The first thing most of us want to know when we’re headed to a new duty station is what is there to do nearby. What's the day-to-day going to look like? Will it take every ounce of our creativity to entertain the kids, or are there endless attractions to explore together as a family? Maybe it's somewhere in the middle.
If you’re making a military move to Camp Pendleton, great news, there’s so much to do! Enjoy date nights for you and your spouse, brunch with friends, and adventures for the whole family. It’s an incredibly diverse area geared toward all ages, and you won’t find yourself bored.
1. Stepp Stables
Take a ride or sign the kids up for horseback riding lessons right on Camp Pendleton. Enjoy a casual group setting or book your own private trail experience for a quieter, more intimate adventure through nature.
2. iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Actual skydiving might not make the best family-friendly adventure, so head to iFLY for a safer thrill.
3. Mainstreet Oceanside Sunset Farmers’ Market
Stay close to Camp Pendleton for the Sunset Farmers’ Market, where over 200 vendors gather every Thursday to provide yummy food, live entertainment, and shopping. And don’t miss the festive theme nights throughout the year.
4. Oceanside Pier
Dig your toes in the sand and let your kids play on the beach playground. Then head out to the historic pier for an incredible view of the ocean and watch surfers. Grab a bite to eat at one of Oceanside's popular restaurants like Craft Coast Beer and Tacos.
5. Legoland
This theme park is sure to be a family favorite. Let your little thrill seekers ride on a roller coaster, then cool off at the water park. Afterward, let loose at the Duplo play town and explore the Sea Life Aquarium.
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6. SeaWorld
Find a little bit of everything at SeaWorld. With roller coasters, live shows, parades, and a ton of oceanic animals to watch, this stop is sure to make an impression on the whole family.
SeaWorld allows service members and three of their direct dependents one free day a year, making this attraction affordable for even the most budget-conscious family.
7. San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
Easily one of the best zoos in the U.S., San Diego delivers an unforgettable wildlife experience. Explore the zoo in the heart of San Diego or drive inland to Escondido to venture through a more authentic representation of animals in their natural habitat at the Safari Park.
Active-duty service members get free admission with their ID. However, the military ITT offices offer discounted rates for dependents and guests when you purchase tickets with them.
8. Disneyland
Dreams really do come true when you venture north to Anaheim where the whole family can experience the magic of Disney firsthand. Enjoy thrilling rides, meet beloved characters, eat delicious food, and make memories that will last your family a lifetime. Check with ITT for discounted rates.
9. Beaches
For a beautiful, fun, and free outing, head to one of the stunning beaches that line the coast of SoCal. Check out the 10 Best Military Family-Friendly Beaches Near San Diego to find the best one for you and your family.
10. Balboa Park
This historic San Diego park is home to museums, restaurants, and local shops. But it’s also home to beautiful gardens and hiking trails that are a must for your outdoor-loving family.
The museums participate in Balboa Resident Free Days, making it worth the drive from Camp Pendleton. Each Tuesday of the month, specific museums offer free admission (with some exceptions) with proof of residency.
11. Wineries
Enjoying a glass of wine may not sound like a family-friendly activity, but the bridged gap between adult and kid interests is one thing you might just fall in love with in Southern California.
Temecula is home to wineries, like Miramonte Winery, offering food and live music on the weekends. With an open area covered in turf, parents sit back to enjoy a glass of wine while the kiddos run around and play with new friends.
The same goes for Stone Brewing in Escondido. With a beautiful bamboo garden, delicious food, and excellent beer, it’s not uncommon to see adults enjoying their beverages while their children run around socializing.
Running out of ideas to keep the kids busy? See our list of 16 Free Things to Do in San Diego.
12. Hiking
Nothing screams “summer” more than getting outside and soaking up a little sunshine. Pack a lunch and venture out to one of the many kid-friendly hikes near Camp Pendleton, where you can soak up gorgeous views and wear your littles out before bedtime.
Some local favorites include:
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Potato Chip Rock
- San Diego River Gorge
Want to learn more about the San Diego area? Download our free Military Family Guide to San Diego below and create your own summer bucket list.
