A 4-Day SoCal Escape: San Diego - Pool, Zoo, Food, Explore, and Legoland
If your idea of the perfect getaway includes a dash of sunshine, a sprinkle of adventure, and a whole lot of family fun, this 4-day itinerary from Long Beach to San Diego and Carlsbad — home of Legoland! — is your ticket. With pool time, park strolls, and plenty of memory-making moments, it’s the kind of trip multigenerational families dream about.
Day 1: Head to San Diego with Brunch at Fig Tree Café
Get rolling early, coffee in hand and anticipation high. Your SoCal road trip starts off deliciously.
Travel Time Time to Fig Tree Café from…
Anaheim: 1.5 to 2 hours depending on time of day (94 miles)
Long Beach: 1.5 to 2.25 hours depending on time of day (104 miles)
Los Angeles: 2 to 2.5 hours depending on time of day (127 miles)
Brunch at Fig Tree Café – Liberty Station
Located in a historic former naval training center, Fig Tree Café is a must-stop. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and lots of space for the kids to get their wiggles out while you wait for your table. Their lemon curd pancakes and bacon-stuffed French toast are hard to beat. But, my hands-down favorites are the Chilaquiles: corn tortilla chips in chipotle cream, two eggs any style, crema, queso fresco, pickled onions and cilantro, Man Candy: Thick cut bacon with brown sugar and paprika, and the House-Made Buttermilk Pecan Coffee Cake. Of course, their menu also includes a variety of Benedicts, soups, salads, cocktails, beer, wine, and mimosas!
Fig Tree Café is in an area called Liberty Station that feature wide paths, level terrain, and outdoor seating, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Travel Tip:
Need a place for kids to walk-off that post-breakfast energy before getting back in the car? The nearby Liberty Public Market has shaded outdoor areas and grab-and-go treats.
Next Stop: Mission Bay Resort…
Travel Time from Fig Tree Café: 15 minutes (4 miles)
Just a short drive from Liberty Station, Mission Bay Inn offers simple, clean accommodations in an unbeatable location. Families love the heated pool, hot tub, and proximity to bayfront beaches.
Afternoon & Evening: Poolside + Beach Relaxation
Unwind with some downtime! Take a stroll or rent an ECV and cruise the paved paths at Mission Bay Park, or simply relax by the pool while the kids cannonball in. We loved the poolside, Solrisa, bar serving authentic Mexican fare and vibrant and mouthwatering cocktails. Enjoy their sunset ritual celebrating the end of each day with a signature cocktail and an an opportunity to marvel at that San Diego sunset.
Nearby Hidden Gems:
Mission Bay Beach Club: A peaceful café with loungers, lawn games, and amazing coffee.
Fanuel Street Park: A lesser-known bayfront park with calm waters and sandy shoreline—perfect for young kids.
Accessibility Notes:
Mission Bay Park features wide, paved paths ideal for wheelchairs and scooters, and beach wheelchairs are available by request through San Diego Parks & Rec.
Optional Afternoon Outing: Old Town San Diego + Sheriff’s Museum
Travel Time from Mission Bay Resort: 20 minutes (9 miles)
After pool, beach, naps (!?) you may be ready to explore a bit. Step back in time with a visit to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the birthplace of California. The adobe buildings, mariachi music, and handmade tortillas make this one of the most colorful and culturally rich stops on your trip. Many of the original buildings from the 1800’s still stand with the addition of new structures to house the amenities, theaters, artisans, art galleries, museums, boutiques and restaurants that fill this vibrant space. We enjoyed the fact that everything is located within convenient walking distance.
Make sure to stop at the San Diego Sheriff’s Museum—a hidden gem especially fun for kids who love all things police and fire. You can:
Try on uniforms
Sit in a real patrol car and helicopter
Explore vintage law enforcement gear
Visit the mock jail and dispatch center
The Sheriff’s Museum is open Wednesdays thru Sundays from 9AM - to 6PM
Accessibility Note:
Most attractions in Old Town, including the Sheriff’s Museum, have ramps or ground-level access. Parking can get crowded—use the free Old Town Trolley or park a bit further at the Caltrans lot and stroll in.
Optional Detour: Pop into Casa de Reyes for tacos in a courtyard setting, or grab a handmade candy treat from Old Town Candy Co.
Day 2: San Diego Zoo
Travel Time from Mission Bay Resort: 12 minutes (8 miles)
Fuel up early and spend your morning exploring one of the best zoos in the world. From the Skyfari aerial tram to the lush trails of the Lost Forest, there’s so much to see. The zoo is fully accessible and offers rental strollers, ECVs, and a shuttle for guests with mobility needs. Your ticket includes: One visit to the San Diego Zoo, Guided Bus Tour, Skyfari Aerial Tram, and all regularly scheduled experiences. For those that want a little extra adventure, the zoo offers behind the scenes tours and experiences for an extra cost.
A valid entrance ticket is required for Zoo entrance for each visitor 3 years of age and older.
1-Day Pass Any Day ticket valid on any day within one year from date of purchase. No reservation required.
