Mother-Daughter Weekend Guide To San Diego

A few weeks back the girls and I took a weekend trip to San Diego. This iconic city and the surrounding area are perfect for exciting sightseeing, exploration, and so much more. On our recent trip, we did a lot of exploring, and today, I’m sharing the best of the best of our trip with all of you.

Belmont Park

If you’re visiting San Diego with kids, Belmont Park should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Located in Mission Beach, this amusement park is equal parts history and excitement. It was originally opened in 1925 as a Mission Bay Amusement Center, and it’s as much fun for families today as it was almost 100 years ago. Enjoy beautiful views of the water on their boardwalk or get your pulse pounding on exciting roller coasters and rides that send you spinning, plummeting, and flipping. For those who prefer less adrenaline-laden fun, the park has bumper cars, a carousel, and rides for the smaller kids. You can also enjoy ziplining, laser tag, an arcade, and much more.

Mission Beach

No trip to San Diego with kids is complete without enjoying the beaches of Mission Bay. You’ll find several beaches, many with adjoining parks, that boast white sands, beautiful blue water, warm weather, and plenty of family fun. Be sure to bring your sunscreen, towels, some cold drinks, and enough energy to make the most of these gorgeous beaches! We even spotted dolphins while enjoying a beach day. We couldn’t believe how close they were to the shoreline, definitely one of the highlights of our trip for sure!

Mission Bay

For beautiful views of Mission Bay, the city, and some of the local wildlife, take the family on a Mission Bay Sightseeing Cruise aboard the Bahia Bell. We went during sunset and could have picked a better time for this excursion. This 74-foot, 3-story sternwheeler boat boasts a turn-of-the-century vibe, an observation deck, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes for a lovely sightseeing excursion. The cruise sets out from either the Bahia Resort Hotel or Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, and you don’t have to be a guest of either to enjoy the cruise! Our tour was at Bahia Resort, which I love so much because, after our sunset cruise, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at their restaurant Dockside.

Liberty Station

While you’re in San Diego, make sure you take a few hours to explore beautiful Liberty Station. This former Naval training center closed its doors in 1993 and was then repurposed into a mixed-use development. This sprawling 361-acre area offers beautiful views of the harbor, a market, dozens of restaurants, a park, and much more. There’s something to do for everyone. We loved spending time here! Liberty Station was the perfect spot for lunch, the girls loved the shopping. Be sure to definitely check out Pigment.

Spend The Day in La Jolla 

With everything there is to do in San Diego itself, it can be easy to forget that the surrounding area offers tons of opportunities for family fun, as well. Before your trip is done, be sure you head to La Jolla, just north of San Diego. This seaside village is known for its rugged coastline, walking trails, and its sweeping ocean views at iconic La Jolla Cove. La Jolla was definitely another highlight of our trip. With its dining, shopping, and frequent events, it’s the perfect place to spend some time with the family. The girls and I saw the sea lions and couldn’t believe how close they were to us. We couldn’t get enough of the views and this amazing beach town. We did some shopping along Girard Avenue and Prospect Street, and ended our time there at Duke’s Restaurant for lunch!

Overall, perfect mother-daughter weekend indeed. If you’re planning a getaway, I couldn’t recommend a better place than San Diego. Visiting San Diego with kids is the perfect way to enjoy wonderful weather, beautiful views, and so much more!

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