San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park
The world famous San Diego Zoo is home home to a wide array of animals, and educating guests and helping endangered species is what the zoo, located within Balboa Park right off the 5 freeway, strives for. Tickets are $35 per adult and $26 per child. Special activities include sleeping over inside the zoo and the Backstage Program, which allows its visitors more interaction with the animals.
The Wild Animal Park, the zoo's partner, is located in Escondido, 35 miles northeast of the zoo. At 1,800 acres, the wild animal park lets its animals roam in the most natural way possible. The park offers a Photo Caravan Tour, which takes you on a safari-like adventure through the park. You can also spend the night in the park. Admission for one day is $35 per adult and $26 per child. Refer to the park's website for special packages.
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-1515
sandiegozoo.org
San Diego Wild Animal Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road
Escondido, CA 92027
(760) 747-8702
sandiegozoo.org
Sea World
Sea World is well known throughout the nation. The attraction is home to marine wildlife including world-famous Shamu. With shows throughout the day, there's hardly a dull moment at Sea World. It's perfect for all ages.
Located off the 5 freeway near Mission Bay, Sea World is an attraction that is convenient and fun. For adults the price of admission is $69, and for children under the age of 10, it's $59. Admission includes all shows, rides, aquariums and exhibits within the park.
Watch the Shamu show and ride the Journey to Atlantis roller coaster. Exhibits include Shark Encounter and Rocky Point Preserve, with dolphins.
SeaWorld San Diego
500 SeaWorld Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(800) 257-4268
seaworld.com
Balboa Park
Balboa Park boasts 15 museums within its area of 1,200 acres, including the San Diego Air and Space museum and the Natural History museum. Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park within the United States.
In the mid 1800s, a parcel of land was set aside for the purpose of a park. After two World's Expositions at Balboa Park, many historical buildings were left. An array of botanical gardens and plants are also scattered throughout the park.
Visit the Balboa Park grounds for free. However, some museums and attractions have an admission fee. Balboa Park is located right off the 5 freeway.
Balboa Park Visitors Center
1549 El Prado
San Diego CA 92101
(619) 239-0512
balboapark.org
San Diego Air and Space Museum
The Air and Space Museum is one of the many museums within Balboa Park. Designated California's official air and space museum, rare specimens of airplanes line the floors, along with fully restored air craft.
Admission to the museum per adult is $15 and per child is $6. Special attractions, such as the flight simulators, cost an extra admission fee.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
2001 Pan American Plaza
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-8291
sandiegoairandspace.org
About The Author
Christina Martinez has been writing professionally since 2007. She's been published in the California State University at Fullerton newspaper, "The Daily Titan." Her writing has also appeared in "Orange County's Best" magazine. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and print journalism from California State University.
