San Diego is thought for its seashores, sunshine, and theme parks, but when you realize the place to look, there are additionally some unbelievable sightseeing excursions for households. From whale watching and sea cave kayaking to harbor cruises, pirate ships, and ghost walks, these experiences flip sightseeing into an actual journey—not simply one thing children tolerate.
As a result of San Diego is unfold out, comparatively trendy, and simple to discover by yourself, guided excursions aren’t as frequent right here as in older, extra centralized cities. That makes this listing all of the extra beneficial. These are the excursions I persistently advocate to my purchasers as a San Diego-based journey advisor, each kid-approved for its enjoyable issue, family-friendliness, and the way effectively it showcases nature or the town.
Ocean Wildlife & Journey Excursions for Households
1. Whale Watching Excursions
Whale watching cruises are among the many hottest San Diego household excursions booked by our purchasers. There are two peak whale seasons: grey whales migrate previous the coast from December by means of April, whereas blue whales—the most important animals on Earth—seem from mid-June by means of September.
These guided excursions supply a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur, typically led by skilled naturalists who hold children engaged with enjoyable details and marine science alongside the best way. I’ve a full information to whale watching in San Diego.
- Greatest for: All ages
- Ebook with: The most well-liked grey whale selection amongst our purchasers is a family-run, native enterprise known as Flagship. For a extra premium and serene expertise, e book a visit on the magnificent 141-foot crusing yacht America with Subsequent Degree Crusing who additionally affords blue whale excursions.
- Katie’s tip: To see blue whales, that you must enterprise additional out into the ocean and sightings are much less frequent. I like to recommend grey whale season.
2. Snorkeling with Leopard Sharks
If you happen to’re in search of a enjoyable household journey, attempt snorkeling with the innocent leopard sharks in La Jolla. Each summer season (from about late June to September), 1000’s of those light sharks collect within the shallow, heat waters of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve.
That is one among my favourite summer season actions in La Jolla. The sharks are backside feeders, they usually don’t chunk. I’ll say they give the impression of being larger from above the water than they’re.
- Greatest for: All ages. Excursions are normally ages 5+.
- Ebook with: On a regular basis California for a snorkeling with leopard sharks tour.
- Katie’s tip: You don’t want to hitch a tour, however you’ll be taught extra in case you do. Wade into the water close to the Marine Room, they usually’ll be swimming proper round your legs.
Unique On a regular basis California Low cost
Use code LJMOM20 for a 20% low cost on kayak and snorkeling excursions, classes, and leases.
3. La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour
This can be a tour that folks often inform me is an surprising journey spotlight. You’ll paddle out from La Jolla Shores Seashore, the place the waves break sufficiently small for simple launches, although you’ll get moist. Then you definitely’ll paddle out to the well-known Seven Caves throughout the gorgeous La Jolla Ecological Reserve, a protected marine park teeming with life.
Guides will lead you previous sunbathing sea lions and thru dense kelp forests. Climate allowing, you’ll even get to paddle contained in the spectacular Clam’s Cave—an expertise solely permitted on guided excursions. I’ve performed it.
- Greatest for: Ages 5+ (in a tandem kayak with an grownup) or 15+ for a single kayak
- Ebook with: On a regular basis California (low cost above).
- Katie’s tip: That is actually unbelievable train (my shoulders get tremendous sore). Put on applicable solar gear that may get moist. Folks prefer to ask in case you’ll tip over. I’m certain it occurs, however I’ve by no means seen anybody do it!
4. Tide Pooling Eco-Tour
Right here’s an exercise that doesn’t require a tour, however you get a lot extra out of the expertise in case you go on one. We participated in a Birch Aquarium tide pooling tour, and even with many years of private visits to those tide swimming pools, there’s nothing like going with a naturalist who appears to seek out all of the creatures!
It’s additionally a hands-on science lesson for youths, the place they find out about conservation, the totally different tidal zones, and work together with sea life respectfully. You’ll probably see sea anemones, sea cucumbers, crabs, numerous barnacles, and small fish. Generally individuals get fortunate and see an octopus or sea star. We go tide pooling so much so I’ve a information to tide swimming pools throughout San Diego and in addition tide swimming pools in La Jolla.
- Greatest for: Ages 6+
- Ebook with: Birch Aquarium or Ocean Connectors, an area non-profit the place your ticket proceeds straight assist environmental teaching programs for youth.
