For more information, such as park hours, admission prices, and directions, click on the icons to be directed to the attraction’s main website.

World-famous 100-acre tropical garden that houses 4,000 animals of 800 rare and exotic species.
Popular zoo activities include a three-mile guided bus tour, sky tram, children’s petting zoo, and baby animal nursery. One of the most popular exhibits is a family of Giant Pandas, which includes male panda Gao Gao; female panda, Bai Yun; their female cub, Su Lin, born in August 2005; and Mei Sheng, a young male born in August 2003. The largest and most elaborate animal habitat in the zoo’s history, Joan B. Kroc’s Monkey Trails and Forest Tales, opened in spring 2005. Guests can trek through Asian and African forests teeming with some of the world’s most threatened wildlife.

1,800-acre preserve where wild animals roam free over vast expanses as they would in their native habitats of Africa and Asia.
Now open at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park is the Journey Into Africa tour. The tour, aboard an open-air tram inspired by the legendary safari trains of Africa. The new experience brings riders eye-level with animals, such as white rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, Roosevelt’s gazelles, and African crowned cranes.
Offering a bird’s-eye view of wildlife, the 15-minute Balloon Safari rises 400-feet in the air for panoramic views of the park’s lush grounds. The tethered helium balloon ride is modeled after the hot air balloon tours of Africa’s Seregenti National Park and holds up to 30 passengers.

located on Mission Bay, this 189-acre park features six major shows, fascinating attractions and dozens of exhibits containing marine life from around the globe.
In May 2006, Believe, the most ambitious new show in the park’s history, opened to rave reviews. Shamu and friends now glide through the water and fly through the air amidst a giant water fountain and a two-story tall, high-tech stage, which features four giant moving LCD screens showing images from three new underwater cameras. SeaWorld San Diego now offers a new Dine with Shamu experience. The backstage buffet-style restaurant allows visitors to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at tables adjacent to Shamu’s pool where they meet trainers and Shamu herself.
Journey to Atlantis, based on the tale of the “lost city,” is the largest attraction in the park offering guests a six-minute journey that includes a 60-foot plunge and a heart-pounding negative G force drop set against a backdrop of the sunken city.

LegoLand is a 128-acre theme park featuring more than 40 interactive attractions and rides that are “kid powered” where kids push, pull, steer, pedal, squirt, climb, or build their way through a wonderland of activities.
In March 2007, LEGOLAND California opened the largest Miniland expansion in the company’s history. A re-creation of the fabulous city of Las Vegas built out of more than two million bricks, Miniland Las Vegas will feature the world-famous New York, New York Hotel and Casino, Paris Las Vegas with its Eiffel Tower and many other iconic properties. The Miniland “Strip” will even include an exploding volcano in front of the Mirage, an animated battle of pirate ships in front of Treasure Island, a miniature wedding chapel, monorails, and real-life sounds recorded in Las Vegas

What could be better than an entertaining park where your kids can experience art, culture, and learn something new along the way?
The largest urban cultural park in the United States, Balboa Park is often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West.” Its 1,200 lush acres are home to 85 cultural attractions, including 15 museums, eight gardens and the San Diego Zoo.
The park features a massive array of interesting and fun activities for all ages including: The San Diego Air & Space Museum, The Balboa Park Carousel, The Balboa Park Miniature Railroad, the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, the San Diego Automotive Museum, the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the San Diego Museum of Man, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the San Diego Natural History Museum.

No stay in San Diego is complete without a trip to the waterfront. San Diego Bay is bustling with activity, as it serves as the homeport for Navy ships, a large sportfishing fleet, thousands of pleasure craft, and an increasing number of cruise ships.
Mission Bay, a 4,600-acre aquatic playground, is the largest facility of its kind in the world featuring separate, designated areas for sailing, power boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing.
Opened in June 2004, the USS Midway Museum is a retired aircraft carrier that now serves as a fascinating interactive floating museum.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego consists of several historic sailing vessels docked on San Diego Bay including old tall ships, passenger ferries, and even a Russian submarine.

