I love San Diego International Airport (SAN). It’s part of what my city a great place for family vacations. The airport is right in the middle of Downtown, which means you can popular areas quickly—Coronado, La Jolla, and beyond.

I’ve been using SAN as my home airport since I was eighteen. Now as a parent and San Diego family travel advisor, I’ve been through it more times than I can count with kids in tow and so have my clients.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the airport confidently with children whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth. It’s organized by terminal so you can plan for what’s available near your gate, from family restrooms and lactation rooms to meal options that work for picky eaters.

Before You Go: What Parents Need to Know

It’s not a complicated airport. My family doesn’t mind arriving early because of the improved conveniences it offers lately. And more of our locally popular restaurants and bars are opening outlets inside the airport.

This means you can taste and sip the very best of San Diego before your flight (or grab something on the way to baggage claim). But first, let’s discuss the important logistics parents like to know about.

Water Bottle Refills Are Everywhere

Bring your own refillable water bottle. There are bottle refill stations located post-security in every terminal plus a couple more in the international arrivals area. You’ll find them near restrooms and gate clusters.

(Just remember to empty them before going through security of course which is something my daughter tends to forget to do.)

Wi-Fi and Interactive Terminal Maps

I use the airport Wi-Fi all the time. It’s fast and free. Find the signal and connect to it. Then, a sign-in box will appear. Pop in your email, accept the terms, and surf away.

To find your way around the airport, the interactive terminal map on SAN’s official website is under At the Airport > Interactive Map. I’m giving you the link because I have made the mistake of looking at outdated maps, thanks to the renovation. And this one is relatively easy on a mobile device.

Security: What to Expect and How to Plan

TSA PreCheck is available at every checkpoint, and kids under 18 can go through with you (check current rules to be sure).

CLEAR is available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 West, but not at Terminal 2 East. If you’re flying out of East (American or Alaska mostly) and want to use CLEAR, you have two options.

Option 1: Indoor route

• Step 1: Check your bags at Terminal 2 East desks inside.
• Step 2: Go downstairs to baggage claim, then walk through the terminal to Terminal 2 West.
• Step 3: Use the set of escalators (or the nearby elevator) to go upstairs to security. You’ll see these as you walk toward T2 West.

Takes less than 10 minutes. I’ve done this plenty of times with my daughter. It’s easy enough with older kids, but might be too much if you’re juggling a stroller, car seat, or overtired toddler.

Option 2: Outdoor route (best with a stroller)

• Step 1: Check your bags with a skycap at Terminal 2 East.
• Step 2: Stay outside and walk left along the curb to the Terminal 2 West entrance.
• Step 3: Enter through CLEAR at Terminal 2 West.

Why this works: The East and West sides of Terminal 2 aren’t connected upstairs at check-in level. If you try to walk inside, you’ll be forced downstairs and then back up again like in option 1 this outdoor route skips the floor change.

Security lines at SAN are generally very reasonable outside of holiday weeks or weather-related delays. Terminals 2 East and West are connected airside, so once you’re through security in either half, you can move freely between the two.

Gate-Check That Stroller

If you’re flying with small kids, bring a stroller and gate-check it. It makes a huge difference while navigating the terminals, especially if your gate is a long walk or there are any delays.

At the time of this writing, every airline allows one stroller per child to be gate-checked at no charge.

Sundries & Necessities

If a child needs medicine, you’re limited to what’s stocked in Hudson or convenience shops. It’s usually just band-aids, pain relievers, some cold and allergy medicines, Dramamine, hand sanitizer, travel-size wipes, and things like this. I have seen infant Tylenol in the past. The only way to verify stock is to call.

USO San Diego: A Valuable Resource for Military Families

If you’re an active-duty service member or traveling with one, USO San Diego operates a dedicated lounge pre-security, near where you get dropped off by the T2 East skycabs. It offers comfortable seating, snacks, beverages, kids’ activities and play area, and a quiet space to regroup before your flight.

Therapy Dogs at SAN

SAN’s volunteer program, Ready, Pet, GO!, brings certified therapy dogs and their handlers into the terminal. I do see them in gate areas and they love meeting kids and calming nerves. They aren’t always roaming the airport but keep an eye out for them.

Luggage Carts

You’ll find SmartCarts where you get dropped off at the terminal. They cost $8. You’ll use a contactless payment to pay and once you do, a cart will be released for your use. My daughter and I used one recently to get our luggage to the Alaska counter.

