If you’re a dad with a young daughter, you probably haven’t thought through every detail of what happens when you go hiking — especially the bathroom logistics.
I learned this the hard way.
We were halfway through a beautiful hike in Anza‑Borrego Desert State Park, heading back from a small oasis tucked into the desert, when my daughter turned to me with the dreaded words: “I need to go to the bathroom.” As you can imagine, this is a very different proposition than when my son says it. I understood the challenge in theory — I just hadn’t fully thought it through in practice.
Ever since that moment, I always carry this portable travel toilet seat. If you’re hiking with young kids, especially daughters, trust me: it’s worth its weight in gold.
Why San Diego?
This was our first trip outside of Canada after the divorce — just me and the kids. I chose San Diego for two reasons.
First, when I was a kid, I used to watch Wild Kingdom, and I remember an episode about the San Diego Zoo. I’m not particularly an animal person, but something about that place stuck with me.
Second, I was nervous. Traveling solo with two kids felt big, and staying in North America — where I could drive, speak the language, and feel in control — seemed like the safest way to ease into our new reality.
It turned out to be the perfect choice. The fear evaporated the moment we got into the rental car. San Diego was easy to navigate, incredibly family‑friendly, and full of things to do. To this day, it’s the place the kids always ask to go back to.
Four Days in San Diego
Arrival Day — Mission Bay Boardwalk
4 pm — Once you check in, head to the Mission Bay Boardwalk. It’s a 2.3‑mile stretch along the Pacific Ocean, full of energy, people, and that unmistakable SoCal vibe. My kids played on the beach as the sun set — a perfect way to ease into the trip.
Grab dinner along Mission Boulevard. San Diego is famous for its tacos, and Mission Baja Tacos is a great, affordable spot.
Day 1 — San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park
9 am — San Diego Zoo
We started with the San Diego Zoo — a childhood dream of mine. Located in Balboa Park, the zoo is known for recreating natural habitats and is home to over 12,000 animals.
Go early. Morning is feeding time, and the animals are far more active.
Highlights for us:
- The massive elephant enclosure
- Koalas being fed
- Flamingos (my son loves anything Miami FC, including pink)
- A cheetah that stalked the kids behind a glass wall
The zoo offers military discounts for U.S. service members and a smaller one for Canadian military if you ask.
4 pm — Spanish Village Art Center
After the zoo, walk next door to the Spanish Village Art Center. It’s colourful, full of local artists, and a great spot for ice cream and coffee.
6 pm — Pool + Early Night
We were jet‑lagged, so we headed back to our resort in Mission Bay for dinner and a swim.
Day 2 — Anza‑Borrego Desert State Park
8 am — Hit the Road
I wanted the kids to see something completely different from home. The drive east is beautiful — and yes, they were very impressed by Dunkin’ Donuts and less impressed by my constant photo stops.
Passing Miramar (of Top Gun fame) was a highlight for me, if not for them.
10:30 am — Borrego Palm Canyon Trail
For Ontario kids, the desert felt like another planet. The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is about three miles, mostly flat, with lots of rocks to climb. The oasis at the end is worth it, and in early March the wildflowers are incredible.
This is also where the portable toilet seat earned its keep.
After the hike, grab lunch at Kendall’s Café in Borrego Springs and check out the metal sculptures nearby for some fun photos.
4 pm — Pool + Movie Night
We spent the evening at the resort. They had an outdoor movie night with popcorn and blankets — perfect after a long day.
Day 3 — Legoland
8:30 am — Legoland California
The kids endured the desert for me; Legoland was for them. Everything is Lego‑themed, the rides are kid‑friendly, and there are Lego stations everywhere for breaks.
We stayed until dinner, then headed to Karl Strauss Brewing Company down the road — because after a full day of Lego, I needed a beer.
Day 4 — Torrey Pines & La Jolla
9 am — Torrey Pines State Reserve
Pack a lunch. Torrey Pines offers some of the best coastal views in California. The climb up is dusty and steep (my kids complained the whole way), but the descent to the beach is spectacular.
11 am — La Jolla
Stop at the Children’s Pool to see the sea lions, then head to La Jolla Shores — one of the best beaches in California. The water in March was freezing, but the sand was perfect and the kids didn’t want to leave.
5 pm — Final Night
We spent our last evening on the shores of Mission Bay with a small campfire, roasting marshmallows and watching the sun set.
Closing Thought
San Diego was our first big adventure as a three‑person team, and it set the tone for every trip we’ve taken since. It was manageable, welcoming, and full of moments that reminded me we were going to be okay — even in the desert, even when someone suddenly needs to pee.
If you’re looking for something closer to home, check out my Ottawa museum guide for kids. https://dadandhistwocreatures.com/best-ottawa-museums-for-kids-pe-days-and-family-activities/