We were thinking about San Diego for a summer vacation with our 2 kids (girls 10 and 6) to beat the summer heat of the South for a few days. Is this a good choice with kids? We've heard about their great zoo. What other things are there to do with kids. The USS Midway sounds interesting to me. Can these things be done without a car rental? I understand Disneyland isn't too far. How does it compare with Orlando's Disney? We were thinking 4-5 days. Or, is there plenty in San Diego for 4-5 days to forget Disney? I'm fishing for ideas right now.

kduncan65:

San Diego is a great choice with children.

I'll start you off with take a look on www.sandiego.org for so much information, specials etc. and you can request a free brochure.

We always rent a car as things are a bit spread out. We have always found a good deal at www.hotwire.com - a broker that places you with a major car rental place.

What area would you like to stay in beach or city?

Sandy

I use a Marriot credit card, so we would prefer one of their hotels. There seem to be more in the city but I did see one near the beach. I'm undecided right now because I wanted to see where all we might be going first.

Beaches: We visited San Fran a couple years back and the beaches were aweful and the water frigid. Being much farther south, are they much nicer near San Diego?

Even in SD, the water isn't very warm. Warmer than SF but may be cold depending on where you are coming from. SD is a city where you need a rental car. There is plenty to do in SD without Disney.

1. SD Zoo. You also have Sea World and the Wild Animal Park nearby.
2. USS Midway - definitely worth the time
3. Cabrillo Monument on Point Loma - great viewpoint of the city
4. Walking around La Jolla including the Cove.
5. Padres game - if baseball fans
6. Gaslamp District - lots of shops / restaurants

You do really need a car for convenience.

Have you looked at the "destination" page here on Fodor's for San Diego? It's a pretty comprehensive list of the things that there are to do here.

The ocean water is pretty chilly, at its warmest it's in the low 70s! However, that doesn't deter kids (or adults) from playing in the the water at all. Just be sure to use a beach where there are lifeguards and ask them where the best area is for your kids.

Definately need a car in SD..
Water temp will be fine..especially for kids and I would suggest either LJ Shores or Coronado..great clean beaches.
Everyone has given you some great ideas.
Plenty to do in SD for 4-5 days..it will go by quickly and all will have a lot of fun.

Thanks for everyone's input. Its unamious, we're renting a car! Sounds like the zoo, Seaworld and Midway are the must see destinations. I'll research La Jolla to see what it is and if we might be interested.

We'll probably pass on the beach. We typically visit Orange Beach in Alabama where the sand is white and the water 80+ degrees. I'm afraid we'd be dissappointed.

I was kind of hoping to squeeze in a day or two of Disney to satisfy our 6 year old who hasn't been. I hate to admit it, but my wife and I aren't exactly "Disney" fans. We thought we could avoid a 10 hour/multiple day trip to Orlando with a long day or two investment to Disney in Anahiem while in the area. Might be worth staying an extra day to do this though.

I wouldn't pass on the beach..the water is so clear that we snorkel and boogie board..kayak too.
La Jolla is one of the prettiest places in the world with their renowed beaches.
Coronado is always in the top ten beaches.

Hotel La Jolla Shores is oceanfront but don't know your budget..family hotel.
Hotel La Jolla is several blocks away and easy to walk.

I wouldn't pass on the beach either - just recognize that it isn't the Gulf Coast. Lots and lots of people come to California for the ocean, it is just a different experience than in other area. That's why we travel, right?

If you are wanting to use Marriott points, the Marriott Coronado is nice. It is on the harbor side of Coronado, so you are on the water, but not the beach - it is still a good location though with nice views of the downtown skyline. The drive to the ocean beach on Coronado is very short, and you've got good access to San Diego proper.

I am also familiar with the Marriott in La Jolla, and while the hotel is nice, the location isn't convinient for tourists - it is in a business park type of area. You definitely need to drive everywhere. The hotel itself isn't really laid out for tourists either - the pool area is more set up for exercise than relaxation and that sort of thing.

I am not a big fan of Disney either, but since you've got a little kid and will be in the area, I'd consider adding a day to hit Disneyland.

Marriott Coronado is a great location..La Jolla Marriott is inland and its where a lot of the NFL teams stay and its fine but more corporate..free hotel is always a nice thing!

First, the water is warmer than SF and the beaches are beautiful - but don;t think the water will be hot like in the Carib.

Second the city/sights are spread out and you really need a car to get around - esp if you're headed up to Disney.

San Diego in July is absolute paradise and the beaches are glorious. You'll love it!

I would second the Marriott in Coronado. I think the location is ideal - you are close to the Coronado Bridge which takes you (5-10 min.) into downtown San Diego which has shopping, GasLamp district, our great PetCo Baseball Park, and you are also 10 min from Balboa Park and the SD Zoo.
Coronado is a family friendly town, you can bicycle, and the beach -like someone already pointed out - is considered one of the top ten beaches in the US.
Also don't forget to spend a day at La Jolla Shores, the LJ Cove, the Birch Aquarium.
The water will be cooler than what you are used to but the kids will love it.