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San Diego.

Top San Diego Attractions

The first time you visit San Diego, or any new destination, the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice, and other information about the top tourist attractions in San Diego to help with your itinerary planning.

SeaWorld San Diego SeaWorld San Diego
San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo
Surfari Surf School Surfari Surf School
Scuba Diving Scuba Diving

SeaWorld San Diego

 Address I-5, exit SeaWorld Drive
 Phone 1-800-25-SHAMU
 Website www.seaworld.com

San Diego is infamous for SeaWorld, an underwater adventure right before your very eyes. This tourist attraction features an 189-acre marine life park featuring Shamu, the killer whale, shows in which you can ride with dolphins, marine habitats, beautiful and colorful aquariums, and shows where you can even get a little wet.

At SeaWorld, you can go below the surface and see marine life at its finest. You will experience a completely different view that is tactile. You can touch, feed and swim with dolphins, count the teeth on a shark and get inside a 4-D lighthouse. You will also meet Shamu in a completely safe and inviting atmosphere. Not only can you see marine habitats such as these, but you can also have a little fun in the amusement rides--take a tour on the Journey to Atlantic water coaster. After this excitement, go be entertained at the many shows featuring sea lions and dolphins.

 

San Diego Zoo

 Address Park Blvd. & Zoo Pl.
 Phone 619-718-3000
 Website www.sandiegozoo.org

One of the most famous tourist attractions in San Diego is the San Diego Zoo. It is home to 4,000 rare and endangered birds, mammals, reptiles and 6,500 varieties of exotic plants. The zoo features the Ituri Forest, Giant Pandas, and the Polar Bear Plunge.

Located on Zoo Drive in pristine Balboa Park, just north of downtown San Diego along Park Boulevard, the zoo is the perfect place for any age. Open daily, including all holidays, and with the city’s ideal climate, you can plan to visit anytime of the year. Some of the exhibits include:

Monkey Trails and Forest Tails
Located across from the zoo entrance, you will find a tree canopy where you will encounter some of the most rare monkeys on earth. You can enjoy a three-dimensional journey into a tropical forest and a new understanding of the ecosystem.

The Giant Panda Research Station
Located near the panda viewing area, you will find the Giant Panda Team. This group of individuals is the pandas’ keepers and researchers who observe and study panda behavior to learn everything about this endangered species. In the Giant Panda Discovery Center, you will find a climb-in panda den and interactive stations.

Tiger River
Find beautiful and exotic Malayan tigers in this exhibit, designed to resemble a jungle habitat and built on a slope to give the tigers plenty of exercise.

These are just a handful of the numerous exhibits set up for you to enjoy.

 

Surfing

 Address Surfari Surf School
3740 Mission Blvd.
 Phone 858-337-3287
 Website www.surfarisurf.com

The surf conditions in San Diego can be for all levels of surfing, whether experienced or beginner. The waves near shore can be very non-threatening to anyone who is a non-swimmer. Therefore, San Diego is perfect to learn to surf. Surfari Surf School is one such place to try. Started in May 2000, Surfari offers fun for all levels. The location is sandy and ideal for beginners, intermediates looking to gain more experience, or the true surfers looking to perfect their styles.

Students will learn a foundation of skills to build upon for years to come. After each lesson, students are encouraged to keep practicing by either returning for follow-up lessons, surfboard rentals in the beautiful surf shop, or just come in for some free advice by any of the instructors.

Surfari teaches different methods of surfing, including the Hawaiian, Californian and Florida styles developed by Surfari to get your feet wet. All instructors are trained in the Tail Stabilization Technique.

So why not give it a try? You’ll receive expert tips and may even impress your friends.

 

Scuba Diving and Kayaking

 Address Scuba and Kayak San Diego, Inc.
1775 E. Mission Bay Dr.
 Phone 619-260-1880
 Website www.scubasandiego.com

Located right on the Pacific Ocean, water sports is a popular pastime in San Diego. Without experience however, it is best to entrust the help of professionals. One company offering their expertise is the Scuba and Kayak San Diego. With over thirty-four years of diving experience, the guides know the best coves, the areas to explore the most dramatic sea life and where lies the most significant and diverse ecosystems. They take you to these underwater parks filled with large kelp forest communities. You will also see the state fish “Garibaldi” known for its gorgeous orange color. Divers will also take you to see rare and endangered Giant Black Sea Bass. If you do not want to adventure underwater, the company also offers snorkeling tours. You should encounter beautiful temperate water fish, sea lions and harbor seals on most tours.

For the athletic-oriented tourists, take a kayak tour to explore the kelp forest and enjoy incredible views of both the sea and the San Diego skyline. The kayak tours begin at 8:00am or 11:00am. You meet at the boat launch area of the south end of Kellogg Park in La Jolla.

 


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