Legoland California’s Star Wars miniland and water park

While we were in Southern California last week, I had the opportunity to stop by one of our favorite theme parks for the younger set: Legoland California. We love Legoland for their whimsical, primarily-colored theme, their young kid-friendly rides, and ample activities for the toddler and preschool set, but most exciting on this most recent visit was the showcasing of their new Star Wars … [Read more...]

San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina

The Marriott Marquis and Marina is located in the heart of San Diego, California's Gaslamp Quarter, situated directly on the bay. It does not include beach access, but the water is in easy reach via the harbor, where kids can watch the boats and parents will appreciate the family-friendly dining. A major convention hotel, families can count on plenty of business and conference traffic … [Read more...]

San Diego Zoo

A San Diego institution and for good reason, the San Diego Zoo offers visiting and local families alike an escape from the city into an extensive and beautifully maintained animal kingdom. If San Diego is your family's vacation destination, you won't want to miss this featured attraction. Note: The San Diego Zoo has a Kidscore of 100. Learn more about Kidscore. Given Southern California's … [Read more...]

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego has long been a San Diego landmark, and for good reason. Every time we visit, we're amazed anew at how much the park offers and how enjoyable a day it provides. I don't know why we're surprised! We've been taking our kids almost annually since they were babies, and every year, there's something for everyone. We love the relaxed feel of the park, focused so much more on marine … [Read more...]

Old Town San Diego

San Diego has so much going for it, by all rights, the rest of Southern California should be burning with jealousy. But there's something about this city's relaxed, unassuming air that makes it beloved...and a natural a choice for traveling families. Visitors are drawn quickly to San Diego's main family-friendly attractions, including its pristine beaches and all that entails Balboa Park, such … [Read more...]

Legoland California

As lifelong Disney fans, we didn't see it coming, but Legoland California has become my family's favorite theme park. Located just north of San Diego in Carlsbad, CA, this answer to any Lego-lover's dream is perfect for the 2-12 age set. Plus, it has a Kidscore rating of 96. (Learn more about Kidscore.) And due to recent expansion, it's now three parks in one: Legoland, Sea Life Aquarium, and … [Read more...]

Travel Tip: Legoland’s Premium Play Pass

If you plan to visit the increasingly popular Legoland California in Carlsbad, CA during their peak summer and holiday periods, you might consider upgrading your admission tickets to Premium Play Passes. Not widely advertised, this upgrade allows every passholder front of the line access for every ride, all day long and preferred seating for every show. The cavat: you pay dearly for this … [Read more...]

Del Mar Motel on the Beach

1702 Coast Bvld. Del Mar, CA The San Diego area is a family vacation wonderland (Legoland and SeaWorld, anyone?) and Del Mar Motel on the Beach is a wonderful option for your accommotions, often overlooked in travel magazines and guidebooks. There are countless luxury hotels scattered throughout Del Mar, and in comparision, Del Mar Motel on the Beach is a no-frills operation (although it's … [Read more...]