Holly
Calgary
We are renting a house just off Pacific Beach for most of March 2014. We have 4 kids, ages 7, 5, 3,1 and are looking for ideas that don't cost a ridiculous amount of money! Any great restaurants tips in our area would be awesome! At this point we have written off Legoland and SeaWorld due to cost, but would love to hear about any MAJOR discounts that might allow us to get there, not really interested in Disneyland. We would prefer some of the more laid back options. We will have a car for some of the time, but will be using transit for lots and would love some tips on how to do that efficiently as well.
We love Children's Pool Beach for the Seals and Sea Lions right on the beach. Other parts for swimming our weather's has been in 80's so beach is not out of the question. Whale watching is always fun, we are in the middle of grey whale season. Eating Hash House a-Go-Go we love for breakfast be warned huge portions if you go share! Check out the GO San Diego card 4 day pass good for 46 attractions. 189 at Costco.com. Quick look at list SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are on there. Hope this gives you some ideas. Have fun!
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Go down to Seaport Village which is a really nice walk along the harbor with small charming shops. Same goes for old town area which is very unique and authentic to the original settlers in San Diego and have a bite of Mexican Food for Lunch or Dinner. Spend time in La Jolla along the cove which is the jewel of Southern California.
San Diego Belmont Park is a Must Go! Its an amusement park right next the beach. Its has fun rides like roller coaster, bumpers cars, arcades, rock climbing and laser tag. There are also restaurants and bars along the beach. Its a great place for people of all ages. Very inexpensive. You'll have lots of fun too.
Right now Burger King has coupon for Legoland. Kids are free with adult. Also visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Not sure but I think it is in Point Loma. There are wonderful museums in San Diego as well.
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Get the entertainment book for San Diego at entertainment.com. They have discount coupons for Legoland, SeaWorld, and hundreds of attractions and restaurants at half price. Order it today or get on the website and call them. BTW Legoland is a blast. I got a season pass and I am 58!
Seaport Village has a killer view, a ton of cute shops, musicians, and artists. The only money you spend is the money you choose to spend on money or items.
Balboa Park is also a good shout. Lots of great gardens and museums you can see. Some days the museums even have discounts, but they're fairly reasonable even without.
We just returned from San Diego on 3/23. We had an 8 year old and 5 year old. We spend a fortune on Disney and Legoland. At the end of the week, we asked them what their favorite activity was. They replied swimming in the ocean. We went to the San Diego Zoo. It too was expensive, but very enjoyable. Lots of walking and hills. Don't know if I'd try it with a one year old and 3 year old. We went to La Jolla to see the sea lions. Free and fun to see them sunning on the beach. We all took a sand castle building class. I don't know what it cost, as my daughter paid the fee. The kids did enjoy it. I suggest getting shovels and pails and a boogie board and spend time at the beach.
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Spend a day or two in Balboa Park! It is full of museums and great outdoor space. As for places to eat in the Pacific Beach area, check out The Mission, The Patio on Lamont Street, The Swell Cafe, Hoboken Pizza & Beer Joint… for dessert, Yogurt On The Rocks and PURE Cupcakes are amazing.
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Legoland. If you've got small kids, you can't go wrong with this place. It's ideal for kids under 13. There's a water park and an aquarium as well! (separate admission req.)
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