Family Baseball/Beach Trip Itinerary 7 days Jul/Aug

Question

Flying in to SNA from Missouri - Family of five with 9, 6,3 year olds; Renting a car at the airport and driving to San Diego. Staying 5 nights at Hyatt Mission Bay, then driving north for 2 nights at Hyatt Huntington Beach. First trip to the beach/ocean for my kids, but also a baseball road trip (Seeing Padres, Angels, Dodgers) as the Cardinals will be playing.

Tues 7/29 - Arrive at SNA in the evening, drive Hyatt Mission Bay

Wed 7/30- Sea World (right next to hotel, easy first day)

Thu 7/31- San Diego Zoo (back to back days may be too much, but preferred a weekday visit and then beach on the weekend)

Fri 8/1 -Beach day; PETCO Park for STL vs SD 7:10pm

Sat 8/2 Beach/Hotel/Other activities day

Sun 8/3 Check out of Mission Bay, drive to Huntington Beach Hyatt (1.5 hrs), Angels Stadium 1pm Game Angels v CWS

Mon 8/4 - Beach/Hotel day; drive to Dodgers Stadium for STL vs LAD 7:10pm

Tues 8/5; beach/hotel/activities with flight at 4pm back to Missouri out of SNA

We were planning to get 3-for-1 tickets to Seaworld, Zoo, and Safari Park - so we could do the Safari Park at some point if it is recommended/worth fitting in.

Any other activities/local recommendations while we are in town?

I haven't started looking at food options yet - I'm sure the forum has plenty on that topic :-)

Thanks for any advice - I appreciate all the info I've picked up from previous answers.

-Ryan

Answer

Your planned 7-day family trip to Southern California balances beach time, baseball, and theme parks very well, especially with young children. The itinerary is ambitious but doable with some planning. Staying at Hyatt Mission Bay first is smart for easy access to SeaWorld and nearby beaches, while the move to Huntington Beach positions you well for the Angels and Dodgers games.

Here’s a detailed look and some recommendations:

San Diego Days (Wed 7/30 – Sun 8/3)

Starting at SeaWorld is a great choice for your first day after travel. It’s right next to your hotel, and young kids usually love the shows, rides, and animal exhibits.

SeaWorld Tips: Arrive early to minimize wait times. Take advantage of the 3-for-1 tickets you mentioned for cost savings. Bring swimsuits for water rides.
San Diego Zoo: Thursday can be busy, but weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends. Consider renting a stroller for the 3-year-old to keep the group moving.
Safari Park: Worth visiting if you have time and energy. It’s farther north (~35–40 min from Mission Bay) but offers a more open, safari-style experience. Ideal for seeing giraffes, rhinos, and big open enclosures. You could fit it on Sat 8/2 if the beach day is flexible.
Beach Days: Mission Bay has calm waters and sandy areas perfect for young kids. Bring toys, sunscreen, and snacks for the day.
PETCO Park: Evening game on Fri 8/1 is manageable. Consider an early nap for the kids or a quieter afternoon so everyone can enjoy the game without fatigue.

Huntington Beach Days (Sun 8/3 – Tues 8/5)

The drive from San Diego to Huntington Beach is about 1.5–2 hours. With young kids, plan for a quick stretch or snack stop along the way.

Angels Stadium Game: Game at 1pm on Sun 8/3 works well; consider an early lunch nearby before the game.
Dodger Stadium Game: Mon 8/4 evening game is doable after a beach morning. Factor in LA traffic—leave extra time for parking and stadium entry.
Huntington Beach: The beach is excellent for toddlers and tweens alike. Main Street area has shops, ice cream, and casual dining options.

Other Local Recommendations:

La Jolla Cove – Sea lions and tide pools are fun for kids and easy short walk.
Balboa Park – If you want another easy stop, the park has gardens and playgrounds without needing full zoo visits.
Coronado Island – Quick ferry from downtown San Diego, nice beach day or lunch spot.
Old Town San Diego – Cultural experience, shops, and casual dining.
LEGOLAND (Carlsbad) – Optional if kids are big fans of Legos; about 40–45 min north of Mission Bay.

Food Tips: Southern California has abundant kid-friendly options. Near Mission Bay and beaches, casual spots like Point Loma Seafood, The Fish Market, and local taco shops work well. Huntington Beach Main Street has pizza, ice cream, and casual family dining. Consider making reservations for baseball game nights if you want a sit-down meal before the game.

Overall Assessment:

Your itinerary is well-paced for the age of your kids. SeaWorld and Zoo back-to-back can be tiring, but spacing them with a beach or pool break helps. Optional Safari Park on Sat gives another unique animal experience. Huntington Beach allows relaxation between baseball games. The main consideration is managing driving times and LA traffic for Dodgers and Angels games.

With some flexible planning, early starts, and breaks for kids, this will be a memorable first California beach and baseball trip for your family!