Staycation in San Diego: When the Whole Family Comes to Visit
Deciding to staycation in San Diego this year has turned out to be a blast. I’ve realized this city is way bigger than I thought—it’s not just about downtown or the beaches. San Diego is packed with cool little neighborhoods and hidden gems, each with its unique personality.
If you missed my first two posts about exploring our own backyard, you can catch up on those here.
Finding fun for toddlers, teens, and everyone in between
In this latest chapter, I’m sharing what happened when my daughter, her husband, and their two daughters came to visit Casa Whaldo for their summer vacation. We had a teenager, a toddler, and a whole lot of energy to channel—and somehow, we managed to make it all work. Multigenerational staycation, anyone?
Kicking Things Off with a Birthday and a Symphony
Our adventure kicked off with their arrival late on Saturday, June 28th. That also happened to be my husband’s birthday. We’d already planned a night out, so when my daughter and her family arrived, we weren’t even home. I left instructions on how to access the house while we were out enjoying the San Diego Symphony at the Rady Shell for the Music of the Knights show. That gave them a chance to get settled before we got back.
Once home, the usual joyful chaos broke out—everyone talking at once, hugging, laughing. After a quick catch-up on the day's events, it was off to bed so that the vacation (and Staycation) could begin.
A Chill Sunday: Old Town, Games, and Grandpa’s Shadow
Sunday was a “let the working adults relax” kind of day. We caught up with our teenage granddaughter, Mar, and watched our toddler granddaughter, Charlie, follow Grandpa around like a shadow. That evening, we headed out for dinner in Old Town before enjoying a casual game night back at the house.
Zoo Day: Coupons, Chaos, and a Map That Made No Sense
On Monday, we all went to the San Diego Zoo together. The weather was perfect—sunny and 73 degrees.
A trip to the zoo isn’t always inexpensive, but we found ways to make it more budget-friendly. My husband and I had purchased resident SD Zoo passes, which came with four half-off coupons—those helped significantly reduce the cost for my daughter and her family.
Additionally, the zoo offers several perks that help keep costs down. Parking is free, and visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments, including drinks, lunch, and snacks. That’s a big help when you’re wrangling kids for a full day out. We brought our water bottles (the concession stands were happy to refill them), along with fresh fruit and a bag of Rainbow Goldfish to keep everyone going.
The first animals we all agreed to visit were those in Africa. I pulled up the map on the app and plotted our course. We started along Treetop Way and made our way through the trails. The map wasn’t as clear as I thought—it didn’t always seem to match the actual layout. We passed many animals we stopped to watch and learn about, but every time I checked our location against the map, it didn’t feel like we were on the right path.
We saw various monkeys, chimpanzees, and apes. We even wandered into a large aviary, where we got up close and personal with some beautiful birds. As birders, that exhibit was more interesting to my husband and me than to the granddaughters.
The girls were getting hot and bored. After going up some stairs and then being told we needed to go back down (yes, I’m not afraid to ask for directions—even with a map in hand), it was time to stop for a bathroom break, water refills, and snack time. As we sat, I looked around and compared our surroundings to the map again. I decided I really disliked that map.
Pandas, Stairs, and the Great Safari Detour
The girls were ready to get back to exploring, so we decided to find the Giant Pandas. (Yes—they’re back at the San Diego Zoo!) I handed the phone to my husband to see if he could figure it out. After studying it for a while, he handed it back with a raised hand in surrender.
My son-in-law, Matt, and I discussed what we believed to be the most direct path, and we set off. My husband and I hadn’t been to the zoo in over 30 years, and neither of us remembered it being this confusing. But memories fade.
There’s a kind of platform—no better word for it—where you can take stairs or an elevator up and down several flights. We had to walk across a bridge at one of the levels, but I couldn’t tell you which one. After getting off on the wrong floor once, we found the right one and crossed. Signs finally pointed us toward the Panda exhibit, and we joined the line.
As we rounded a bend, a volunteer told us we’d timed it perfectly—the female panda was out snacking. Sure enough, we adults could see her up ahead. The line slowed as people stopped for photos, and I was proud of the girls for being patient. Eventually, we arrived at the panda. She was right in front of us, happily munching away. We got our pictures and moved on to see the male panda playing under a bush. We were all thrilled.
