Things to do in San Diego with Teens
San Diego is a great place to explore and have fun with teens. With it’s beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and endless entertainment options, this city has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, educational experiences, or just some good old-fashioned fun, here are some of the best things to do in San Diego with teens!
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What Is The Best Month To Visit San Diego?
We think the best month to visit San Diego is undoubtedly September. The temperatures are mild and the humidity low, making for perfect outdoor activities like hiking or beach hopping.
Additionally, San Diego’s top attractions, such as SeaWorld and Balboa Park, are at their busiest in the Summer months so you won’t have to deal with overwhelming crowds when you visit in Fall. Moreover, many of the hotels offer attractive discounts during this time so you can stay in luxury without breaking your budget.
By visiting in September, you’ll get the best of both worlds – direct sunlight without sweltering heat, plus loads of attractions without having to fight the crowds.
Fun Things to do in San Diego
San Diego is a great city and is full of exciting attractions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach or an adventure filled excursion, there’s something for everyone in this sunny city. From waterparks to amusement parks, San Diego has something to offer all year round. Here are our favorites.
SeaWorld San Diego
A trip to SeaWorld is an absolute must-do when in San Diego. This ocean-themed park is home to a variety of shows and attractions that will delight both kids and adults alike. From thrilling roller coasters to up close encounters with dolphins and sea lions, there’s something for everyone at SeaWorld. And don’t forget to catch one of the incredible nighttime shows, they’re sure to be a hit!
The USS Midway Museum
This floating museum offers an amazing opportunity to step back in time and explore the history of naval aviation firsthand. Teens can get an inside look at what it was like aboard a WWII aircraft carrier while learning about the important role the USS Midway played during wartime. The museum also features interactive exhibits and flight simulators that will keep your teens entertained for hours.
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La Jolla Cove
No visit to San Diego would be complete without taking in its stunning coastline. La Jolla Cove is one of the most popular spots for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the beach soaking up some sun. The sparkling waters here are teeming with wildlife so be sure to bring your snorkel gear along so you can check out all sorts of amazing sea creatures up close!
San Diego Zoo
Planning a family vacation can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding activities that will appeal to teens. Fortunately, San Diego Zoo offers an array of attractions and experiences that are perfect for families with teenagers.
Located in Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo is home to more than 12,000 animals representing over 680 species and subspecies. With a variety of exhibits and interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone at the San Diego Zoo.
Teens will love exploring the zoo with its lush gardens and beautiful architecture. The Lost Forest exhibit features plants from around the world as well as fascinating animals such as sloths, anteaters and tamarins – perfect for taking pictures or getting close-up views of wildlife!
Explore Sea Caves
Exploring the sea caves of San Diego can be an unforgettable experience for teens. The caves are teeming with life and offer a unique insight into the underwater world. You have the opportunity to explore these fascinating formations, observe fascinating creatures and learn more about the local aquatic environment.
The best way to explore these caves is with one of the guided tours offered by many local companies. Experienced guides are available to take you on a journey through the depths of San Diego’s sea caves, pointing out interesting sights and explaining information along the way.
During their tour, you will see spectacular views of towering rock formations and vibrant marine life, such as anemones, fish, crabs and other ocean dwellers. As they meander through tunnels and crevices they may even spot an octopus or two!
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Seaport Village
Seaport Village San Diego is a waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment district located in the heart of downtown San Diego. Since its opening in 1980, it has become an iconic destination for locals and tourists alike. With over 50 unique shops and restaurants showcasing a wide range of food and merchandise, visitors can easily spend a whole day exploring the area.
The village is surrounded by towering palm trees that create an instagram worthy photo and the best part? All stores are open late so that you can enjoy every moment of your stay!
Spend the Day at the Beach
Spending the day at the beach in San Diego is a great way for teenagers to enjoy an outdoor activity and make some lasting memories. With miles of soft white sand, crystal clear waters, and an endless array of activities available, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you want to relax in the sunshine or try your hand at stand up paddleboarding or surfing, everyone be sure to have a day full of fun and adventure.
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Belmont Park
Belmont Park San Diego is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day or evening. Located in Mission Beach, this amusement park offers great rides, shopping and dining experiences that are sure to delight all ages. Whether you’re after an adrenaline rush on one of the thrilling roller coasters or just want to relax and enjoy the views of Mission Beach, Belmont Park is the place to be.
The park features several exciting attractions like The Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster which has been around since 1925, as well as bumper cars, go karts, tower swings, mini golf course and more! Thrill seekers can get their fix by taking a ride on The Liberty Carousel or grabbing some speed on the Vertical Plunge water slide.
Miramar Speed Circut
The Miramar Speed Circuit San Diego is quickly becoming a popular destination for teens looking to get their speed fix. Located just north of downtown, the track provides an adrenaline-pumping experience with its high-speed courses, designed by professional race car drivers. You can feel the rush of driving around tight curves and down long straights while being safely monitored by experienced instructors.
For those looking to take it one step further, they can sign up for the advanced classes offered at Miramar. These classes teach how to properly handle a race car and how to control speed around turns and on straightaways. This allows everyone to become more comfortable behind the wheel in no time and gives the confidence when racing against others.
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is the perfect destination for a fun-filled time. This historic area is packed with activities and attractions that will appeal to people of all ages. From shopping and dining experiences, to interactive museums, there’s something for everyone in Old Town.
A visit to Old Town wouldn’t be complete without exploring some of its unique shops. Here you can browse and purchase souvenirs from one-of-a-kind stores like the Trading Post Marketplace or Las Casas de Espiritu Santo.
San Diego Wild Animal Park
The San Diego Wild Animal Park is a wildlife preserve where visitors can experience the wildlife of Africa and Asia up close and personal, as it houses over 3,500 different species of animals. The park was originally established in 1972 by the Zoological Society of San Diego as an extension to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
This animal sanctuary covers 1,800 acres and offers guests a variety of activities to keep them entertained throughout their visit. Guests can take a safari tour on an open-air vehicle to get an up-close look at some of their favorite animals from around the world, or they can feed giraffes from the Giraffe Overlook Safari base camp for a unique experience unlike any other. Additionally, visitors can explore Discovery Outpost which features interactive experiences with reptiles like turtles and snakes!
No matter what kind of adventure your teens are looking for, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Diego that they’ll enjoy! From exhilarating rides at Sea World to exploring historic sites like the USS Midway Museum, there are plenty of ways for them to have fun while learning something new along the way. So grab your swimsuits and head off on a memorable trip through San Diego with your teens today!
