Spring break in So Cal is a great time for families to go on an adventure. What should you put on your to-do list to make the best vacation ever? After visiting the best restaurant in Old Town San Diego, try out these fun activities.
Visit Old Town San Diego
Visiting Old Town San Diego is like stepping into the past. This historic state park has gorgeous architecture, making it a perfect place for amateur photographers. If your family needs a little downtime, you can sit back and relax on a two-hour Old Town Trolley Tour.
These tours hit all the famous spots:
- Balboa Park
- San Diego Harbor
- Little Italy
- Hotel Del Coronado
- Seaport Village
- Gaslamp Quarter
You can also explore at your own pace, giving you plenty of chances to duck into small shops and enjoy the public parks.
Old Town is also the best place to get a bite to eat. It’s famous for its Mexican cuisine, which is a must-try for out-of-towners:
- Tahona Bar
- El Agave
- Old Town Mexican Cafe y Cantina
- Café Coyote
Go Whale Watching
San Diego whale watching is both fun and educational, making it an excellent activity for kids. You can see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and even snap the pictures of a lifetime. If your family is lucky, the whales and dolphins may even approach the boat.
While seeing animals in a zoo or aquarium is fun, there’s nothing quite like seeing them in the wild. The salty sea breeze and hypnotizing waves can produce serenity while witnessing marine life fills people with awe. The experience goes beyond feelings — studies show it offers these benefits:
- Increased creativity
- Decreased heart disease risk
- Improved immune function
During outings, a tour guide reviews facts about whales’ biology, habits and history. Since many species are on endangered lists, guides also discuss the importance of conservation and how visitors can help.
Visit Tide Pools
If you’re on a tight budget, visiting tide pools is a free way to entertain kids. Even adults enjoy the leisurely pace of walking the beach and marveling at the unique life forms that call these pools home.
What are tide pools? When the tide goes out, it leaves water in crevasses along the shoreline. These basins are home to colorful marine species that flourish in harsh conditions:
- Barnacles
- Starfish
- Limpets
- Crabs
- Snails
- Mussels
- Seagrass
- Anemones
- Sponges
These ecosystems are complex and delicate, so it’s best not to disrupt them. However, watching these busy habitats and taking pictures is perfectly fine. Kids can also collect sea-smoothed stones and empty shells as souvenirs.
San Diego has several great places to look for tide pools:
- Swami’s State Beach
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Cardiff State Beach
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- La Jolla Underwater Marine Park
While having a list of vacation ideas is useful, don’t be afraid to stray from your itinerary. If you notice an ice cream place, get a twist cone. If your family wants to watch the sunset after visiting the best tide pools San Diego, go for it. The most important thing is to have fun and make amazing memories.