Giant Panda at the San Diego Zoo, Xin Bao, having a snack. / Photo by Whaldo Digital Content
Zoo Map Woes: The Big Cat Hunt That Got Away
Afterward, we tried heading toward the big cats. We heard lions in the distance, but never encountered any big cats. One wrong turn in this maze, and you’re off track.
We ended up at the Skyfari. We walked downhill past some hoofed animals and found the polar bear exhibit, but no polar bears were visible that day. For our final activity, we walked back uphill to ride the Skyfari to the exit. It was time to go home.
I left with a strong distaste for the zoo app map. We knew we couldn’t see the entire zoo with a toddler in tow, but it was still disappointing to miss some of the animals we’d hoped for. Even the volunteers agreed that the app wasn’t user-friendly.
Back home, we had a BBQ, played games, and turned in early to be rested for our whale-watching appointment the next morning.
Whale Watching in San Diego—This Time with the Whole Crew
As I mentioned before, my husband and I've gone whale-watching many times. You can read about our most recent outing here. But my daughter and her girls had never been. Her husband had, just not in San Diego.
For this trip, I booked with Next Level Sailing. After our last outing with Adventure Whale Watching, I’d asked Captain Kyle for a family-friendly recommendation. There was no way I was taking a four-year-old on a RIB. He suggested Next Level Sailing.
Boarding The America: One Cautious Pup and a Racing Yacht
It’s a large, stable racing yacht—The America—and even Jax was welcome aboard. After breakfast, we drove over to Shoreline Park at Shelter Island and checked in.
Once everyone was checked in (there were about 50 of us), we all walked down to the dock. At first, Jax walked happily, but as the dock started to move with the crowd, he froze. We tried coaxing him, and he crept forward in a low crouch—maybe one step an hour. Other dogs took it in stride, but not our furry boy. My husband ended up carrying him.
At the yacht, we had to climb a ladder to board. I went first, and the crew helped hand Jax up. They were great—clearly used to helping with dogs. Once aboard, we were seated in the farthest front area so Jax could have a little space. A black and a brown lab sat with their family on the other side.
After the safety briefing, the captain slowly steered us out of the harbor. The girls were excited to see sea lions on the buoys, and we even got to see Navy personnel working with their dolphins. Talk about timing!
Smooth Sailing… Until Everyone Got Bored
Out on the open water, we sailed smoothly, hoping for whales or dolphins. The girls were munching on snacks and soaking it in. My daughter had to take a moment—she was nervous, never having been out on the ocean like this before, especially with her girls. But she settled in.
Jax, meanwhile, was on the move. He wanted to look over the edge of the ship and meet the other dogs. After a couple of hours, he got bored, right along with our granddaughters. He finally settled in for a nap in the sun. Our granddaughters started asking when this would be over.
Savannah, Mar and Charlie, waiting for something to happen. / Photo by Whaldo Digital Content
Dolphins Off the Bow! Jax Finds His Sea Spirit
Cue the action!
I saw the birds ahead and the water splashing and told my daughter to get ready. Jax had sensed them long before we saw them. He suddenly jumped up and paced, anxious but excited. He came to me, and I thought he wanted to look over the edge—but he didn’t. Not yet.
Then the dolphins came. Hundreds—maybe thousands—jumping, racing, playing in our wake. My daughter’s family lit up with joy. Jax, still whining, finally came to the rail and looked over. His tail wagged. His ears popped back up. And he started that high-pitched whine he uses when he’s thrilled. Like when we approach Dog Beach or Fiesta Island—his "I can’t wait" sound.
My husband knelt beside him while Jax leaned over the rail, tail wagging, eyes wide. He’d look out, then come boop my hand, like he was saying, “Are you seeing this?!”
Jax meeting his new friends, the Common Dolphins. / Photo by Whaldo Digital Content
We spent the next hour enjoying the show. Only one other dog on board seemed to react—Jax was definitely the most expressive.
Eventually, it had to end. As we sailed back, Jax kept watch, searching for his new friends. My husband sat patiently with him at the edge. The girls were over it, lounging with their mom, playing quietly while Matt and I took it all in.
The captain walked around explaining why he’d kept us out a bit longer—he wanted us to have the opportunity to enjoy the experience. When he reached us, he told us his daughter’s dog reacts just like Jax. Loves dolphins. Runs around, trying to find them, and goes nuts once he does.