Known as “America’s Finest City”, San Diego offers a wide array of things to see and do for visitors of all ages. Let Old Town Trolley show you California’s second largest city, where blue skies, exciting attractions and 70 miles of beaches come together to create a vacationer’s paradise. For over 18 years, Old Town Trolley Tours has been providing sightseeing tours highlighting the best of San Diego. Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment, a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment. With Old Town Trolley, you can avoid costly parking and city driving while exploring at your own pace as you hop on and off at 2 or 3 of your favorite stops. Old Town Trolley is the best way to see San Diego!

San Diego County’s newest and wildest water adventure park! Thirty-two water-logged acres packed with 22 of the most intense water rides imaginable — all themed to the surf woodies and longboards of the 1950s San Diego coast! Only Open May through September

“The Happiest Place on Earth” is an enchanted kingdom of fantasy and imagination filled with classic family-friendly attractions and magical entertainment, dining and shopping.

Learn to Scuba Dive! If you have ever wanted to learn to dive, now is the time, while vacationing in San Diego! Or, if you are already certified, check out Ocean Enterprise for rentals, scuba trips, etc. Ocean Enterprise is Southern California’s largest full-service dive center, offering all levels of instruction for individuals and families, with a variety of classes every month. Tested and approved by a Beachfront Only Employee! Phone: 858-565-6054

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More Places to Go and Things to Do

Gaslamp Quarter and East Village
Downtown: Broadway to Harbor Drive
Downtown San Diego
San Diego, CA 92101
619-233-5227

When architects seized the one-time seedy saloon and gambling sector of the city, the Quarter underwent a radical change for the better. The clean streets are now littered with sidewalk eateries, from upscale restaurants to low-key cafes. Jazz and dance clubs come alive at rush hour and street-level boutiques, cigar shops and galleries dominate all 21 blocks. Boasting remnants of the Victorian-era, now largely home to hotels, contemporary apartment complexes, in muted shades of berry and gray, are integrated on the outskirts.

En route to the Convention Center, Fourth Avenue is the Gaslamp’s corner to be seen come nightfall. Neighboring bar/restaurants Chive and Aubergine pull large, attractive and affluent crowds, and the quintessential Dublin Square is downtown’s most authentic Irish pub. Designated drivers can even get strung out at the corner Starbucks.

Once home to art studios and soup kitchens, the East Village is fiercely holding onto its arts community. The baseball park nears completion, promising expanded retail space, and the mammoth Park Loft residential building threatens the skyline with more of the same in the coming years.

The former Carnation Dairy processing plant is now a mixed-use residential loft and performance complex. Occupying a full block and known as the ReinCarnation Project, it houses Sushi Performance & Visual Art and the Debra Owen Gallery. — Gi-Gi Downs (Photo: A. Seashore)

La Jolla
Prospect Street and Girard Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
619-454-1444

La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most exclusive and desirable zip codes, offering an atmosphere reminiscent of a European resort village tempered with the casual attitude of Southern California. The formerly “old money” town has seen a fresh influx of young families, currently boasting as many mommies with strollers on the streets as sleek seniors in expensive golf clothes. Snuggled into a cove that offers excellent offshore diving and gorgeous views, La Jolla village clings to a Mediterranean theme, while outlying neighborhoods feature sprawling Cape Cod abodes, compact cottages and villas sporting modern lines. The University of California at San Diego is located in the area, and the college students liven up what can be a very quiet town.

Long a favorite of tourists, La Jolla boasts the world-famous Scripps Institute of Oceanography, as well as the Birch Aquarium (the institute’s interpretive center). The San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art and the La Jolla Playhouse offer culture and entertainment nearby, while sophisticated diners can choose from any number of fine restaurants (Roppongi and George’s at the Cove are favorites). Possessing what seems to be as many hotels as eateries, La Jolla offers an endless array of resort choices — the historic La Valencia Hotel in the heart of the village is always a good choice for folks looking to get away from it all.

