Mission Bay Bike Paths Mission Bay Dr. www.traillink.com/trail/mission-baybike-path Cruise through Mission Bay parks on a flat, paved 11.4-mile path that’s easy enough for kids, and almost loops the bay. Several nearby shops offer bike rentals. SeaWorld San Diego 500 SeaWorld Dr. 619-222-4732 www.seaworld.com/san-diego A highlight for visitors and locals, this awesome, educational theme park offers thrill rides, entertaining shows, animal interactions and the Sesame Street Bay of Play for little ones.
Mission Beach Belmont Park 3146 Mission Blvd. 858-228-9283 www.belmontpark.com An iconic oceanfront amusement park just steps from the beach offers thrill rides, arcade games, laser tag, mini golf and more. Enjoy a swim day and play on the inflatable floating obstacle course at the recently renovated Plunge Pool. Hamel’s Surf Shop 704 Ventura Pl; 858-488-5050 A Mission Beach favorite one-stopshop for more than 25 years. Find beach, bike and surf gear and San Diego souvenirs.
Mission Beach and Boardwalk Ocean Front Walk from Pacific Beach Dr. South 619-221-8899 www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/ beaches/mb.shtml Loved by locals and visitors, this mile-long stretch of sandy beach is home to Belmont Park and a paved boardwalk. Enjoy beachfront restaurants, build a sandcastle or take a stroll. Lifeguards on duty. No pets allowed. Plunge San Diego 3115 Ocean Front Walk 858-779-1630 ext.1041 www.plungesandiego.com Enjoy a family swim day at San
FREE La Jolla Secret Swing Enjoy breathtaking views (and snap an awesome photo) from a hidden swing in La Jolla. Locate the small wooden bridge in the back of Birch Aquarium’s parking lot to find the short trail. Sometimes the swing disappears, making it even more mysterious!
Photo credit: @SanDiegoFamilyAdventures
Take a 50-minute gondola ride through the canals of the Coronado Cays. Cruises are private and accommodate up to six people. www.gondolacompany.com Experience Petco Park as players and staff do with a fun and informative behind-the-scenes tour. Learn the history of the ballpark and the San Diego Padres while touring a dugout, the Western Metal Supply Co. building, the Padres Hall of Fame, a private luxury suite, press box and more. www.mlb.com/padres/ ballpark/tours
Hidden Gem Experiences for Families FREE Spend a day doing the self-guided Seven Bridges Walk, a 5.5-mile urban adventure that takes participants through some of San Diego’s unique neighborhoods (and across seven bridges, of course). Start on the east side of the Park Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge (near the Rose Garden). www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sevenbridge-walk FREE Explore eight restored jail cells at The Headquarters at Seaport (San Diego’s old Police Headquarters) downtown, also the location of shops and restaurants. Be sure to snap a photo in front of the lineup wall. www.theheadquarters.com/history Learn how to build sandcastles like a pro! Schedule a family sandcastle-building lesson at www.sandiegosand.com.
26 • SD Family’s Out&About 2021 • San Diego Coastal
Explore the inside of one of San Diego’s most iconic historic landmarks, the California Tower in Balboa Park. A 40-minute tour promises 360-degree views of San Diego from the Tower’s eighth-floor viewing deck. www.museumofus.org/exhibits/ california-tower Learn the basics of falconry—holding and releasing birds of prey in a group or private class at Torrey Pines Gliderport. Instructors provide the history of falconry, raptor ecology and conservation. Open to all ages. www.totalraptorexperience.com Get close to and feed gorgeous exotic birds at the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary in Del Mar. Reservations required. www.freeflightbirds.org Flip your own pancakes (and enjoy a delicious breakfast) at Flap Your Jacks in North Park (tables come with griddles on top). www.flapyourjacks.com Take a 1.5-hour guided tour on three exciting ziplines at La Jolla Zip Zoom in Pauma Valley. Kids must be at least 65 lbs. and 48” tall. www.lajollazipzoom.com
