Where to Eat Near San Diego's Top Family Attractions
It's no surprise that San Diego is known for its kid-friendly attractions. Whether you visit SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Legoland, or the USS Midway, all that fun helps you build up an appetite for nearby family-friendly restaurants. Discover the best local eateries for before or after your unforgettable adventures.
SeaWorld
Conveniently located on Mission Bay, SeaWorld is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Dockside 1953 at the Bahia Resort Hotel. With options to satisfy every palate, the indoor-outdoor restaurant is a delicious choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If your family is craving something smokey, Phil's BBQ is the San Diego spot for baby back ribs, BBQ chicken, and delicious sides such as sweet baked beans, macaroni salad, and fresh coleslaw. Plus, it's located only 2 miles away from SeaWorld.
San Diego Zoo
The world famous San Diego Zoo is a 100-acre destination home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals. After a day of learning, head to a favorite North Park eatery called Waypoint Public. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, Waypoint has a designated play area for kids and a robust beer list for parents. Another nearby option is Station Tavern. Located in the quaint neighborhood of South Park, this indoor-outdoor restaurant features communal picnic tables as well as a kid-friendly play area with a half-scale trolley.
Legoland
Legoland is a mecca for families that love to build, play, and explore. The Carlsbad attraction less than five miles away from Campfire, one of the best kid-friendly restaurants the San Diego area. With market-driven ingredients and live-fire cooking, Campfire is a must-visit with or without the kids. If everyone is worn out from the all-day fun at Legoland, there's no shame in hitting the drive thru at Southern California's quintessential burger joint. In-and-Out is known for it's simple menu of burgers, freshly cut fries, and creamy shakes. Try something off the secret menu such as "animal-style" fries or a "protein-style" burger.
USS Midway
History buffs and aviation fanatics may find themselves downtown at the impressive aircraft carrier museum. The USS Midway is located on the San Diego Bay near one of San Diego's best neighborhoods for eating, Little Italy. Crack Shack is an all outdoors counter-service eatery with communal picnic tables, a bocce ball court, a giant chicken sculpture, and yes, a full bar. Top chef Richard Blais, who also runs the adjacent high-end restaurant Juniper & Ivy, is the culinary mastermind behind this beloved fried chicken joint. Another casual option is yummy local chain Kebab Shop. The restaurant features delicious Mediterranean food and kids eat free (!) on Saturdays and Sundays.
