Year round special events at the San Diego Zoo include behind the scenes tours & educational talks for all ages. During the summer months, the zoo stays open until 8 pm to host Nighttime Zoo! Looking for the best bang for your buck? Become a member of the Zoo & get free admission for the year, guest passes, & special perks like ‘Early Hours with a Keeper’ tours at higher levels of membership.
Similar outdoor adventures are waiting for you at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, like the Roar & Snore Sleepover, or the exhilarating Flightline. Events happen year-round, so check their schedule for information! And did you know that memberships are good for entry & benefits at both the Zoo & Wild Animal Park? Now there’s something to go wild about!
SeaWorld San Diego has been a family favorite for decades, but even if you’ve been there, done that, SeaWorld always has something new to experience. Have you seen arctic sea mammals up close and personal? We didn’t think so… If you’d like to meet a friendly beluga whale, check out the Arctic Adventure!
Take in the views and the famous pines at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. A variety of trails are open to day-trippers, whether you’re looking for a hike to leave you as winded as the view, or a leisurely stroll down to the beach for a picnic.
South of Carlsbad, the Batiquitos Lagoon offers a fairly level and easy trail. There are occasional group walks and activities scheduled. Great for birdwatching and families. Leashed dogs welcome.
San Elijo Lagoon rests north of Solana Beach, across highway 101 from Cardiff State Beach. Accessible from Cardiff as well as Solana Beach, there are several places to drop in and leave off, and most trails are level and easy to explore. Leashed dogs welcome.
The tide pools along the rocky intertidal areas here are almost as well known as the Cabrillo National Monument itself, honoring Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. The Bayside Trail also offers stunning views of the coast and the San Diego city skyline.
Enjoy an urban bicycle adventure & the sights of the Coronado Ferry. Hop on board at either the Broadway Pier or the Convention Center Marina. Walk your bike on or rent one after you land at the Coronado Ferry Landing Shops. Head south from the Ferry Landing through Tidelands Park & the Municipal Golf Course. Stop off to explore the Hotel del Coronado, or keep on following the trail as it continues down the Silver Strand!
Around Town
Cooking classes inspire you to take risks, or just slow down & enjoy the finer things in life. With so much buzz about eating locally, what better way to begin than with ideas from experts in the field? Watch the calendar (or sign up for newsletters) for the Balboa Park Food & Wine School or the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center. You might lure your guy into the joys of cooking with classes by Sam the Cooking Guy!
Explore the USS Midway Museum, and more of our military history along North Harbor Drive in San Diego. Aboard the Midway you can put yourself in the cockpit & engage in mock combat! In the surrounding area, stroll through the Greatest Generation Walking Tour, where the Port of San Diego has collected art commemorating our US troops’ involvement in wars through the years.
Day Road Trips
East of Oceanside on highway 78, Julian relishes the flavor of the old west. There’s lots to see and do, from exploring the Frontier style town and panning for gold to gathering fresh orchard produce or observing remarkably clear celestial skies. Save room for pie!
Temecula is our favorite local destination for winery tours. No one wants to designate themselves to drive? You can catch a chauffeur driven winery tour & benefit from their inside-knowledge! If you have time to spare, you might also enjoy a hot air balloon ride. There are wineries located throughout San Diego County… for information on a winery closer to home, take a look at the San Diego Wine Country Association.
Laguna Beach is closer than you think! Know for its artistic tradition, galleries and working artists abound. Enjoy art festivals, indulge at peerless spas, or simply enjoy a fresh perspective on our sparkling Pacific waters.
Newport Beach is always a favorite escape, for an afternoon or a full-fledged vacay. Nearby airport & train access, or a short 2 hour or so drive north along I-5 (or meander along the coast.) Take the teeny car ferry across to the ‘island’ or hang out in the city, it’s the place to be!
San Juan Capistrano is the oldest city in Orange County, thanks to the legendary Mission established by Father Junipero Serra in 1776. With a train station located in close proximity to the Los Rios Street Historic District, you can skip the traffic and walk the streets of this charming community after a short train ride from many locations in coastal San Diego County.
Overnight Road Trips
Get way from it all & step into an alpine wonderland in Idyllwild. One of the 1oo Best Small Art Towns in America, it could be combined with a getaway to nearby Palm Springs, or earn exclusive billing on your next stay-cation. Check out the upcoming arts events, as there’s always a celebration or festival in the works in this quaint village.
Visit the American Riviera! Santa Barbara lies 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Why fight traffic? Hop on the Amtrak (4 hours) at any of several San Diego County stations, and let them do the dirty work. Picturesque! Be sure and go to Brophy Bros for seafood right off the docks.
San Diego Ultimate RV Rental delivers a motorhome or trailer to most campgrounds in the area. You can even make a reservation to tailgate at the ballpark! Unlike most rental companies, they’ll include most basic supplies, even buy your groceries if you wish, so you can focus on the fun of a family getaway. If you prefer ‘roughing it’ in a tent, call Campsite Delivery for a Campsite-to-Go! Impress your friends with tales of a great camp adventure, and skip airing out the smoky tent and sleeping bags. Go for a night or a full-fledged adventure!
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