San Diego Zoo
World famous and cutting-edge, the San Diego Zoo is known for its baby pandas and California condor recovery program. Covering 100 acres, home to more than 4,000 animals and with ever-expanding habitats, the San Diego Zoo can take a couple days to explore. If visitors don't have the time to spare away from the green (don't forget Balboa Parks 18-hole course is right next door), the zoo has a double-decker tour bus covering 75 percent of its property and a gondola for an aerial tour. The zoo is open 365 days a year, usually from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., but between September and December it closes as early as 5 p.m.
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, CA 92112
(619) 231-1515
SeaWorld
Shamu isn't the only site at SeaWorld these days. Roller coasters, evening fireworks with dance performances and a Clydesdale hamlet are just a few of the attractions SeaWorld splashes out of the water. Of course, there are still shark exhibits, seal and dolphin shows, manatee rescue efforts and killer whales. The park is usually open until 5 p.m., but some days as late as 9 p.m.
SeaWorld
500 Sea World Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(800) 257-4268
Balboa Park
From its humble beginnings as a city park in 1868 to its participation in the first World's Fair in 1915--an event which shaped the Balboa Park of today--San Diego's cultural center is now home to many musuems, play-houses and historical landmarks. The park's visitor center is open everyday until 4:30 p.m. and museum hours vary, as do admission fees. After a day on the park's 18-hole course, visitors can spend time lounging by the fountain, strolling the scenic trails or getting some history at the Museum of Man. The park also host a number of events throughout the year, so check their schedule online to find out if they're is something special while you're off the fairway in San Diego.
Balboa Park
1549 El Prado, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-0512
About The Author
David J. Harvey has worked as a journalist since 2006, while earning a degree in political science and writing at the University of California, San Diego. He has written and edited for the UCSD "Guardian" and the AUC "Caravan" in Cairo, and currently freelances with San Diego's "Uptown News."
