Top 8 Things to Do in San Diego
Welcome to San Diego, one of the most beautiful cities in Southern California! You’ve got your rented car, a map… now what to do? Here are a few suggestions about the most popular things to do in San Diego!
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is the second most important zoo in the USA, in size, but also famous for its presentation of 880 species and more than 4,000 animals. It was the first zoo to present animals in simulated natural habitats rather than cages. Whether you are with kids or a group of adults, the zoo’s setting is adapted for your visit to be as convenient and enjoyable as possible. A guided bus tour departs the entrance of the zoo allowing you to see every animals with comments of what you should know about them. You can also take the sky-fall or cross over the park to enjoy a bird’s view of the park. The zoo also offers shows and more personal experiences where you can participate and learn more about the zoo. Look forward to a unique experience. To see it all, be prepared to dedicate at least 4 hours of your day to the zoo!
Wild Animal Park
Have you ever fed a giraffe? Here might be your chance! The Wild Animal Park, located in Escondido, about 28 miles north of Down Town San Diego offers you the possibility to observe animals in an open setting, in their “own” environment. This park of 1800 acres gives the animals the chance to live freely. You can take a Mini Safari and observe the animals as if you were in Africa. After taking advantages of the free shows offered, you can sign up for a Photo Caravan Tour, which gets you even closer to the animals even closer and where you can actually feed giraffes and rhinos!
Sea World
Have you ever heard of Shamu? well we’ve got him here! So be prepared to get splashed! San Diego is home of the 3rd Sea World in the USA. After visiting all the land animals, Sea World offers you the experience of the aquatic life. You can pet sting rays, swim with dolphins, observe sharks and watch the funny show with sea lions giving a hard time to their trainer. Make sure to do the attraction getting you wet earlier in the day to give yourself a chance to dry… even during summer days, the evening can be chilly in San Diego. Being cold could get in the way of enjoying the Fireworks at the famous Shamu Rocks Show!
Note: You can find 3-for-1 passes, that will give you entry to all 3 parks for the price of one!
Balboa Park
More than just a beautiful park , Balboa Park is the cultural and artistic spot in San Diego. In the park you can find 17 museums, from the San Diego Museum of Art, to the Train Museum, to the Museum of Man… a variety for all ages and tastes. The kids favorite is usually the Science Museum, where they can play touch and interact while learning. Read all about the Balboa Park Museums here. The Japanese Garden offers you a different experience, discover the Bonsai exhibit, and put your zen mood on! Balboa Park is also the address for the Old Globe Theater (which offers open air Shakespeare’s plays during the summer) and the StarLight Theater. You can also enjoy the Rose garden there and sit by the fountain to refresh and rest a bit.
La Jolla Seals
La Jolla, just north of San Diego, has a very special beach. The Seals’ Beach was what used to be known as the Children’s Pool, until a Seal colony declared it home! See them up close yet still in their natural habitat. They love to be in the center of attention and sometimes, you just have the feeling they only act that silly, because you are watching them! The left hand side of the Guard Tower brings you a few steps closer, don’t be afraid to get your feet a bit wet.
Old Town
San Diego being on the border to Mexico, the city has kept a piece of history in Old Town. This area of San Diego offers you to shop a little and discover a few good Mexican restaurants while enjoying Spanish-influenced architecture. You can watch how tortillas are made, enjoy a few margaritas – and if you like them, maybe even visit the Tequila Museum! It is almost as crossing the border – but without having to bring your passport! If you are interested in a more cultural visit, there are guide tours available. Check out the Old Town Guide for more information.
Tide Pools
Kids will love this! The Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma is a very educative and fun visit for adults and kids. You can see the beautiful skyline of San Diego, a gorgeous view! And then, after visiting the Lighthouse and its museum you can go a little closer to the ocean to the Tide Pools at the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Natural pools created by the ocean on the rocks, the Tide Pools are a great way to discover a few aquatic species ( from crabs to anemones, to sea cucumber and starfish). For kids it is a great way to see it up close and sometime even touch.
Coronado Island
The Coronado peninsula is a really nice area of San Diego with one of the largest beaches – The Silver Strand. You can walk around the island and admire the beautiful gardens, visit the many shops and enjoy the great restaurants. Coronado is also home of the famous Hotel Del Coronado, a luxurious hotel that you might remember from a few movies, and the San Diego Navy base. But the most exciting about going to Coronado, is crossing the Coronado Bridge. You will have a great view of San Diego, Downtown and its boats. Photographers will love the small park just off the bridge for great shots of Down Town, especially by night. To find out more about this luxurious navy town, you can check out its Visitor Center.
San Diego has quite a few sights to offer and things to do. Because of its proximity to Mexico, San Diego also has a very special culture, taking the best qualities from both worlds. Eat the best tacos in the US, visit Shamu and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Southern California!
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