Area Attractions

Major Attractions

San Diego Zoo - Located in beautiful Balboa Park, the 100-acre San Diego Zoo was founded by Dr. Harry Wegeforth in 1916. This colorful and extremely enterprising San Diego physician started the collection with a handful of animals left over from the Panama-California Exposition. Today, the San Diego Zoo cares for more than 4,000 individual animals representing 800 different species. Its collection of animals, as well as its plant collection of over 6,500 species, is acknowledged as one of the finest in the entire world.

Sea World - Exciting adventures, amazing animals, and wondrous shows! Come learn what your pets already know at Pets Rule! Sea lions, otters, and even a walrus give home improvement a whole new meaning at Fools with Tools. Polar bears, beluga whales and seals entertain you from their chilly dwellings at Base Station Wild Arctic. Kids of all ages can focus on fun at Shamu's Happy Harbor. Choose from one of the categories above to see the sensational things you can do here at Sea World San Diego.

Wild Animal Park - At the San Diego Wild Animal Park in Escondido, guests can view more than 3,200 animals on a guided monorail tour, the Heart of Africa Walking Safari, or by exploring the Mombasa Lagoon in Nairobi Village. Sprawling over 2,200 acres, the park is known for its success breeding such species as the southern white rhino and Arabian oryx. Don’t miss Condor Ridge, which focuses on 13 endangered North American species of these beautiful birds.

LegoLand - At LEGOLAND® California kids rule. They can learn to drive, build a real robot and even conquer the Dragon (the roller coaster, that is). It’s fun for the whole family. Feel free to push, pull, stomp and steer through more than 40 exciting rides and adventures, all adding up to nonstop fun. Open daily; take the I-5 to Carlsbad.

Balboa Park - The heartbeat of San Diego's fine arts and cultural offerings is beautifully landscaped 1400-acre Balboa Park, with its performing arts venues and more than a dozen museums. Recognized as the best urban park in the Americas, its most prominent tenant, the world famous San Diego Zoo, showcases the only pair of giant pandas in the United States and the first baby panda born in the Western Hemisphere in the last 10 years.

Old Town - Nestled in the heart of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the Bazaar del Mundo has been one of San Diego’s favorite destinations for food, folklore and fun for 30 years. Today, with its lush gardens, sparkling fountains and Early California ambiance, the Bazaar celebrates Old San Diego’s rich Hispanic heritage. Annual community events, such as the Latin American Festival and Old Town’s popular Fiesta Cinco de Mayo, heighten the Latin experience, along with weekly folkloric entertainment and the Bazaar’s acclaimed Mexican restaurants.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center - With exhibits to touch, virtual reality to experience, films to see and fun to be had, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is an educational, entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.  The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is also home to the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater, presenting the biggest films on the planet. Its unique configuration wraps the audience in images and provides the illusion of being suspended in space. Film topics take audiences from outer space to under water and every place in between, and are generally suitable for all ages.

Gas Lamp Quarter - is Southern California's premier dining, shopping and entertainment district, where you'll find a truly eclectic blend restaurants, clubs, theatres, and galleries all located within 16 blocks of Victorian architecture. Today, the Gaslamp Quarter has something for everyone whether you're seeking theatre, upscale shops or fine dining. By day, By night this is a vibrant neighborhood alive with the sights and sounds of America's Finest City.

Birch Aquarium - Generations of Americans have discovered the ocean world through the exhibits and educational programs of the aquarium-museum during Scripps Institution of Oceanography's 100-year history. The support of the local community and the energy and creativity of the dedicated staff have enabled the aquarium-museum programs to expand throughout the decades. Today, more than 350,000 people visit the aquarium and museum each year.
 

Star of India - The Star of India is the world's oldest active ship. She began her life on the stocks at Ramsey Shipyard in the Isle of Man in 1863. Iron ships were experiments of sorts then, with most vessels still being built of wood. Within five months of laying her keel, the ship was launched into her element. She bore the name Euterpe, after the Greek goddess of music.

