Is San Diego Worth Visiting with Family?

Living just north of Salt Lake City, we are about an easy 6 hour drive from a few neat vacation spots: Denver, Yellowstone, Las Vegas and anywhere in Idaho or Montana. But if you drive a few more hours, you can find yourself in Southern California.

Our family loves a good beach vacation – so for our big summer trip, we headed to San Diego. Of course, I wanted to make sure I took notes to share with you.

Now, did it make for long drive and day? It sure did. But was it worth it? Our family thinks so, and here’s why.

From Salt Lake City, it was an 11 hour drive – and that included a stop in Las Vegas for breakfast. We left pretty early but you don’t have to do this, it just worked best for our family.

Once we arrived in San Diego, California we were able to check in to our hotel Now, let’s get into why visiting San Diego with your family is 100% worth it.

Beach Front hotel

We stayed just outside of San Diego in La Jolla Shores. If you’re traveling with a larger group, you could easily rent a house nearby. But we love staying at La Jolla Shore Hotel. It’s a charming Spanish style resort that is beachfront and offers incredible amenities. From concierge beach chair and umbrellas set up by staff to daily kids activities including crafts, movies by the pool, snow cones and evening s’mores.

We love to request a garden level room. It opens up to the best garden patio with the most beautiful flowers and trees. After a day at the beach, we loved sitting on our patio soaking in the evening breeze and some ice cream (we will get to that next!). Our pro tip: book your room and request a garden level room.

Food for Everyone

Finding gluten free options and restaurants can be a struggle. But each time we have visited La Jolla, I have felt spoiled by the amazon food options. My favorite thing in the world is to wake up each morning and walk over to Brick & Bell Coffee shop for a latte and a gluten free tangerine muffin. The Shoreshouse is another great breakfast restaurant just a few steps away. If you are willing to drive up the hill, visit The Cottage – they have the best gluten free French toast and breakfast.

For dinner you’ll want to visit Osteria Romantica for authentic Italian food. They can make anything gluten free and have great knowledge on gluten allergies and Celiac Disease. I had the carbonara with gluten free pasta – 10/10! You’ll want to go back again the next night. To end our evenings, each night we stopped by Scoops ice cream. It’s at the end of Avenida de la playa. They offer crepes, milkshakes and ice cream, They even have diary-free, vegan and gluten free options. I’ll bet good money you will leave your vacation craving them for years to come.

You Can Walk Everywhere

From our hotel room, you can walk one minute down the street to Avenida de la Playa. There you’ll find the street is closed off for pedestrians and have shops, restaurants and quick markets. They have neat surf shops and shops for kayak tours. Morning walks to get coffee were the best way to start each day. You really never have to jump in your car for anything. Once you get to the hotel – put those car keys away and enjoy the little town by foot.

San Diego is a Gem

I grew up in Southern California (about 90 minutes north) and never truly appreciated the San Diego area. It is beyond charming, family friendly and easy to get around. I think when most thing San Diego, they might think of Coronado or Downtown San Diego – but La Jolla Shores is the hidden gem. Don’t pass up a chance to stay at this beachfront hotel that offers amenities for kids and parents combined.