Something fun to do between San Diego and LA?

Question

I have three kids (11, 9 and 7) and we are going from San Deigo to Disneyland this Summer. I am looking for something fun to do on the way besides Legoland. Something non-amusement parkish. (We are from GA, so nature would be best.)

Answer 1

Being from So Cal and Having two kids the only real cool things to offer, that are nature (water) related would be:

****San Diego*****
Mission Bay in San Diego - Ocean way located near Sea World. Lots of water, sun and Fun. You can rent giant paddle boats and ride them across the bay onto one of the many islands, collect small shells and really just enjoy the outdoors.


****Orange County****
Dana Point Harbor - As you drive up the 5 North to Disneyland exit Highway 1 into Dana Point Harbor. at the End of the harbor they have "The Ocean Institute" - it's a great place to gets the kids some hands on activities all related to the Pacific Ocean - If they are not open ...no worries because on the back side of the Institute are the natural tide pools which house all sorts of sea life the kids can see and feel for them selves. Be sure to have on some comfortable shoes you don't mind getting wet, or some ocean shoes.

Balboa Island / Boardwalk - Also up the 5 Freeway is Balboa (well you have to transfer to the 55 freeway and cross the 405 but it worth it) They have an old school wooden board walk with lots of fun things to do. It includes a Ferris Wheel and Carousel and lots of fun store to window shop at. Many of OC premiere Beach's are within walking distance.

IF you need more ideas that are a bit more inland feel free to e-mail me directly

Answer 2

I believe the key phrase in this question is "along the way".

Unfortunately, aside from some beautiful beaches in Torrey Pines and the Laguna's, there is not much to do.

The biggest "nature area" you'll see on the way up is a Marine Base (Camp Pendleton). There are several State Beaches and "View Points" to pull of an have lunch or stretch your legs at.

Otherwise you'll just be on the freeways in the middle of various towns and cities on the way up (it's really not that far anyway, only a couple hour drive depending on traffic).

Have Fun!!!

Answer 3

Carol B, you are wrong. It is Cornado Island, I should know. I went there two days ago, and I still have sand in a very uncomfortable place.

OK, back to the question. I went to SD and You can go to Seaport Village, Harbor excursions (Sea lion and whale watch.), you can go on the Elation cruise ship, Ummmm, eat at the Bay Cafe (with outdoor available seating, enjoy a great view of the bay, and it's not crowded.), OH YEAH! YOU CAN GO TO HORTON PLAZA! THE OLD TOWN TROLLY STOPS THERE, IT'S A 5-STORY MALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT! And there's Sea World, the San Diego Zoo (with okapis), Old town, Whaley house (haunted house in old town), and MUCH more. The beach on Cornado Island is very fun, if you take the ferry, it's a 1.4 mile walk (~30 minutes), or the little tiny part right by the docks is cool too. HAVE FUN!!!!

Answer 4

Once you're on the freeway there isn't much to do, but if you want to get off the freeway for a bit you could drive over to the coast at Del Mar or any of those beach communities and walk along the beach, maybe even go in for a swim. Or have a picnic on the beach. Shuffle your feet on the sandy bottom to scare away any stingrays, start swimming as soon as the water's deep enough. Take a boogie board along and catch some waves.

Answer 5

There is so much to do. In SD alone you can see the zoo, go to balboa park and see the museums, go to sea world, go to the beach, go on a day cruise, go to San Pedro and catch a ferry to Catalina Island.

Go online. You will find lots to do.

Answer 6

I've driven SD to LA a few times - dodging SoCal drivers is challenge enough for me.