San Diego: A Playground for Kids and Adults

Look for other shows starring leaping bottlenose dolphins and noisy sea lions (the Clyde and Seamore show is always the silliest in the park—and a real favorite for the under-6 set). If you haven’t been to SeaWorld in several years, you’ll be surprised to find there are now thrill rides in the park, including Journey to Atlantis, a water rollercoaster ride that plunges 60 feet to the tunes of recorded dolphin calls; Shipwreck Rapids, a whitewater raft ride through waterfalls and spouting water jets; and Wild Arctic, a simulator that takes you onboard a helicopter to see polar bears as you ride out an avalanche. New this summer is the Bay of Play, a Sesame Street-themed zone designed for young children and featuring characters from the beloved PBS show and gentle rides perfect for little ones 5 and younger. 500 Sea World Dr., tel. 800-257-4268. www.seaworld.com/sandiego

Legoland California

About 30 miles north of San Diego, in the seaside community of Carlsbad in North San Diego County, Legoland California is a world of impressive engineering done on a tiny scale. Tens of millions of Legos have been used to create scale models of famous cities like New Orleans (listen for the buxom Lego women shouting, “Mister, throw me some beads”); Paris; and Washington, D.C., which are scattered throughout the park.

In addition to the ubiquitous building blocks and beautiful tropical landscaping, Legoland offers rides, live entertainment, and play opportunities (including a miniature golf course within the park, a water-play zone, and an oversized jungle gym).

New this summer is the 1920s Egyptian-themed Land of Adventure, where guests can recover lost treasures as they fight off spiders and mummies. And in mid-August, a new sister park called Sea Life Aquarium will open next door, featuring local marine life and interactive exhibits (a separate entrance fee will apply). Note that although there are a few thrill rides that will appeal to older children, the park is really aimed at kids 10 and younger. 1 Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, tel. 760-918-5346. www.legoland.com

• Don’t skip out on seeing Miniland, where there are Lego reproductions of many American landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the White House.
• eyeliam

Editor’s Note: Ask your hotel if they offer SeaWorld or Legoland discount coupons. Many accommodations do.

Beaches for All Ages

Lots of folks come to San Diego for the nearly perfect weather and the miles of lovely beaches. I personally find the water too cold for swimming most of the year (in August and September, I can usually wade in), but the chilly waves don’t dissuade my 12-year-old (although she generally uses a wetsuit). Families looking for fun in the sun will find it, and then some, at these beaches:

Best for Babies and Toddlers

Mission Bay Park (Located off Mission Bay Dr.)
This picturesque bay-front park isn’t really a beach (the still water isn’t recommended for swimming because of pollution), but it offers numerous recreational activities and lots of room for families with young children. There are a half dozen playgrounds; a 2.5-mile paved, flat bike path that winds along the waterfront (a little crowded on weekends, but navigable even for kids on tricycles); and acres of palm-studded grassy lawn, perfect for picnics and flying kites.

• A boy enjoys his time at the popular Pacific Beach.
• Joanne DiBona

Best for Children 5 to 11

Coronado Beach (Take the bridge to Coronado and follow the signs from Orange Ave.)
This picturesque shoreline has the widest expanse of sand of all San Diego beaches, and the waves are generally small. The 1950s Marilyn Monroe movie Some Like It Hot was filmed in part on this beach, with the lovely Hotel del Coronado as a backdrop. Parking can be a headache anywhere in Coronado, especially within walking distance of the shore, so come early for the best chance to snag a spot.

Silver Strand State Beach (Take the bridge to Coronado, take Orange Ave., and drive south past Coronado Beach.)
South of Coronado, this is the best beach in town to find seashells; head out at dawn and keep your eyes peeled to find washed-ashore treasures. This is an especially good swimming beach for small children because the water gets deep very gradually.

Best for Children 12 and Older

Mission Beach (South off Mission Blvd.)
These two miles of sand are packed throughout the summer and just about every weekend, as well. There is a wide boardwalk, which is popular with rollerbladers, bikers and pedestrians. Families will like the southern portion of the beach best—the north end is rougher and gets rowdy (although new alcohol bans have curtailed much of the disorderly action).

Pacific Beach (North off Mission Blvd.)
PB (as it is called by locals) runs from the north end of Mission Beach (where the boardwalk becomes a sidewalk) north to Crystal Pier. This is another heavily trafficked beach, popular with surfers and sunbathers alike. There are plenty of restrooms, but parking is a nightmare. Note that PB is often raucous, and thus not ideal for young children, although older teenagers will enjoy the scene.