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LIFESTYLES
CHULA VISTA | FISHING | BICYCLING | OTHER ATTRACTIONS | MUSEUMS
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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