#1 – GO TO THE TIDES
This is a great alternative beach activity that is fun for the whole family. While the tide is out, marine life and colorful shells abound at designated tidal pool spots, like La Jolla Cove or Cabrillo National Monument, for example. These are safe and inexpensive ways to spend a day playing on the beach, without the need to dance in the sand.
#2 – MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
If you’re looking for some indoor fun, the contemporary art museum is big, open, and free on specific dates during the summer. This would be every third Thursday of the month, as well as the sculpture garden, which is open daily.
#3 – SANTA CRUZ MARITIME PROMENADE
Second only to the Santa Monica Pier, in most social circles, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk is home to many iconic attractions, fresh seafood restaurants, and artists along the way. You can stop at Pacific Ocean Park to relax or bring a fishing pole to see if you can catch a catch off the pier. The world is your oyster.
#4 – SAN DIEGO ZOO
Consistently ranked the best in the world, the San Diego Zoo is home to a wide range of plants and animals, including pandas, lions, tigers, seals, polar bears, and more. For animal lovers who want more, check with resorts for discounts on multiple theme park ticket purchases.
#5 – KAYAKING
Looking for something out of the ordinary, that also doubles as a way to cool down during the summer? You can take a kayak trip in the sea caves off the coast of San Diego, also known as the Seven Sea Caves. This is a fairly easy adventure that will allow you to explore some hidden habitats full of marine life.
#6 – BALBOA PARK
Part museum, part art gallery, and part park, Balboa Gardens covers more than 1,200 acres with lush flowers and exquisite architecture. The guided tour recounts the early history of San Diego and how this park came to be a rich collection of art.
#7 – JET PACK FLIGHTS
Have you ever felt the urge to soar over San Diego’s beautiful waters like the seabirds watching the picnics and crabs above? You can also learn to fly with the help of a water-powered jet pack strapped to your back. It seems intimidating at first, but once you get there, it’s an experience you don’t want to end.
#8 – LEGOLAND®
For the big kid in all of us and the little kids in our lives, Legoland is where kids go to play. Unlike Disney World, this theme park is as practical as live entertainment and rides are more familiar staples.
#9 – WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING
You can’t really describe the experience of being next to an animal the size of a bus, you just have to be there. If you are in San Diego, you have to do a whale and dolphin watching tour. These majestic animals are trying to tell us something; it becomes much clearer when we are there in person to listen.
#10 – LEARN TO SURF
San Diego is home to some of the best surfers in the world, as well as some of the best teachers. This would be the perfect opportunity to learn how to get on board and see what it’s like to stand on the water. It’s a great confidence-building exercise that anyone can use, no matter their age or level of athleticism.