San Diego Trip Planner/San Diego Attractions/San Diego TO DOs
Attraction | Attraction Detail | Cost | Time Required |
Sea World | First on the list are SeaWorld’s aquatic shows. A “must-see” is Shamu’s Adventure (Hint: If you want a big splash, sit in the first 14 rows). Other SeaWorld institutions include Dolphin Discovery, Pirates 4-D, and Pets Rule, where dogs, cats, and pigs get into the act. Meanwhile, at Shark Encounter, you view hundreds of sharks in a huge habitat. Then visit a sea creature we all love—the dolphin—at Rocky Point Preserve, where you can learn about them, watch them play, and maybe even feed one. Other SeaWorld crowd-pleasers include Penguin Encounter (yes, there’s snow in San Diego) and Wild Arctic | $60 USD per person for 1 day pass (check out craigslist or local news paper/costco for deals) | 1 Day |
San Diego Zoo | The first exhibit you’ll see at the San Diego Zoo is the much-photographed Flamingo Lagoon. Also near the entrance is the Children’s Zoo, which features 30 child-size exhibits, the Petting Paddock, and a baby animal nursery. These are the best stops for children, along with the Wegeforth Bowl (home of the popular Sea Lion Show) and the Hunte Amphitheater shows. Then there’s the Giant Panda Research Station, home to the San Diego Zoo’s most famous residents. | 35 for 1 day pass includes all rides and sky train ride as well(check out craigslist or local news paper/costco for deals) | 1 Day |
Wild Animal Park | You know the city is far behind when you enter San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park! Experience a unique adventure at the Wild Animal Park’s 2,100-acre preserve, where animals wander freely in surroundings much like their native homelands. A quiet railway, pathways, and shows enable you observe both animals and exotic plants | 29 for 1 day pass includes all rides and sky train ride as well(check out craigslist or local news paper/costco for deals) | 1 Day Current Hours (through April 26): 9 a.m.–7 p.m. April 27–May 22: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. May 23–25: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. May 26–June 19: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. June 20–September 7: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
Balboa Park | the heart and soul of San Diego—is a verdant oasis situated minutes from downtown, the harbor, and Mission Valley. Imagine wide green lawns, tinkling fountains, Spanish architecture, lush gardens... Balboa Park’s 15 diverse museums span interests like aerospace, sports, fine art, folk art, history, and dinosaurs. Part with some cash or visit all day for free; Balboa Park’s offers a wide range of low or no-cost activities for the entire family. But be forewarned: You may just find yourself returning to Balboa Park’s 1,200 visitor-friendly acres again and again—just like a native San Diegan | Free | half Day (plan lunch here) |
San Diego Natural History Museum | Near to Balboa Park | $13 USD | 3/4 Hrs |
San Diego Model Railroad Museum | Features: World’s Largest Indoor Model Railroad Display | $6 USD | 1/2 Hrs |
San Diego Air & Space Museum | Nice to visit here | $15 USD | 1/2 Hrs |
San Diego Harbor | The Embarcadero (Spanish for wharf) along Harbor Drive covers the area from the Star of India to Seaport Village. Consider starting along the scenic San Diego Harbor and strolling from Embarcadero Marina Park, which borders Seaport Village and the San Diego Convention Center, to the Maritime Museum's Star of India, the oldest active sailing ship in the world and the pride of San Diego Bay. | $18 USD | Spend evening and take boat ride to enjoy sunset! |
2 Hrs drive from LA.