Highlights:
Koalas, giraffes, elephants
Children’s Zoo with petting areas
Shaded walking paths and splash zones
Pro Tips: Download the San Diego Zoo app to plan your route and avoid backtracking in hilly areas.
You’ve had a full day! Take advantage of your resort tonight and relax.
Day 3: Balboa Park, Lunch at Pizza Port, Carlsbad in the Afternoon
Travel Time from Mission Bay Resort: 11 minutes (7 miles)
Morning: Explore Balboa Park
Start the morning in one of California’s most beautiful city parks. With its Spanish-Renaissance buildings, gardens, and museums, Balboa Park is a sensory delight for all ages.
If gardens are your thing, you have choices to make! For example…
Trees for Health garden: An educational garden for medicinal plants.
Kate O. Sessions Catus Garden: Some of the largest cactus and succulent specimens in the Park are found here.
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden: A stunning display of approximately 1,600 roses, including more than 130 varieties
Healing Peace Garden: An urban oasis featuring countless rare edible and medicinal plants with cultural significance.
California Native Plants Garden: Home to drought-tolerant California native plants.
Then there are the iconic Balboa Park activities - carousel, miniature train, Spanish Village Art Center; The food - One Worldbeat Cafe, Artifact, Alaska Airlines Flightpath Grill, and the shopping!
Must-See Attractions:
Fleet Science Center: Hands-on science and a planetarium—great for curious kids!
Japanese Friendship Garden: Peaceful pathways and koi ponds.
The Zoro Butterfly Garden: A hidden, open-air spot buzzing with butterflies in spring and summer - and a former nudist colony!
Accessibility Tip:
Most of Balboa Park’s attractions are accessible, with ramps, elevators, and nearby parking. The Park Tram offers free transport between major sites and parking lots.
Lunch Stop at Pizza Port – Ocean Beach
Travel Time from Balboa Park: 15 minutes (7 miles)
On your drive to Carlsbad, detour through Ocean Beach for lunch. Pizza Port is a relaxed, family-friendly brewpub with creative pies, unique munchies, salads, ice-cream and root beer floats. If you’re a brew-enthusiast, you may want to try the Stout or Porter Float (must be 21 or older to enjoy). The food, drink, and laid-back atmosphere are legend here!
While you're in OB:
Walk the Ocean Beach Pier for sunset views.
Pop into OB Surf & Skate or grab souvenirs from quirky local shops.
Afternoon: Drive to Carlsbad + Check-in at Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa
Travel Time from Pizza Port: 44 minutes (36 miles)
The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa offers a private entrance to Legoland, a huge time-saver for families. The rooms are spacious, and the recreation area has something for everyone! The Zero Entry pool is perfect for both children, and for adults with mobility concerns - and for those who like to ease into the water - and there are both sun-drenched and shaded seating on the pool deck and grassy areas around the perimeter. Kids will love the activity center’s crafts, and daily rotating lawn games like giant Jenga and Connect 4, and movie nights at the pool. There’s even a fire pit!
Optional Detour: Stop in La Jolla Cove on the way up for a quick look at the sea lions and a stroll along the cliffs.
Day 4: Legoland and Home
Travel Time from Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa to Legoland: 15 minute walk
Kids and kids-at-heart will love this colorful park. Attractions range from gentle rides to splash zones and even a mini Lego city. The Sealife Aquarium is included in some tickets and provides a cool, sensory-friendly escape. Speaking of Sensory Friendly, across the park you will find Sensory Guides posted at the entrance to rides and attractions providing an overview of the level of sensory load guests may experience while interacting within the space. If you or anyone in your travel party is cautious about uncomfortable textures, unique tastes, loud sounds, bright lights, or strong smells, I suggest downloading the Sensory Guide PDF prior to your visit to read a detailed breakdown of the sensory information for each ride and attraction in the park. If you find yourself in need of basic first aid while in the park, CVS kiosks are located throughout the park and offer pain relievers and cold medications for both kids and adults, Band-Aids, teething ointment, etc., They have it all!
Legoland Highlights:
Driving School: Kids steer real cars on a mini track
Miniland USA: Iconic cities recreated with LEGO bricks
Duplo Playtown: Great for toddlers and younger kids
Accessibility Notes:
Legoland offers ride accessibility guides, quiet spaces, and a Hero Pass for those unable to wait in long lines.
Many attractions have transfer accessible cars or ride-along companions.
Note: Legoland closes early, 6PM on Saturdays and Sundays, and 5PM on weekdays.
Evening, Head Home
Travel Time from Legoland to…
Anaheim: 1.25 hours (66miles)
Long Beach: 1.5 hours (79 miles)
Los Angeles: 1.75 hours (90 miles)
Final Thoughts: Travel with a Dash of Joy and Flexibility
This four-day road trip delivers beachy breezes, playful adventures, and relaxing moments in just the right rhythm. It's designed to be family-forward, multigenerational-friendly, and accessible—with enough variety to make everyone feel included and inspired.
Planning a trip to Southern California? I’d love to help you make it unforgettable. From multigenerational travel tips to personalized itineraries, I’ve got you covered. Contact me here for a free travel quote!
