Take some time away before the kids go back to the school year. Spend time with loved ones surrounded by plenty of sand, sun, water, and fun. The beach towns of San Diego County have something for everyone to enjoy in the last days of summer break before the first bell of the school year rings. Relax and unwind indoors or out or find something fun and exciting to do on-shore or off-shore during some of the final days of summer. Read below to discover what a San Diego summer vacation has to offer.
Beaches
When you choose a location like the towns of San Diego County for your back-to-school break, you’ll no doubt be enjoying some beach time. The still-warm weather and waters mean you can spend a little extra time out in the sun on your beach days. Lay out in the sun and sunbathe, get your exercise with a walk or run on the sand, watch the kids build sandcastles, or pack a picnic.
Water Activities
In addition to the many beach activities that attracted you to San Diego County, there are other fun water sports to experience while you’re here. Take a swim or paddle your way through the water on a stand up paddleboard, kayak, or canoe. Up the adrenaline and the speed and take off on a jet ski or fly high above the water on a parasailing adventure!
Add in some lessons for a new skill while you’re at it. Certified surf instructors will take you from land classes to catching your first wave in no time. Choose traditional surfing, wind surfing, or both. Once you’re comfortable with your skills, rent some gear and strike out on your own.
Pelly’s Mini Golf & Del Mar Golf Center
Located at the Del Mar Golf Center, there are two 18-hole mini golf courses where you and your students going back to school can challenge your putting skills with fun obstacles and themes like “Pelly’s Ocean Adventure” and “Surfin’ Safari.” The courses add a water and beach feel while you take a break from the sand and salt. If you’re a golfer looking to sharpen your skills, the center also offers golf instruction and the “Toptracer” range for some practice after the lesson.
San Diego Zoo
The zoo was the pioneer for cageless exhibits! It houses over 4,000 – animals each residing in an authentic habitat – from deserts to rain forests. You can choose to walk the zoo grounds yourself or take the tour bus which crosses three quarters of the zoo’s area and offers guided information so you can decide what you want to learn more about. For a birds’ eye view, hop on the Skyfari gondola lift where you get a view of the entire park!
Coronado Island
Another can’t-miss experience on a trip to San Diego County before heading back to school is Coronado Island. Miles of beach, the historic Hotel Del Coronado seafront resort, and a wide variety of shopping and dining experiences await. It’s the perfect day trip during your San Diego County escape.
LEGOLAND
The San Diego area is known for its theme parks. Kids going back to school and kids-at-heart will want to make sure to include LEGOLAND in Carlsbad on the itinerary. Based on the building blocks of the same name, the park offers both a theme park with rides, shows, and other attractions, as well as a water park where you can cool off with over 10 million gallons of water-themed activities and attractions. Build your own raft before floating down the “not-so-lazy” river, and more. Watch the park calendar and order tickets online and note the water park may be closed or have limited hours during your visit.
Museum of Making Music
Stop in for a different kind of museum experience. Exhibits celebrate the music products industry’s history starting at the beginning of the 20th century to today. The museum also has live music performances on select dates. Enjoy hands-on opportunities where you can pick up and play various instruments, too.
San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
When most people think of California trolleys, their mind likely jumps to San Francisco, but there’s one in San Diego, too! The trolley isn’t just a fun mode of transportation, it’s an affordable way to get around the city without having to pay for or negotiate busy parking areas at popular attractions. Take a tour of the whole 11-stop route with a conductor who is also a knowledgeable guide. They’ll fill you in on everything there is to see and do along the route. Afterward, make your plans to head back to your favorite spots.
Get Ready for Back to School in San Diego County
While planning all the fun activities and adventures for your back-to-school San Diego County retreat, make booking comfortable accommodations a priority. Book a San Diego vacation rental with Vacation Rentals by Kimberly. We have accommodations as small as one-bedroom, all the way up to a seven-bedroom home so you and all your loved ones getting ready to go back to school can enjoy a beach retreat before the first bell.