Have you even experienced a San Diego summer if you haven’t dipped your toes in the ocean, gotten soaked at a local water park or at least embarked on an excursion across the bay? I think not. Below we share an abundance of opportunities to cool off in America’s Finest City and throughout the county. If getting wet isn’t your vibe, be sure to get out to enjoy ocean breezes and endless bay, lake and coastal views. Here are some of the best ways to soak up summer in San Diego!
SAN DIEGO WATER PARKS
The largest “water park” you’ll find around here is the Pacific Ocean—31 beaches spanning 70 miles of coastline from Imperial Beach to Oceanside. Looking for something beyond a beach day? Plan an epic water play day at Legoland California’s Water Park in Carlsbad, Sesame Place in Chula Vista or Wave Waterpark in Vista. The recently opened Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista has a great water park for hotel guests (limited day passes available to those lucky to score them online). Grab a recreational session pass or family day pass for the Plunge San Diego (at Belmont Park) to enjoy the awesome inflatable obstacle course in their giant pool.
Insider tip: There are a number of local hotels and resorts that offer day use at their pools (some with water slides). Discover amenities at individual properties and reserve family passes at www.resortpass.com/s/us/ca/san-diego/hotel-day-passes. No overnight stay required.
{Photo courtesy of Irene Stirling}
SAN DIEGO SPLASH PADS
All Waterfront Park splash fountains along Harbor Dr. downtown are expected to be fully operational this summer. Other notable splash pads include Sunset Park in San Marcos, Civita Park in Mission Valley, Del Mar Highlands Town Center in Del Mar, Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista and Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine (open summer weekends). In addition to a splash pad and family swim opportunities, Poway Community Swim Center offers “splashtastic fun” from 4:30–7:30 pm on Inflatable Fridays through August 1.
If you’re planning a visit to SeaWorld this summer, be sure to take swimsuits and towels so the kids can play in SeaWorld Rescue Jr.’s splash zone (and sit in the soak zone at the Orca Encounter). Of course, you can visit the large, walk-in “people dryers” located near Shipwreck Rapids if you forget.
Learn more about San Diego splash pads in our article at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/out-about/parks-with-water-splash-pads-san-diego
{Photo courtesy of Anne Malinoski}
WATERCRAFT RENTALS
Rent WaveRunners, kayaks, pontoon boats, pedal boats, stand up paddle boards and more to spend a fun afternoon at spots like Carlsbad Lagoon (Carlsbad), Oceanside Harbor (Oceanside) or Lake San Marcos (San Marcos). Visit each website for watercraft availability and to make reservations.
The kids might love taking a spin around Santee Lakes (Lake 5) in a duck, swan or dragon pedal boat. Additional unique rentals include single or tandem HydroBikes at Aqua Adventures in Mission Bay and pink Duffy boats at Eco Boat Rentals in Point Loma.
BOAT TOURS
Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise aboard the Bahia Belle, a three-story sternwheeler on Mission Bay, which runs between Bahia Resort and Catamaran Resort. Ride bikes through Coronado after taking the Coronado Ferry from Broadway Pier to the Ferry Landing. Take a dreamy gondola ride through the Coronado Cays with The Gondola Company. Sign up for a private day or sunset sailing tour (up to 12 people) with Sea Monkey Sailing Adventures. Or, explore San Diego Bay on one of these awesome boat tours: 1. A harbor sightseeing tour or dolphin adventure with City Cruises by Hornblower, 2. A narrated tour of downtown and the bay in one amphibious vehicle via San Diego SEAL Tour, or 3. A high-speed Patriot Jet Boat with Flagship Cruises.
Exciting family memories await as you set sail on a historic tall ship, a high-speed Navy Swift Boat or take part in an interactive pirate adventure with Maritime Museum of San Diego.
SURF LESSONS
Summer break offers no better time to learn how to surf! Check out surf lessons for groms (kids)—and parents—at Surf Diva, Surf Education Academy, Everyday California, Pacific Surf School or Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience.
We’d love to know how your family decides to “soak up summer.” Share your water adventures with us by posting on IG, tagging @sandiegofamilymagazine and using #SDoutandabout.
Managing editor, Lisa Gipson, would install a lazy river in her backyard if she could.
