La Jolla in March with kids
We're heading to San Diego during last week in March with three kids (6-10) and staying around La Jolla area.
On the itinerary:
-Seeing the seals
-Whale watching
-Lego land
-Zoo
-Flower fields
We haven't booked anything in advance (yet). And looking for some help:
1. Anything that should be added to our list as a must see?
2. Would you suggest reserving tickets to everything ahead of time?
3. I don't want to just rush from thing to thing...if we had to remove something from our list, what do you think is overrated?
4. Recommendation for whale watching tour company.
5. Should we plan around traffic time, or is it not so bad?
6. If we wanted to squeeze in a short hike in the mountains, what's a good place?
7. I imagine ocean water will be pretty cold, but what's a good place that the kids could play in the sand a bit and look for seashells?
Thank you for the help!
San Diego and La Jolla in late March is a great time to visit with kids. The weather is generally mild, and the city offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. Here’s a detailed guide for your trip:
1. Must-See Additions:
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Close to La Jolla, it’s smaller and manageable with kids and offers interactive exhibits and tide pool displays.
- Balboa Park Gardens: Besides the Zoo, explore the outdoor gardens and play areas. Some museums may be kid-friendly like the Fleet Science Center.
- Old Town San Diego: If your kids enjoy a bit of history, it’s a fun way to see California’s early days with shops, activities, and easy walking paths.
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: A short hike with ocean views that’s easy for kids, and nearby beaches can be visited afterward.
2. Reservations:
- For popular activities like Legoland, San Diego Zoo, and whale watching, it is strongly recommended to book tickets ahead of time. March is spring break season for some schools, so availability can be limited.
- Flower Fields in Carlsbad can sell out on weekends during bloom season, so reserve in advance if possible.
3. Possible Omissions:
- If you want to avoid rushing, consider skipping The Flower Fields if you’ve seen plenty of flowers elsewhere, or if your kids aren’t particularly interested, since it’s mostly a walk-through display.
- Alternatively, prioritize either Legoland or the Zoo, depending on which your kids are more excited about.
4. Whale Watching Tour Recommendations:
- Consider local operators like Flagship Cruises & Events or Hornblower Cruises in San Diego. Both offer family-friendly tours with good chances to see gray whales migrating along the coast in March.
- Book early and check departure times; morning tours can be calmer for kids.
5. Traffic Planning:
- Traffic is generally moderate compared to LA, but you can encounter congestion during morning and evening commutes (7–9am, 4–6pm) and near popular attractions.
- Plan to leave slightly earlier for Legoland and the Zoo to avoid crowds and peak traffic times.
6. Short Hike Suggestions:
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Easy family-friendly trails with ocean views. The Guy Fleming Trail or Razor Point Trail are good options for a short hike.
- La Jolla Tide Pool Areas: If the kids enjoy exploring, some short walks along the rocky shorelines can be considered light “hikes.”
7. Beach Play Recommendations:
- La Jolla Shores: Sandy beach with gentle waves, perfect for kids to build sandcastles and look for seashells. Water is still chilly in March, but safe for wading.
- Coronado Central Beach: Another sandy option with wide beach areas, easy for kids, and often less rocky than tide pool areas.
Overall, prioritize activities based on your kids’ interests, book tickets in advance for the major attractions, and plan your days to balance sightseeing with some relaxed beach or outdoor time. La Jolla offers a mix of wildlife, ocean fun, and short hikes that make it perfect for a family trip in March.
