located within the San Diego Zoo.
USD30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Balboa Park Museums

After lunch, visit several fascinating museums in Balboa Park, such as the Fleet Science Center and the Natural History Museum.
You can walk to the museums from the zoo; it's a 10-minute stroll.
USD22 (combined ticket for museums), 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Balboa Park Gardens

Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful gardens of Balboa Park, perfect for the kids to run around.
Easily accessible within the park.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Cabrillo National Monument

End your day with a scenic dinner at the nearby Point Loma area, where you'll find plenty of family-friendly restaurants.
A 15-minute drive from Balboa Park.
USD30, 1 hour
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Day 2: Beach Day at La Jolla

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brockton Villa

Enjoy a beachfront breakfast at Brockton Villa, famous for its delectable French toast and ocean views.
A 20-minute drive to La Jolla.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

La Jolla Cove Swim

Let the family splash around in the calm waters of La Jolla Cove, where sea lions often sunbathe on the rocks.
Short walk from the restaurant to the cove.
Free with rental gear available at USD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at George's at the Cove

Savor a delicious lunch at George's, which offers kids’ meals and breathtaking ocean views.
It's a 5-minute walk from La Jolla Cove.
USD40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kayaking Tour of La Jolla Sea Caves

Embark on a family-friendly kayaking tour to explore the stunning sea caves and marine life of La Jolla.
Rental companies are located near the cove.
USD60 per person, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit La Jolla Tide Pools

Explore the tide pools, observing the fascinating marine creatures that live in this unique ecosystem.
A short drive or walk from the kayaking location.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Fish Market

Complete your day with fresh seafood at The Fish Market, known for its casual atmosphere and outdoor seating.
A 15-minute drive from La Jolla.
USD35, 1 hour
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Day 3: Adventure at LEGOLAND

Carlsbad, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Original Pancake House

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a wide variety of pancake options to fuel up for a day of fun!
A 30-minute drive from central San Diego to Carlsbad.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Spend the Day at LEGOLAND

Head to LEGOLAND California, where there's a plethora of rides, attractions, and shows perfect for the entire family.
Located right next to the breakfast spot.
USD95 per person, 6 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at LEGOLAND Market

Grab a casual lunch at one of the park’s themed dining areas that offer quick-service meals for kids.
Inside the LEGOLAND park.
USD25, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore the LEGO Mini World

Marvel at the incredible miniatures crafted from LEGO bricks in the famous Miniland USA section.
Easily walkable within the park.
Included in ticket, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Pizza Port

Round off your day with pizza at Pizza Port, popular among families and known for its relaxed atmosphere.
Located within LEGOLAND, so no travel needed.
USD30, 1 hour

7:00PM

Return to San Diego

After dinner, head back to San Diego and reflect on your adventure-filled trip.
A 30-minute drive from Carlsbad back to San Diego.
Free, 30 minutes
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