- Katie’s tip: The rocks will be slippery and sharp, so put on footwear with a great grip. Don’t go barefoot, and don’t step on the inexperienced grass! It’s slippery, and also you don’t know what’s beneath it.
Bay Cruises & Enjoyable Boat Rides
5. San Diego SEAL Excursions
Can’t determine between a land or sea tour? Do each! This distinctive journey takes place on an amphibious “bus boat” that first drives previous scenic downtown spots earlier than splashing straight into San Diego Bay for a harbor cruise.
The narrators are recognized for being humorous and interesting, making this one of the vital standard sightseeing excursions for youths in San Diego. It departs from the Embarcadero or Seaport Village.
- Greatest for: All ages
- Ebook with: Our ticket website (use promo code SAVEMORE for $9 off) or Trusted Excursions (SEAL Excursions’ mum or dad firm)
- Katie’s tip: It’s a 100-minute expertise, and also you’ll be seated in an open-air automobile. Convey snacks and sunscreen. I prefer it as a result of it’s simple to relax and benefit from the journey.
6. Set Sail on a Maritime Journey
Situated alongside the Embarcadero, the Maritime Museum of San Diego affords a wide range of family-friendly excursions that deliver maritime historical past to life. Many of those experiences happen aboard actual historic ships, making them particularly memorable for youths.
Two standout choices embody: “Boarded! A New Pirate Journey” – A enjoyable and interactive 90-minute present the place children change into pirate crew members, full with sword coaching, navigation observe, and full of life antics. Greatest for ages 4+; contains simulated cannon fireplace. After which there’s Tall Ship Crusing Journey – A four-hour voyage on the Californian, California’s official tall ship, the place older children and teenagers may also help sail the ship and be taught conventional seamanship. Greatest for adventurous older children and teenagers.
7. Coronado Cays Gondola Journey
Cruise the peaceable canals of the Coronado Cays on an genuine Venetian-style gondola. These personal, hour-long rides are good for households trying to unwind and take within the surroundings—particularly throughout golden hour or after sundown when the water sparkles and the lights mirror off the properties. It’s a novel strategy to expertise San Diego from the water with out waves or crowds.
- Greatest for: All ages
- Ebook with: The Gondola Firm
- Katie’s tip: You possibly can deliver your personal snacks or nonalcoholic drinks on board, and the gondolier gives cozy blankets if it will get chilly. Sundown slots refill quick, so e book early in case you’re visiting throughout peak season.
8. Narrated Harbor Cruise
For a basic and stress-free sightseeing expertise, a narrated harbor cruise is an ideal selection. These snug, multi-level boats supply 360-degree views of San Diego Bay’s most iconic landmarks—just like the USS  Halfway, Coronado Bridge, and energetic naval fleet.
These firms have Easter, sundown, eating, and different themed cruises to select from.
- Greatest for: All ages
- Ebook with: Flagship Cruises or Metropolis Cruises.
- Katie’s tip: This low-stress tour is particularly appropriate for infants and toddlers as it may be as brief as one hour on Flagship with (normally) ample open areas.
9. Sea Monkey Adventures Household Crusing
Get pleasure from a personal and customized crusing tour designed particularly for households. These excursions on a 25-foot sailboat are good for creating reminiscences with out the loud music or get together ambiance of bigger cruises. You possibly can select from morning, day, sundown, and even whale-watching sails. Extremely advocate.
10. Bahia Belle Mission Bay Cruise
Discover the calmer waters of Mission Bay on a shocking, three-story Mississippi-style sternwheeler. This family-friendly cruise is much less about narration and extra about enjoyable, that includes stay music and a wide range of interactive video games, together with Big Jenga, cornhole, and Join 4.
- Greatest for: All ages (minors should be accompanied by an grownup)
- Ebook with: Bahia Resort Resort—it departs from each the Bahia and Catamaran resorts.
Excessive-Velocity & Non-public Boat Thrills
11. Velocity Boat Adventures
Captain your personal 13-foot mini speedboat! They’re simple to drive and permit your loved ones to discover San Diego Bay whereas having fun with the downtown sights. A information leads the best way in a separate boat, offering narration about our metropolis by means of a two-way communication system.
12. Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Journey
In case your teenagers and tweens are in search of an adrenaline rush, that is the tour for them. The Patriot is a speedboat that blasts throughout San Diego Bay, executing 360-degree spins and sharp turns, all set to a high-energy rock music soundtrack. It’s much less of a tour and extra of a water-based thrill journey.
