Family Baseball/Beach Trip Itinerary 7 days Jul/Aug

Question

Flying in to SNA from Missouri - Family of five with 9, 6,3 year olds; Renting a car at the airport and driving to San Diego. Staying 5 nights at Hyatt Mission Bay, then driving north for 2 nights at Hyatt Huntington Beach. First trip to the beach/ocean for my kids, but also a baseball road trip (Seeing Padres, Angels, Dodgers) as the Cardinals will be playing.

Tues 7/29 - Arrive at SNA in the evening, drive Hyatt Mission Bay

Wed 7/30- Sea World (right next to hotel, easy first day)

Thu 7/31- San Diego Zoo (back to back days may be too much, but preferred a weekday visit and then beach on the weekend)

Fri 8/1 -Beach day; PETCO Park for STL vs SD 7:10pm

Sat 8/2 Beach/Hotel/Other activities day

Sun 8/3 Check out of Mission Bay, drive to Huntington Beach Hyatt (1.5 hrs), Angels Stadium 1pm Game Angels v CWS

Mon 8/4 - Beach/Hotel day; drive to Dodgers Stadium for STL vs LAD 7:10pm

Tues 8/5; beach/hotel/activities with flight at 4pm back to Missouri out of SNA

We were planning to get 3-for-1 tickets to Seaworld, Zoo, and Safari Park - so we could do the Safari Park at some point if it is recommended/worth fitting in.

Any other activities/local recommendations while we are in town?

I haven't started looking at food options yet - I'm sure the forum has plenty on that topic :-)

Thanks for any advice - I appreciate all the info I've picked up from previous answers.

-Ryan

Answer

Your itinerary for the San Diego and Huntington Beach area looks fantastic, and it sounds like a perfect mix of baseball, beach time, and family-friendly activities. Here’s some feedback on your plans, along with additional suggestions and a few things to consider for the trip:

Tuesday 7/29 - Arrive at SNA & Drive to Hyatt Mission Bay: This will be a travel day, so it’s good that you’re keeping things low-key. The drive from SNA to Hyatt Mission Bay will take about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Since you’ll be arriving in the evening, it’s probably best to have a relaxed dinner and get settled in.

Wednesday 7/30 - SeaWorld: SeaWorld is a great choice for a family-friendly first day. It’s right next to your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about a long drive. Your kids will love the animal exhibits, shows, and rides. Since it’s your kids’ first time at the beach/ocean, SeaWorld also offers opportunities to see sea life up close, which can be exciting for them.

Thursday 7/31 - San Diego Zoo: The San Diego Zoo is another great family-friendly activity. It’s a large park with a lot of walking, so you may want to pace yourselves with the kids. Since it’s a weekday, you’ll avoid the weekend crowds, which is a bonus. If you feel like it's too much after the SeaWorld visit, you could always split it into two parts, taking a break in between, or consider focusing on one area of the zoo to keep it more manageable. If your kids enjoy animals, the zoo will be a highlight.

Friday 8/1 - Beach Day & PETCO Park: A beach day is a perfect way to relax before the evening game. Since you’re staying at Hyatt Mission Bay, you’ll have easy access to Mission Bay Beach, which is great for families with young kids. After some time at the beach, head over to PETCO Park for the Padres game. The 7:10 PM start gives you enough time for a relaxed dinner and to get to the ballpark.

Saturday 8/2 - Beach/Hotel/Other Activities: This will be a free day to unwind and enjoy more beach time or explore some local attractions. Here are a few family-friendly activity suggestions for this day:

Coronado Island: A short drive from your hotel, Coronado is famous for its beautiful beach and the historic Hotel del Coronado. The kids will love playing in the sand, and there’s a lot to explore. You can also rent bikes or take a casual walk along the beach.
Old Town San Diego: If you’re interested in a bit of history, Old Town is a fun and easy place to explore. There are museums, shops, and restaurants with a family-friendly vibe.
USS Midway Museum: If your family is interested in naval history, the USS Midway is a fascinating and interactive museum for kids, with lots of exhibits and aircraft to explore.

Sunday 8/3 - Drive to Huntington Beach & Angels Game: The 1.5-hour drive to Huntington Beach is a great break in between all the activities. After you check in to the Hyatt, head to Angel Stadium for the 1 PM Angels game. Depending on the time, you might want to grab a bite to eat before the game or explore Huntington Beach, known for its beautiful coastline.

Monday 8/4 - Beach/Hotel Day & Dodgers Game: After a morning on the beach, consider heading over to Huntington Beach Pier for some family fun. You can rent bikes or scooters for the kids or just relax by the water. Then, it’s off to Dodger Stadium for the 7:10 PM game. Again, this will be an exciting experience for your family, and the evening start gives you plenty of time to enjoy the day.

Tuesday 8/5 - Beach/Hotel Day & Departure: On your last day, you can enjoy a relaxing morning at the beach before heading to SNA for your 4 PM flight. If you have some extra time, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and activities in the area. Consider grabbing a final meal at a local spot like Ruby’s Diner on the Huntington Beach Pier, or explore the shops and eateries in the area.

Safari Park Recommendation: If you want to add in the Safari Park, it could be a nice addition to your itinerary if you find yourself with some extra time on Thursday. The Safari Park is located in Escondido (about 45 minutes north of San Diego), and while it’s a bit of a drive from the zoo, it’s a unique experience with more wide-open spaces and animals in naturalistic settings. If you’re short on time, however, the zoo will already give you a similar experience.

Food Recommendations: Here are a few family-friendly dining spots that are great for kids and adults alike:

The Fish Market: Located by the harbor, it offers fresh seafood with a great view, making it a good spot for dinner after a day at the USS Midway or Seaport Village.
La Jolla Shores: There are many casual eateries here, perfect for a laid-back beach meal. You can try El Pescador Fish Market for great seafood or Piatti for Italian dishes with a view.
In-N-Out Burger: For a quick, iconic California meal, kids love In-N-Out. There’s one near the airport (SNA) if you want to stop by before your flight home.

Final Thoughts: Your itinerary looks well-paced, and you’ve picked some fantastic family-friendly activities. With a good mix of beach time, baseball, and local attractions, you’re set for an unforgettable trip. Be sure to allow for some flexibility, especially with young kids, so you can enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Enjoy your vacation in California!

Family Baseball/Beach Trip Itinerary 7 days Jul/Aug

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