Are you looking for suggestions of winter activities to enjoy with your family in San Diego? The best part of winter in So Cal is that the weather is just as beautiful as it is in the summer, making it an all year destination.
Whether you get outside and take advantage of the natural surroundings or experience luxury with shopping or San Diego private dining along the water, you have lots of options that are fun for the whole family. Add these activities to your winter to-do list and make memories with your loved ones.
Tide Pooling
What better way is there to spend some quality time with your family than by exploring the tidal pools along the Pacific Coast? Winter offers prime pooling opportunities with lower tides than those in summer, giving you a better chance to see lots of marine life. La Jolla has some of the best beaches to discover what appears during low tide, including crabs, anemones, barnacles, clams, and perhaps a small octopus. Check out Cabrillo National Monument, La Jolla Cove, False Point, and other favourite spots recommended by locals.
Museum Strolling
You don’t have to go far to visit some amazing collections of historical items, artefacts, and unique curiosities. Head over to Balboa Park to tour one of the 17 museums located there, or go to the harbour to explore the military museums. Here are a few you and your kids should not miss: Museum of Us, Natural History Museum, Fleet Science Center, USS Midway Museum and WorldBeat Cultural Center.
Whale Watching
Book one of the private San Diego boat charters or sign up for a group tour to see these majestic marine mammals as they migrate through the area. Winter is prime viewing for grey whales, but you should also spy fin, minke, and humpback whales in the waters off the coast. The morning is the best time to spot them and be sure to take sunscreen and jackets to keep the family comfortable. If you prefer to stay on land, you may catch a glimpse from the shores of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve or Cabrillo National Monument.
Thrill Seeking
Winter is a great time to take your family to one of the amusement parks that help make San Diego such a great vacation destination. Head to LEGOLAND in Carlsbad, San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park or Belmont Park in Mission Bay. If you visit before the holidays, you can see the seasonal decorations and overlays for a truly magical experience.
Sunset Viewing
No trip to San Diego would be complete without taking in that stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Imagine seeing the sun dip below the water from your perch at Sunset Cliffs or Ocean Beach Pier. Better yet, why not witness it from the best seat in the house on one of the sailing tours San Diego for an up-close and personal perspective? A sport that has really got under my skin in the last year.
These suggestions offer just a taste of the many things that San Diego has in store for you. Look at the calendar before you go to see if there are any special events taking place during your visit, or just play it by ear and see where the day takes you. Either way, you and your family are in for a treat.
** Of course, all Covid-19 related protocols apply.