At T2, the skycaps are literally right next to the luggage cart so you don’t need one if you’re checking in with them. If they’re closed or the lines are long and you want to haul your luggage inside, the carts help cross the skybridge over the street that connects the drop-off area to the terminal.

Terminal 2 West (Gates 36–51): An Easy Concourse for Families

If you’re flying Delta, United, or most international carriers, you’re likely departing from Terminal 2 West. This is the best terminal for families thanks to better dining, more room to spread out, and the airport’s only play area (until the new play area opens in Terminal 1).

Provisions Before Security

If it was all you could do to get the family into the car to the airport, you do have a food option before security near the check-in desks—Einstein Bagels. We have ducked in there before to right the ship before going through security.

There’s also a convenience store for magazines and snacks called Lindbergh Field News.

San Diego Airport Play Area in T2 West

The Chase Sapphire Lounge located near Gates 46–47, is the only lounge at SAN past security with a dedicated children’s playroom. It’s a clean, contained space where little ones can entertain themselves before the flight while parents take a breather with included hot meals and drinks.

Access is available primarily through the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. If you’re traveling with younger kids and have lounge access, they’ll love it, and there’s a nice changing table plus usually some diapers in the bathroom. The bonus is that this is my favorite lounge in San Diego airport. We go early just to use it.

Where to Eat in T2 West with Kids

• Phil’s BBQ (Gate 45): A local San Diego favorite that offers generous plates of ribs, chicken, and fries.
• Pannikin Coffee & Tea (Gate 39): Not just for adults — they offer baked goods, pastries, and hot cocoa, making it a great stop for snacks. The original outpost was in La Jolla for decades and Mexican hot chocolate is a La Jollan favorite (has cinnamon and nutmeg). Local teens love it.
• Elegant Desserts (Gate 38): Cookies, soft serve, and other sweet treats that work as bribes, rewards, or peace offerings mid-tantrum.
• Beaudevin Wine Bar (Gate 39): While not designed for kids, it’s a quieter space with shareable flatbreads and salads if you need to sit down in this end of the terminal.
• Starbucks (Gate 46-47): This outlet takes mobile order which I highly recommend otherwise you will wait.
• Stone Brewing (Gate 36): A smaller outlet of a larger local brewery known for craft beer and it opens early at like 6 a.m. It’s a place with tables if parents/guardians want to sit and have a drink while kids snack on gastropub fare.

Snack Runs and Last-Minute Essentials

For grab-and-go options or forgotten items, T2 West is well stocked.

• Stellar News (Gate 39 area): Offer snacks, bottled drinks, gum, activity books, and basic travel needs.
• Camden Food Co. (near Gate 36): Fresh sandwiches, salads, cut fruit, baked goods, and packaged snacks with a healthier tilt.
• Gaslamp MarketPlace (near Gate 46): A mix of San Diego–themed gifts, snacks, and kids’ souvenirs.
• Tech on the Go (near Gate 37): Chargers, headphones, and small electronics for surviving a long flight.
• Warwick’s of La Jolla (Gate 47): This shop is a true gem and must visit in La Jolla. I buy loads of gifts and skip Amazon to buy books here in person. This beloved local bookstore has a great kids’ section with books, puzzles, activity kits, and little trinkets. It’s one of the best stops for something quiet and screen-free before you board.

Restrooms & Lactation Room

• Family restrooms are located throughout the terminal and are clearly marked.
• A lactation room is available near Gates 34–35. It’s fully private and includes a sink, electrical outlets, and comfortable seating.

Plane Spotting & Quiet Distractions

There’s a tucked-away called Sunset Cove with some counter order spots (pizza, ramen, Mexican food) with floor-to-ceiling windows and good runway views. This is one of the best places at the airport for kids to watch planes take off and land. There’s also fro-yo here.

Other quiet wins for visual distraction:

• Look out for art: Near the Chase Lounge that’s a cool ceiling display we like with rotating lights and sculptural design subtle but surprisingly mesmerizing for kids.
• Large windows throughout the concourse: Perfect for pointing out aircraft, fuel trucks, and ground crew activity.
• The sculpture area near Peet’s Coffee sometimes has interesting things going on. Last time we were there, dancers were performing.

