Photo credit: @SanDiegoEditor
W he re to Eat
ine Cor vette D
r
San Diegans love to
Photo credit: @SanDiegoFunFamily
eat out and we know that mealtime is often a family affair. Whether it’s a brewery, diner, taco stand or gastropub, San Diego County has tons of dining options that parents can enjoy with kids. Here are a few of our favorite family-inclusive eateries from HotPot served by a robot to Taco Tuesday staples and a restaurant next to a runway. Being neighbors with Baja California means that we take our tacos seriously. Check out some of our staff’s go-to spots: 1.) City Tacos (Ocean Beach): Tasty tacos with space for kids to run around and
With a little planning and
inside intel, it’s easy to get around San Diego County, whether driving, biking, riding a ferry, bus, trolley or train. If planning ahead is not your specialty, San Diego also has a robust Uber network! The MTS Trolley is a great option to and from Petco
play yard games like giant Jenga, Connect 4 and Cornhole, plus discounts for Taco Tuesday. 2.) Tacos El Gordo (multiple locations) for authentic Tijuanastyle tacos. Lines can be long, but it’s worth the wait. 3.) Lucha Libre (Mission Hills): Familyowned taco shop with a quirky Mexican wrestling motif. Reserve the “Champs Booth” for the ultimate VIP experience. Who said eating out can’t be fun and games? San Diego is all about food with a side of fun and these places know how to dish it out. 1.) Haidilao (UTC Mall): Authentic Chinese HotPot served by robots! Masked dancers make your meal into dinner and a show. Ask about the “dancing noodle” demonstration. 2.) Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen (Mission Valley): Great Italian food with live music every
Thursday and kids eat free every Wednesday night. 3.) The Landings Gastropub (Carlsbad): Kids love watching the airplanes take off at Palomar Airport while they eat. When we think of family meals out, we can’t skip over traditional American and diner fare. Check out Ruby’s Diner (Carlsbad) for classic burgers and shakes, Corvette Diner (Liberty Station) for a fun 50’s-themed vibe with arcade games and Miner’s Diner (Julian) for breakfast, lunch or a sweet treat. Families love the old-fashioned soda fountain (built in 1928), miniature train and candy mine. The Hamburger Factory (Poway) at Old Poway Park offers juicy burgers with a Western theme, arcade games and a beautiful park to run around.
Park, and for traveling from La Jolla to South Bay or East County to Downtown San Diego. Use the PRONTO app to purchase tickets and plan. For info about the free Youth Opportunity Pass, go to www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/out-about/sandiego-insider-tips. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy San Diego bike paths with coastal views. Mission Bay features a 12-mile flat, paved loop around the bay. No bike? No problem. Action Sport Rentals are at several area resorts. Other scenic bike trails
include Coastal Rail Trail and Balboa Park Loop. Take the ferry from Downtown San Diego (at Broadway Pier or the Convention Center) for a 15-minute relaxing ride to Coronado Ferry Landing. Rent bikes at Holland’s to explore. Take a scenic train ride on the NCTD Coaster from Downtown San Diego to seaside communities like Solana Beach or Carlsbad, where an abundance of art, eateries and shops await. Whatever you decide, we wish you sunny skies and smooth sailing!
8 • SD Family’s Out&About 2025/2026
Find local spots where kids eat free at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/kids-eat-free/kidseat-free.
How to Get Arou nd