Sample itinerary · 4 days
Things to Do in San Diego with Kids: A 4-Day Itinerary
Beach, zoo and Balboa Park, sequenced so the drive is never in the heat.
- Going to
- San Diego, California
- Length
- 4 days
- Travelers
- Families
- Trip total
- $2,896–$5,208
$2,896–$5,208
The total covers flights from Denver, Colorado, lodging, getting around and tickets and tours for the whole party, plus food, gas and parking estimated in the breakdown below.
Things to do
- Coronado Beach — sand, shallow water and family play (Day 1)
- Pool time · Coronado Island Marriott pool (Day 1)
- Evening stroll — Orange Avenue & Ferry Landing (Day 1)
- San Diego Zoo · Main Entrance & ticketing (Day 2)
- Visit · San Diego Zoo (Day 2)
- Wildlife viewing · San Diego Zoo (Day 2)
- La Jolla Cove — tide pools & sea lions (Day 3)
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Day 3)
- Fleet Science Center (Day 4)
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Why this plan works
Arrive mid-morning, pick up a rental, check into your coastal hotel near Mission Bay, then relax on Coronado Beach and try casual ferry-landing tacos within easy walking distance.
- 7:00 AM
United Airlines · DEN → SAN
7:00 AM
Early arrival in San Diego gives a relaxed first afternoon on Coronado for beach time and short transfers.
Book ahead · Fares typically open ~11 months out and are usually cheapest 2–4 months ahead
Morning nonstop from Denver to San Diego (DEN → SAN), arrive airport before departure; grab quick breakfast at DEN terminal or inside the airport before boarding.
- 11:15 AM
Rental car pickup · SAN Airport (Car rental center)
11:15 AM
A car keeps Coronado and family sights convenient and stores beach gear and snacks for the kids.
Pick up your reserved rental (one family-sized SUV or minivan recommended to seat 4 plus car seats); paperwork and car-seat install usually take 20–30 minutes.
- 12:15 PM
Drive · SAN Airport → Coronado
12:15 PM
Coronado is compact and the drive/ferry is short, so you’ll be on the beach quickly after landing.
Drive across the bridge or take the short ferry route; expect about 25–35 minutes depending on traffic and whether you choose the scenic Coronado ferry.
- 12:45 PM
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
12:45 PM
Chain coastal hotel with pool close to Mission Bay and Coronado Beach; two rooms fit your family and provide pool access the kids need.
Book ahead · Spa appointments typically open about 60 days ahead; weekend slots go first
Check in and drop bags at this coastal Marriott (family rooms or two connecting rooms recommended) so you can get to the beach and pool without lugging gear.
- 1:45 PM
Coronado Ferry Landing — casual lunch (food stalls & taco options)
1:45 PM
Quick, kid-friendly lunch next to the water so you can be on the beach soon after without extra driving.
Walk to the Ferry Landing for casual counter stalls and taco-forward options with harbor views — order at counters and eat on the outdoor patio.
- 2:45 PM
Coronado Beach — sand, shallow water and family play
2:45 PM
Wide, calm beach perfect for young kids and an easy first afternoon on the coast.
Shallow, gently sloping sand ideal for a family with small kids; bring hats, shade and a beach blanket for comfortable play and tide pooling near the Hotel del Coronado end.
- 5:00 PM
Pool time · Coronado Island Marriott pool
5:00 PM
Pool access is a lodging must-have and a low-effort wind-down for jet-lagged kids before dinner.
Relax poolside at the hotel so kids can splash safely and adults can unwind after travel; towels and lounge seating available at the pool deck.
- 6:30 PM
Miguel's Cocina Coronado
6:30 PM
Taco-forward, casual and walkable from the hotel so the kids can dine early without a long transfer.
Casual, family-friendly Mexican with reliable tacos and a kids' menu on Orange Avenue; good for a relaxed first-night dinner with local flavors.
- 7:45 PM
Evening stroll — Orange Avenue & Ferry Landing
7:45 PM
A short, flat stroll lets kids burn a little more energy before an early bedtime on trip day one.
Easy post-dinner walk along Orange Avenue and the Ferry Landing for ice cream, sunset views and a gentle end to the day.
If you fall behind
- What to cut if you fall behind: Coronado Beach
Bookings & costs
$2,896–$5,208
0 of 6 bookable items booked
Food not included: about $420, listed below
Locked in
$0
paid or reserved
Still to book
$3,820
est. $2,720–$4,910 · 6 items
Gas & parking
$240
est. $176–$298
Know before you go
Practical notes for this trip — the things worth sorting before you leave.
Set up before you go
Buy timed-entry tickets for the San Diego Zoo and Birch Aquarium at least a few weeks ahead to lock morning slots for small kids.
Time-sensitiveSan Diego Zoo · Balboa ParkReserve a compact rental SUV with a child seat for both age groups; pick up at SAN airport to save time after landing.
Booking windows & timing
Book your La Jolla sit-down dinner in advance for a family table, especially for an early evening after the aquarium visit.
Time-sensitiveBirch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Getting around & driving
Expect short drives (15–30 minutes) between Coronado, Balboa Park and La Jolla; use surface streets and allow extra time for beach parking.
Weather & packing
June is mild but sunny—bring reef-safe sunscreen, a sunhat, layers for cooler evenings, and water shoes for tide pools at La Jolla Cove.
Health & safety
Tide pools are slippery and currents are strong; keep the 3- and 7-year-old within arm’s reach and watch posted marine-life rules at La Jolla Cove.
La Jolla Cove tide pools
Crowds & timing
Arrive at Balboa Park and the Zoo at opening to see active animals and avoid afternoon crowds and heat for the kids.
Time-sensitiveSan Diego Zoo · Balboa Park
Money
Liberty Public Market and Coronado food stalls take cards widely, but carry a few small bills for market vendors and street parking meters.
Local etiquette & language
Most San Diego spots are kid-friendly and casual; tipping 15–20% for sit-down service is customary for family dinners.
Want this trip on your dates?
Make this yours — free, no account, no card.
Questions about this plan
- What kind of car should we rent for this trip?
- A family-sized SUV or minivan with two child-seat anchors is recommended to accommodate four people plus car seats for the 3- and 7-year-old.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance for the San Diego Zoo or Birch Aquarium?
- Yes, it is recommended to reserve timed-entry tickets for both the San Diego Zoo and Birch Aquarium in advance to secure morning entry windows, especially on busy days.
- Where will the family be staying during this itinerary?
- The family will be staying for three nights at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa in Coronado, which offers a pool and access to Coronado Beach.
- Are there dining options suitable for young children?
- Yes, meals are family-friendly, featuring casual taco spots like Miguel's Cocina Coronado, Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop, and The Taco Stand, plus an ice cream stop at The Baked Bear.
- What is the policy for children's dining prices?
- Child pricing is available for ages 6 and under at Coronado Ferry Landing, and for ages 11 and under at Albert's Restaurant (San Diego Zoo) and Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop. For The Taco Stand and George's at the Cove, child pricing applies to ages 12 and under; for Liberty Public Market, it applies to ages 6 and under.
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