San Diego is a hot spot of family fun. Our weekend guide spells out where to go and what to do to make the most of a weekend getaway with your kids in Southern California.
Day One
8:30 a.m. Explore Your Inner Animal at the San Diego Zoo
The zoo opens at 9 a.m., but you can beat the crowds with the “Early Morning with Pandas” experience. Watch the cuddly Bai Yun, Xiao Liwu, and Gao Gao munch on bamboo shoots and play, as only pandas can. Keep an eye out for special zoo ambassador “buddy pairs” – cheetah and dog BFFs –as they stroll around the 100-acre San Diego Zoo, recently rated the number-one zoo in the world. Take a ride on the Balboa Park miniature train, or soar over the treetops on the Skyfari aerial tram.
1 p.m. Skip across the Bay on the Stars & Stripes
Cool off back at the resort with a sailing trip on the America’s Cup Stars & Stripes, one of the fastest and most famous sailboats in the world. Grind the winches, take your turn at the helm, or just hang on as you zip around San Diego Bay at twice the speed of an ordinary sailboat. Three-hour public sails depart the Kona Kai Marina at 1 p.m.
4 p.m. Biking Exploration
Explore Shelter Island and the surrounding San Diego Bay on one of the resort’s bicycles. Helmets and bike locks included in the rental.
8 p.m. – Dive In…to a Movie
Relax poolside and watch some of your favorite kid-friendly movies during a complimentary Dive-In Movie nights on select evenings at Kona Kai. Of course, fresh popcorn will be served. Movies start at sunset.
Day Two
8 a.m. The Breakfast of Champions in Mission Hills
Breakfast doesn’t get more decadent than at The Patio on Goldfinch, located in the heart of Mission Hills. With choices like sous vide lobster benedict and bourbon dutch pancakes, this is your chance to breakfast like royalty.
10 a.m. Everything Is Awesome at Legoland
Make your way 45 minutes north to the powerhouse trifecta of family-friendly adventure that is Legoland California, Legoland Water Park, and Sea Life Aquarium, all geared for families with kids ages 2 to 12 years old. Skip long lines by arriving before noon and starting in the back of the park. Don’t miss the brand new “NINJAGO The Ride,” which opened in May 2016.
6 p.m. Let It All Go at SpaTerre
Relax and recharge from a full day. More than just another hotel spa, the resort’s own SpaTerre is a one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re game, make it a family affair by booking side-by-side treatments designed for parents and children under 18 years old.
8 p.m. S’mores at Kona Kai
Grab fixings for s’mores from the hotel staff (just ask at the front desk), and recap your favorite part of the day over gooey treats melted over a campfire on the resort’s own beach. S’mores eaten while gazing across the bay just taste better.
