Family Fun on Coronado Island and in Southern California

Coronado Island's numerous parks, beaches and events provide ample outdoor fun, but the Southern California area is also known for its large quantity of family friendly attractions from the infamous attractions like SeaWorld and Disneyland to less well-known, but equally as fun counterparts like Legoland and Scripps Aquarium.

Coronado Island maintains over 15 miles of paths, making it ideal for such activities as biking and skating. Paths wind past Coronado's many grassy parksand along Coronado's infamous wide white sand beach. Becasue of its prime location as a peninsula jutting into the Pacific Ocean, Coronado is home to several marinas where visitors can rent anything from paddleboats to yachts.

Back on the main land, Southern California offers its own share of equally interesting attractions. With San Diego's wide variety of parks and attractions, including an array of museums, animal parks and cultural areas, there is something for everyone. Some of the highlights include:

Balboa Park: Home to 15 museums, ranging from the Natural History Museum to the Aerospace Museum, as well as several performing arts theaters and restaurants and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park is surrounded by lush greenery that offers a variety of outdoor activities and entertainment. www.balboapark.org 619-239-0512

Gas Lamp Quarter: The historic heart of San Diego, the Gas Lamp Quarter combines an active nightlife with old-world charm. The streets are lined with a diverse selection of clubs, bistros, breweries and fine dining as well as a unique selection of shops, boutiques, art galleries and theaters. www.gaslamp.org 619-233-5227

Legoland: Located 30 miles north of San Diego, Legoland is a 128-acre theme park based on LEGO play blocks. Attractions include 5,000 LEGO models, more than 50 rides and activities, shows, a 4-D movie and a variety of restaurants. www.legoland.com 760-918-LEGO

Old Town San Diego: This historic section of San Diego offers visitors a chance to step back into the 1800s where blacksmiths forge their wares and señoras bake bread in horno ovens. Old Town is home to many historic sites, museums, galleries, shops and restaurants. 619-291-4903

San Diego Maritime Museum: Located in San Diego’s colorful Embarcadero, the Maritime Museum offers visitors a look into history with exhibits, demonstrations of nautical skills, maritime art, tours of historical tall ships and interactive activities for children. www.sdmaritime.org 619-234-9153

San Diego Wild Animal Park: This 1800-acre wild animal sanctuary houses over 3,200 animals roaming free in their vast enclosures. Exhibits range from expansive African habitats to a North American exhibit featuring California condors. Tours are available by foot, on the railway or via open-air safari vehicles. www.wildanimalpark.org 760-747-8702

San Diego Zoo: The world-famous San Diego Zoo is home to 4,000 rare and endangered species. Exhibits include the infamous panda bears, a 2.2-acre polar bear exhibit and an African rain forest habitat. Guided bus tours and Skyfari aerial trams give visitors a good overview of the entire park. www.sandiegozoo.org 619-234-3153

Scripps Birch Aquarium: This aquarium is home to 46 display tanks including marine life from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of the South Pacific. The grounds also host the largest oceanographic museum in the United States as well as hands-on learning at its tide pools. www.aquarium.ucsd.edu 858-534-FISH

SeaWorld San Diego: From spectacular shows and animal encounters to world-class thrill rides, Sea World has something for the entire family. A variety of shows star animals such as the world-famous Shamu and crew, dolphins and pilot whales, and sea lions and otters as well as a new show starring dogs, cats, birds and a pig. Other animal exhibits include sharks, beluga whales, polar bears and manatees. www.seaworld.com 619-226-3901

Around California:
California is the land of plenty when it comes to tourist attractions. Below are some of the more popular day trips out of the San Diego area.

Disneyland: The famous home of Mickey Mouse and his loveable friends, Disneyland offers something for the kid in everyone. From kid rides like Dumbo in Fantasyland to thrilling attractions like Indiana Jones in Adventureland, the resort offers a full lineup of exciting fun. Plus, parades, shows, unique dining options and Meet The Character opportunities. www.disneyland.com 714-781-4565

Mexico:
To venture a bit further abroad, day trips to Mexico are very popular. Tours can include Tijuana, Rosarito Beach and more. Tour companies offering trips to Mexico include Larry’s Tours (800-830-5564) and Scenic Tours of San Diego & Tijuana (858-273-8687). A bit farther into Mexico, but worth the trip, Rocky Point is an up and coming tourist destination. Located on the mainland side of the Sea of Cortez, Rocky Point, also known as Puerto Penasco, offers a bit of everything for the adventurous tourist.