Spring Break Road Trip: Family Fun from Palm Springs to Tucson to San Diego
It might be cold and rainy, so what better way to distract than planning a week-long family road trip through the scenic Southwest? Our journey takes us from the sunny landscapes of Palm Springs, through the desert charm of Arizona, and winds down in the vibrant city of San Diego.
🌴Palm Springs: A Desert Oasis
Palm Springs is a delightful location for kiddos and adults alike. The desert is unique and beautiful and perfectly warm in the Spring and Fall.
Highlights of Palm Springs
1. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: A unique combination of zoo and botanical garden, this attraction offers a chance to see desert animals up close and learn about conservation. Don’t miss the giraffe feeding experience!
2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Ascend two and a half miles to a pristine wilderness aboard the world’s largest rotating tram car. The views are breathtaking, and the hiking trails at the top are great for families.
3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert: With hands-on exhibits and activities, this museum encourages curiosity and learning in a fun environment. Perfect for younger children.
Itinerary Suggestion: Start your day with an exciting visit to The Living Desert, followed by a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, take the Aerial Tramway for incredible views and a nature walk. End the day at the Children’s Discovery Museum for some educational fun.
Hotel Suggestions of Palm Springs
- $ Palm Canyon Resort – Has 2 bedroom suites and a pool with a slide
- $$ JW Marriott Desert Springs – Has one bedrooms, 5 pools, golf courses, and restaurants on site
- $$ Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa– Splashtopia Waterpark located at the resort, a 2 acre water playground, features a 450-foot lazy river, 2 100-foot water slides, a cliff-side hot tub, a sandy beach and fountains
🌵Tucson or Scottsdale: Desert Beauty and Rich History
Tucson and Scottsdale are fun, accessible, warm, and affordable location with tons of kiddo friendly hotels and activities. Tucson and Scottsdale offer different experiences for a family vacation. Tucson, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, is great for families who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring historical sites. It’s home to attractions like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park. In contrast, Scottsdale is known for its upscale urban environment, with a focus on arts, shopping, and dining. It offers a more luxurious vacation experience, with high-end resorts and spas, and is closer to the amenities and attractions of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether the family prefers a more nature-oriented and historical experience (Tucson) or a luxurious, urban getaway (Scottsdale).
Highlights of Tucson
1. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Part zoo, part museum, part botanical garden, this attraction is a must-see. It’s a great way to learn about the desert’s flora and fauna.
2. Old Tucson Studios: Step back in time at this iconic Western film location and theme park. Enjoy live stunt shows, guided tours, and vintage carousel rides.
3. Sabino Canyon: Explore this natural desert oasis with a narrated tram tour or by foot. The scenery and wildlife are spectacular.
Itinerary Suggestion: Spend the morning at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, exploring the outdoor exhibits before it gets too hot. Have lunch at Old Tucson Studios, followed by an afternoon of entertainment and history. Finish the day with a relaxing tram ride through Sabino Canyon.
Scottsdale Highlights
Scottsdale is a delightful destination for a family itinerary, offering a blend of cultural, outdoor, and culinary experiences. Highlights include:
1. Old Town Scottsdale: Explore this vibrant area with shops, galleries, and restaurants, reflecting the city’s Western and Native American heritage.
2. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: Perfect for art enthusiasts, this museum showcases modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design.
3. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: Ideal for families, it features train rides, a playground, and historical railroad artifacts.
For dining, Scottsdale boasts a diverse culinary scene. Families can enjoy a range of options from upscale restaurants to casual eateries, with a focus on Southwestern cuisine. Don’t miss out on local specialties like tacos, tamales, and other regional dishes.
