Spring break with kids - San Diego hotels

Question

Hello! My family of 4 (including a 7 and 4 year old) have flights landing in LAX on Sunday Mar 23 and flying out of SAN on Monday Mar 31. We have a relative to stay with in LA and plan to go to Disneyland one day (probably Tue 25) and head down to San Diego Wed or Thu to stay for 4-5 nights.

In San Diego we want to see the zoo, maybe Safari park if it’s good for younger kids, La Jolla for sea lions, tide pools, and possibly Legoland if we have time as we have a major Ninjago fan. Would also want some pool/hotel time. Looking for a family friendly resort under $400 per night and any suggestions on itinerary so we don’t feel too rushed each day. We will have a car the entire time.

Answer

For your spring break trip to San Diego with young kids, staying somewhere central yet family-friendly will help you balance sightseeing with downtime at the pool. Since you have a car, you have flexibility to explore multiple areas, but minimizing daily driving will make the trip much easier with young children.

Recommended Areas to Stay:

Mission Bay/Beach Area: Perfect for families with kids, close to SeaWorld, Mission Beach, and a short drive to Balboa Park/Zoo. Many resorts here have pools and family-friendly amenities.
La Jolla: Ideal if you want a more scenic stay near tide pools, beaches, and sea lions. A bit farther from the Zoo/Safari Park, but very kid-friendly for ocean activities and walking around town.
Hotel Circle/Hotel Row: Central location for driving to most attractions. Hotels here typically have pools, spacious rooms, and are budget-friendly compared to beachfront resorts.

Family-Friendly Hotel Options under $400/night:

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay – beachfront resort, multiple pools, family suites.
Bahia Resort Hotel – beachfront, lagoon-style pool, walking paths, close to water activities.
Catamaran Resort Hotel – La Jolla, pool, beachfront views, and family-friendly activities.
Marriott Mission Valley – pool, spacious rooms, central location for driving to Zoo and Safari Park.

Suggested 4-5 Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in San Diego, check in, enjoy pool or beach time to relax from the drive.
Day 2: Visit San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. Plan for a half-day, with plenty of breaks. Optional short visit to Balboa Park museums if kids have energy.
Day 3: La Jolla exploration – see sea lions at La Jolla Cove, walk the tide pools, and maybe a short kayak or beach play session. Have lunch in town and enjoy hotel pool in the afternoon.
Day 4: Safari Park in Escondido. Arrive early to avoid crowds. Consider the tram ride for kids to see animals without much walking. Return by afternoon and relax at the hotel.
Day 5: Optional Legoland day (Carlsbad) if the family is up for it, or keep the day at the hotel/pool to rest before departure. This balances active and relaxed days.

Tips:

Book attractions online ahead of time to secure tickets and preferred entry times.
Leave ample travel time between LA and San Diego, with snack breaks and bathroom stops for kids.
Balance pool/hotel time with sightseeing to avoid over-tiring the children.
Consider packing a stroller for the Zoo, Safari Park, and Legoland for convenience.

Overall, Mission Bay provides a good central base, while La Jolla offers scenic coastal beauty. Either option works well, just balance your driving and sightseeing plans to keep it manageable and enjoyable for your 4 and 7-year-old.

Spring break with kids - San Diego hotels

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