Seaport village - is San Diego's waterfront landmark set among three distinctive plazas designed to capture the ambience of Old Monterey, Victorian San Francisco and traditional Mexico. Stroll on charming winding paths and watch ships sail across the bay while you explore our one-of-a-kind shops looking for that perfect treasure, a unique souvenir or just the right gift. Spectacular sunsets and waterfront activity set Seaport Village apart from the multitude of San Diego dining options. Dine seaside in one of our four award-winning fine dining restaurants or grab a quick bite at any of thirteen sidewalk eateries.

Convention Center - The convention center is more than just a venue for national conventions and trade shows, its a magnet for the local community too. As the city's premier gathering place, it is where local meetings, banquets, educational, cultural, religious and social functions are held on behalf of all members of the community.

Cabrillo National Monument - The park offers a superb view of San Diego’s harbor and skyline. At the highest point of the park stands the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been a San Diego icon since 1854. A statue and museum in the Visitor Center commemorate Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's exploration of the coast of California.

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum - The San Diego Railroad Museum, operated by the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of railroads as they existed in the Pacific Southwest.

Beaches

Ocean Beach -  is one of the most eclectic and different San Diego neighborhoods and beaches. Ocean Beach is typically for surfers to the south - swimmers and surfers should be wary of Ocean Beach's notoriously strong rip tides - and for locals to the north. To the north you will also find Dog Beach; where owners can let their pups run leash-free all day.
 

Mission Bay Park - Mission Bay Park is everything the rowdier Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are not: family friendly, uncrowded, laced with wide, winding paths, and peppered with picnic areas. Usually only long-time locals are found under an umbrella at the edge of the bay or enjoying the solitude from their patios but in the summer even the bayside sees a rise in visitors.

Mission Beach - is one of San Diego's most popular beaches for tanning, volleyball, horseshoes, surfing, and socializing. Although there is a high number of rental properties along the ocean, there is a significant amount of year-round residents, making Mission Beach more of a locals' beach.  South Mission beach, marked by the historic roller coaster and the Plunge - an indoor swimming pool.

La Jolla Shores - The summer waves at the Shores are some of San Diego's gentlest, making this a popular beach for scuba diving; it is also the only beach boat launch in San Diego. The Shores are an ideal place to learn how to surf.

Wind & Sea - La Jolla - One of the best beaches in San Diego, Windansea has created quite a few famous surfers and is regularly featured in surf magazines. Marked by the famous shack, Windansea is home to a notorious shore break that is a dream for surfers and body surfers but can be dangerous to the inexperienced.

The Children's Pool - also known as the Casa, is a very picturesque, small beach partially protected by a seawall. In the winter, you'll be lucky to catch sight of an enormous storm wave breaking over the top of the wall that encloses this pool. Originally intended as a fully protected swimming area, this beach is no longer accessible as the seals have claimed it as their own. Even though swimming is prohibited, it is worth a trip to down just to see the seals basking on the shore.

La Jolla Cove -  a small, idyllic beach, is one of the most photographed beaches in San Diego for its breathtaking views and quaint feel. Its position between sandstone cliffs and proximity to La Jolla's upscale shopping and dining make the Cove one of the most admired and most visited beaches in San Diego. The cove is ideal for snorkling; the water is so clear you can often see up to thirty feet. This is also a great place for kids to explore the tide pools filled with sea anemones, crabs, and tiny schools of fish.
 

Black's Beach - by locals, the official name is Torrey Pines State Beach and is home to one of San Diego's most famous surf spots. Black's Beach is also a notoriously, though not explicitly sanctioned, nude beach. The sand and surf of Black's Beach stretches for two miles and is backed by majestic, 300-foot cliffs, down which potential beach-goers and surfers must traverse.

Pacific Beach - Considered the nearest equivalent to Venice Beach, Pacific Beach is more spirited than other San Diego beaches. A narrow boardwalk skirts the beach and in the summer months is teeming with rollerbladers, runners, and bike riders, not to mention the locals that make the sea wall their home away from home in the warm weather.

