35 Things to do in San Diego with Teens

Traveling with a teenager can seem intimating. You want to keep them engaged and cater to their interest, while making an experience enjoyable for the entire family. Here you’ll find a list of great activities to do in San Diego with teens!



Balboa Park







This one hundred year old park was created for the Panama-California Exposition of 1915. It’s cultural impact was so profound what once was considered a temporary space, it is now a flourishing center of arts and science. Families looking to take in cultural experiences will want to add Balboa Park to their list of things to do in San Diego with teens.



Comic-Con Museum This one of a kind museum is great for pop culture lovers! The Comic-Con Museum has a rotating exhibit and permanent exhibits that look back at the history of Comic-Con and the evolution of this pop culture phenomenon. This is great for teens who have been to Comic-Con or have not had the opportunity yet.







Fleet Science Center The Fleet science center is a great hands-on museum in Balboa Park. This location offers some mind boggling exhibits. The Fleet offers your teen a fun and interesting way to experience Science firsthand. For example, they demonstrate taking apart cars to trouble shoot and they even show skills like changing tires!



You also want to stop by the IMAX theater and watch one of the immersive films. These films offer a beautiful view into interesting topics like space, ocean conservation, and wild life. You can purchase your ticket in advance or see what’s on the dome when you arrive.







The Museum of Us Formally known as the Museum of Man, the Museum of Us offers a full picture of the human experience through time. Also providing rotating exhibits that offering a look at ancient cultures and the evolution of society. Your teen will enjoy the opportunity to learn about past cultures and it’s a great way to start meaningful conversation.



While visiting the Museum of Us consider adding a walk up the California Tower. This beautiful and highly recognizable tower offers great views and a bit of cardio. This 40-minute experience is offered to just 6 people at a time so be sure to book your tour in advance.







Japanese Friendship Garden This beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden provides a relaxing and insightful walk. Start at the top of the hill and work your way down to the cherry blossom garden and tea pavilion. Here are you and your teen can learn more the traditional tea service and Japanese customs. You will also want to stop by the small Koi pond and take advantage of this lovely photo opportunity.



If you are here in the spring this area is covered with beautiful cherry blossoms. Typically in March the garden is host to the Cherry Blossom Festival that celebrates the Japanese Culture and it is a fantastic time to see the garden in full bloom.



Panama 66 While visiting Balboa Park a great dining option for your team is Panama 66 . This location offers. Modern twist on traditional meals. Your teen will love the grilled cheese and the truffle fries. This outdoor space offers lots of dining areas, including the sculpture lawn, just outside of the Museum of Us. Yo can grab a bistro table or consider bringing a picnic blanket to enjoy some relaxation between exploring museums.



Water Fun







San Diego and water go hand-in-hand. San Diego has a different beach to fit your vacation mode. Are you float on a raft type of family or do you have a need for speed? With a variety of ways to experience fun in the water let’s take a look at things to do in San Diego with teens.







La Jolla Shores La Jolla Shores offers a great location for multiple water activities. If your team is looking to try out surfing, this sheltered space is a great place to start. The shore is also a wonderful place for snorkeling and kayaking. Why not visit every day California to a rental or lesson while you’re visiting La Jolla Shores .







Carlsbad Lagoon The Carlsbad lagoon is in North County San Diego. This lagoon offers a great selection of water sports. Here you can rent jet, skis, pedal boats, and standup paddle boards. There is limited beach area, so this is more of an activity center to space not a lot of area to hang around during the day.



Check out our list of other Fun things to do in Carlsbad .







Pacific Beach Pacific beaches, a good location to set up camp for the day. This location has a great lifeguard tower, showers, and public facilities. There are grocery stores and restaurants nearby. It’s a great place to spend an entire day at the beach.







Oceanside Harbor The Oceanside Harbor is a great location for the entire family. The Oceanside Harbor Village offers a small selection of shops, restaurants, and public facilities. The harbor also has a small picnic area as well as a nearby playground. The teens will love the expensive beach and space to do sand and surf activities. This is also a great location for boogie boarding and body surfing.



Need more water fun? Check out our article on the 12 Best Beaches near San Diego .



Downtown San Diego







Downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp area offers a lot for families visiting San Diego with Teens. This area is full of restaurants and unique experiences. With a variety of options families can explore shopping, museums, and roof top adventures.



Tip: Book a Gaslamp Hotel to experience all that the area has to offer.



WNDR Museum This interactive, an immersive museum is a excellent place to let your teen have fun. The WNDR Museum offers a lot of great photo opportunities as well as some mind-bending optical illusions. The museum offers a full sensory experience in each exhibit.







