Things To Do
La Jolla Cove
You can spot sea lions anywhere along the San Diego coastline, but you’ll find the largest number of them at La Jolla Cove. La Jolla Cove is famous for its sea lions, and it’s the best place to go if you want to see them in their natural habitat.
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is a mile-long crescent of prime sand beach favored by active beachgoers of all interests. Anchored by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography pier, this is a busy swimming area popular among families and surfers alike. Shielded by La Jolla Bay, it is also used as a launching ground for scuba diving and kayaking. At night it's alive with the glow of beach fires.
San Diego Zoo
At our world-famous Zoo, you'll discover more than 3,500 animals of more than 650 rare and exotic species in a beautiful 100-acre tropical garden. Spectacular bioclimatic exhibits like Monkey Trails, Lost Forest, Elephant Odyssey, Gorilla Tropics, Sun Bear Forest and Tiger River house endangered species in enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. The new Wildlife Explorers Basecamp (which replaces the former Children's Zoo) also lets young visitors get up-close with zoo critters and enjoy expansive, interactive play areas. Beyond viewing the vast range of animals, you can take a three-mile guided bus tour, ride the sky tram, or interact with the adorable creatures at the children's petting zoo and baby animal nursery.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Formerly known as the Wild Animal Park, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an extraordinary experience—an up-close chance to experience wild nature at its best. Throughout the 1,800 acre preserve, animals from Africa and Asia roam freely over vast expanses of land as they would in their native habitats. Take the Africa Tram Safari for an exciting expedition and guided tour of rhinos, giraffes, antelope, gazelles and more that inhabit this unique field exhibit. Located just 30 miles northeast of downtown in San Diego's north inland region, it's an easy drive to the sprawling park in pretty San Pasqual Valley. Wear comfortable walking shoes and plan on a full day of exploration, so you can watch a cheetah run at full speed, come face to face with an African lion or gaze up at majestic eagles, noble owls and rare Andean condors.
LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California is a 128-acre theme park featuring more than 60 interactive attractions, shows and rides. Some are even "kid powered," all geared toward families with children 2 to 12 years old. The adjacent LEGOLAND Water Park has seven slides and a lazy river where you can build your own LEGO-themed raft. While at SEA LIFE™ Aquarium, guests can view undersea creatures like sea stars, sharks and stingrays! Legoland California is also now a Certified Autism Center; all the park's employees have been trained and certified in sensory, environmental and emotional awareness in order to support visitors on the autism spectrum. To get the full LEGO experience, as well as an early start for your day of park fun, spend the night at the nation's first LEGOLAND Hotel, featuring 250 LEGO-themed rooms.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a cultural oasis that includes 18 museums, numerous beautiful gardens and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. At 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is one of North America’s most renowned urban parks and a must-see on any visit to San Diego. Located just blocks from downtown San Diego hotels, the park has a rich history, reflected through its stunning architecture, thought-provoking exhibits and installations, and cultural events that take place throughout the year.