Coronado Beach - stretching wide and long, is located on Ocean Boulevard, in front of the famous Hotel del Coronado. This white expanse of San Diego coastline first gained fame in 1959 due to its prominence in the classic Marilyn Monroe film, Some Like It Hot. Today, with plenty of room to spread out, Coronado is one of the most family-friendly beaches in San Diego.

Del Mar - The City of Del Mar, 'where the surf meets the turf' in reference to its famous horse racing track, has one of North County's most popular beaches. Wide, long, and blessed with several great surfing spots for both beginners and enthusiasts, Del Mar has year round appeal. Lying just north of Torrey Pines State Beach, Del Mar beach is a favorite for swimmers, walkers, surfers, body boarders, and even grunion hunters.

Carlsbad's seven miles of beautiful beaches are fantastic for surfing, swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. With loads of amenities like showers, restrooms, picnic areas, and nearby parking, Carlsbad beach is great for families with younger kids as well as favorite place among the older kids.

Sports

Qualcomm Stadium - QUALCOMM Stadium is owned and operated by the City of San Diego. It is the home of the San Diego Chargers, San Diego State University Aztecs, and Holiday Bowl.

Petco Park - is spectacular in every way, combining the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of San Diego. Architecturally magnificent, it celebrates the sea, the sky, the natural beauty, cultural diversity and unique spirit of our region. Innovative design features evoke the timeless traditions of baseball in an intimate setting, with state-of-the-art fan amenities to suit every taste and budget.
 

Golf - Public & Resort

Sycuan Golf Resort - (Formerly Singing Hills Country Club) Now located as part of the Sycuan Resort and Casino, the Willow Glen course is a challenging par 72 course with tight, narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers. The Sweetwater River runs along the course and comes into play on many of the holes, providing for fantastic scenery and challenging shots. The course contains several dogleg holes and many elevation changes and water crossings that will challenge and entertain the golfer throughout the day.

Barona Creek Golf Club - The first 18-hole golf course built on a California Indian reservation, Barona Golf Course is the result of a $12 million investment by the Barona Indian band. The 7,200-yard, par-72, 18-hole, championship-caliber course was designed by architect Gary Roger Baird and opened in 2001; a year later it was named one of the 10 best new courses in the country by Golf Magazine.

Cottonwood Golf Club - Cottonwood Golf Club has been one of San Diego's premier golf destinations since it first opened in 1962. The rolling hills of San Diego's East County are the magnificent backdrop for 36 holes of championship golf. Two 18-hole courses wind through large groves of cottonwood trees offering scenic beauty and a challenge to every level of golfer. Players are able to enjoy beautifully conditioned fairways and 36 of the best greens in the county.

Mission Trails Golf Course - Located in the canyon at the foot of Cowles Mountain. The par-71 course is just over 6,000 yards long with beautiful scenery all around, especially near the 16th hole. You can catch a magnificent view of Lake Murray as you approach the green. Do bear in mind that there's a steep climb required to reach the 18th green. You may practice on this course's 28-station driving before or after your game.

Bonita Golf Club - Scenic, tree-dotted course crossed by the Sweetwater River, easy to walk . . . Short on paper but plenty long for most players; better players can score well if they're accurate

Carlton Oaks Country Club - Rated second in the Top-25 Most Difficult list of local courses from the black tees, Carlton Oaks is one of the top-rated golf courses in the San Diego area. It hosted the NCAA in 1974 (Curtis Strange won the individual title and, thanks to his eagle in the last hole, Wake Forest won the team title.) The golf course is a typical Dye-design with deep pot bunkers, railroad ties, and peninsula lake greens, set among meandering creeks and matured trees.

