The weather here in the UK is freezing and as per usual we are grinding to a slow halt. So, it is no surprise really that lots of us are dreaming of sunnier climates abroad, wishing we could be back in the sunshine.
We have been fortunate enough to take the kids abroad a few times whilst they have been growing up but these have been short haul flights, in the coming years I would like to be able to travel a little further afield and show them so much more of the world.
One place that I have read is great for the whole family is San Diego. With over 70 miles of beautiful beach plus lots of amazing places such as water parks and theme parks there is so much to do. So, with that in mind is my wish list for our family trip.
With it being an 11-hour flight, it would be the longest trip our children will have done, a big step up from the 4hour 45 minutes they are used to!
It would have to start with us booking a beach rentals in San Diego for our stay. Somewhere preferably with uninterrupted views of the north Pacific Ocean. Can you imagine opening up your curtains to this view in the morning?!
These beach rentals are an amazing place to completely chill out as a family. With them all being full of everything a family needs there really is no excuse not to get the most out of your family time. Whether it be a base to head out and explore or just two weeks to completely chill out, it is completely up to you.
Being on the beach and with an amazing place to stay in, it would be hard to want to leave however there is just so much to see in San Diego you can’t waste any time!
One place we would have to visit would be San Diego zoo – it looks amazing and is huge! This is a day trip on its own. With so many animals to get around and see plus all the shows and activates going on, I know the kids will love it!
If you are doing the trip to the zoo though, I don’t think our kids would let us not head to SeaWorld San Diego. Not only does it have shows and the chance to get up close to the animals but there is a range of rides for everyone to be able to enjoy. There is also the chance to be able to get in the pool with some amazing animals, now I know this is not for everyone however it would be something we would consider doing when the time comes.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on your trip though as San Diego is full of natural beauty spots with so much going on. With the chance to explore the beautiful walking areas such as Torrey Pines State Reserve or if getting in the water is more of your cup of tea Mission Bay Park has a huge 4600-acre water playground with so much going on.
From water sports such as Surfing, boogie boarding, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding going on around you to the beach volleyball there is sure to be something to suit everyone. What I love though is the fact it is for the whole family to get together too. With Ski Beach being popular for families to get together for a picnic on even a bonfire, it is a real sense of family there.
My must visit from this whole trip though would be to La Jolla. Firstly, I know this is an amazing spot for sunsets and after watching our first ever sunset over the sea in Cyprus last year I would love to take my camera around the world capturing those sunsets as they happen in different location.
It is a picturesque landscape here too with dramatic 300-foot sea cliffs to secluded cloves, all giving off spectacular views. One thing I know the kids would love is the place know as the Children’s pool, originally designed with a concrete breakwater wall to provide a safer swimming area for swimmers, it was taken over a while ago by seals and sea lions that love the beach and area themselves.
You are no longer allowed to swim in this location however just the chance to see these creatures up close in their natural environment would be an amazing experience.
Of course, when you head to any country, as well as the local attractions it is always great to get away from the busy hustle of tourists and take in everything that is on offer. Places like Julian, a century-old gold mining town which is in the Cuyamaca Mountains.
This is a great place for the kids to take a step back in time and experience everything that the history has to offer and also maybe see things that we might not have to offer here in the UK.
There is such an amazing variety of things to be able to do in San Diego, it may even need the return trip in the future to fit everything in. The only guarantee is, you will have the most amazing time whilst you are there.
If you are after some more inspiration make sure you check out this post with more great suggestions.
One day we will get there, for now though I will have to just keep dreaming of sunnier climates from the cold UK!
This is a collaborative post.