San Diego Museums & Attractions

Balboa Park is the largest cultural park in any urban area of the United States. Within the park you can choose from a variety of museums covering arts, science, air and space, natural history and anthropology. Walking through beautiful gardens, open amphitheaters, live music and seasonal outdoor exhibits, you can enjoy the beauty of the park as you go from the Air and Space Museum, to the Museum of Man, and to Reuben H. Fleet Science Center right in front of Balboa Park's famous fountain. See References for a list of all the museums within Balboa Park.

Some of the most reknowned attractions you might not want to miss are the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park Zoo. San Diego Zoo is located within walking distance from Balboa Park and a few minutes' drive from Downtown San Diego. It houses more than 4,000 animals and more than 800 species. San Diego Wild Animal Park, although a bit farther from the core of San Diego city, is also a great destination. On its 1,800 acres of land you will be able to see one of the closest replicas of Asian and African animal habitats.

Sea World is one of San Diego's main attractions. It has provided entertainment, education and amazement to more than 100 million visitors since it opened in 1964. It is located near the shores of Mission Bay, and a few minutes' drive from Downtown San Diego. It provides a variety of animal exhibits, rides and shows where trainers and staff interact with killer whales (such as the famous Shamu), dolphins and seals. The park is open year round.

If you love nature, hiking or simply breathtaking scenic views, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a must. It is located on the northern coast of San Diego. It counts 8 miles of trails (some of which come out onto the cliffs that face the ocean), 2,000 acres of land, a small museum at the top of the hill and guided walks during the weekends. It provides a walking trail that leads to one of San Diego's most scenic golf courses, the Torrey Pines golf course.