Steele Canyon Golf Club - As one of Southern California's finest golf clubs, Steele Canyon has been awarded Golf Digest's Four Star Rating, one of only three golf clubs so honored in San Diego County. The 27-hole championship course was personally designed by Gary Player with respect and appreciation for the natural beauty of the terrain. Each of the three nines offers a distinct environment and type of play for all levels of golfers with the rugged Canyon Course's dramatic shot making challenges and breathtaking elevations, the Ranch Course winding through the fields of a working ranch and the Meadow course stretching along the valley floor with beautiful woodlands and streams.

Riverwalk Golf Club - Conveniently located in Mission Valley just minutes away from downtown San Diego, Riverwalk Golf Club offers a quiet oasis from the busy hustle of the city. Designed by famed golf architect Ted Robinson, what once was flat and barren marshland has been transformed into undulating fairways, water falls and well-protected bentgrass greens. Water comes into play on 13 of the 27 holes with four new lakes and the San Diego River.

Balboa Park Municipal Golf Course - Facilities include: An 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole executive golf course, driving range, practice putting greens, coffee shop and half-way house. The Golf Shop offers golf merchandise for sale and the rental of clubs, hand and power golf carts. The Professional Golf staff offers group and individual golf lessons.

Chula Vista Golf Course - Offering a long and challenging layout from the back tees, Chula Vista is a demanding municipal golf course with the Sweetwater River and three lakes coming into play on 15 holes.  With four tee settings and gently rolling fairways, players of all skill levels will find Chula Vista to be an enjoyable experience. 

Coronado Municipal Golf Course - 2000 Visalia Row Coronado, CA 92118 Tel: 619-435-3121 Opened in 1957, Coronado Municipal Golf Course continues to reign as one of the finest public golf courses in Southern California. We received a four-star rating of “Places to Play” in 2002 by Golf Digest Magazine.

Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club - California Golf magazine rates Carmel Mountain Ranch as one of the states' premier golf courses. This 18 Hole championship course has stunning, panoramic mountain and valley views. The courses' meticulous condition, elevation changes and running streams make it visually breathtaking. Reminiscent of internationally acclaimed courses, its distinctive rolling terrain and winding layout enhances its beauty and challenge.

Eastlake Country Club - Designed by renowned architect Ted Robinson, Eastlake is a well manicured par 72 championship course with bent grass greens and bluegrass/ryegrass mixed fairways. Undulating fairways and six lakes offers an exciting challenge for players of all abilities.

Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course - is located about 20 minutes North of downtown San Diego on the coastal bluffs of Southern California, between the cities of La Jolla, CA and Del Mar, CA.  There are two 18-hole Torrey Pines Golf Courses - Torrey North and Torrey South. Both courses are played by the PGA TOUR professionals during the Buick Invitational of California held in January or February every year.  The courses were originally designed by William Bell, Sr. in 1957

The Meadows Del Mar Golf Club - Del Mar National, formerly known as The Meadows Del Mar, was designed by internationally renowned golf course architect, Tom Fazio and includes a stunning Frank Lloyd-Wright inspired clubhouse. The course features a winning combination of scenery, wildlife refuge and challenging golf holes which will make your golf event unforgettable. The course combines undulating fairways bordered by rustic habitat areas with open meadows and gaping valleys. Most of the fairways are ample and gently sloped toward the middle and are lined by thick chaparral and colorful sage.

The Auld Course - The Auld Course is one of San Diego's newest championship golf courses. It combines a naturally beautiful location with a Scottish links style layout to create one of San Diego County's most distinctive golf courses. The Auld Course is carved through the peaceful foothills of Chula Vista's Mt. Miguel, bordered by acres of wetlands and a protected habitat reserve.

Madera’s Golf Club - The Maderas Country Club was designed by former PGA Tour player Johnny Miller and Robert Muir Graves, a pioneer in landscape architecture. The course is managed by Troon Golf, America's leading luxury golf management company. Maderas goes where no San Diego golf course has ever gone before - through the cliffs and rock outcroppings, creeks and forests of the inland hill country north of San Diego.