Back to Shore and Back to Staycation Mode
Back at the dock, Jax had found his sea legs—just enough to walk the moving platform back to shore. Tail wagging, he had enjoyed his newest experience.
Over the next few days, we did the typical staycation activities: a beach day at Ocean Beach (of course, on the Dog Beach side), game nights, cooking together, and strolling around Seaport Village. Jax rode the trolley again—and did great! It was fun to share some of what my husband and I had already discovered during our San Diego staycation—first Old Town and then Seaport Village.
Fireworks and Festivities: Fourth of July at Casa Whaldo
Friday was the Fourth of July. We spent the day at Casa Whaldo. Our new deck has just been finished, and it’s perfect for watching fireworks. From up there, we can see Fiesta Island, SeaWorld, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and even out toward the Bay.
We had a lazy day, hanging out on the patio, playing games, and chasing the girls around. That night, we grilled beer brats and fresh sweet corn, served with potato salad my daughter had made the day before.
We waited on the deck for fireworks. At first, it was disappointing. A few neighborhood sparks. A few off in the distance. The girls got bored. My daughter and her husband went to clean the kitchen. Just my husband and I remained.
We were up there discussing how disappointing the fireworks had been, and then came the boom.
SeaWorld’s turn.
It was incredible. Clear, colorful, loud. Neighbors gasped and cheered. I called down for my daughter to grab the girls. Everyone returned—except the teenager, Mar, who wasn’t interested. Teenagers. Am I right?
SeaWorld’s show lasted longer than usual and was spectacular. The whole neighborhood erupted in applause.
We ended the night with a few card games and went to bed happy, full, and feeling festive.
Museum Day: Dinosaurs, Questions, and One Disengaged Teen
The next day, Saturday, was our last with visiting family. We had a slow morning before heading to the San Diego Natural History Museum—one of my favorites.
Finding parking took over an hour—yes, the summer struggle in San Diego is real. But once inside, Charlie was mesmerized. Mar? Not so much.
We explored the dinosaurs and ancient San Diego wildlife, watched a movie about current local animals, and visited the Live Lab—Charlie’s favorite. She bounced between us, asking questions, sharing discoveries, and dragging us from station to station. It was wonderful.
Mar waited by the gift shop, scrolling through her phone. Not everyone’s into museums, and that’s okay. Love you, Mar!!
We spent some time in the Hidden Gems and Unshelved: Cool Stuff From Storage exhibit, where Charlie even did some sketching. We wrapped up our visit in the hands-on Coast to Cactus display, full of fun activities for curious minds.
Back home, we spent our final evening enjoying good food, playing fun games, and making more memories.
The Goodbye Blues and What Comes Next
After they left, I found myself feeling a little sad. I miss spending time with them. Even though we’re just one state apart, we don’t see each other that often. My granddaughters are growing up so fast.
Savannah and Matt are busy working, parenting, and living life. Even if we lived closer, we wouldn’t see them daily. We’re all too busy. But logic doesn’t always change how your heart feels.
Once that sadness faded—after a couple of days—I could finally look back and smile. We made memories. And there will be more to come.
My daughter, her husband, and the girls are back to their regularly scheduled lives. My husband and I are back to our Staycation.
I’m not sure where we’ll go next, but summer isn’t over yet. Navigating the SD Zoo? Challenge accepted—this time, we’re bringing reinforcements: a paper map and maybe even a compass!
We’ll explore new places. Who knows what we’ll find?
Stay tuned.
—J.S. Whaldo
Practical Travel Tips for Your San Diego Staycation
If you’re planning to explore San Diego like we are, here are a few practical tips to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Getting Around:
The trolley won’t get you to the Zoo or the Natural History Museum, so buses or driving are better bets. Parking can be tricky, especially in summer—plan ahead!
San Diego Zoo:
Bring your own food and drinks to save some cash. The concession stands are happy to refill your water bottles with cold water, as there aren’t refill stations available. Resident passes also come with discounts, and there are coupons available to help offset the entrance fee.
Balboa Park & Museums:
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park before heading inside. Bottled water is permitted, and refill stations are available inside the museums. Getting there early helps with parking. It is free, but it fills up quickly due to the numerous museums and venues in the area.
Whale Watching:
Check out Next Level Sailing—it’s family and dog friendly, with complimentary snacks and drinks on board. Super chill crew and a stable yacht make it a hit with all ages and pups.
