Fun Activities and Theme Parks
Sea World San Diego
Mission Bay Park, 500 Sea World Drive San Diego, CA 92109 | 619-222-4732There’s more magic to be found at SeaWorld San Diego, located in glistening Mission Bay. At this 189-acre park you’ll discover spectacular shows, heart thumping rides and dozens of exhibits containing marine life from around the globe. Lifetime memories are created during the behind-the-scenes, private interactions with dolphins, whales and penguins. Thrill-seekers love the 60-foot wet plunge on Journey to Atlantis or the ultimate rush on Manta®, the roller coaster shaped like a giant manta ray that reaches its max speed in only 2 seconds. Children are wide-eyed with delight on the helicopter simulator ride through the Arctic Circle, or they can “dive” the world of sea turtles at Turtle Reef as this 280,000-gallon aquarium is home to 60 threatened sea turtles, an interactive game that teaches kids about the threats turtles face in the wild, a map that tracks rehabilitated turtles and an exciting ride called Riptide Rescue.
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive San Diego, CA 92101 | 619-231- 1515At our world-famous Zoo you’ll discover 4,000 animals of 800 rare and exotic species in a beautiful 100-acre tropical garden. Spectacular bioclimatic exhibits like Monkey Trails, Absolutely Apes, Ituri Forest, Rain Forest Aviary, Polar Bear Plunge, Gorilla Tropics, Sun Bear Forest and Tiger River house endangered species in enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. The San Diego Zoo is also proud to have the largest population of Giant Pandas in the U.S., one of only four facilities in the nation to house this critically endangered and lovable species. 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
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road Escondido, CA 92027 | 760-747-8702Formerly 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 African 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
1 Legoland Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 | 877-376-5346LEGOLAND California is a 128-acre theme park featuring more than 60 interactive attractions, shows and rides, some are even “kid powered” where children push, pull, steer, pedal, squirt, climb, or build their way through a wonderland of activities.
LEGOLAND Water Park
1 Legoland Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 | 877-376-5346This park has fun 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! Great place to spend the day with the family on a hot summer day!
Aquatica San Diego
2052 Entertainment Circle Chula Vista, CA 91911 | 619-222-4732SeaWorld’s water park, Aquatica San Diego combines up-close animal experiences, running waters from serene to extreme, high-speed thrills of water slides and a sandy beach setting into a one-of-a-kind water park. Lounge lazily in a river or scream at the top of your lungs as you plunge down a thrilling water slide. Escape the summer’s heat at this raging water park that’s a splash-filled day of water fun for all ages.
Disneyland – Day Trip
1313 Disneyland Drive Anaheim, CA 92802 | 714-781-4636San Diego is an excellent home base to enjoy not only the city’s attractions, but also a day trip to Disneyland. Just 90 minutes from downtown San Diego, you can reach the Magic Kingdom by car or by train. After a dazzling day of rides and recreation, return to San Diego’s laid-back lifestyle and spend the following day relaxing on a beautiful beach.
Universal Studios – Day Trip
100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, CA 91608 | 800-864-8377One of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area, Universal Studios Hollywood features rides and amusements based on some of the most popular scenes and characters from film and television. You can take the famous tram tour through the exotic world of “Jurassic Park” and past the creepy Bates Motel from “Psycho.” Kids can shake hands with cartoon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants and Scooby-Doo. If thrills are your thing, there are plenty of hair-raising coasters and rides. On “Transformers: The Ride-3D,” riders join Optimus Prime in his battle against the Decepticons; meanwhile, youngsters will love the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” 3-D motion-simulator (complete with a minion dance party).