My Grand Itinerary: Ride a pony. Hunt for treasure. Meet an armadillo. Find the Little Dipper.

There’s a world of endless excitement awaiting your family this summer at The Grand. Experience everything under the sun (and stars) with our Top 10 list of family activities.

1. Pacific breezes — at your service.

It’s hard to resist the allure of the San Diego coast, especially when it’s just a mere five miles away. Soak up some rays with complimentary beach service, including roundtrip transportation; set-up of beach chairs and umbrellas; beach towels and bottled water.

2. Saddle up for a memorable ride.

Get a leg up on summer with horseback riding lessons, while your little ones enjoy a pony ride at the Equestrian Center. With an abundance of horse escapades to choose from, riders of all levels and ages are destined to fall in love with a four-legged friend.

3. Play dates just got way more adventurous.

It’s truly a kid’s world at the Explorer’s Club, where an endless array of arts, crafts, video games and outdoor activities await your junior adventurers. They’ll enjoy spirited, high-five fun while you indulge your own spirit with Five-Star spa and dining experiences.

4. Make a splash.

Dip your toes or dive right into a day at the Resort Pool, featuring a white sand beach, underwater music and family-friendly fare — like hot dogs, pizza and grilled cheese — for just $7. Fun in the sun, guaranteed. Poolside nap, optional.

5. A happy hunting ground.

Do you know how many fish live in the Explorer’s Club? Can you name two herbs in the Amaya Herb Garden? Recruit your favorite team players — your family — to discover these answers, and more, during The Grand Scavenger Hunt. You’ll create memories to last a lifetime. And you might even nab a “cool” treat. Pick up a map at the Concierge Desk.

6. The stars of summer — on screen and in the sky.

Look to the stars for the perfect evening during complimentary Family Nights. Treat your inner astronomer to an evening of stargazing, Fridays at 9:00 pm. Or relax on the lawn with an outdoor movie (including Shrek, Tangled and Toy Story), Sundays at 8:00 pm.

7. Born to be wild.

Cozy up with a boa constrictor. Strike a pose with a possum. Discover (and pet) different creatures every week during the Explorer’s Club Animal Visits, Thursdays at 3:30 pm. Special guests from Wild Wonders of San Diego include an armadillo, giant tortoise, groundhog and millipedes — more fun than a barrel of monkeys!

8. Take a hike through nature’s playground.

Lace up your hiking boots and explore 37 miles of unique adventures in the breathtaking Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, including complimentary hikes departing every Saturday at 8:00 am, ages 12 and up. Nature awaits, right in The Grand’s backyard.

9. Stay together. Play together.

Whether it’s a leisurely game of bocce or croquet, a kid-friendly tennis lesson, or a rousing round of golf, families and play are a winning combination at The Grand. And with added perks, like no green fees for children ages 12 and under (when accompanied by an adult), there’s really no way you can lose!

10. Welcome to the neighborhood.

Just beyond The Grand, find an array of world-renowned attractions: SeaWorld, Legoland, the San Diego Zoo and more. Not sure which one to visit? Let our local Facebook fans help you plan your family itinerary (see survey below).

Faces of The Grand Del Mar

Congratulations to the winners of our Summer at The Grand Facebook photo contest!

1st Place - Monique T.

2nd Place - Rachel C.

Honorable Mention - Shiva S.
Survey says!

Local Facebook fans weighed in on San Diego’s top must-see attraction:

  • San Diego Zoo – 46%
  • SeaWorld – 28%
  • Safari Park – 10%
  • Old Town San Diego – 6%
  • Birch Aquarium – 4%
  • Legoland – 4%
  • Seaport Village – 1%
Get a daily taste of The Grand life on Facebook.