San Diego Mother/daughter trip questions

[MikkiandtheMouse]

My daughter (8) and I are planning a trip to San Diego April 16-18th. I haven't been to San Diego since I was my daughters age, so I have questions.

How are the crowds in mid-April? Will it matter? I'm a frequent Disneylander so this feels foreign to me.

We are leaving Las Vegas early on Saturday and arriving at the Safari Park around 11am, will there be any issues seeing the park in that amount of time?

Sunday we are going to the San Diego Zoo. Afterwards (park closes at 6), my daughter would like to see the beach; recommendations? I'm sure we will be hungry and it will be later, suggestions welcome.

Monday is SeaWorld. Is dining with Shamu worth the cost? The park is open 10-5, so I figure we will only be eating 1 meal there. After we leave the park we will grab dinner so we can avoid at least some rush hour before heading home. When does rush hour end for San Diego?

Any overall advice is greatly appreciated. Disneyland, I'm an expert by this point, but San Diego, I feel clueless.

 

[Carlyzmom]

I just returned from San Diego and L.A. last week. We loved San Diego. Our favorite view of the beach is La Jolla Beach. The location we stopped at was at Cuvier Park. It is gorgeous!!! Also, La Jolla cove. You can see the sea lions - they are smelly, but so awesome to see!

 

[Purrkins]

For dinner on Sunday you'll be near North Park and Hillcrest, both restaurant-centric areas. But if you want to see the beach that day, best to head there ASAP as sunset would be around 7 PM I imagine. La Jolla is great but if leaving the zoo at 6, you'll be rushed. Coronado is probably the closest. Nice beach too. Rush hour ends around 6:30/7 here in San Diego. If you're coming from Vegas San Diego will not feel crowded. You should be able to see the Safari Park if you arrive at 11 AM, but that's a long day and a long drive so your mileage may vary. After Seaworld check out Liberty Station for dinner. Some great places and they just opened up a food hall that's been getting rave reviews.