With its strong military ties, unique historical roots and beautiful beaches, San Diego is a top vacation destination. Since it’s a road trip, or short flight from Sacramento we’re connecting with Family Entourage to learn what are some of the key areas that make San Diego live up to its nickname of “America’s Finest City.”
Miniland San Diego at Legoland
Tour all of San Diego in just minutes! Legoland California Resort revealed the world’s first Lego City version of San Diego earlier this Spring in Miniland.
A team of 70 Master Model Builders used more than 5 million LEGO bricks to construct 55 San Diego landmarks and neighborhoods, featuring iconic scenes from “America’s Finest City,” including Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, and Coronado Bridge.
“Summer Block Party” just launched which will include never-before-seen shows, new costume characters, and plenty of bricktastic fun. It runs all summer long with thrilling performances and experiences, including: GO Xtreme! inspired by the LEGO® City hit TV show, features gnarly extreme sports stunts that’ll have guests on the edge of their seats. Hold your breath and witness the BMX riders, scooters, and skateboarders flip and soar into the air. You’ll even have the chance to help the fun-loving judges decide which performances are best. Summer Jam allows for families to enjoy fun in the sun listening to your favorite hits from all the eras in this all-singing, all-dancing summer fest concert featuring the LEGOLAND Brass Band with special guests LEGO Banana Guy and LEGO Rocker.
Plus the Legoland Resort Hotel and the Legoland Castle Hotel also have seasonal fun and are completely themed and awesome for families with kids in the target age range of 2-12 to stay! They have free breakfast, pools and playful surprises around the property.
Military Town: The U.S.S. Midway Museum
It’s hard to talk about San Diego and not mention the huge military presence in our community and the part they play in protecting our nation. We have Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Marine Corps Base Pendleton, Naval Base Coronado, Naval Base Point Loma, Naval Base San Diego and US Coast Guard Station San Diego. Thanks to movies like Top Gun and Midway, many are familiar but nothing beats actually boarding the U.S.S. Midway. The aircraft carrier is the longest-serving in the 20th century and the MOST-VISITED historic naval ship museum in the WORLD! With more than 30 restored aircraft, and nearly 10 acres of exhibits and displays, the Midway brings you the most complete cross-section of carrier aviation in the world. It is a great stop to learn and truly helps you appreciate all that have served or are serving our country.
Kids can participate in the Junior Pilot Program, which follows Airman Sam Rodriguez as he takes youngsters on an amazing and entertaining audio tour to more than 30 locations throughout the aircraft carrier. Once the kids complete Sam’s tasks, they will be treated to a ceremony performed by one of Midway’s volunteer Docents, where they will earn their Junior Pilot Wings! The U.S.S Midway also has a Little Skippers activity page, where you can find lots of fun activities to do at home too.
Summer Concerts: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Recently called one of the “country’s coolest concert venues” by Forbes… The Rady Shell is the centerpiece of the 3.7-acre public Jacbos Park on the scenic Embarcadero. The permanent outdoor venue was developed and is managed by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
Host more than 100 concerts and year round events ranging from classical to bringing in world’s greatest talents in R&B, Jazz, Broadway and Rock. This year’s lineup still includes Earth, Wind & Fire, The Beach Boys, Gypsy Kings, Gladys Knight, C&C Music Factory, Van Morrison… classical concerts like Beethoven on the Bay, Tchaikovsky Spectacular and more. Plus movies like Harry Potter and Apollo 13 shown while Symphony plays the score live. Also have free events like yoga and picnics for the community. Check out the full list and plan to attend your favorites!
New state-of-the-art kitchens and dining spaces will make dining with your friends and family at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park a memorable experience. Celebrity chef Richard Blais, and a range of local specialties from some of San Diego’s finest eateries and locally sourced options ranging from casual to upscale curated dinner options for all and you can find menus at The Shell Provisions.
Iconic Neighborhoods
So many great areas to explore for historic and beauty aspects, and many are free… Old Town San Diego State Historic Park presents opportunity to experience history of early San Diego by learning about life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821-1872. Old Town San Diego is considered the “birthplace” of California. San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. In 1968, the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation established Old Town State Historic Park to preserve the rich heritage that characterized San Diego during the 1821 to 1872 period. The park includes a main plaza, exhibits, museums and living history demonstrations. Our kids love watching them make pull taffy or do glass blowing. On some days there are are even mariachi bands and folklorico dancers.
Balboa Park is one of the premier public parks, set aside in 1868, the now 1200 acre park is home to 18 world class museums! We love that there are lots of options from science museums to art museums, so everyone in your group can find an option. Of course San Diego beaches from Coronado, to Mission Bay, La Jolla, and North County all boast beauty and tons of ocean fun.
