Your San Diego Family Itinerary

Choose Your Home Base Hotel
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Our Favorite
Neighborhood: Mission Beach
Starting at $171
Catamaran Resort sits right on Mission Bay in Mission Beach, exactly the bayfront base the operator asked for. A moderate 4-star with a lagoon pool, tiki torches, and the beach boardwalk out front, it is a natural fit for a family of four with young kids.
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Bahia Resort Hotel
Bahia Resort Hotel
Our Favorite
Neighborhood: Mission Bay Park
Starting at $199
The Bahia Resort Hotel is a relaxed, family-sized 3-star right on Mission Bay with its own little marina and Dockside 1953 on site. Moderate pricing and a quieter bay-beach feel make it an easy pick for kids ages 6 and 10.
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The Dana on Mission Bay
The Dana on Mission Bay
Our Favorite
Neighborhood: Mission Bay Park
Starting at $179
The Dana on Mission Bay is a moderate 3-star bayfront with two pools and a marina, a short stroll from SeaWorld and the bay beaches, keeping the whole day geographically centered on Mission Bay.
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Day 1
SeaWorld San Diego Day on Mission Bay
Friday, December 11
MORNING
SeaWorld San Diego
Our Favorite
Start right after check-in with a full day at SeaWorld, a five-minute drive from your Mission Bay hotel. The orca and dolphin encounters, sea lion shows, and penguin habitat are perfect for a 6- and 10-year-old, and the rides give the 10-year-old a thrill between animal shows.
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SeaWorld San Diego
LUNCH
Lunch at Dockside 1953
Neighborhood: Mission Bay Park
Price: $$
Hours: Breakfast 7am-11am, Lunch 11:30am-5pm, Dinner 5pm-10pm; Sat-Sun brunch 7am-3pm
Duck out for a midday break at this casual bayside spot at the Bahia on Mission Bay, a short hop from SeaWorld. Seafood, steak, and salads with a kid-friendly menu and water views let everyone reset before heading back for the afternoon shows.
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AFTERNOON
More SeaWorld: Rides and Habitats
Our Favorite
Head back in for the afternoon. Hit the coasters and the sea lion and turtle habitats, then catch any shows you missed in the morning. Being a December day it stays comfortable and the lines are short, so the kids can ride favorites twice.
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More SeaWorld: Rides and Habitats
EVENING
Dinner at The Crack Shack Pacific Beach
Our Favorite
Neighborhood: Pacific Beach
Price: $$
Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
Wind down with an easy family dinner at this casual Pacific Beach spot from chef Richard Blais, a quick drive from the hotel. Fried chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and a big open patio keep both kids happy after a long park day, with local beer for the adults.
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Save on Your Attractions
Go City San Diego PassSAVE
GO CITY SAN DIEGO PASS
Save up to 50%
Your itinerary has 2 Go City attractions. Buy one Go City pass instead of paying for each one separately.
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Itinerary generated October 12, 2026
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