Hotel Recommendations in Arizona
Tucson:
- $ Embassy Suites Double Tree Tucson– Offers comfortable and affordable accommodation with pool
- $$ Hilton El Conquistador – Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort features an outdoor pool area with a 143-foot waterslide, fish-shaped pool for children, and hot and cold jetted tubs. Guests can spend the day off-road biking, bird watching or horseback riding. After playing a game of tennis on one of the property’s 31 lighted courts or working out in the fitness center, guests can relax with a massage
- $$ Westin La Paloma – An all-inclusive resort known for its luxurious offerings, including spacious rooms with private pools and indoor and outdoor fireplaces.
Scottsdale:
- $$ Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale– Bunk beds, indoor slides, this hotel is designed for kids and happy parents. This franchise of hotels are a family favorite
- $$$ Westin Kierland A top choice of returning parents, this hotel has a 274-meter lazy river or go down the 33.5 meter water slide. Easily explore a number of shopping centers and entertainment options, located only a short distance from the resort. Finish the evening by watching the sun set at the outdoor lounge, while enjoying live award-winning bagpipe music
🌞🩴San Diego: Sun, Sea, and Fun
1. San Diego Zoo: One of the most famous zoos in the world, it’s home to over 3,500 rare and endangered animals. A must-visit for animal lovers of all ages.
2. Balboa Park: Besides housing the San Diego Zoo, this cultural park has museums, gardens, and playgrounds. Spend a day here exploring the various attractions.
3. Coronado Beach: Known for its gentle waves and soft sands, it’s perfect for a family beach day. The iconic Hotel del Coronado is a sight to see as well.
4. Lego Land: This epic park is a ton of fun for younger kiddos, about 4-10 years old. If you want to add Lego Land to your itinerary, stay in Carlsbad. We enjoyed 2 days at Lego Land, one for the park and one for the waterpark.
Itinerary Suggestion: Kick off your San Diego adventure with a day at the zoo, exploring the diverse range of animals and habitats. Dedicate the next day to Balboa Park, with its multitude of museums and gardens. Wrap up your trip with a relaxing day at Coronado Beach, soaking up the sun and sand.
Check out Honeybunny the Unipuppy Visits San Diego for an adorable travel guide book for littles! It prepares kiddos for what to expect, food to eat, and even a little Spanish lesson! It has an area to capture memories and check of to dos. So cute!
Hotel Recommendations for San Diego
If you want to experience what the beaches have to offer, stay in La Jolla, Ocean Beach, Carlsbad, or Pacific Beach. If you want to experience the downtown, history, and zoo mostly, stay downtown near Gas Lamp. Watersports in the bay including summer camps, stay in Mission Bay. And if you want to do Lego Land you won’t have a ton of time for anything else, so consider staying in Carlsbad near the beach.
- $ La Jolla Holiday Inn – with a pool and breakfast, this is a decent budget choice
- $$ Beachwalk Villas – 2 bedrooms available, right on the beach, with a pool, this one is sure to satisfy the family
- $$ The Westin Carlsbad – Large pool and family rooms available
Driving Tips
When planning a road trip with kids, especially in this itinerary with 5-6 hours between each location, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind for a smooth journey. Decide whether you’re spanning naps based on when your kids sleep, or awake time which will require more entertainment. Another option is to take off before bedtime so they sleep most of the way, which will make for a quiet ride, though harder on parents in the morning. Depending on the option you’ll want to plan your route with regular breaks at interesting stops to stretch, eat, or explore. I challenge the kids to a squat jump race at pit stops to get the wriggles out. I also like to have them slightly hungry when loading the car so they’re interested in snacking. Engage your kids with travel games or activities, and consider audiobooks or playlists to make the drive enjoyable.
To RV or to not RV? Definitely worth trying an RV trip once to see if you like it. We’ve done the Southwest National Parks in an RV, which the kids absolutely loved and you won’t have to worry about hotels either. Even though it was great to not have to pack for each stop and having a bathroom always accessible was clutch, we found the RV trip too much work to be worth it. Renting it per day plus gas cost us about the same as a hotel room.
This spring break, embark on a journey that blends adventure, education, and relaxation. From the deserts of Palm Springs and Arizona to the coastal charm of San Diego, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.
