Taking the Kids: Bring Your Shades to San Diego
Got your shades? "My dad makes me bring sunglasses when I go somewhere outside in San Diego, so I can see if it's too bright," said Melissa, 12. Freddie, also 12, said it is always good to have a hat "so the sun doesn't hurt your eyes."
San Diego is known for its sunny weather -- the average temperature is 70 degrees -- and beaches (27 miles of waterfront) and the kids I interviewed for my upcoming book "Kid's Guide to San Diego" said the weather and the beaches -- not to mention world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo (see what I wrote about their famous pandas) and Safari Park and SeaWorld -- make "the birthplace of California" an ideal getaway choice for families.
"Only bring shorts to San Diego because the weather is the best," said Adam, 13, who hails from NYC.
"You'll need a few trips in order to see everything in San Diego because it is so big," said Ladha, 13, from Los Angeles.
And there's no better time to visit than October when kids are free all over town -- from the zoo to harbor cruises, LEGOLAND California in nearby Carlsbad, nearly 40 museums, restaurants and activities from surf lessons to speedboat rides to golf and even fishing. I wish every city had a program like San Diego Kids Free October with more than 100 kids-free deals for the 12 and under set.
Just as important, San Diego has that magic mix of educational attractions -- Balboa Park in downtown San Diego is home to fantastic gardens, the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater and no fewer than 15 museums, as well as the San Diego Zoo -- sports teams (the San Diego Chargers and Padres), umpteen places to bike, skateboard at skate parks, learn to surf, fly a kite or just play on the beach, especially around the three-mile boardwalk along Mission and Pacific beaches.
"You are never too old to make sand castles," said Gabrielle, 13, who is from Tucson, Arizona.
"Surfing is really fun, but it is a lot harder than it looks," said Ellie, 15, who lives in San Diego.
"Play beach volleyball!" suggests Mary, 11, from Austin, Texas, who said that was her favorite thing to do on San Diego's many beaches.
Freddy, 12, who lives here said, a bonfire on the beach is the best: Victoria, 13, added that visitors shouldn't miss the sunset, especially from Sunset Cliffs at Point Loma.
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