Itinerary question..

Question

My husband and myself (very active mid 40’s) and our 10 year old son will be in San Diego Wednesday-Monday of this coming week. We are very flexible with our plans and 2 of the things that we plan to do will be the Zoo and Coronado. My thought would be to do the zoo on Thursday and wondered if that was the consensus of locals or posters and if there was a day that visiting Coronado would be preferred of the days available.

Other things on our itinerary in no particular order will be La Jolla exploring, midway, Torrey pines hike, and possibly Legoland. But we’re not sure if our son has aged out of that and would be our first thing to drop.

We are staying near ocean beach and will have a car.

I appreciate any insight.

Answer

For a family trip to San Diego with a 10-year-old, staying near Ocean Beach gives you easy access to beaches, parks, and central locations for day trips. Since you’re flexible and have a car, you can plan your days to maximize experiences without feeling rushed.

Suggested Itinerary Considerations:

San Diego Zoo: Thursday is a great choice. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, and arriving at opening (9:00 am) lets you enjoy cooler temperatures and more active animals. Plan to spend at least 4–5 hours there for a relaxed visit.
Coronado: Any day with good weather is ideal. Weekdays tend to be quieter. A morning or early afternoon visit works well, allowing time to walk the beach, explore the Hotel del Coronado, and enjoy lunch with harbor views. Traffic on the Coronado Bridge can be heavier during peak commuting hours, so mid-morning or early afternoon is optimal.
La Jolla Exploration: Plan for a half-day to visit the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, tide pools, and a walk along the coast. Late morning or early afternoon is nice, especially if you want to avoid the strongest sun around noon.
USS Midway: This is a good indoor/outdoor option if the weather is warm. You can combine it with a harbor walk or quick lunch in downtown San Diego.
Torrey Pines Hike: Early morning is best to avoid heat and crowds. Trails like the Guy Fleming Loop are moderate and family-friendly, with spectacular coastal views.
Legoland: Since your son is 10, it’s still appropriate but can be skipped if you want more beach or nature time. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, so if you decide to go, pick a weekday morning.

Sample Day Structure:

Wednesday: Arrival and explore Ocean Beach, relax at the beach, casual dinner nearby.
Thursday: San Diego Zoo (arrive at opening), lunch at the park or nearby, evening at OB or Sunset Cliffs for views.
Friday: Coronado Island day, including Hotel del Coronado, beach time, lunch with harbor views.
Saturday: La Jolla exploration (sea lions, tide pools), optional light hike along the coast.
Sunday: Torrey Pines hike in the morning, optional USS Midway or harbor walk in the afternoon.
Monday: Optional Legoland if energy and interest allow, or a relaxed morning in Ocean Beach before departure.

Tips:

Traffic in San Diego is moderate compared to LA, but plan beach or Coronado trips around non-peak hours.
Pack layers for early mornings or coastal breezes. Sunscreen and hats are essential for hikes and beach activities.
Book tickets online in advance for the Zoo, Midway, and Legoland to save time.

This itinerary balances activity with relaxation, allows you to hit key attractions on less crowded days, and provides flexibility to adjust based on weather, energy levels, or interests.

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