Katie Dillon

La Jolla

I own https://t.co/YAWYv9lPVw where you can plan your San Diego vacation, book luxury hotels worldwide that I review, and buy theme park tickets for less.

Featured in: Favicon

usatoday.com Favicon

10best.com Favicon

sandiegouniontribune.com Favicon

fourseasons.com Favicon

lajollamom.com Favicon

pacificsandiego.com Favicon

luxegetaways.com

Articles

58 BEST Things To Do In San Diego With Kids (2025)

2 weeks ago | lajollamom.com | Katie Dillon

Top San Diego family activities curated by a local mom & travel advisor. Get insider tips & discounts for the Zoo, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Belmont Park & beyond.
Coronado Island with Kids: The Ultimate Family Planning Guide

1 month ago | lajollamom.com | Katie Dillon

Over half of the families I book into hotels choose Coronado—and for good reason. I spend a lot of time on the island (including right now, writing this from my room at Hotel del Coronado!) and feel it’s time to address frequently asked questions. This guide covers what families really need to know: favorite kid-friendly activities, how to get around, where to park, and how to make the most of your time—whether you’re visiting for the day or staying overnight.
Our Fun Family Guide To San Diego Parks With Playgrounds

1 month ago | lajollamom.com | Carmen Varner |Katie Dillon

San Diego is known for sunshine and ocean views, but it’s also home to incredible parks and playgrounds that make it easy for families to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re visiting or local, these spots offer fresh air, scenic settings, and plenty of space to play. This guide rounds up top family-friendly parks across the county—complete with addresses, links, and helpful details to make planning a breeze.
Discount San Francisco Zoo Tickets 2024: 9 Ways To Save Big

1 month ago | lajollamom.com | Katie Dillon

It used to be easier to get discount San Francisco Zoo tickets through authorized sellers and sightseeing passes. We list the handful of options that remain.
Choosing the Best LEGOLAND California Annual Pass: Silver vs. Gold vs. Platinum vs. Elite Compared

1 month ago | lajollamom.com | Katie Dillon

As a mom and San Diego-based travel agent specializing in family vacations, I spend a lot of time helping families figure out the best way to experience our theme parks. LEGOLAND California Resort is always at the top of the list. I’m constantly asked whether Annual Passes are worth it and which one to choose, so it’s time to break it all down. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Elite… what’s the difference? You’ve come to the right place.
Trade Up Your Trip: The Ultimate Guide to LEGOLAND California Minifigure Trading

1 month ago | lajollamom.com | Katie Dillon

LEGOLAND California Resort offers a unique and engaging activity that adds an extra layer of fun to any visit: LEGO Minifigure Trading!Much like the popular pin trading found at Disney parks, minifigure trading transforms a park visit into an interactive scavenger hunt where the prizes are cool new LEGO characters.
15 Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In San Diego & Fun Family Resorts (2025)

2 months ago | lajollamom.com | Katie Dillon

Detailed guide to kid-friendly hotels and resorts in San Diego near the beach & popular attractions by a local travel advisor who helps people plan family trips.
Castle Park Discount Tickets: How to Save on Your Family Adventure

2 months ago | lajollamom.com | Katie Dillon

Planning a visit to Castle Park in Riverside, California? This charming amusement park blends classic carnival rides, mini golf, and seasonal events—all at wallet-friendly prices. Whether you’re a local looking for an easy day trip or a traveler squeezing in some Southern California fun, there are plenty of ways to save. In this article, I’ll share with you where you can score cheaper Castle Park tickets to save more money.
Discover & Go See Attractions for Free With Your San Diego Library Card

2 months ago | lajollamom.com | Katie Dillon

Did you know your San Diego Public Library card is a key to unlocking free admission to some of the city’s most popular museums and attractions? It’s called the Discover & Go program. Since my husband didn’t have a library card, I had him apply for one to take advantage of these San Diego discounts for a recent trip to Balboa Park. Here’s how it went. Step 1: Get Your Free San Diego Public Library CardGetting a library card is the first step, and the process is surprisingly quick.
Your Guide to Hassle-Free Parking at San Diego International Airport (SAN)

2 months ago | lajollamom.com | Katie Dillon

Navigating airport parking can often feel like the first hurdle of your trip, and San Diego International Airport (SAN) is no exception. With its two terminals and ongoing construction, planning your parking strategy in advance saves time, money, and stress. I will walk you through the main San Diego airport parking options so you can decide whether to choose the convenient terminal garages or the more cost-effective off-site lots. Key TakeawaysSAN has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.