December family activity and hotel area recommendations?

Question

Hi all, we are travelling from Queensland, Australia to California the first week of December. First stop is Anaheim 4 days for Disneyland with 2 kids age 9 and 13. Then on to San Diego for a few nights. Having done Anaheim once already same time of year, we know what weather to expect. But never having been to SD before, are we silly to want to book something with a beach/bay view if it will be too cold to play on the beach? Not sure which areas to look for accomodation. Our list of activities to hit are: SD Zoo, Seaworld, La Jolla, Torrey Pines park. Not sure if we will rent a car, or just Uber places. Will have plenty of warm clothing packed as we fly to the east coast usa after the California stop over. THANKS!

Answer

Visiting San Diego in early December can be a wonderful experience for families. While the weather is cooler (daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low 70s °F / 18–22 °C), it is usually sunny and pleasant, but the water is definitely too cold for swimming for most visitors. That said, staying somewhere with a beach or bay view is still lovely for scenic walks, watching sunsets, and enjoying the coastal vibe.

Here are some family-friendly areas to consider for accommodation:

La Jolla – A beautiful coastal area with picturesque beaches, upscale restaurants, and boutique shops. Great for walking along the coast and near Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Family-friendly and safe.
Mission Bay / Mission Beach – Offers bay views, easy access to water activities, and flat walking/biking paths. Close to SeaWorld and provides a more casual beach-town feel.
Hotel Circle / Mission Valley – More inland, but centrally located for easy access to the Zoo, SeaWorld, and Balboa Park. Typically more affordable than beach-front hotels and convenient if you plan to use Uber rather than a rental car.
Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter – If you like being close to restaurants and nightlife, downtown is lively and walkable. Not as scenic for beaches, but convenient for transportation and sightseeing.

Regarding transportation:

If you plan to stay near a central area like Hotel Circle or Downtown, Uber/Lyft can be sufficient for most attractions. Parking can be challenging and expensive in beach areas, so rideshares may be simpler.
If you want to explore La Jolla, Torrey Pines, and more spread-out sights at your own pace, renting a car might make the trip more flexible. Winter traffic is lighter than summer, making driving easier.

Suggested itinerary for San Diego with kids in December:

San Diego Zoo: Located in Balboa Park; plan half to a full day. Indoor exhibits are great if weather is cooler.
SeaWorld: Fun for marine life shows and rides; dress warmly for outdoor attractions.
La Jolla: Explore La Jolla Cove, watch sea lions, walk along the cliffs; pack warm layers for coastal winds.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Scenic hiking trails with ocean views; short walks can be enjoyable for kids.
Downtown / Old Town: Optional, for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.

In summary, it’s not silly to choose a hotel with ocean or bay views, even if it’s too cold for swimming. The coastal scenery, beach walks, and proximity to attractions make it worthwhile. Prioritize areas like La Jolla or Mission Bay for views and family-friendliness, or Hotel Circle for central convenience with easy Uber access.

December family activity and hotel area recommendations?

More San Diego Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions