New Year's Eve for teens & parents in SD?

Question

Planning our NYE trip and after visiting some Natl Parks in CA, want to spend a few days in San Diego and celebrate NYE there. We have 2 teens (will be 17 & 15) who enjoy nice dinners but of course not the true "party" scene but love to stay up and count down. We have been to SD a few times and while the Del probably has the most family offerings (or so it seems) those reviews are just all over the map (due to the variations of rooms) and prices are high for what you get. Having said that, if that is the best for families, we will roll the dice with the Del. Any insight is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Answer

Spending New Year's Eve in San Diego with teens can be a lot of fun, especially if you balance a nice dinner, festive activities, and a safe way to enjoy the countdown. Since your teens are 15 and 17, you’ll want options that are family-friendly but still feel special for the holiday.

The Hotel del Coronado (the Del) is indeed iconic for New Year’s Eve and tends to have the most family-oriented activities along with a festive atmosphere. However, rooms can be pricey, and reviews vary due to differences in room quality and amenities. If you decide to stay there, booking early is crucial to secure a good room at a reasonable rate.

Other areas in San Diego can offer a fun NYE experience without the Del’s premium pricing:

Seaport Village & Embarcadero: Family-friendly restaurants, waterfront views, and nearby public countdown events. Some restaurants offer NYE prix-fixe dinners suitable for teens.
Gaslamp Quarter: While the nightlife scene is more adult, certain restaurants and hotels host family-friendly NYE dinners with early countdowns or toast options for teens.
La Jolla or Pacific Beach: Scenic coastal locations with casual or upscale restaurants. Many offer oceanfront views for sunset dinners, and you can find quieter areas to celebrate at midnight without large crowds.

Some tips for a smooth and enjoyable NYE in San Diego with teens:

Consider booking a restaurant with a timed dinner and a “midnight” toast option. Some places offer sparkling cider for teens.
If staying at a hotel, check if they offer NYE activities like live music, games, or fireworks viewing—these can make the experience memorable without entering adult-only parties.
Parking and traffic can be challenging on NYE, so staying close to your evening activities is ideal.
Even if you skip a hotel like the Del, consider visiting for a short stroll or to see decorations and historic charm—photos and quick visits can be special without the cost of staying overnight.

In summary, the Del is the classic family-friendly choice with festive NYE activities, but other San Diego waterfront areas and coastal neighborhoods also offer nice dinners and fun ways to celebrate. Early planning, especially for reservations and hotel stays, will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable NYE for the whole family.