October Trip Family Vacation

Question

Hi all! We are taking our 6-year-old daughter to San Diego for fall break. We've booked the Marriott Coronado for 5 nights, and are looking to visit the zoo, SeaWorld, Balboa Park, and other kid-friendly destinations. We also love good food. We will be renting a car. My question is... I heard a lot of the family attractions are free for kids in October. Do you happen to know if we need to purchase admission in advance? Any restaurant recommendations? It is okay if it isn't super-kid-friendly. We love a good view as well! Does anyone know if you can rent bikes and where to ride? Would love to ride to the beach or even in the park...I'm not sure if there are kid bike rentals. Thanks in advance! Any recommendations are welcome. :). We arrive Oct. 10

Answer

San Diego in October is a fantastic time for a family vacation, especially with your 6-year-old. The weather is usually very pleasant, with warm days and cooler evenings, perfect for exploring both outdoor attractions and kid-friendly destinations.

Regarding admission for family attractions, some places have special offers in October, but not all attractions are free for children. Here’s a general overview:

San Diego Zoo: Tickets are required for everyone aged 3 and up. It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance online to avoid long lines, especially during fall break. The Zoo occasionally offers discounts or free admission days for residents, but for tourists, purchasing ahead is safest.
SeaWorld: Admission is required for all visitors. They sometimes have promotions for kids in the fall, but advance online tickets often come with savings and skip-the-line benefits.
Balboa Park Museums: Balboa Park has many museums, some of which offer free admission for children under a certain age (usually under 12). Check each museum’s website for specific policies. The park itself is free to walk around, and many gardens and outdoor spaces are accessible without tickets.
Other attractions: Children’s Pool in La Jolla, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, and various beaches are free to visit. If you plan to explore the USS Midway Museum or other paid attractions, buying tickets online in advance is recommended.

For dining, San Diego has an incredible range of options. Since you enjoy good food and views, here are some recommendations:

Coronado: Peohe’s – seafood with bay views; Il Fornaio – Italian with a waterfront patio.
La Jolla: George’s at the Cove – upscale dining with ocean views; The Cottage – breakfast/brunch favorite.
Downtown/San Diego Bay: Herringbone – fresh seafood with a lively atmosphere; Born and Raised – steakhouse with rooftop seating.
Family-friendly options: Liberty Public Market – casual dining with many local vendors; Corvette Diner – fun 1950s-themed diner for kids.

For biking, San Diego has several excellent rental options and scenic routes suitable for families with children:

Bike Rentals: Companies like Pedego Electric Bikes, Wheel Fun Rentals, and Mission Bay Bike Rentals offer kid-sized bikes and trailers. Some locations in Coronado even provide tandem bikes and family-friendly options.
Routes: Coronado’s Bayshore Bike Path – flat and scenic, perfect for kids, goes along the bay and connects to the Hotel del Coronado area. Mission Bay Park – several miles of safe, mostly flat bike paths around the bay. La Jolla – coast paths are more challenging but offer amazing ocean views.
Balboa Park – you can ride on designated bike paths, and there are also guided family-friendly bike tours available.

Additional tips:

Consider arriving early at major attractions to avoid crowds, especially during fall break.
Bring sunscreen and water for outdoor activities.
If you want a mix of education and fun, the New Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego is interactive and kid-focused.
Check each attraction’s website for seasonal events or special Halloween activities in October, which can be a fun addition for your daughter.

With your base at the Marriott Coronado, you’ll have easy access to beaches, restaurants, and attractions while enjoying a relaxed and scenic environment for your family.

October Trip Family Vacation

More San Diego Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions