Family-friendly beaches in San Diego County that parents and kids will love

San Diego County is awash with beaches that are perfect for families with tiny tots and teens and every age in between.

These five beaches have been kid tested and (smart) mom approved. I only include beaches with surf suitable for kids, lifeguards (seasonal), clean restrooms and parking (remember to get there early during busy summer months). Some of the beaches have adjacent playgrounds with the most amazing views around. All you need to add is sunscreen, snacks and sand toys.

Enjoy!

 For younger children, the playground at the adjacent Kellogg Park is being renovated and should reopen toward the end of June. The view from the swings is breathtaking. (This is one set of swings you will have trouble walking away from.) For older kids, there’s a wide expanse of grass to toss around a football or frisbee.

The beach is flat and long. If you want to get away from the crowd, take a stroll north toward the pier. You won’t be able to swim because this stretch is set aside for surfers, but there are some volleyball courts.

There are a small number of fire pits on the beach and barbecues up on the grass. During the summer, if you arrive before 10 a.m. you should be able to find parking either in the lot or on a nearby street. Best part: Parking is free.

Restrooms to the north and south of the main lifeguard tower and parking lot are clean, and there are outdoor showers to wash off sand off little bodies and boogie boards before heading home.

 If you get hungry, there are restaurants within walking distance on Avenida de la Playa. We love Jeff’s Burgers for its burgers, fries and ice cream. The ambiance is very basic, but the food is great and so are the prices.

 Directions: From the north, take Interstate 5 to La Jolla Village Drive and head west. Turn onto North Torrey Pines Road and then turn onto La Jolla Shores Drive. Drive a few miles and turn right on either Calle del Oro or Calle Frescota to reach the parking lot.

 From the south, take I-5 north to La Jolla Parkway and head west. Continue a few miles and turn right on La Jolla Shores Drive. Turn left on either Calle del Oro or Calle Frescota to reach the parking lot.

 Seagrove Park just to the south has a small playground on a bluff overlooking the ocean. The view is perfect. There’s also a large grassy area atop the bluffs, great for a picnic. Volleyball nets are set up on the beach.

Parking on side streets is best north of 17th Street. Arriving early is smart, especially during the fair and horse racing season. A small passenger drop off area can be found at the foot of 26th Street. Closer to Powerhouse Park you’ll find metered parking and a parking lot which will cost you $20 or more for the day.

 Perhaps the most picturesque public restroom around is located in the Powerhouse Park Community Center. Restrooms are also located near the 17th and 25th street lifeguard towers.

 If you get hungry, a great place for a quick bite is the Beach Snack Bar in the parking lot of the Poseidon Restaurant. We love stopping for ice cream before heading home.

 Directions: Interstate 5, exit at Del Mar Heights Road and head west. Turn right on Camino del Mar, turn left on 15th Street and right on Coast Boulevard to reach the beach.

 Above the beach is a large playground and grassy area with picnic tables, barbecues and volleyball courts. There are also restrooms, outdoor showers and a concession stand. A large parking lot is located at C and 4th Streets.

Directions: Interstate 5, exit at Encinitas Boulevard and head west. 

 A great spot for families is at the foot of Ocean Boulevard and Isabella Avenue near the lifeguard tower. You’ll be near restrooms, outdoor showers and volleyball nets.

There’s a dog run at the north end of the beach. You will find free parking on Ocean Boulevard and at the Coronado Shores Condominiums public parking lot.

 If you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants along Orange Avenue.

 Directions: Interstate 5 to the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Turn left on Orange Avenue, drive through downtown and turn right on Isabella Avenue or R.H. Dana Place, which will take you to Ocean Boulevard. The beach runs along Ocean Boulevard from Avenida Lunar north to Naval Air Station North Island Gate 5.

 The beach areas north and south of the Big Dipper at Belmont Park are perfect for families, especially since the city of San Diego banned alcohol. The boardwalk lining the  beach is perfect for people watching. If you want to get out and about, bring a bike, rollerblades or a stroller for the little one, but keep your eyes open. The action is fast paced, especially on weekends.

 There’s plenty of free parking in the lot at Belmont Park and Mission Bay Park across Mission Boulevard. Riding the coaster is not cheap. It’ll cost you $6 per person per ride, but unlimited ride packages are available. For more information, go to belmontpark.com

 Directions: From the north, take Interstate 5 south to SeaWorld Drive. Follow the signs to West Mission Bay Drive. From the south, take I-5 north to Interstate 8 west. Follow the signs to West Mission Bay Drive. The parking lot for Belmont Park is located at West Mission Bay Drive and Mission Boulevard.

Looking for other great summer fun ideas in Southern California? You don’t want to miss these stories:

Five family-friendly parks in San Diego County

Ten family-friendly car trips in Southern California Day trip suggestions from Jack Brandais, author of “Weekend Driver San Diego: Day Drives in and Around San Diego County” and creator of the Web site WeekendDriver.com.

Ten family-friendly hikes in San Diego County Day hike ideas from Jerry Schad, author of “Afoot and Afield in San Diego County.”

Five family-friendly hikes in Orange County More suggestions from Jerry Schad.