Elizabeth, a mom of three boys from Louisiana, planned an intentional one-on-one 12th birthday trip with her oldest to San Diego in October 2025, staying at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. In this episode, she shares how they spent their days tide-pooling in La Jolla, exploring the San Diego Zoo, and hiking Torrey Pines. She also walks us through how San Diego’s Kids Free October program helped stretch their budget by making most of her son’s entry fees free, and why this trip was such a special way to celebrate turning twelve.

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Mentioned in this epsiode:
- Kelsey's COMFRT Hoodie 15% off discount link: https://comfrt.com/KELSEY279
- Hotel del Coronado neighborhoods: The Views, The Victorian, The Cabanas, Beach Club, Shore House
- Hotel del Coronado breakfast at The Veranda, sunsets and drinks at the Sun Deck overlooking Point Loma
- San Diego Zoo, panda exhibit
- Cowboy Star Steak Restaurant
- Sunset Cliffs at Point Loma
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Guy Fleming Trail, Razor Point Trail to Red Butte
- Birch Aquarium in La Jolla
- Kayak Tour with Everyday California (leopard sharks!)
- Tide-pooling in La Jolla, Viator tour with Snorkel Matt
- Scripps Pier tide pooling
- Village Pizzeria Coronado Island
- Travel Agent: Katherine Boulet