Terminal 2 East (Gates 20–33): Easy to Navigate, But Can Feel Tight

If your flight departs from Terminal 2 East (Alaska Airlines and American Airlines mostly), you’re in one of the most compact, straightforward areas of the airport. I’ve spent a lot of time here as an American AAdvantage Executive Platinum member.

It’s not as spacious as Terminal 2 West, but it’s straightforward to move through which can be a huge plus when traveling with kids.

Why This Terminal Works for Families

Everything you need is fairly close together: security, food, bathrooms, and boarding gates are all more or less clustered in the same wing that maybe takes five minutes to walk from end to end.

If you’re trying to avoid gate-checking a stroller, this is probably the easiest terminal for wearing a baby in a carrier though I’d keep the stroller for toddlers.

That said, when the airport is busy, seating near the gates can fill up quickly. There have been times when I’ve had to stand in the Alaska gates while waiting to board because the waiting area was packed. It’s not unmanageable just something to be aware of if you’re traveling during peak hours or holidays.

Kid-Approved Dining in Terminal 2 East

The dining area near Gate 26 has the first three places on this list side-by-side. These are not sit-down, but rather counter order places with limited menus that are mini versions of their larger outlets. There’s an area with tables you can take your food to next door, that has huge floor-to-ceiling windows for plane spotting.

• California Pizza Kitchen (Gate 26): You’ll be able to grab a pizza or a salad to go.
• Panda Express (Gate 26): Consistent and fast. Kids love the rice, noodles, and orange chicken.
• Jack in the Box (Gate 26): Another quick and familiar choice.
• Artisan Market (Gate 23): Great for healthier grab-and-go snacks, fresh pastries, and a wide selection of drinks including oat milk, almond milk, and hot cocoa. There can be a line but it usually moves quickly it doubles as Pannikin which is the famous local coffee shop I mentioned in T2 West. There’s no seating here, you’d take this to your gate.

Aspire Lounge: Convenient But Not Guaranteed

The Aspire Lounge, located between Gates 23 and 33, is often used by families including mine. It’s generally a peaceful place to regroup, but there are a few caveats:

• It’s not a huge lounge and there’s no kids’ play area.
• Recently, there have been lines to get in due to capped capacity. So while it’s a great option if you’re able to enter, I wouldn’t count on it 100%. I’ve seen this at all hours of the day.
• Children under 2 are typically admitted free, which is a nice perk for families with infants.
• There’s an included buffet with basics like continental breakfast items, cheese and crackers, and coffee machines. House wine and beer are included but they pour premium drinks at extra charge. They also have Naked Juice smoothies behind the bar that kids like.

I think the reason for the lines is because you can get in with an Admirals Club membership, AMEX Platinum card, Priority Pass, and day passes. There are too many ways to get in. I will tell you than when they’re at capacity, Admirals Club takes priority. I’ve been admitted with Admirals Club but not AMEX before.

Other Essentials & Layout Notes

• Family restrooms and lactation rooms are available post-security, close to Gate 23.
• The terminal connects airside with Terminal 2 West, so if you need to cross over after security, you can do so.
• There are plenty of large windows here too for planespotting.

Terminal 1 (New): What Families Should Know

I really disliked the old Terminal 1. It was cramped, outdated, and hard to manage with kids. There were not enough places to sit, very little food variety, and overall it could be an unpleasant start to a trip.

The new Terminal 1 is a massive improvement for families. It’s brighter, cleaner, and feels like it was actually designed with passengers in mind. You’ll find more seating, dining outlets that are legitimate local favorites, and improved flow.

That said, this terminal is still evolving and has only been open for a few weeks. Airlines are shifting gates and terminals during construction and not all dining outlets are open. Always check the San Diego Airport website before flying to confirm your terminal and gate assignment.

Pre-Security Tips

If you’re arriving early or meeting someone at arrivals, there are a few helpful spots pre-security:

• Einstein Bros. Bagels is a quick, reliable breakfast spot if you need to fuel up before security.
• The dramatic “RISE” jellyfish sculpture outside the terminal makes for a fun distraction for kids, especially at night when it’s lit up.
• Baggage claim and arrivals are easy to access, but there isn’t much beyond seating and vending machines in that area just yet.

What It’s Like Airside

Once you’re through security, the new terminal is much more relaxing than its predecessor. Families will appreciate that restrooms, food, and seating are all clustered fairly close together, so you’re not dragging tired kids across long corridors to find what you need.