- Greatest for: Teenagers and thrill-seeking children (should meet 48″ top requirement, and youngsters should journey with an grownup)
- Ebook with: Flagship Cruises & Occasions.
Discover San Diego by Child-Pleasant Trolley, Bike & GoCar
13. Outdated City Trolley Tour
A unbelievable strategy to see the town and not using a automobile, these orange and inexperienced open-air trolleys allow you to hop on and off at San Diego’s hottest neighborhoods, together with Outdated City, Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Coronado. It’s a soothing and versatile strategy to cowl a whole lot of floor with entertaining narration from the drivers.
14. Electrical Bike Tour
Give teenagers a way of freedom on an electrical bike tour. The pedal help makes navigating San Diego’s hills a breeze, permitting you to remain centered on enjoyable and exploration. These excursions are actually extremely rated in La Jolla, particularly Cali Dreamin, which stays on flat floor from La Jolla Cove space to Pacific Seashore and again.
15. GoCar GPS-Guided Storytelling Tour
Discover the town in a unusual, three-wheeled “storytelling automobile.” The GPS-guided tour gives instructions and shares enjoyable details and jokes as you drive, turning sightseeing right into a real-life online game. It’s an ideal parent-teen exercise, as the driving force should be 21+, whereas passengers will be as younger as 7.
- Greatest for: Ages 7+ (with an grownup driver)
- Ebook with: GoCar Excursions.
- Katie’s suggestions: It’s bumpy however way more enjoyable than I believed it will be.
16. Fats Woody Electrical Seashore Cruiser Expertise
This isn’t your common bike rental. Cruise the scenic paths of Coronado Island on a custom-built, retro-style electrical “woody” seaside cruiser, full with a built-in sound system for seaside tunes. It’s a classy and effortlessly cool means for teenagers and fogeys to see the island.
- Greatest for: Ages 13+ (with a mum or dad)
- Ebook with: Viator
Strolling & Foodie Adventures
17. Underground Donut Tour
A tour devoted to donuts is a assured win for the entire household. This two-hour strolling tour takes you to 4 of the very best donut outlets in downtown San Diego and Little Italy. It’s a candy and scrumptious strategy to discover the town on foot.
18. Torrey Pines Guided Nature Stroll
Absorb sweeping ocean views and uncommon native flora on a ranger-led or docent-guided stroll by means of Torrey Pines State Pure Reserve. These family-friendly hikes discover coastal trails whereas instructing children in regards to the endangered Torrey pine tree, native wildlife, and the world’s dramatic geology. It’s a soothing strategy to get open air and expertise San Diego’s pure magnificence past the seaside.
- Greatest for: Ages 6+ (path choices range in issue)
- Ebook with: No reservation required, however it’s normally solely on weekends. Verify the schedule.
- Katie’s tip: I’m a chill hiker sometimes, however I like Man Fleming Path. It’s the best loop with the very best views.
19. San Diego Ghost Excursions: Day or Evening Expertise
If your loved ones enjoys native legends and a little bit little bit of thriller, San Diego Ghost Excursions affords two kid-friendly methods to discover the town’s haunted historical past—one by day and one by evening.
The Gaslamp District Expertise is a daytime strolling tour by means of San Diego’s unique red-light district. It’s crammed with colourful tales about historic saloons, legendary gamblers, and frontier-era scandals—entertaining with out being scary, and a enjoyable strategy to discover downtown with older children.
The San Diego Ghost Tour, held nightly at 8 p.m., provides a spooky twist to the town’s historical past. Beginning close to the historic Balboa Theatre, this after-dark expertise shares ghost tales and unusual happenings at a few of San Diego’s most haunted spots. It’s atmospheric with out being too over-the-top, making it a terrific decide for tweens and teenagers.
- Greatest for: Ages 8+ (Gaslamp), 10+ (Ghost Tour)
- Ebook with: San Diego Ghosts—LJMOM for 10% off
Solely-in-San-Diego Expertise Value Reserving
20. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Practice Journey
You possibly can journey on a classic prepare by means of San Diego’s stunning and rugged backcountry. The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo affords excursions on historic locomotives and vehicles from the early twentieth century. It’s a novel alternative for youths who’re prepare fans to expertise historical past in movement on an actual heritage railroad.
- Greatest for: All ages, particularly prepare fans
- Ebook with: Pacific Southwest Railway Museum.
- Katie’s tip: Through the vacation season, attempt reserving the North Pole Restricted Christmas Practice with Santa, cookies, and loads of vacation cheer!