Though home to some of the most moneyed citizens in San Diego, La Jolla has a welcoming vibe that makes both tourists and visitors from the local suburbs feel appreciated for the commerce they bring to the area. Lovely year-round, La Jolla is particularly pretty when the downtown village pulls out all the stops to decorate during the holiday season (many of the shops also stay open late to accommodate shoppers). Note that parking spaces in downtown La Jolla are as rare as hen’s teeth; plan extra time to hunt for a spot, or avail yourself of the numerous valet parking services. — Lisa Galloway (Photo: Brenda Collins)

Old Town State Park
San Diego Ave. & Twiggs St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-220-5422

Step into the Alta California of days past. The park recreates local life, circa 1821 to 1862. Five original adobes are part of the park grounds, which include shops, restaurants and museums. Places to linger include San Diego House (originally a saloon owned and operated by a freed slave and a cornerstone of Black American history in San Diego), the Mason Street School (SD’s first public school, still holding history classes for the public) and, of course, Bazaar Del Mundo. Bazaar Del Mundo is a permanent fiesta, with fab shopping and ethnic (not just Mexican) food.

Folks looking for big fun should visit on the 4th of July or Cinco de Mayo — the park hosts large community celebrations bursting with folkloric entertainment. Parking can be found at lots scattered about the park or on side streets, but be prepared to hunt for a spot. — Lisa Galloway (Photo: Brenda Collins)

1100 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
619-437-8788

An often overlooked cool Coronado fact: Author L. Frank Baum wrote his magically trippy ‘Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ while residing here. The home where this classic was written still stands today on Star Park Circle, which is but one more reason to visit.

Every cliche about stunning sunsets and sparkling beaches applies to Coronado — but in this case, what is cliche elsewhere is vibrantly true here. Coronado is decidedly upscale — her streets are filled with historical homes and the downtown main drag, off of Orange Avenue, is a pedestrian’s dream of chi-chi shops cozied up to gourmet eateries. It’s all about old-money beach chic mixed with a touch of irreverent surf culture, and a remarkably warm and accessible community. The locals are proud of their town and are welcoming to visitors. Referred to usually as an island (really more of a pseudo-peninsula), Coronada is home to NAS North Island (personnel provide a snappy military presence in town),a pretty yacht harbor and street upon street of historic and unique homes.

On the Pacific side, the Hotel Del Coronado, opened in 1888 and recently refurbished, is the star. For weekend getaways or brunch, the red- roofed Victorian icon has no peer. On the San Diego Bay side, visitors can shop and browse to their hearts’ content at the Ferry Landing Market Place, full of one-of-a-kind boutiques and restaurants. The Coronado Ferry runs between here and the mainland, adding more potential for fun transportation plans.

Coronado can be accessed by her famous bridge (a $1 toll applies) or the San Diego Bay Ferry (catch it on the hour at the B Street Pier, just $2 each way and 50 cents for bikes). — Lisa Galloway (Photo: Les Rodriguez)

Mission San Luis Rey
4050 Mission Ave.
Oceanside, CA 92057
760-757-3651

Mission San Luis Rey is the second of the famous missions established along San Diego’s legendary El Camino Real (and the 18th of a total 21 built in colonial Alta California). Designed to be a single day’s walk apart, the missions created a vital chain throughout the territory for the Catholic Church. Powerful and ambitious, the church set out to convert the local Native Americans while creating a permanent presence in what was then Spanish territory.

Founded by Father Lausen and carefully nurtured by Father Peyri (its first superior), the mission was dedicated on June 13, 1798 and hosted the baptism of 43 Luiseno Indians that same day. At the time of its initial construction, Mission San Luis Rey was the largest building in both Baja and Alta California. Faced with burnt brick and roofed with the orange-hued tile synonymous with “mission” style architecture, the original structure (which survives to this day) was flanked by grounds that included a sunken garden, a complicated irrigation system, gracious interior arches and artwork.

Still a working parish (owned and operated by the Franciscan Friars), the mission invites the public to freely explore the buildings and grounds as well as attend mass. The Mission Museum houses a fine collection of artifacts specific to mission life in early California, including important pieces from Native American, Spanish Military and religious communities. When wandering the gardens, take note of the massive pepper tree in the western enclosure; planted by Father Peyri, the tree is the sole survivor of a row outside the cloister that were planted with seeds brought from South American by a visiting sailor. — Lisa Galloway (Photo: Uma Sanghvi)

Seaport Village
849 W Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
619-235-4014

A must-visit for tourists and a popular day-trip destination for locals, Seaport Village offers 14-acres of waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment. Located on the edge of San Diego Harbor with gorgeous views of the bay, the area has more than 75 shops and over a dozen themed eateries, all surrounded by lush landscaping and Cape Cod-inspired architecture. Cobblestone paths are perfect for carriage rides through the village, a romantic staple on warm summer nights.

