San Diego for the day post cruise

[cruisesinflipflops]

We have several hours in San Diego after our upcoming cruise. Trying to put a plan for the day together. Any ideas on where we can store luggage until we go to the airport? Local hotel? Also looking for ideas of things to do for a family of 5 with kids age 11,13 & 16. We only have about 3 hours as we need to be at the airport for 1pm.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We have several hours in San Diego after our upcoming cruise. Trying to put a plan for the day together. Any ideas on where we can store luggage until we go to the airport? Local hotel? Also looking for ideas of things to do for a family of 5 with kids age 11,13 & 16. We only have about 3 hours as we need to be at the airport for 1pm.

Personally, with only 3 hours, I'm not sure I'd plan any really big excursion. Is your flight at 1 pm?

 

[cruisesinflipflops]

Personally, with only 3 hours, I'm not sure I'd plan any really big excursion. Is your flight at 1 pm?

Flight is at 3:30pm but its international as we are flying back to Vancouver, Canada.

 

[Markonefive]

USS Midway aircraft carrier museum near cruise port is an excellent way to spend a few hours. Your kids are in the perfect age range. Seaport village is nice for shopping just a little farther. No advice on luggage though.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Flight is at 3:30pm but its international as we are flying back to Vancouver, Canada.

OK, I was just making sure. But, that's figuring there are no TSA issues in San Diego. I don't know how they typically run there, but at MCO it can be brutal sometimes.

On the San Diego airport website, they recommend checking in 3 hours early for international flights. That would mean you should plan on checking in at 12:30.

And there's no luggage storage at the airport.

I'd probably just get off the ship as late as possible and take my time getting to the airport.

 

[remlap]

I'd recommend USS Midway. Even if TSA is awful, the airport is 5 minutes from the Port. Getting their six hours ahead of time is a bit much. That said, I do not know if the Midway allows bags. The Wydham hotel is directly across the street. The bell desk most like will accept your bags with an appropriate tip if you forgot to mentioned you weren't checking in.

 

[ceecee]

The USS Midway is nice, I would plan on that. I thought about the hotel too. Do they even ask? We did that on one of our stays because our room wasn't ready.

 

[GrantFam]

I'm from San Diego and I miss my hometown every day! There is so much to do.

I agree the Midway is great. Fairly close to the airport is also the zoo (maybe not a good idea if your short on time), Balboa Park (which has several museums - two art museums, a photography museum, a train museum, a science museum, an aerospace museum, and a natural history museum. There are also street performers, fountains, and sometimes organ concerts. Also, there is a theater that is a replica of the Old Globe, and some walking trails. It is probably my favorite spot in SD (the park's inspiration was modeled after Seville in Spain), and Old Town San Diego which has some great Mexican restaurants, an old school house, old court, shops, and an adobe from the 18th century.

As for your luggage, I don't have any recommendations since I've never had to try to store luggage there.

Keep in mind that traffic can be very, very bad so leave yourself plenty of time to get to the airport (although travel time between the airport and the attractions listed above should only be 10 to 15 minutes.) Whatever you choose to do, I'm sure you will have a wonderful afternoon.

Enjoy your time there!

 

[mamaburrito]

I would suggest the midway, seaport village or balboa park.

 

[phinz]

The San Diego airport itself is very nice too, fwiw.

 

[scgustafson]

Having lived in San Diego a few times, the airport can be hit or miss depending on other events that day. If there has been a Marine Corps Recruit Training Center (Boot Camp) graduation that day or the one before, more than one cruise ship disembarking on the same day, or some other big event like the end of ComicCon, the airport can quickly become overwhelmed and take hours to check-in and get through security. One day, we ran into 3 ships in port at the same time which led to multi-hour lines through security and many people not making their flights, so please plan accordingly as a 1 pm show for a 3:30 pm international flight could very easily not be enough time.

 

[undertheradar]

Don't forget about sporting events on the day you are there. Traffic can be heavy near the downtown area. If I didn't have luggage to contend with, I would go to Balboa Park. Many museum options there.

 

[ImDMous]

I would just stay in the Seaport Village and Midway area. There is plenty to walk around and see along the water. I don't think you'll have enough time to really enjoy anything at Balboa Park since things most likely won't start opening until 10ish.