{"id":7019,"date":"2010-05-28T08:00:14","date_gmt":"2010-05-28T13:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=7019"},"modified":"2021-11-18T16:44:08","modified_gmt":"2021-11-18T22:44:08","slug":"new-legoland-water-park-and-more-for-family-fun-on-your-california-vacation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2010\/05\/new-legoland-water-park-and-more-for-family-fun-on-your-california-vacation\/","title":{"rendered":"New LEGOLAND Water Park and more for family fun in San Diego"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Whit Honea<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Sunset

Sunset in San Diego, Pacific Beach. Credit: SD Dirk.<\/p><\/div>\n

Summer is right around the corner, and with it our dreams of California vacations<\/a>. Sure, it may sound a little clich\u00e9, but really, what could be better than enjoying the Southern California sun and surf with your family, especially when we’re talking about San Diego<\/a>? And with so many incredible San Diego hotels<\/a>, you’ve got options galore.<\/p>\n

San Diego has something for everyone in the family: sports, nightlife, culture, beaches and plenty of kid-friendly destinations, including the new LEGOLAND Water Park opening today! The key criteria for picking the right hotel can be as simple as location.<\/p>\n

If your family is of the sporting variety you may want to choose a hotel in the downtown area for easy access to Petco Park<\/a>, home of Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres<\/a> (one in every 10 guests guaranteed to see a win, in theory). The Hilton San Diego Bayfront<\/a> is right across the street from the park and is literally right on the waterfront. In addition to the ballpark and easy beach access, the hotel is also a quick walk from the popular Trolly Tours <\/strong>\u2014 a family favorite!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Paradise<\/a>

Paradise Point Resort & Spa, San Diego.<\/p><\/div>\n

Downtown also hosts the USS Midway Museum<\/a> and the very popular, always lively Gaslamp Quarter. <\/strong>Bear in mind that the Gaslamp loses much of its family appeal shortly after the dinner crowd thins out (this is the nightlife part to which I was alluding), but during the day it’s a great place for dining and shopping with kids in tow. The entire area is pretty walkable. Also of note, just outside of downtown is the world famous San Diego Zoo<\/strong> — a must-see!<\/p>\n

For easy access to downtown attractions, consider the Embassy Suites San Diego Bay-Downtown<\/a> — the kids will love having their own room and TV, and you’ll enjoy being directly across the street from Seaport Village<\/strong>.\u00a0 Or try The Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego<\/a> where you can relax on their famous Heavenly beds after a long day checking out the areas many attractions.<\/p>\n

\"Miniland

Miniland city at LEGOLAND, California. Credit: LEGOLAND.<\/p><\/div>\n

Of course, no California vacation would be complete without a trip to Mission Bay, the beach, or the very kid-friendly LEGOLAND. <\/strong>You’re kids will also flip their lids for the just-opened LEGOLAND Pater Park<\/strong>, which features a bazillion creative water play features for kids, including a 45-foot-tall tower at the center of four main slides.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Catamaran<\/a>

Catamaran Resort & Spa, San Dieg<\/p><\/div>\n

Among the family favorites in the Mission Bay area are the Catamaran Resort & Spa<\/a>, where you can relax in hidden gardens with over 1,000 types of eclectic plants, flowers and birds or rent various types of watercraft. You’ll also find the Paradise Point Resort & Spa<\/a>, located right on its own private beach.<\/p>\n

LEGOLAND is actually a bit of a drive (about 15 minutes) from Mission Bay, but it’s a worthwhile drive and it’s all freeway \u2014 the scenic type of freeway that California vacations are made of. LEGOLAND tends to close fairly early, and I suggest getting the family back to Mission Bay for dinner and a beautiful sunset (nightly). If you’re visiting the new LEGOLAND Water Park (and you should!), an overnight stay is definitely an appealing option.<\/p>\n

The reality isthat you really can’t go wrong when it comes to California vacations, but these San Diego hotels can make them even more memorable.<\/p>\n

Related resources<\/strong><\/p>\n