Dining & Snacks

Even if the full slate of restaurants isn’t open yet, you’ll find much-improved dining. Currently, here’s what you can expect:

• McDonald’s: A standby for kids who want something predictable. Located airside, past security.
• Bankers Hill Bar & Market: This is the sit-down option for travelers who want something more elevated. It’s ideal if you have time to kill and want a real meal.
• Parfait Paris: A patisserie-style stop that serves croissants, macarons, and sweets — easy wins if your kids are starting to melt down.
• Ciao Gourmet Market and other grab-and-go counters: You’ll find sandwiches, fruit cups, and snacks if you’re rushing to board or need to prep your carry-on with something besides goldfish crackers.
• Dark Horse Coffee Roasters and Einstein Bros. Bagels round out the coffee and breakfast offerings.

The airport has also announced a future lineup that includes local favorites Puesto, Cutwater Spirits, Kettner Exchange, Ambrogio15 (we eat here a lot) and more. Double-check the dining listings on the SAN website to see if they’re open when you fly.

Shopping & Essentials

Retail is still ramping up in the new terminal, but you can expect the basics like a travel essentials shop with snacks, magazines, and kids’ activity books.

You’ll also see local gift options and San Diego-themed souvenirs. Warwicks (the iconic La Jolla bookstore I already mentioned in T2) is expected to open a smaller outpost/kiosk in T1. I’m hoping that it’s also a place where families needing books or puzzles before a flight can pick them up.

Amenities for Families

• Family restrooms are available near major gate clusters and include changing tables.
• Lactation rooms are available both pre- and post-security, and they’re clean, modern, and private.
  • T1 West Rotunda: Level 2, across from the elevator
  • T1 East Rotunda: Ground level, past the security checkpoint
• Seating is better than the old terminal, which helps when flights are delayed or the gates are full. And it has electrical outlets.
• A kids’ play area is part of the planned build-out (exact location: near Gate 7, based on SAN’s public plans), but it’s not scheduled to open until 2028.

Ground Transportation: What Families Need to Know

Getting in and out of San Diego International Airport is usually straightforward and another reason why I love living here.

But there are a few important things to know if you’re traveling with kids, especially when dealing with rental cars or rideshare pickup after a long flight.

Rental Car Center

All rental cars are handled at a dedicated off-airport facility called the Rental Car Center (RCC). A free airport shuttle runs continuously, 24 hours a day, between both terminals and the center. Shuttles are easy to spot and load from designated areas just outside baggage claim.

If you’re flying with younger kids or multiple pieces of luggage, just be aware that the shuttle ride adds about 10–15 minutes to your trip after landing. Once you’re on board, it’s a smooth ride, and it’s easy to find your rental car company in the center.

Rideshare Pickup (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

You’ll find designated rideshare pickup areas at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

• Terminal 1: After you exit baggage claim, follow the signs to the Transportation Plaza, which is across the street in a dedicated area.
• Terminal 2: The rideshare zone is located at the Transportation Plaza as well. You’ll walk across to the second lane curbside near baggage claim. It’s clearly signed.

I’ve had no trouble using Uber or Lyft at SAN, but sometimes during peak hours, it can get a little busy and difficult to see your driver’s license plate coming though not impossible.

Airport Shuttles

In addition to the rental car shuttle, there is a free inter-terminal shuttle that loops between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 throughout the day. It operates roughly from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. and is great if you’re switching airlines. Walking between terminals though isn’t too difficult with a stroller and, truthfully, might be easier.

There’s also the San Diego Flyer, a complimentary electric shuttle that connects the airport to the Old Town Transit Center. This is handy if you’re using Amtrak or COASTER trains to get to North County without renting a car. We sometimes have families staying at The Seabird Ocean Resort do this because the Oceanside train station is a few blocks away.

Meeting Family or Waiting with Kids at Baggage Claim

If you’re bringing kids to meet someone at the airport or one parent is collecting baggage there are spots to sit and wait.

Terminal 2’s baggage claim has a little outlet for drinks and snacks that’s lately not always open when I’m there. The new Terminal 1 has public art and a little more breathing room than before in the arrivals area.

You’re allowed curbside pick-up, but you must remain with your vehicle. There’s no idling or waiting at the curb but people do it anyway and it causes congestion. During busy times, staff will be directing traffic and telling people to move along.

At the end of the day though, I love our airport and it’s fairly easy for families to navigate. If you need to stay the night, check out my list of top hotels near San Diego Airport and best hotels in Downtown San Diego.