A popular favorite of children of all ages, the vintage Broadway Flying Horses carousel (circa 1890) is a signature attraction that offers wonderful photo-ops for shutter-bugging. Bookworms and caffeine hounds can while away the day over The Upstart Crow Trading Company, while lefties can find specialty items at Southpaw. Everyday is Christmas at Mistletoe, and Harley hounds can find specialty items and collectibles in every corner of the San Diego Harley Davidson boutique. Especially dear to the hearts of local folks are the Wyland Galleries, the owner a renowned marine-life artist who has been generous to the city with both his art and his time) displays and sells works that are favorites of collectors.

Seaport Village’s oceanfront location is evident at most of the eateries; while choices range from pasta to island fare, seafood sets the keynote for most menus. Buster’s Beach House has a beachy island theme with a menu full of American fare sparked up with Pacific Rim flavors. The San Diego Pier Cafe focuses on fresh seafood, while the Edgewater Grill brings pastas and pizza to the table. Families looking for a kid-friendly eatery can find burgers made out of everything from buffalo to ostrich at the San Diego Burger Company.

What seems to be an endless round of events are hosted at the village, including visiting exhibits along the walkways, and live music in the east plaza gazebo. A pretty place year-round, the area is particularly pleasing during the holidays, when twinkle lights and festive music make it a waterfront wonderland. Note that Old Town Trolley Tours, a popular way for visitors to see San Diego, makes several stops at the village daily. — Lisa Galloway (Photo: Les Rodriguez)

Horton Plaza
324 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-8180

Horton Plaza is a funky and chic outdoor mall, covering over six city blocks and designed like a Dr. Seuss/Disney collaboration. It also has the best mall food — ever. (You’ll swoon at Boudin’s Bakery and Cafe and revel in the retro rightness of Hotdog on a Stick.) Shopping options range from BCBG and Nordies to Abercrombie & Fitch — this is not your mother’s mall. Dress to be seen. Fashion counts. The adjacent cinema and Lyceum Theatre blow the doors wide open on entertainment options. This is one of the few places you can shop day into night, dine and then catch a fine theatre production.

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Want to see it all? A pass is the best way to go! Check these ones out…

Attractions Around Balboa Park and San Diego Museums – Go San Diego Card: Multi-attraction pass that gives you the most choice at San Diego’s top attractions for the best value. Attractions include San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND, whale watch, harbor cruise, museums & more!

Five superb big-name California tickets are contained in this unprecedented CityPass line-up. The savings are significant; it’s a great itinerary and $94 stays in your pocket. The fun, thrills, and sights are incomparable. Schedule them day after day or take the full 14 days your booklet is valid to use them so you can spend the between-days at the beach.

The attractions are so famous they need little description! You get three days of admission to Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park within a 14 day period; switch between the two parks each day if you like. A day at movie-licious Universal Studios Hollywood experiencing rides and television sets, a day at SeaWorld Adventure Park in San Diego, and the choice between the San Diego Zoo — in Balboa Park — or the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park just north of that city rounds out the booklet. The fact is, dare we say it again, Southern California – with the best weather in the world – makes Southern California CityPass just the ticket to the places that everyone wants to see and enjoy.

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Don’t Want to Spend Money?? Free Things to do in San Diego!

1. Head to San Diego’s many beaches, all free to the public, to swim, body surf or hang-ten. Play in the sand, collect seashells or just bask in the sun.

2. Visit La Jolla Cove and see the magnificent sunset on the ocean. La Jolla Cove is one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world. Great for a daytime or sunset picnic.

3. Visit Seaport Village during the weekends for free entertainment and hours of leisurely strolling and window-shopping. Or just sit in the grass and gaze at passing yachts and ships on picturesque San Diego Bay.

