San Diego with family | The Press

San Diego is an unparalleled destination for families with young children. In addition to the Pacific beaches, the southern California city has two major attractions: a famous zoo and a Legoland amusement park. And there are also some gems to discover.

Thousands of animals and plants

More than a century old, the San Diego Zoo is the busiest in the United States. Its international reputation is attributable to its remarkable diversity and the beauty of its layout. What sets it apart from other zoos: it houses a botanical garden with 13,000 species of plants. The feeling of wandering among the wonders of nature is real. More than 14,000 animals of 700 species inhabit the place. Among them: koalas, rhinos, big cats, polar bears, giant tortoises, red pandas and elephants – which will move to a grandiose new habitat in 2025. The places are vast and take all day to visit. The shuttle service saves time, but making choices is almost inevitable. Especially if you also want to go to the safari park further north in Escondido.

Everything is really in blocks… or almost

Construction enthusiasts will be delighted by Legoland California in Carlsbad, located about 45 minutes from downtown San Diego. This amusement park can be compared to a small Walt Disney World. The rides are aimed more at younger people, but the price and the wait are also lower. In addition to a few roller coasters, ride-on cars and mini-cruises, the place has a 4D cinema, a water park and an aquarium similar to the one in Toronto. Millions of Lego blocks, however, dominate the space: from furniture to construction stations to Miniland USA – which brings together impressive reproductions of American cities and monuments. Two hotels, which also appear to be made of colorful blocks, are located just outside the park for those who would like to maximize their stay.

A children’s museum like no other

The New Children’s Museum is not your average children’s museum. Without denigrating those who offer young people the opportunity to play adults in small hospitals, grocery stores or hair salons, the establishment located near the marina – where it is good to walk – houses interactive artistic installations, without any screen. Whammock!, created by Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam, is a gigantic, brightly colored hammock maze. Children can slip through it, hide there… get lost there. Teatro Piñata, by David Israel Reynoso, allows you to explore a Mexican puppet theater, while The Wonder Sound, by Wes Bruce, looks like a giant treehouse decorated with signs, symbols, drawings and objects from another era of all kinds. There are also areas reserved for toddlers and a park with other games just opposite.

Up and on the beach

Torrey Pines Nature Preserve in La Jolla is the perfect place to view the coastline up close and high. Different trails – of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty – allow you to admire the infinity of the Pacific, but also the particular flora of the place. There are obviously Torrey pines, a very rare species endemic to the region, but also plants, shrubs and cacti. With a little luck, you can see foxes, coyotes and bobcats. The protection of this rugged terrain began in 1899. The territory today extends over more than 8 km^⁠2. From the beach, you can admire the spectacular cliffs and take the opportunity to cool off. The prestigious Torrey Pines Golf Course is located to the south. Two U.S. Open tournaments have been held there, in 2008 and 2021.