Entertain visiting grandparents with these eight great itineraries for a fun-filled afternoon in San Diego
Treat the grandparents to fun and easy outings when they come to town for a visit. You want to explore and show off your favorite city without wearing anyone out. Here are some places that take into account some elderly needs like a slower pace, lots of benches to stop and relax, smooth pathways for walkers/wheelchairs and nearby parking access. Visit the aquarium, stroll through the gardens or hop on a trolley tour to see the sights. Find more places to go and why they’re our favorites for grandparent visits.
Birch Aquarium
Make memories with the grandparents by exploring sea creatures at the Birch Aquarium. This visit doesn’t require a lot of walking, but you’ll definitely see a lot here. Like the large kelp forest, sea horses, jellyfish, and heading to the outside touch pools is a must for the epic views of La Jolla Shores. Walk over to the outside patio where kids can have fun learning through hands-on water play. Plan extra time here for lunch at their outdoor Splash Café.
2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla
Online: aquarium.ucsd.edu
Water Conservation Garden
Take a leisurely stroll through these beautifully landscaped gardens while the kids run on ahead to play. There are several garden sections to explore with benches and winding flat paths to take your time and enjoy the beauty here. Kids will love the children’s garden, running through the trellises, and pretend driving on the concrete cars. This is an easy place for everyone to love spending a few hours at and will all leave refreshed and relaxed.
12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. W.
El Cajon
Online: thegarden.org
Old Town Trolley Tour
Hop aboard this fun trolley for a tour of all the San Diego sights and leave the driving to the tour guide! Board in Old Town and cruise along the waterfront, into Seaport Village for a quick 20-minute stop, and then head up through Balboa Park and back to Old Town. The fun tour guides will give you some history, tell a few jokes, and maybe even sing a few songs. Everyone will learn something new and have a fun time together.
4010 Twiggs St.
Old Town
Online: trolleytours.com
Balboa Park
Balboa Park will be a total hit with the grandparents and the kids as culture abounds everywhere. It is teeming with 17 museums, gardens galore, and the world's largest outdoor pipe organ; which often has free concerts. Some kids’ favorite museums with parking nearby are Fleet Science Center, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and San Diego Automotive Museum. You’ll find plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, from inside several museum cafes or stand-alone restaurants like El Prado or Panama 66. Balboa Park makes for an easy way to spend the day in a relaxed setting that the whole family will enjoy.
1549 El Prado
Balboa Park
Online: balboapark.org
Seaport Village
Shop, eat, and play at Seaport Village by the bay. This is always a fun stop that makes you feel like you’re on vacation for the day. The flat paved walkways will take you all around the shops, the cute little duck pond and bridge, and out to the Bayfront walkway. Find a bench to sit and watch the gorgeous views of the Coronado Bridge, the San Diego Bay where you can watch the sailboats, speed boats, and Navy ships coming and going. There’s so much to see and do here that you can easily spend a few hours enjoying the day.
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor Dr.
Downtown
Online: seaportvillage.com
Pelley’s Mini Golf
When in doubt, go miniature golfing! Everyone young and old will love trying to get a hole-in-one at Pelley’s Mini Golf in Del Mar. There are two ocean-themed courses to choose from with larger-than-life features at each hole. When your round is over, head to nearby Viewpoint Brewery Company for food and drinks with views from their outdoor patio of the San Dieguito Lagoon. After lunch, take a stroll on one of the easy flat walking trails that leave directly from their outside patio along the lagoon.
Pelley's Mini Golf
15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar
Online: delmargolfcenter.greensidegolfer.com
Viewpoint Brewing Company
2201 San Dieguito Dr.
Del Mar
Online: viewpointbrewing.com