4. Stroll through the 16½-block historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego and view the renovated turn-of-the-century Victorian architecture, home to boutiques, art galleries, specialty shops and more.

5. Fly a kite along the grassy field in the Tecolote Shores of Mission Bay Park, a 4,600-acre aquatic park. Here, away from trees and overhead wires, friends and family gather to launch colorful kites into the bay breezes.

6. Enjoy free organ concerts at 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Spreckels Organ Pavillion in Balboa Park. The Organ Pavillion features one of world’s largest outdoor pipe organs, a San Diego landmark since 1914, where organists play traditional favorites, waltzes and show tunes on enormous 32-foot pipes.

7. Visit Old Town and witness the living legacy of San Diego history. Guests are also invited to wander free through Old Town’s historic buildings, including the blacksmith shop, Seeley Stables, Stewart House, Estudillo House and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego.

8. Bike or jog along Mission Bay Park’s many trails. Joggers and walkers share more than 20 miles of scenic running paths that wind through sunlight and shade near the shoreline and feature workout courses at planned stations along the route.

9. Stargaze outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park on the first Wednesday of every month. The San Diego Astronomy Association sets up huge telescopes to offer guests a great view of all the stars in the night sky.

10. Take a scenic, one-hour drive to Mt. Laguna. Once there, hop out for an invigorating hike and enjoy the fresh mountain air whispering through the pines.

11. Step back in time with a stop in Julian, a century-old gold mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Pick up a free map at the Chamber of Commerce for a self-guided walking tour of the area’s historic sites and later enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie – a Julian specialty!

12. Grab your picnic basket and head to Torrey Pines State Park where you can watch talented and daring hang-gliders do tricks in the strong winds that sweep along the coastline cliffs.

13. Cross the border into colorful and exciting Tijuana, Mexico. Entrance is free, the people are friendly, and the shops offer unique gifts and apparel as well as great window-shopping.

14. Rollerblade, skateboard or bicycle along the Mission Beach Boardwalk, a scenic 3-mile boardwalk along picturesque Mission and Pacific Beaches.

15. Visit Mission Trails Regional Park to explore the cultural, historical and recreational aspects of San Diego. Stop at the Visitor’s Center and learn about the wonders of nature and the people who once lived on the land. Or, roam through the park’s 40 miles of natural and developed hiking and biking trails.

16. Go scuba diving or snorkeling off San Diego’s shores and see spectacular creatures of the sea. La Jolla Cove offers some of the clearest waters on the California coast, as well as miles of protected underwater preserves to explore.

17. Go bird watching at the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Located high above Torrey Pines State Beach, the area is home of the rare and ancient Torrey Pine as well as a beautiful protected habitat for swifts, thrashers, woodpeckers and wrentits.

18. Stroll through Balboa Park and marvel at its beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. While there, take advantage of the park’s variety of offerings, including 15 museums (select museums free on Tuesdays), free daily park tours, public organ concerts (Sundays), and spectacular gardens (seven are free daily).

19. Visit other museums around town that offer similar free days. In its La Jolla facility, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is free on the third Tuesday of each month; the downtown facility is free daily.

20. Gather family, friends and firewood for a cozy beach bonfire at one of the beaches in San Diego County, including Moonlight Beach.

21. Explore the tidepools in Point Loma at low tide and get up close and personal with flowery anemones, scampering shore crabs, elusive octopus, spongy deadman’s fingers and many other magnificent sea creatures.

22. Drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla for breathtaking, 360-degree views of San Diego, including the gently curving La Jolla coastline and Mission Bay. Spectacular views of San Diego’s East County communities also await guests at the top of Mt. Helix.

23. Visit the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and experience the natural beauty of the desert. The 600,000-acre park is one of the largest state parks in the United States and each spring, following winter rains, explodes into a rainbow of colorful wildflower blossoms.

24. Take a scenic walk along The Big Bay, San Diego’s “largest attraction.” With 27 miles of waterfront featuring bayside parks, marinas, hundreds of shops and restaurants, and miles of promenades and bikeways, the Big Bay appeals to all ages and interests.

(Taken from sandiego.org)