Touring San Diego is a memorable experience that encompasses the city’s beauty, heritage and lifestyle. San Diego is home to dozens of attractions, including many internationally famous destinations. The original SeaWorld San Diego provides a wet and wild look at marine life that is fun for adults and kids alike. The highlight of a SeaWorld visit is often a spectacular live show starring Shamu the killer whale. The Birch Aquarium at the Scripps, situated on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, contains more than 60 tanks, three living tide pools, and an interactive museum.
For an exploration of the world’s land animals, the San Diego Zoo ranks among the best in the world. Located in Balboa Park, the zoo’s 100-acre tropical garden houses 4,000 animals of 800 rare and exotic species. The zoo currently has four Giant Pandas; bioclimatic exhibits that house endangered species in environments that mimic their natural habitats; and the baby animal nursery. For a more up close and personal animal experience, head 30 miles north to the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park. This 2,200-acre preserve allows visitors to view wild animals roaming free over vast expanses as they would in their native habitats of Africa and Asia. Visitors can feed the giraffes in the Heart of Africa and come face-to-face with the big cats at Lion Camp.
Floating on the San Diego Bay sits the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum and USS Midway. Visitors can board and tour this massive vessel, taking in its 47 years of naval service history, the longest of any aircraft carrier. On picturesque Point Loma peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse provide a spectacular panoramic view of San Diego’s harbor and coastline. As well as an excellent observation point for whale watching during migration season. The Quail Botanical Gardens, located just 20 minutes north of San Diego in Encinitas, features 35 acres, rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rainforest, California native plants, Mediterranean climate landscapes and much more.