Seaport Village Seaport Village shopping center on the harbor. This location offers a lot of great bites to eat, interesting shops, and lovely space to walk along the harbor. I recommend checking out some of the boutiques like . Parking is available for a discounted rate with validation.







USS Midway The USS Midway is a retired battleship in San Diego located at the Navy pier in Downtown. Having operated as a battleship for 47 years, the USS Midway has many stories to tell. Your teen would enjoy the tour of the ship and if they are Top Gun fans, there’s a lot of fun photo opportunities for them. During the holidays, a light display is also available and a festive experience .







Top of the Hyatt The Hyatt Regency in San Diego offers a Birdseye view of San Diego Bay. This penthouse restaurant offers a seasonally decorated space with expansive views. You do not need to be a guest at the hotel to experience this treat for the eyes. Take the west tower elevator to the Top of the Hyatt and check in with the hostess. Visit their site to see what special experience are available and to make a reservation.



Tea at the Westgate Hotel The Westgate Hotel offers a regal tea experience. This ornate hotel location is picture perfect for afternoon tea. If you have a Jane Austen fan or Downton Abbey watcher this is definitely an experience you should add to your list in San Diego with teens. Book your tea time through their website .







Rooftop Cinema Also, located at the Hyatt Regency San Diego. The Rooftop Cinema Club is a great way to spend an evening in downtown San Diego. With a wide collection of films playing this silence cinema offers great views of downtown, concessions, yard, games, and fun rooftop movies. with a new collection of films specifically catered tort teens. Be sure to check out their upcoming offerings so you don’t miss the opportunity for a great teen film.



Tip: Rooftop cinema goers, receive discounted parking and discounted the top of the Hyatt.



Trails



San Diego County is a great location for hiking and nature walks. If your family is the outdoorsy type, then we have several trails to suggest visiting while visiting San Diego with Teens. Each location offers a different experience but they all offer beautiful views and fresh air!







Torrey Pines State Reserve The Torrey Pines State Reserve provide a couple trails that offer, a great views, moonscape like passages, and different levels of intensity. You can start at the bottom and work your way up or you can park at the top of the hill and explore the upper coastal trails. If you start from the top, you can stop in at the museum and talk to a docent about some of the animals and fauna you will find along your hike. Be sure to bring lots of water and don’t leave your trash behind!







Mission trails One San Diego’s most notable and frequented hiking routes is  Mission Trails . In addition to hiking trails the park is used for mountain biking and rock climbing. This 8,000 acre park includes year round flowing water, a lake, and expansive views from the top of the trail. Stop by the visitor’s center before starting on a trail to learn a little about the area and the rules of the park. You’ll also find a library, art exhibits, and a gift shop at this visitor’s center.







The Suspension Bridge The Spruce street suspension bridge is a great photo opportunity and fun experience. Consider parking in Hillcrest and taking the stroll through the surrounding area to Spruce Street. The view from the suspension bridge is great and if your teen is up for a hike Maple Canyon below the bridge is an excellent choice.







Potato Chip Rock Hike The Potato Chip Rock is a very popular destination for a hike. Your teen will enjoy the fun photos that can be staged here. The angle of the rock and crop of photograph will make it look like you are floating off the edge of a boulder. Potato chip rock is located near Lake Poway off the Mount Woodson Trail .



Amusement Parks and Zoos



San Diego has a number of amusement parks and here you will find something for your teen to enjoy. San Diego is home to some of the most well known parks. With one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the United States and a highly praised zoo, you’ll want to include a few of these spots on you itinerary in San Diego with teens.







San Diego Zoo The world famous San Diego Zoo , offers a great experience for animal lovers. This expensive and beautiful space offers a great experience for the entire family. Teams would love the pergola that travels top of the zoo. Take your team to Albert’s why in the treetops restaurant. This is an experience, surrounded by a tropical garden and a nice way to take a break during the long day at the zoo.







Safari Park Sister property to the San Diego Zoo. Here you will find a large selection of ways to experience. This is enormous park. Book to head out onto the property to take pictures and experience the animals firsthand. Also your teens zip line across the Savannah or a ropes course through the treetops. be sure to book your experiences in advance so that you don’t miss the activity you want to enjoy.



Tip: if one day just isn’t enough for all of your requested activities then consider booking in overnight safari called a Roar and Snore . This is a great way to experience the park after dark.







