Location: San Diego
Top Things to do in San Diego
Top 5 Zoos & Aquariums in San Diego, California (CA)
San Diego embodies laid-back California culture, complete with a Boardwalk, surfing communities, and outstanding Mexican food. Breathe in the fresh ocean air at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, then gobble down a fresh fish taco at a La Jolla seafood joint. The naval aircrafts at the USS Midway Museum will have you standing at attention. A free Sunday concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the perfect way to unwind after a Saturday night bar-hop in the thumping Gaslamp Quarter.
Restaurants in San Diego
1. Pony Land Rides And Petting Zoo
2. San Diego Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27,804 reviews
The world famous San Diego Zoo is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. It is located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park. San Diego Zoo Global is a not-for-profit organization that operates the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, and the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy. The Zoo was founded on October 2, 1916, by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D. It currently has an 11-member Board of Trustees headed by Steven G. Tappan; and Paul A. Baribault is the president/CEO.
Reviewed By 333josephd - San Diego, United States
Great place to go for the day there is so much to see and do here lots of animals recommend definitely take the sky tram also take the bus to her first just to see where you want to go there are lots of cool shows to see we will definitely cover 12 miles or more walking around
3. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,899 reviews
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, Earth and ocean science.
Reviewed By brodger - Philadelphia, United States
This is not an aquarium with dancing dolphins and masses of fish--it's an educational and research facility with excellent exhibits for public consumption. One side has a first rate series of well-labeled tanks for the PNW and tropical environments and wonderful seahorses (the aquarium has a successful breeding program with daily tours) and the other side has educational exhibits, primarily for children (my opinion, anyway). In between, outside of the exhibits, there are open tanks and volunteers so kids can feel sea cucumbers and the like. Great views. There's a very good gift shop and a snack truck outside the ticketed area. I got there by public bus -- and it's a steep walk of about 1/3 mile to the aquarium. There is parking if you have a car.
4. SeaWorld
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10,068 reviews
Only at SeaWorld can you get close to dolphins, penguins, sharks and more. See awe-inspiring shows with magnificent killer whales, playful dolphins, humorous sea lions plus an amazing pet show featuring adopted animals. Dive under the sea at Explorer's Reef and touch a crab, shark, or playful cleaner fish. Experience exhilarating rides, roller coasters and water rides. See dozens of amazing attractions. Enjoy fresh California cuisine. Experience this beautiful park located on scenic Mission Bay. SeaWorld is a top-rated, all-age attraction and a must-see for any visit to San Diego. Have unforgettable fun that sparks a passion for wild animals and wild places.
Reviewed By karenm442 - Horsham, United Kingdom
My husband and I last visited Sea World in San Diego around 20 years ago, so we were expecting a few changes. You can still enjoy the seal, dolphin and orca shows but there’s a much stronger focus on conservation and education - with a lot of fun too. Like all major theme parks arriving and parking is a slick operation. As you enter you are given a map which lays out the timings of shows and events and helps you plan your day. We loved the animal shows :- sea lions with Clyde, Seymour and a cheeky otter; Dolphin Days - an uplifting dolphin and pilot whale experience and Orca Encounter - killer whales up close. You can also view penguins, beluga whales, otters, turtles and a glorious shark tunnel aquarium. There are a few big rollercoasters (not for me!), a gondola ride across the bay and the sky tower - the last 2 things cost a bit more to enjoy. There’s a variety of eateries - we tried the Hawaiian toastie which surprised us with spam and pineapple. We stayed for the end of the day shows: Illuminight -an electronic dance and acrobatic show - very good; and Cirque Electrique an outstanding show which you watch from an amphitheatre overlooking the bay as all of the action takes place on the water. It was brilliant we loved the Jet Ski acrobatics and the ‘HovverMan’ who is raised up by water jets and literally hovers over the water like IronMan. Totally awesome and a perfect end to a lovely day.
5. Children's Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
Part of the larger San Diego Zoo, many exhibits here are kid-sized and kid-oriented with such features as an Animal Nursery and diaper-clad primates.
