California's Former Naval Training Center Is Now A Huge Waterfront Park Full Of History & Family Fun

Tell the kids they're going to a former naval base for the day, and they might roll their eyes at you. But tell them they're going to a sprawling waterfront destination filled with parks, shops, restaurants, and a movie theater, and they may be a touch more enthusiastic. That's just a slice of what's going on at Liberty Station, a popular family destination in San Diego.

Located on the waterfront in Point Loma, Liberty Station was once a major Naval Training Center that operated from 1923 to 1997. More than 2.75 million recruits and sailors trained there, including during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Staying close to the area's roots, the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with its arches, courtyards, and plazas has been lovingly transformed into a 360-acre center for commerce, history, education, and the arts, offering a change from visiting the best parks near San Diego.

With more than enough to occupy even the most restless kids, Liberty Station is spread across five districts and includes a marketplace, educational and sports facilities, a bustling arts district, museums, and plenty of outdoor space. Among its biggest attractions is the 46-acre waterfront NTC Park, which has two playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and waterfront paths. In fact, Liberty Station offers more than 100 acres of open space and promenades to enjoy. Conveniently situated near San Diego International Airport (SAN), it's about a 10-minute drive away, with several parking lots on-site.

There's no room for boredom with all the activities on offer here. At San Diego Craft Collective, workshops are held throughout the year, including ceramics, painting, and woodworking. Sign up for a class on their website. For the more sporty, the gymnastics and ninja activities at G3Kids or a round of mini golf at the Loma Club are sure to burn off some energy. As an extra treat during the holiday season, Rady Children's Ice Rink, an outdoor ice rink, opens from mid-November through early January.

When hungry tummies start growling, head to Officine Buona Forchetta for pizza, traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven. There's a dedicated family area complete with a playground, and kids will love the vintage Fiat transformed into a table. Otherwise, burgers and milkshakes await at the 1950s-themed Corvette Diner and its Gamer's Garage Arcade. With more than 60 games, it's a super venue for birthday parties.

Sneak in some history by visiting the USS Recruit, a two-thirds-scale model of a destroyer escort built in 1949 so recruits could learn the ropes before going to sea. Nicknamed the USS Neversail, it was the Navy's only boat never to have touched water. At its peak, more than 50,000 sailors trained aboard it each year.  If you enjoy military history, visit the free museum in Florida's coastal base, too.  At the end of a busy day, catch a movie at The Lot. Located on the site of the former Luce Auditorium, the venue once hosted famous entertainers, including Nat King Cole and Bob Hope. One name the whole family will recognize, however, is Tom Cruise. Following the movies and history theme, scenes from the 1986 film "Top Gun" were filmed here.

There's some serious shopping to be done at Liberty Station, and the first port of call could be Sea Hive Station. With more than 150 local brands and small businesses, you can shop for everything from vintage clothing and homewares to handcrafted gifts and jewelry. There are some original finds, and it will be a miracle if you go home empty-handed. Over in the Arts District, take your pick of galleries, artists' studios, live performances, and museums. The Visions Museum of Textile Art is packed with bold displays of color and creativity, while the emerging artists in residence are worth seeking out.

Next stop should be Liberty Public Market. Essentially an upmarket food hall, it features more than 30 food and retail vendors offering everything from Peruvian street food to French pastries, as well as Mexican favorites. Located in the former Navy commissary and mess hall, where sailors once sat down to eat, the market is open daily from around 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. With history clinging to every wall in the original buildings, take a Walk Back Through Time, Liberty Station's self-guided historical walking trail, where you'll pick up some fascinating snippets about life on the naval base.

Finish your day with a fine dining experience at the award-winning Solare Ristorante, a Michelin Guide-listed Italian restaurant. It has patios overlooking the park and an extensive wine list. With San Diego having such a thriving craft beer scene, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens is also worth mentioning for its collection of 40 beers on tap and spacious outdoor garden. And you don't have to go far at the end of the night either. There are several hotels on-site, including Courtyard by Marriott and Homewood Suites by Hilton. That is, unless you'd rather watch the sun set over San Diego on an intimate boat tour instead.