family running on beach

Planning A Fun-Filled Family Vacation In San Diego

If you’re looking for the best place in California to spend some time relaxing and exploring with the family, San Diego is the perfect choice. To add a little fun to your vacation experience, consider our property, the Dana on Mission Bay, a tropically landscaped waterfront hotel located near some of the area’s most popular landmarks and attractions, including SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland California. In addition to an ideal location and exceptional accommodations, there are a variety of onsite amenities at our hotel to entertain the whole family. Check out our guide to planning the perfect San Diego family vacation below!

SeaWorld San Diego

There is so much to see and do on a SeaWorld 2024 family vacation. No matter how old you are or what interests you have, there is something everyone is sure to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular entertainment options at SeaWorld San Diego for your family. Be sure to consider our brand new Advantage Bundle add-on along with your stay, featuring complimentary SeaWorld shuttle service from our hotel!

Kid Friendly Rides

SeaWorld San Diego offers a variety of exciting rides made especially for your youngest family members. The Little Explorer Rides are perfectly sized for kids and offer hours of entertainment. The children also have access to the popular Ocean Explorer Kid Rides as well as Ocean Explorer Animals, where they can interact with octopus, eels, crabs, and other sea creatures.

The Jewels of the Sea

New for SeaWorld 2024 is the Jewels of the Sea, an all-new immersive aquarium that allows guests to see the habitat of the largest jelly cylinders in the country. Learn about these interesting sea creatures through this amazing walk-through arch and giant viewing wall.

Seven Seas Food Festival

Held during March and April each year, the Seven Seas Food Festival offers an amazing opportunity to experience a variety of foods and drinks with international flavors from all around the world. From delicious dishes and live performances, the Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld San Diego is an experience the whole family will enjoy.

Seaworld Jellyfish

(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)

The Carlsbad Flowers Fields

Exploring the Carlsbad Flowers Fields is a great way to spend some quality family time in San Diego, CA. For over sixty years, guests have been flocking to see the rolling hills of San Diego and the spectacular displays of flowers. The 55-acre ranch is blooming each year from March to May with fun events and activities including tractor wagon rides, a butterfly garden, floral mazes, and, of course, plenty of photo-ops for the whole family!

Family sitting on Chair at Flower Fields

(Photo: @the_flower_fields)

Legoland California

Kids and adults of all ages love Legos and the amazing amusement park designed around the popular toy is sure to be a hit with everyone. From the ever-popular theme park with rides and attractions to the fun-filled water park and exciting Sea Life Aquarium, there is so much to see and do at Legoland California Resort during your family’s vacation to San Diego.

Family Standing in front of LEGOLAND sign

(Photo: @raisinghydes)

See the Seals in La Jolla

(Video: @ourtravelingtots)

No family trip to California is complete without San Diego Seal Tours on the agenda. Visit the La Jolla Cove seals and sea lions for an up-close experience with nature at this incredible waterfront location. The Children’s Pool at Casa Beach is one of the best places to get a glimpse of these fascinating creatures – especially at sunset when they like to hang out on their favorite local rock. The Children’s Pool at Casa Beach is closed from December 15 to May 15 in order to protect the newborn seal pups, but you can still view them from above!

Adventure Water Sports

Have the time of your life playing on the water during your San Diego family vacation with our friends at Adventure Water Sports on Mission Bay. From Wave Runners and ski boats to stand-up paddle boards, and kayaks, Adventure Water Sports has everything you need for a day of fun on the water. And the best part? They are located right on-site, here at our hotel!

adventure water sports

(Photo: @adventurewatersportssd)

Ready for the Best Family Vacation in San Diego? 🌊

Make plans now for your next family vacation in San Diego here at Dana on Mission Bay waterfront hotel with our Special Offers & Packages. Enjoy relaxing accommodations with a variety of amazing amenities, including our Bayside Pool and Spa, the Tropical Pool and Spa with poolside movie nights, a waterfront restaurant, onsite marina, paddle boats, kayaks, bicycles, and more!

dana people biking by hotel