Belmont Park Belmont Park is the first and original amusement park of San Diego set on seven acres. Located on the boardwalk in Mission Beach, This park offers classic amusement rides as well as games and dining opportunities. Your teen would not want to miss the chance to ride the wooden roller coaster – The Giant Dipper. You can book your tickets online in advance to save time and money.







SeaWorld SeaWorld San Diego has a large collection of roller coasters that your team will want to enjoy. The Amanda is one of the more smooth and enjoyable rides on property. If you’re looking for something more intense try the Electric Eel or the Emperor Penguin. Water rides are more your speed try Atlantis or Rapids. Be sure to check out the schedule for SeaWorld as they have many rotating opportunities, such as summer nights, food and wine festivals, and Howl-O-Scream! There is always something fun and exciting happening at SeaWorld.



Tip: If you are local, take advantage of the fun card that allows you to return throughout the entire year at the price of a one day ticket.



Unique Experiences



Something that San Diego is not short on is unique experiences. With such a diverse community and landscape you can find something your teens will be sure to talk about for years to come. Check out this list of activities that take you from the sea to the air!







Escapology If your teen is into puzzles and mystery, then Escapology would be a great option for them. The themed escape rooms offer a series of escapes rooms that can fit anyone’s interest. With different levels of difficulty I’m sure there is an escape room to fit your teens interest. This spaces located at the Belmont Park area and reservations can be made online in advance.



Eco Boats Located in Point Loma, the Eco Boats offer a great option for both day and night boat rentals. Their Eco pedal boats are equipped with canopies and also fun neon lights for night peddling. It’s location is perfect for a fun afternoon trip with lots of food options nearby. This is a great place to plan to spend your afternoon.







Carlsbad Flower Field The Carlsbad Flower Fields are a seasonal experience, but if you are in San Diego during the spring, you will not want to miss this. This is a great photo opportunity and such an expansive beautiful space that your team will not find a hard to not crack a smile. It’s a great place for family photos and with the mall and lots of great food options nearby I would recommend adding this to your list.







Lions, Tigers & Bears Lions. Tigers and bears is in animal sanctuary. This offers a safe space for animals to live out their entire lives. Many of the animals in the space have been taken from home, zoos, circuses, and cruise ships. These animals are provided for through the organization and, a visit to the space help survive that lifetime of care. They currently house two of the Netflix’s “Tiger King”. Here you can have the opportunity to feed the lions. When the lions are in the mood, they can come over and get a quick snack from you on site. You were also see jaguars bears, and a whole variety of animals safely in their forever home.



Photo By: Rob Bertholf



Carlsbad U pick Another great Carlsbad location is the U-Pick station by the Carlsbad Strawberry Company . Here you’ll find a rotation of crops that is available for picking and cutting. In spring to early summer you’ll find strawberries available and in the fall a large pumpkin patch takes shape here. The fall harvest includes a variety of gourds and sunflowers. The pumpkin patch also includes a huge maze, apple shooting, and beautiful photo spots.



Hot Air Balloon Rides With Hot Air Balloons launching from the Del Mar area. There are several hot air balloon options in San Diego taking off for both early morning and sunset flights. This is a fantastic experience if your teen is comfortable with heights. The views expand from the ocean to the mountains.







Old Town San Diego The historic site of San Diego, the Old Town park is full of cultural experiences, delicious food options, and local shops. Here you can explore interesting landmarks like the first school, the first jail, and the oldest cemetery in San Diego. Old Town San Diego is host to the most haunted house in America: The Whaley House. Consider taking one the tours to learn more about the spooky encounters and maybe meet a ghost yourself.



Shopping



Shopping is definitely a popular past time for teens. When in a new city it’s always fun to explore the different shops and look for items no one else might have back home. Teens will enjoy the following list of shops thanks to the variety, location, and interesting additions to the shopping centers.







University Towne Center Mall The University Towne Center (UTC) mall features a variety of clothing store, flag ship department stores, a movie theater, and various dining options. UTC also includes a large food court that flanks an indoor ice skating rink. The rink is open for general skate and it’s a fun way to break shopping. This shopping center is so large it could take an entire day to explore this space.



Carlsbad Premium Outlets Carlsbad Premium Outlets is located in North County San Diego. The shopping center features high end designers and company stores of some of the most popular brands on the market. This is a great location for teens due to the variety of shops and dining option. The ever popular Ruby’s Diner is a great place to take a break from a day of shopping.



Photo by: Allan Ferguson



Viejas Outlet Center Viejas Outlet Center is on property of the Viejas Casino. This property is just past Alpine and could be p