Hi we are planning a trip to San Diego over Christmas. I saw that the average high was 65. What should I expect from the weather? Should we bring any shorts? I am sure swimming is out of the question, but will it still be nice to walk along the beach? I would love any advice you may have. Also bringing two elementary age children and plan on seeing SeaWorld, the Zoo, and possibly Legoland. Have a whole week to spend. Ideas would be great.
2006-10-23 08:00:27 · 13 answers · asked by Betsy R 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ San Diego
I'm sure other people have responded and said similar things but I'll give you my opinion as well.
The average might be 65, but it will probably still be a bit chilly. I would plan on wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt the entire trip, but I would DEFINITELY bring at least one pair of shorts. It is all the luck of the draw, last Thanksgiving I was outside in shorts and a tshirt, but when my father came in February he had to deal with rain and cold the entire week.
SeaWorld is pricy @ $50ish for each adult admission ticket, but it is a great time. (Hate to give you sticker shock or anything) Be sure to arrive early enough to catch as many shows as you can. The exhibits are interesting (I like the penguins and sharks), but the shows are the most fun.
The zoo is located in Balboa Park. In addition to the zoo, which is also a lot of fun, Balboa Park has a bunch of museums which should be fun to explore. Some could be boring for younger children, but the auto, air & space, and some others could be a lot of fun. I would recommend taking a 45 minute drive north on I-15 to go to the Wild Animal Park (owned by SD zoo). There you can see lots of animals roaming as though they were actually in the wild. Look into a combo deal.
I have never been to Legoland (waiting until I have a child with me as an excuse). From what I have heard and seen driving by it I am sure it is a lot of fun as well. Expect a 30-45 minute drive to Carlsbad, CA on I-5 to get there.
As far as the beach goes... It will probably be too cold for swimming since I had to struggle to get in during the past couple months, but depending on your luck it could be nice enough out to just relax on the beach. If not, you can still enjoy a walk around the beach area. I suggest Mission Beach. They have a roller coaster along the water and a small amusement park called Belmont Park. Mission Beach is located close to Seaworld.
There are a bunch of other things to do that you could probably find in any tourist guide. Very often you can find things in SD that don't cost money, but are some of the most fun you can have. Also try Old Town San Diego (especially for sit-down Mexican food), USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, and Cabrillo Point National Monument for one of the best views in SD.
2006-10-24 05:33:39 · answer #1 · answered by El Cupacabra 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It kind of depends. We're expecting a mild El Nino this year, so it could be rainy, or it could be sunny. I have been in shorts on X-Mas day before and I've been in jeans and sweaters. You should probably check the weather again before you come. In any case, if it's not raining, you can definately still take a walk on the beach, even if it is cooler, you won't need hats and gloves and ski jackets or anything like that....jeans, sweatshirts or sweatehrs and a windbreaker will usually be warm enough....think Fall weather (not Buffalo fall weather though...no 2ft of snow).
Things to do with the kids....Maritime Museum and the aircraft carrier downtown. Corvette Diner for lunch or dinner. The Point Loma Tide Pools....and the light house. Mt. Palomar Observatory. Julian. Balboa Park - esp the Aerospace museum.
Also, Legoland is in Carlsbad....the Wild Animal Park is in Escondido
2006-10-23 08:08:07 · answer #2 · answered by MEW 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The temp should be about 70, it will be sunny, but you may experience one of the four days of the year when it rains, which is usually in Jan. Walking along the beaches will be great, the water will be too cold to swim in w/o a wet suit, but what the heck, take a run in anyway, since the cold water will numb you immediately and you won't feel a thing. it's what I did the first time I was on the beach in February, 1970. I lived there for nine years. San Diego is Paradise. You will love it. Enjoy yourselves. Oh, one more thing......TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!!!!
2006-10-23 08:15:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Expect some rain...winter on the CA coast tends to be a little rainy, but since San Diego is so far south it shouldn't be too bad. A walk on the beach will be fun, a light jacket will probably do the trick.
Legoland in Escondido will be great.
No snow of course. Whale watching is good in December too.
2006-10-23 08:04:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some shorts, but definitely some pants, too. It's cold(meaning cool) in the morning but should be fine towards 10/11. Beaches in SD are fine all year, and I'd suggest taking the ferry to Coronado! You're kids will love it.
Plus, unless they're pretty studious, the museums might be a bit boring or too much for them. Have fun!
2006-10-23 17:22:24 · answer #5 · answered by Kiki N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i will be spending anmother x-mas in SD this year as well.
It is cool you wont wear shorts much it will be nice weather overall, but at night it gets very chilly. Check out Coronado island and the entire harbor for that matter we go there every year alot to do there.
P.S. a good beach to see is Mission Beach it is a popular site. MTV even does some broadcasts from there.
Have fun
2006-10-23 08:02:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah, bring shorts and also pants and sweatshirts. its beautiful, but it will get kinda chilly especially if there is a breeze and its overcast. you could also think about driving an hour and going to disney land or go an extra two hours to hollywood/universal studios. I take the train from sandiego to Anaheim or LA. The train is the same time minus hte driving and it seems faster.
2006-10-23 08:03:08 · answer #7 · answered by savanna m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
brinf swim short tank tops flip flops and a nice cozy sweatshirt every hotel has a nice heated pool and it is usuall sunny at the very least 4 times a week have fun
2006-10-24 15:32:21 · answer #8 · answered by meatballhead400 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of good advice so far. My only addition is that it is warmer inland and that if you are unlucky enough to get rain, you may be dissapointed as rain storms are seldom short showers down here. Rain tends to go in long streaks.
2006-10-24 10:24:11 · answer #9 · answered by The Fred 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey weather in San Diego is freezing cold around that time. I should now because i was here. so i would advise you to take sweat pants. and it is still possible to go to the beach, just that the water will be cold!! well i hope you enjoy your stay in San Diego!! Have Fun!!!
2006-10-23 08:05:24 · answer #10 · answered by SanDiegoAngel 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