USA & Canada · Best Apr–May, Sep–Nov
San Diego and La Jolla packing list for families
San Diego has some of the most reliable weather in the country, but the ocean is cooler and the mornings grayer than many families expect. Here is how to pack for sea lions, tide pools, and long beach days.
Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on San Diego & La Jolla
- San Diego's "May Gray" and "June Gloom" are real. Early summer mornings at the beach can be cool and overcast, so pack sweatshirts even for a June trip.
- La Jolla Cove is fun for watching sea lions and seals, but keep kids back. They are wild animals, and the rocks are slippery and smelly.
- La Jolla Shores is my favorite beach for families. The waves are usually gentler, and it is the easy launch point for kayak and snorkel tours.
Best timeApr–May, Sep–Nov
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
San Diego & La Jolla
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Warm sweatshirtCoastal mornings and evenings are cool.
Shoes4
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Water shoes with gripTide pool rocks are slippery and sharp.
Beach & pool15
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Kids' shorty wetsuitKristina's pickThe Pacific stays cool most of the year.
Kids' snorkel setLa Jolla Shores and the cove have fish and leopard sharks to spot.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech15
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
San Diego & La Jolla weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F 18°C | Mild and mostly sunny, with cool nights and the year's few rainy days. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. Gray whale migration, with whale-watch trips leaving from San Diego Bay. The lowest tides of the year, best for tide pooling at places like Cabrillo National Monument. |
| February | 65°F 18°C | Mild and mostly sunny, with cool nights and the year's few rainy days. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. Gray whale migration, with whale-watch trips leaving from San Diego Bay. The lowest tides of the year, best for tide pooling at places like Cabrillo National Monument. |
| March | 66°F 19°C | Mild and mostly sunny, with cool nights and the year's few rainy days. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. Gray whale migration, with whale-watch trips leaving from San Diego Bay. The lowest tides of the year, best for tide pooling at places like Cabrillo National Monument. |
| April | 68°F 20°C | Pleasant and sunny, with cool water. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. Gray whale migration, with whale-watch trips leaving from San Diego Bay. |
| May | 69°F 21°C | Overcast mornings from the marine layer, usually clearing by afternoon. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. |
| June | 72°F 22°C | Overcast mornings from the marine layer, usually clearing by afternoon. | The San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. |
| July | 75°F 24°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with the warmest ocean water of the year. | Leopard sharks gather in the shallows off La Jolla Shores, harmless and fun to snorkel with. The San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. |
| August | 77°F 25°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with the warmest ocean water of the year. | Leopard sharks gather in the shallows off La Jolla Shores, harmless and fun to snorkel with. |
| September | 77°F 25°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with the warmest ocean water of the year. | Leopard sharks gather in the shallows off La Jolla Shores, harmless and fun to snorkel with. |
| October | 74°F 23°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with the warmest ocean water of the year. | |
| November | 70°F 21°C | Mild, sunny, and quieter, with cooler nights. | |
| December | 65°F 18°C | Mild and mostly sunny, with cool nights and the year's few rainy days. | Harbor seal pupping season at La Jolla's Children's Pool, when the beach is closed to people. Gray whale migration, with whale-watch trips leaving from San Diego Bay. The lowest tides of the year, best for tide pooling at places like Cabrillo National Monument. |
Questions families ask
San Diego & La Jolla with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit San Diego & La Jolla with kids?
The best time is Apr–May, Sep–Nov. Warm, dry, and sunny, with the warmest ocean water of the year.
What's the weather like in San Diego & La Jolla?
Typical daytime highs range from about 65°F (18°C) in January to about 77°F (25°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for San Diego & La Jolla?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for San Diego & La Jolla?
None. San Diego & La Jolla uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for San Diego & La Jolla with kids?
San Diego's "May Gray" and "June Gloom" are real. Early summer mornings at the beach can be cool and overcast, so pack sweatshirts even for a June trip.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.