Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Silver Strand State Beach

"Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre cultural destination a few minutes by car from Downtown San Diego that suits a variety of travel styles. Each of the 16 museums are fantastic in their own right and some are enumerated separately on this list, such as the kid-friendly favorites including Fleet Science Center and San Diego Natural History Museum. Culture enthusiasts may want to step into the San Diego Museum of Art or Museum of Photographic Arts."

"This 1,400-acre site encompasses historical buildings, numerous museums, gardens, and green space. The park was created for the Panama California Exhibition of 1915-1916, and most of the buildings remain from that event. The predominant architecture is Spanish-style, with low-rise buildings that blend in with the natural surroundings."

"New Children's Museum is an interactive museum in San Diego that is a not-for-profit organization. It is a novel model of the Children's Museum that operates with a mission to pique creativity, imagination, and critical thinking in children and families via inventive and captivating experiences with modern art. The museum encourages children to think, play, and create through engrossing exhibitions, art-oriented activities, artistic performances, and educational opportunities."

"The New Children's Museum re-opened in 2008 with a motto of think, play and create, which is exactly what kids do here. What is different about The New Children's Museum is that they specifically commission works of art with tactile features that appeal to kids rather than re-create existing art to suit a younger generation. There's hands-on art and exhibits to hold the attention of toddlers up through teen years."

"A new model of children’s museum whose mission is to stimulate imagination, creativity and critical thinking in children and families through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art."

"It has one of the best views of the San Diego Skyline and yet this small pocket park is seldom visited […]"

"Free Breakfast, Evening Receptions And Internet, Plus Fully Equipped Kitchens, Are On Offer At The Non-Smoking Residence Inn La Jolla, A Pet-Friendly Hotel Our Guests Rate One Of The Best In Town. The Two-Story, 228-Room Property Provides Accommodations With Fully Equipped Kitchens That Feature Microwaves And Refrigerators As Well As Dining And Seating Areas. Many Rooms Have Fireplaces, And All Have Access To Free Wired Internet Access And Flat-Panel Tvs."

"Bobboi is rated of the best dessert places in San Diego (and is top-rated by Yelp!), and rightfully so. The shop offers the best natural gelato made with organic ingredients. You’ll find tons of gelato flavors in addition to ocean views!"

"All Breakfast Republic locations are back up and running with patio dining, so you can savor an indulgent brunch spread without a home unboxing!. Reunite with outdoor dining by ordering some of the eatery’s classics, including Breakfast Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Breakfast Jambalaya and Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Heck, celebrate with a pancake or French toast flight for good measure!"

"With 9 locations in San Diego and the surrounding areas, there is a Breakfast Republic near you, so no matter where you are staying this is one place not to be missed!. We visited the Mission Valley location and the decor was just our style, very industrial with lots of wood accents and metal details. And let’s talk about the food."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"Just a step inside the Old Town Market and you’ll get a sense of what life was like several centuries ago when the city of San Diego was brand new. The market offers visitors a chance to see and hear tales of Old Town, the original inhabitants and how they lived, worked and survived in the early 1800’s. Visit the free museum, watch working artisans, pick up a souvenir or two at one of the shops or enjoy a meal—Old Town Market of San Diego is a charming, nostalgic landmark and attraction that is brimming with history and entertainment."

"The Harney Street Market offers a variety of artisan goods, including jewelry, paintings, photography, hand-blown glass, woodwork, clothing, and accessories. It takes place in Old Town San Diego on Harney Street every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m."

"Join us for free, historic storytelling, shows and entertainment every day of the week. Shop in our 40 unique gift stores, watch working artisans, or enjoy a bite to eat. Learn about the rich history of Old Town San Diego in our free museum."

"Then there’s world-class shopping right here in La Jolla Village, a 30-block shopping bonanza on and around Prospect Street just above La Jolla’s beaches. Here you’ll find a paradise of apparel, accessories, jewelry, specialty stores, quaint boutiques, and art galleries. The world-famous University Towne Centre (UTC) in La Jolla’s Golden Triangle area on La Jolla Village Drive adds to the shopping fun."

"My shopping buddy checking out the clean beauty products on Girard Ave. Photo credit: Christy from Stained with Style. I really like to do a little shopping, or just take a walking tour of the shops (when I am on vacation), Girard and Prospect are my pics."