Family Vacation: San Diego, California

Travel
Written By Nick Bolles

detailed Itinerary included

Our very first family trip! Why did we choose San Diego, California? It was kind of random actually. We really wanted to go to Europe but time got away from us and it just did not workout so we asked around for a “place that is warm, has the ocean and is family friendly.” Check out THIS post on my toddler airplane activity list, THIS post for toddler travel essentials and at the bottom of this post you’ll see a BONUS: Toddler packing checklist. Also at the end of this post is the ULTIMATE Sand Diego Vacation must do list.

San Diego, California Family Vacation
Family Vacation: San Diego, CA

San Diego was SO DREAMY and I would go back over and over again.

Transportation

We rented a car because we knew we would be doing A LOT of exploring and we had a toddler on board. It was just easier for us. I recommend if you’re traveling with kids that you rent a car. If you are solo or on a couples trip - car services will be just fine. San Diego has motorized scooters all over town for transportation too!

Family Vacation, Toddler Travel

Where to stay

I specifically booked The Rockaway House because it was family/child friendly. The hosts have a child not much older than Dominik so they had EVERYTHING a family could need. Upon arrival they had snacks, water and even beer in the fridge. They had a pack n’ play, books, toys and child beach essentials for Dom. They lived directly below the AirBNB so if we ever needed anything we could just text them! The place was just stunning and the perfect size for us; we didn’t need anything big or fancy because our goal was to explore most of the trip. I HIGHLY recommend this AirBnb if you are a family traveling. The location was prime for everything including parks, beach was steps away and all the delicious food…most importantly the BEST coffee ever Better Buzz. I have a highlight saved IG of a little tour of this AirBnb.

For a family trip I recommend staying on Mission Beach (where we stayed). Pacific Beach is also great. La Jolla is further north and is absolutely stunning but beware that it does cost a bit more. Mission Beach is SO clean and is packed with families, but not overly packed. We never felt like we were in anyone’s space on the beach. Our AirBNB was only steps away from the ocean; this was important to us because we wanted to have beach and ocean access.

The Rockaway House

The Rockaway House

San Diego, CA Family Vacation

Itinerary:

Day 1: Wisconin —> California

  • Checked into AirBnb

  • Walked the board walk to stretch our legs and to smell the ocean

  • Grocery Store & Target

  • Spaghetti Dinner at our AirBnb

Day 2: Coronado Island

  • Coffee at Better Buzz, 2 minute walk and this quickly became a 1-2 times/daily event (You have to try “the best drink ever” and/or iced latte with coconut powder.)

  • Strolled the boardwalk with coffee in hand

  • Dom took a 1 hour long nap at the AirBnb (we did plan our days around his naps, nap one was usually at the AirBnb and nap 2 was either in stroller or car while out and about)

  • Coronado Island/Beach: Our AirBnb provided us with all the beach essentials (tent, chairs, toys) so we packed the car and it took us about 25 minutes total to get to Coronado and park our car. Parking was no issue because it was a week day. We set up camp in front of Hotel Del Coronado (to later find out it is famous for being haunted). The beach was breathtaking, the ocean was perfect and the temperature was 76 and sunny! Dom LOVED the ocean waves and playing in the sand. We spent a good 2-3 hours at the beach until Dom got cranky. I briefly saw the inside of Hotel Del to use the restroom and experienced some spooky lights going in and out. The hotel is just stunning, it is a must see! Dom passed out in his stroller and we enjoyed a delicious meal at Miguel’s Cocina (best margaritas ever).

  • Strolled the boardwalk after dinner. The boardwalk is so busy at night. Everyone is out and about.

Day 3:

  • Breakfast At Kono’s Cafe - Your MUST get a burrito. BEST EVER. Then we stopped at Swell Coffee Co. for coffee, it was delicious!

  • USS Midway Museum: This was on my must do list because my heart is with our American Veterans. It was truly amazing to see the beautiful ship and to hear about the history of the Navy. I highly recommend checking this out, there’s truly nothing like it. Fun for kiddos too, they get to sit in old planes.

  • Lunch at Hodad’s for a delicious burger (this was the most recommended spot to eat from my IG fam). This little spot is located downtown, so we got to see downtown San Diego- which was not our scene at all…reminded me a lot of business district of some sort.

  • Back to AirBNB for Dom’s nap

  • Mission Beach for the rest of the day.

Family Vacation, California
Coronado Beach, California