San Diego as a Spring Break Destination? (Orange, Corona: hotels, live in)

[sammy1223]

Hi all,

We're planning a family vacation to SD in late March of 2009 and would like your opinions on the best family type hotels and resorts in the area. I realize that there are many to choose from and that there will be some tradeoffs depending on locations. As such, let me just say that we're looking for a good, family-friendly location that is not to far off the beaten path.

We have two children, 7 and 10, so some of the activities will include SD zoo, Sea World, Balboa park and Legoland. Also, what type of weather can we expect in late March? Is it warm enough to use outdoor pools?

Your opinions are very much appreciated.

[tande1n5]

Many of the family hotels are in the Hotel Circle area in Mission valley, which puts you in a pretty central location so you can hit the freeway to go anywhere, and is surrounded by the shopping district for central San Diego. The attractions are all in different directions, but the freeways all converge in Mission Valley, making the location on Hotel Circle quite good. If you'd rather stay at more upscale places, Mission Bay as well as the Marina downtown have some of the fancier hotels, as well as any of the beach towns. Average daily highs in March are the high 60's/low 70's at the coast, so it's cool to warmish but the ocean will be quite chilly. It's a little misleading, I must say, because March weather in SD is oftentimes either/or, and not right at the average. Sometimes warmer and sunny, but sometimes foggy with the marine layer, leading to the average you see. Chances are if you're out here during that time, you'll see both.

[ubringliten]

SD zoo, Balboa Park, and Sea World are in central area of SD, while Legoland (city of Carlsbad) is 30-35 miles north. I would stay in hotels/motels near the 5 freeway because all four parks are off the 5 freeway. Since SD is known for their beaches, the 5 fwy is the closest to the coast.

All year round is perfect. You don't have to worry about the weather here. I am pretty sure the pools are heated, but swimming in the beach will be cold.

[ajnsd]

Gotta agree with Hotel Circle at Mission Valley. Central to all of San Diego. Everything you want to do is a 15 minute drive. As for weather, it's a bit gloomy during that time. Expect lots of cloud cover from the marine layer pretty much every morning. It usually burns off by 11:00 am or so. The marine layer is SD's dirty little secret. Most non San Diegens believe the weather here is perfect--well it's not. As i write this, there's a thick marine layer overhead and it's a bit chilly (for thin blooded Mission Beach residents like me that is).

In any event, this shouldn't stop you from having a wonderful time. SD's a beautiful city.

[RD5050]

If you are ambitious, Disneyland is only around 80 miles north of San Diego in Orange County.

I also recommend a visit to La Jolla Cove while here. It's one of the most beautiful beaches in all of San Diego.

[ranzchic]

Coronado Beach across the bridge in Coronado is also a family friendly beach, sloping sands, no cliffs, etc. I think it is one of the top family beaches in the country to boot.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by RD5050

If you are ambitious, Disneyland is only around 80 miles north of San Diego in Orange County.

I also recommend a visit to La Jolla Cove while here. It's one of the most beautiful beaches in all of San Diego.

If u do this be wary of when as the traffic on that route blows.

[happ]

Yes, as others have pointed out, March is still a bit chilly for beach weather & the ocean is cold [low 60's]. But winter rainfall is mostly over & the hillsides are green & lush. The Wild Animal pk in San Pasqual is also worth checking out.

[familyadventuremom]

I'm partial because I live in Carlsbad, but we have great beaches, Legoland, and some nice family friendly hotels. If you have lego fans, legoland may be a good choice, but don't expect too many exciting roller coasters. It has two big kid rides, a chance to play with Mindstorms (sign up early in the day). Other fun things for the big kids are the Fire Engine ride, the Build and Test, and the Hideaways climbing structure. Mini-land is really amazing. Skip the aquarium with those ages and enjoy the aquariums at Sea World instead.

Carlsbad has two Legoland Resort hotels, The Sheraton and the Grand Pacific Palisades. It also has some nice motels close to the beach. Do some web searching.

As for the weather it could be nice or could be chilly be prepared for both and pack the spring suits if your young boogie boarders want to hit the waves.
Have fun!

Bridget Smith
Author,

[Mira-Mesa-Resident]

Originally Posted by familyadventuremom

I'm partial because I live in Carlsbad, but we have great beaches, Legoland, and some nice family friendly hotels. If you have lego fans, legoland may be a good choice, but don't expect too many exciting roller coasters. It has two big kid rides, a chance to play with Mindstorms (sign up early in the day). Other fun things for the big kids are the Fire Engine ride, the Build and Test, and the Hideaways climbing structure. Mini-land is really amazing. Skip the aquarium with those ages and enjoy the aquariums at Sea World instead.

Carlsbad has two Legoland Resort hotels, The Sheraton and the Grand Pacific Palisades. It also has some nice motels close to the beach. Do some web searching.

As for the weather it could be nice or could be chilly be prepared for both and pack the spring suits if your young boogie boarders want to hit the waves.
Have fun!

Bridget Smith
Author,

Our family used to have yearly passes to Legoland since it opened in 1999 for about 5 years. That was our favorite place for the family. They played the song "Kiss Me" by Sixpence a lot. So whenever I hear that song, I say, "Legoland!"

They also played "Standing Still" by Jewel at lot during those days and that song reminds me of Legoland, too.

Our best memories are in Legoland. (sigh- I miss that place). I wish my kids were little again.