Is San Diego a good family vacation?
San Diego is truly a gem for family vacations, with so much to offer for kids and adults alike. From the beautiful beaches and family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo to the historical sites like Cabrillo National Monument, we found ourselves constantly entertained and fascinated. All October long, kids eat, stay, and play for free, while parents enjoy great deals and big-time savings on attractions, museums, meals and more. So, c’mon, unforgettable family memories are waiting to be made in San Diego. Plan your trip today!San Diego has so much to offer, and whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained while making great family memories.Rated One of the Top Family Destinations in America With 70 miles of beautiful beaches; such world-class attractions as the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California; and budget-friendly hotels, dining and activities, there are plenty of family vacation options available.Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside are your best options. This is a particularly fitting choice for anyone who isn’t planning on spending much time in or around Downtown San Diego, and instead is looking to spend the majority of their time relaxing at the beach and/or their resort.
What is the best time of year to visit San Diego with kids?
The best times to visit san diego are march through may and september through november. If you’re looking for sun, avoid visiting during ‘june gloom,’ which has frequent overcast weather. Spring is an excellent alternative to visiting san diego during the fall. It’s also a shoulder season with fewer crowds than the summer.Rainfall. Rainfall in San Diego is scarce and is mainly concentrated during the winter from December to March. Fall is drier, while during the summer months, it hardly ever rains. The rainiest month is February.The months of May and June are typically the cloudiest months of the year in coastal southern California, having only 59% and 58% sunny days, respectively, on average in San Diego. The number of days in May and June that are gloomy varies from year to year.The graph below shows the range of monthly San Diego water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 67. F / 19. C. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 58. F / 14. C.One of the cheapest times to visit San Diego is in the off-season from mid-September to November. The beaches are less crowded, hotel room rates dip, and you can still enjoy sunny 70-degree weather before the winter rains arrive.
How many days are enough to visit San Diego properly?
Days in San Diego Itinerary. Five days is just the right amount of time to get a flavor of America’s Finest City. Plenty, in fact, to pack in the sunny sands of La Jolla, the mighty Balboa Park, the jewel in the bay that is Coronado Island and more, all without breaking a sweat – well, outside of high summer anyway! Rated One of the Top Family Destinations in America Whether you love theme parks, state parks or water parks, building sandcastles or beach bonfires, exploring kid-friendly museums or hiking trails, families always have a blast in San Diego.Final Takeaways: Best Areas and Hotels to Stay in San Diego If you want ocean views and a beach vacation, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, or La Jolla are your best bets. If you want something central and lively, the Gaslamp Quarter or Seaport Village might be better.What is the best area to stay in San Diego with kids? I recommend staying in Downtown/Gaslamp or Mission Bay if you plan to hit a lot of the main things to do in San Diego with kids. The area is very central, and San Diego’s Downtown isn’t nearly as daunting as many other city centers.The former is downtown San Diego’s hip and buzzing heart; the latter is filled with vibrant beaches and family-friendly fun. Which destination is better comes down to the type of visit you’re looking for. If you want to spend time shopping and sampling one of California’s best dining scenes, choose Gaslamp.
What is the best month to go to San Diego?
Shoulder Season: September to October, March to May Fall and spring are friendly on the pocket too, as hotel rates fall from summer peaks. Overall, October is the best month to go to San Diego. In San Diego, the water temperature in March, April, and May is usually on the cooler side but gradually warms up as spring progresses. Here’s a rough breakdown: March: The ocean temperature tends to hover around 58–62°F, with an average of 60°F.The hottest month of the year in San Diego is August, with an average high of 77°F and low of 68°F. The cool season lasts for 4. November 29 to April 2, with an average daily high temperature below 67°F. The coldest month of the year in San Diego is December, with an average low of 51°F and high of 65°F.Everyone is different when it comes to the temperature of the water, but you can definitely still swim in october at san diego beaches and pools. California is known for its cold ocean, but you can swim any time of year.
What part of San Diego to stay with kids?
What is the best area to stay in San Diego with kids? I recommend staying in Downtown/Gaslamp or Mission Bay if you plan to hit a lot of the main things to do in San Diego with kids. The area is very central, and San Diego’s Downtown isn’t nearly as daunting as many other city centers. With housing costs around 7% lower than in LA, plus a more even split between renters and homeowners, San Diego is a great place to live whether you’re buying or renting. You’ll also find plenty of affordable neighborhoods in San Diego, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy a coastal lifestyle.
Is San Diego very expensive?
The cost of living in San Diego, CA is 3% lower than the state average and 45% higher than the national average. Can You Live Comfortably in San Diego on $100K? Yes, if you’re single or in a dual-income household. A $100,000 salary can comfortably cover rent, bills, healthcare, and occasional leisure. However, for families or those with debt or homeownership plans, this income can feel stretched.Yes—San Diego is considered one of the most expensive cities in the U. S. In 2025, the city’s overall cost-of-living index is around 145, meaning it’s approximately 45% more expensive than the national average. That puts it on par with cities like Boston and Seattle.Yes—San Diego is considered one of the most expensive cities in the U. S. In 2025, the city’s overall cost-of-living index is around 145, meaning it’s approximately 45% more expensive than the national average. That puts it on par with cities like Boston and Seattle.