3 Days in San Diego with Kids
This San Diego family itinerary focuses on the city's biggest kid-friendly strengths: Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla wildlife, beaches, and easy waterfront time. It keeps drives realistic and avoids trying to combine every theme park and beach in one short stay. It is optimized for families from the US, Canada, Australia, and Singapore who want a warm, reassuring plan with flexible nap windows, animal encounters, beach time, and neighborhoods that make meals straightforward.
Budget Breakdown
Per person, excluding flights
Per person · excludes flight · 3 days · varies by season
Where to Stay
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Daily Costs
Per person · per day
Budget
Comfort
Splurge
Accommodation
$120–190
Family motel or apartment outside peak zones
$250–380
Central family-friendly hotel
$650+
La Jolla or bayfront resort room
Food
$40–65
Casual tacos, groceries, picnic lunches
$85–130
Family restaurants and treats
$220+
Premium seafood and resort breakfasts
Activities
$80–140
Zoo plus free beaches
$180–280
Zoo, Midway, kayak option
$550+
Private wildlife or boat experiences
One-Time Costs
Not included in per-day figures above
San Diego Zoo tickets
$65–75 adult, less for kids
Book online and arrive early for cooler weather
Flight Estimates
Return flights · economy · varies by booking time
San Francisco
$90–$220
$90–$220
Sydney
$850–$1,450
AUD 1,285–2,195