What To Do

The most difficult decision to make when planning a vacation to San Diego is determining what to do and see among the region's vast and diverse variety of offerings. From the theater to wild animals we've got something for everyone.

Top Destinations

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is world famous for the quality and diversity of its exhibits. Home to a rare and endangered species breeding program, visitors can see animals here that are hard to find elsewhere. The Zoo is very large, so plan to spend a whole day here. Located at 2920 Zoo Dr. in Balboa Park (619) 234-3153.

San Diego Wild Animal Park

This is a sister facility to the San Diego Zoo, but with a unique twist- it is set up as an open exhibit, where the animals interact with each other much like their natural habitat. It is designed to look just like an African plain, and visitors ride a monorail around the plain to view the animals safari-style. Very nice hiking trails feature native California flora. A full day should be planned. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido (760) 747-8702

Sea World

Sea World is world-famous for its marine parks and shows. This is the home of Shamu, the famous killer whale. Recent additions to the park make it more of an amusement park outing than an educational experience. Located at 1720 South Shores Rd. near Mission Bay (619) 226-3815.

San Diego Chargers Football

For visitors looking for excitement during the fall and winter months, the Chargers offer a signature San Diego experience. The emotion inside sun-soaked QUALCOMM stadium is hard to match in all of professional sports. When a capacity crowd of 71,500 goes wild, the stadium literally shakes with excitement.

San Diego Padres Baseball

Located adjacent to the Historic Gaslamp Quarter -a thriving district of shopping, dining, and nightlife- PETCO Park brings all the excitement of a Major League Baseball game into a bustling downtown setting. With tickets as low as five dollars, visitors can make a trip to the ballpark an all-day experience by enjoying the nearby San Diego Bay.

San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter could be considered the heart of San Diego nightlife and gastronomy. There are innumerable restaurants, nightclubs, shops and bars here. You can have an Irish ale and listen to blues at happy hour, then go next door and dance the Samba all night. Located between Fourth, Fifth and Sixth avenues from Broadway to Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego.

Old Town

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park - This is the original Spanish settlement that became the city of San Diego. There are many Victorian era houses as well Spanish haciendas. A multitude of Mexican restaurants have great atmosphere. Located at 4002 Wallace St. just north of downtown (619) 220-5422.

Hotel del Coronado

On the "island" of Coronado sits the Hotel del Coronado, the first electrically lighted hotel in the world. The hotel was built over a hundred years ago, and still has Victorian charm. Come here for high tea and the high life. Located at 1500 Orange Ave. (619) 435-6611.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is San Diego's cultural center, as well as a nice place to have a simple picnic. There are several museums, a live theatre, large grass areas, a zoo, and street performers.