San Diego Family Vacation

[The Wise One]

So I have been put in charge of planning a family vacation for myself, DH, DBIL and DSIL and their two children and one more DBIL. So 5 adults and 2 children. We decided to go to San Diego for a week at the end of June.

I'm lost as to where to even start to be honest. I can plan a Disney vacation in my sleep but I'm extremely unfamiliar with anything California that isn't Disney. I need so recommendations on good family friendly hotels that are fairly nice but won't break the bank (say in line with the moderates at WDW?).

Also for activities I know we'll do Sea World, the Zoo, and Legoland. What are some other things that the kids and adults will enjoy? Also any recommendations on restaurants and the like will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[GrandBob]

My favorite reasonably-priced hotel in San Diego is Homewood Suites Liberty Station. See this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2793314

-Bob

 

[Galaviz]

Yes! I would agree that homewood suites liberty station is a great stay. We've stayed at multiple hotels in SD, now only stay at Homewood Suites wherever we are visiting. The San Diego site has the best green salsa to top off your complimentary breakfast. Other good eats are Hodad's and cheese enchiladas at El Indio. Enjoy your trip!

 

[3inthefamily]

We went 2 years ago and had a blast. We stayed at The Hotel Coronado on DVC points. The best breakfast I ever had was in La Jolla at a place called The Cottage. They have a website so you can see the menu. Also loved a cool mexican place called Lucha Libre in San Diego that we had seen on Man V Food. The beach in La Jolla is great with lots of seals to see.

 

[KCmike]

Hotel Del Coronado is a vacation within itself. Registered landmark and historic hotel that is right on the beach. Grand Floridian got its idea from this hotel! It's expensive and so worth it!!!!! Coronado is rated the #1 beach in SoCal for families. The pool is great. The hot tub is wonderful. They is so much to do there as well. Great little shops across the street. It's our families favorite vacation spot outside Disneyland and Disneyworld.

 

[pumpkin5156]

All of the places you are going are amazing! I also recommend La Jolla beach and if you can go at low tide, there are some wonderful tide pools. Not sure if your family enjoys hiking, but Torrey Pines State Beach is a great hike down to the beach then back up to your car. 3/4 miles one way. Also at low tide is best.

The Hotel Del Coronado is SO expensive. We actually stay across the street at the Glorietta Bay Inn and bike everywhere around the island. Traffic on/off the island can get tricky at certain times, so not sure if you want to stay there. There are much more choices of hotels and eateries off the island.

Up near Legoland in Carlsbad and Encinitas there are good beaches also. Swamis Cafe is one of our favorite breakfast places. In Carlsbad there are a lot of good Mexican and Asian-infusion places to eat too.

Back in downtown SD, Stacked is a fun restaurant in the Fashion Valley Mall.

Have fun!!