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San
Diego Lifestyle
San Diego Wild Animal Park
The 1800-acre wildlife and plant preserve, home to 3500 Asian
and African animals, including many endangered species, gives
visitors up-close encounters with beautiful creatures. Zebras,
rhinos, and gazelles (among other species) have free range to
roam and associate with other animals — including humans —
in their natural habitat. Visitors can follow the interpretive
walk, use the electronic monorail, or travel in a flatbed
truck, offering hands-on feeding, or try the photo caravan
tours.
Sea World
Much more than a theme park and watery home to Shamu, the
killer whale, Sea World is a leader in animal rescue, care, and
conservation. Its rehabilitation program has saved thousands of
stranded animals, averaging 200 rescues a year. Over its 100
acres, Sea World's 20 major exhibits and spectacular stadium
shows bring visitors year-round. In addition to the well-loved
Shamu, dolphin, and bird shows, the park claims a new water
ride, penguin and shark "encounters," and the manatee
rescue, which mocks this endangered species' natural
environment.
Balboa Park
Founded 125 years ago during the 1915-16 Panama-California
Exposition, Balboa Park's 1200-acre urban park includes 14
museums, playing fields, a rose garden, an open-air pipe organ,
sparkling fountain, and an antique carousel. The park's heart
still reflects the Spanish-Moorish architecture from the
original exposition, gloriously displayed through recent
restoration. The respected San Diego Museum of Art and the
neighboring Old Globe Theater add to the park's cultural
allure.
San Diego Zoo
One of San Diego's most popular attractions, the world-famous
zoo is about 100 acres and holds nearly 4000 animals, including
some 800 diverse species, as well as 6500 plants. Current
must-sees: the giant and baby pandas, hippo beach, tiger river,
Ituri forest, Polar Bear Plunge, and Gorilla Tropics.
Old Globe Theater
Now called "The Globe Theatres," the 66-year-old
institution in Balboa Park houses three theaters — the Old
Globe, the Cassius Carter Centre Stage, and the Lowell Davies
Festival Theatre — bringing Shakespeare's classics, edgy
off-Broadway hits, revivals, and tomorrow's Tony-Award winning
musicals to San Diego.
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CHULA VISTA
Coors Amphitheatre
This 20,000 capacity outdoor amphitheater offers yet another
forum for big-name entertainment. Known for its
state-of-the-art sound and easy freeway access, this South Bay
venue makes San Diego a perfect destination for concertgoers.
ARCO Olympic Training Center
The U.S. Olympic Committee's ARCO Training Center features
venues for archery, cycling, cannoe/kayaking, field hockey,
rowing, track and field, and soccer. The 150-acre, $65 million
campus overlooks Otay Lake and includes a 400-meter track and
six acres for field events. Tours offered; merchandise and
memorabilia available.
Soak City, USA
The former White Water Canyon features slides, plunges, and
raft adventures, using San Diego beach towns as inspiration —
the Coronado Express, La Jolla Falls, Solana Stormwatch Tower,
and Imperial Run... you get the idea: wet, wild water seeks
slides, pipes, and tubes. For the less adventurous, innertube
down a river or body surf the wave pool. Mom and Dads will
enjoy it as much as the kids, but the teenagers really go to
town.
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FISHING
City Lakes Info Line
619-465-3474
California Department of Fish & Game
619-467-4201
Lake Cuyamaca Recreation & Park
Trout fishing and boating
Julian
619-447-8123
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BICYCLING
Morley Field, Balboa Park
Track racing, open-air velodrome
619-296-3345
San Diego Bicycle Club
619-495-2454
American Youth Hostel Bike and Travel
Source
619-338-9981
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OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum — La
Jolla
Who knew there was so much to discover about the ocean outside
your front door? The Scripps Aquarium - the largest
oceanographic museum in the nation - does a great job of giving
you much to look at and learn about.
Legoland — Carlsbad
This 128-acre theme park gives kids (and adults) a chance to
see 5000 buildings, animals, and landmark monuments built with
30 million Lego bricks. Rides and attractions, too.
Anzo-Borrego Desert
This 600,000-acre desert preserve is resplendent with
wildflowers from mid-March to mid-April and is home to 600-plus
varieties of plants and abundant wildlife species.
Belmont Park — Mission Beach
The beachfront landmark offers more than 25 specialty shops,
eateries, and amusement facilities. Don't miss the restored
Giant Dipper roller coaster.
Cabrillo National Monument
Catalina Boulevard, Point Loma
Commemorating Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's San
Diego arrival in 1542, this is also the site of the Old Point
Loma Lighthouse, visitor center, and museum. The park overlooks
a two-mile hiking trail and offers great westside tidepooling.
Ideal picnic destination.
Sunset Cliffs
between Point Loma and Ocean Beach
The 60-foot-high cliffs located on the western side of Point
Loma, just south of Ocean Beach, is a scenic spot for sunsets;
daredevils can descend a staircase and watch the tidal pools
along the shore.
Mission San Diego de Alcala
The first Franciscan mission in California is still an active
parish, including a museum, archaeological excavation site, and
beautiful gardens.
Torrey Pines State Reserve — La Jolla
The rare Torrey Pines trees atop the coastal bluffs south of
Del Mar are an often overlooked local beauty. Stretching 4.5
miles from Del Mar, this is a hikers' paradise. Interpretive
nature walks and exhibits offer a cultural history of the
Reserve.
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MUSEUMS
Maritime Museum — Downtown San Diego
Board three spectacular historical vessels: 1863 tall ship Star
of India, the 289-foot Berkeley, and the steam yacht Medea.
Children's Museum — Downtown San Diego
A special museum for young visitors: no hushed whispers here as
kids guide their parents through experimental and interactive
exhibits.
Christian Youth Theater
After-school theater arts classes for ages 6 to 18. Six San
Diego locations offer hands-on training in theater productions.
Firehouse Museum — Little Italy,
Downtown
Circa 1915 fire station houses antique fire-fighting equipment,
trucks, uniforms, and photographs.
Museum of Contemporary Art — Downtown
and La Jolla
These two museums have established international reputations
for their contemporary artwork, including paintings, sculpture,
photography, and industrial design.
San Diego Museum of Art — Balboa Park
Permanent collections include works from the Italian
Renaissance, Dutch and Spanish Old Masters, and 19th Century
European paintings, plus Asian and American Art and
20th-century sculpture.
Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater &
Science Center — Balboa Park
One of California's only OMNIMAX theater presents stunning
films that make the audience part of the action. Visitors can
learn about science's properties through first-hand
manipulation of hands-on exhibits.
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