With its sunny skies and heavenly year-round climate, San Diego is a top vacation destination for tens of thousands of travelers each year. Waterfront Park, a fairly new attraction to the city, (opened in May of 2014) has become a favorite among locals and visitors. Located on Pacific Highway along the Embarcadero, the large urban space features an 830-foot-long fountain with wading pool — where you’ll see kids of all ages frolicking and splashing around in the cool water jets. There’s a large modern playground area with slides, climbing walls and an old-fashioned see-saw. An expansive green area, picnic tables, a concession stand and several pieces of public art round out the park, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic or just hanging out and enjoying the view of the harbor. When planning your San Diego vacation, you’ll definitely want to include a stop here — plan on spending a few hours if you’re bringing the kids! Here’s all you need to know before you go, plus what you can do and see that’s close by:

What to Expect

Waterfront Park is a popular spot and is sure to be crowded anytime of the year. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying its charms, just be prepared. Depending on the age of your children, you’ll want to make sure they can run, jump, splash and play so be sure to bring towels, swimsuits, sunblock, a change of clothes and plenty of water and snacks. The park is a perfect way to burn off steam after sightseeing; it’s open until 10pm daily and fountains are on from 11am until 7pm.

Things to do Nearby

Firehouse Museum

Located in Little Italy inside the former home of San Diego Fire Station no. 6, this unique museum is a local treasure and makes for a fun stop on your city sightseeing agenda. Adults and kids of all ages will enjoy seeing some of the oldest firefighting items, including a horse-drawn steamer, La Jolla’s first fire engine, firefighter buckets, firefighter uniforms and many more items that date back more than 100 years. There’s a special area where little ones can try on uniforms and play. The staff here are all volunteers, many of whom are retired firefighters who enjoy sharing the interesting history of firefighting with guests.

The New Children’s Museum

Less than two miles from Waterfront Park, the New Children’s Museum fosters creativity and imagination and is a perfect stop for families during a San Diego vacation. Hands-on art-making exhibits, including making puppets, painting a truck and creating with clay are just a few of the experiences little ones can participate in. There are also climbable structures, art pieces, a garden area and the Sketch Aquarium (among many other awesome activities), which (using the latest technology) allows kids to draw their own sea creature and then watch it come to life on a giant screen. They can even feed it and watch it swim away. Plan on spending at least two hours here, depending on the age of your children.

Where to eat

When it comes to getting a great meal, you’ll have many options near Waterfront Park. Little Italy is just next door, filled with restaurants to suit anyone’s budget and palate. Here are more top choices for dining in the area:

Burger Lounge

Not your ordinary burger or anything else for that matter. This relaxed, casual restaurant serves up burgers made from grass-fed beef, turkey burgers made from cage-free turkey and salads made from locally sourced organic produce. They also have chicken, hand-cut, made to order French fries and onion rings and much more. Located in Little Italy on India Street.

Indigo Grill

For Latin American fare with a modern twist, head to Indigo Grill. Dig into everything from fresh ceviche to skewered and grilled meats, fresh salads, small plates, flatbreads, tacos and much more. Wash it all down with one of their hand made cocktails!

Sorrento

For authentic Italian cuisine, Sorrento is a top choice. Also in Little Italy, they capture the true art and flavors of Southern Italy in all of their dishes. Whether you’re craving a thin crust pizza or pasta, you’ll find their menu full of palatable possibilities. They also have an extensive wine list to go along with your meal.

Café Gratitude

After enjoying a healthy, plant-based meal at this unique café, you’ll not only be satisfied, you’ll also be grateful. This special restaurant chain is dedicated to serving up delicious and nutritious meals including bowls, salads and more made from fresh ingredients such as raw zucchini, kale, tempeh, avocado, black beans, squash and much more.

Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar

Although their menu changes daily, you’ll find there’s always something you’ll want to devour at this San Diego restaurant. Fresh octopus, shrimp, ceviche, oysters and crab are just the beginning. At Ironside, they manage to serve up everything a seafood lover could be dreaming of and more.

Shino

For Asian fare in a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere, Shino is the place to go. They’ll satisfy your appetite for sushi and other Japanese favorites.

Where to Shop

In San Diego there’s no shortage of shopping — from designer boutiques to well-known retail outlets and everything in between. After visiting Waterfront Park, here’s where to go to shop: