Autumn is a best-kept secret in Southern California, and especially San Diego. Days are sunny and warm, while the beaches and theme parks take on a mellow vibe. And best of all, excellent deals abound.
Case in point: the San Diego Tourism Authority recently announced the specials for this year’s Kids Free San Diego event, which includes more than 100 offers related to attractions, hotels, and restaurants. Do your kids get any fall break at school? Plan a quick trip. And if your kids aren’t old enough for school yet? This is the perfect excuse for a longer vacation.
The deals are significant and showcase many of the most popular attractions. At SeaWorld San Diego, for instance, you can get a free kid’s ticket for ages 3–9 when you book one adult ticket. The same deal applies for ages 11 and under at San Diego Zoo Safari Park and for ages 12 and under at LEGOLAND California. There are also deals for fun outdoor activities like whale-watching and kayaking tours, and many of the city’s cool family-friendly museums, such as the Maritime Museum of San Diego and the USS Midway Museum, have special promotions too.
The freebies also apply to authentic San Diego cuisine (like tacos at beloved Carnitas Snack Shack) and lots of hotels, from brand names to local gems. Stay in Mission Bay, for instance—which has a beach, SeaWorld San Diego, and the carnival rides of Belmont Park—and kids can eat free when you make your home base at the bayfront Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa or Bahia Resort Hotel. Or, stay downtown at the grand US Grant and kids eat free and also get a welcome gift.
Exploring the San Diego Tourism Authority’s long list of special offers is the perfect way to plan a San Diego family vacation. While you’re at it, check out Visit California’s guides to theme parks, seven family-friendly road trips, and tips for planning a family trip to California.