Rancho Bernardo Inn - A peaceful valley backdrop complete with tree-lined fairways is home to the AAA Four Diamond Rancho Bernardo Inn and the 18-hole championship Resort Course. The traditional layout originally opened in 1962 and recently underwent renovation to ensure that it will continue to present a modern challenge for today's golfer.

Lakes Fishing

Jennings - Lake Jennings is located 5 miles east of El Cajon in the hills above Lakeside. Take I-8 east to Lake Jennings Park Rd, turn left, then right onto Harritt Road. Where Harritt Rd. divides go right to the south entrance on Bass Dr. Jennings holds a reputation for being a BIG catfish producer, and is one of a minority of San Diego County lakes that contains the larger Blue Catfish. Every year several cats over 15 lbs. are reported, especially during the summer night fishing season. Mackerel and chicken-livers are not-surprisingly the top producers, but any stink bait works in the shallows at night for the nocturnal feeders. Thousands of pounds of channel catfish are stocked from June to August during the summer, so when the big-un's aren't biting there's always something close. Jennings is also a quality trout fishery during the winter months when the lake is constantly stocked with 1200 lb. loads of rainbow trout. Nightcrawlers, powerbait and lures on light line are almost always a sure thing. Shore fishing is exceptionally good at this lake with several coves, drop-offs, points and docks to try. Not as popular due to constant catfish and trout plants, but Jennings does hold some monster bass and produces promising numbers throughout the year. Bass (min. 12 inches, trout (limit 5), blue and channel catfish (limit 5 each), bluegill and sunfish (no limit). Any fish caught by children under 8 count against the limit of accompanying adult.

El Capitan - is located in the rural hills east of Lakeside, surrounded by spacious horse ranches and old trees. The road to El Capitan is the first sign that you have left the city. From Interstate 8 proceed north on Lake Jennings Park Road, then east on El Monte Road 8 miles to the reservoir entrance.  El Capitan is a premier bass and crappie fishery headlining the fish counts regularly. The words "North End" become very cliche when it comes to this lake as the majority of fish, whether it be bass, crappie, or catfish are reportedly caught at the North End of the lake.  Bass (min. 15 inches, limit of 5), crappie (min. 10 inches, limit of 25), bluegill (no limit), blue and channel catfish (limit 5 each). El Capitan florida-strain largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, green sunfish, and carp.

San Vicente - Located 25 miles northeast of San Diego in the rural foothills of Lakeside. From Escondido, take 15 south to Scripps Poway Parkway going east which ends at Highway 67. Turn right on 67, continue to Vigilante Road and make a left turn. Make another left on Moreno Avenue and follow signs to the entrance. From San Diego take 8 east to Highway 67. Go north on 67 to Vigilante Road, turn right, then turn left on Moreno Avenue. From the entrance it’s about one mile to the concession/launch area. San Vicente is one of the larger lakes in the county providing lots of shoreline and deep water access. Trout are stocked during the winter which provides fun for anglers and growth pills for the bass to gorge on. Trout fishing is somewhat sporadic however and actually the least popular. This lake is an incubator for Volkswagen sized Catfish (101 lb. state record), 3 lb. Bluegill, Redear Sunfish and Black Crappie, and Largemouth bass with a large percentage over 10 lbs. This lake has an island in the middle with shallow and steep areas. Heavy reeds in some areas provide good cover for panfish.

Santee Lakes - From Highway 52 take the Mast Blvd exit. Head east to Fanita Pkwy. then turn right. Follow Fanita Pkwy. to Carlton Oaks Dr. and turn right, park entrance will be on the right. While not the best noted bass or catfish lakes in the county, the Santee lakes do produce their share of the larger fish. The lake record channel catfish weighed in at 39 lbs 4 ozs and was caught in Lake 2. Bass over 10 lbs are caught each year and often released to be caught again later. Rainbow trout are stocked in the winter months, channel catfish are stocked weekly in the summer months. Various lakes within the park are open at different times of the year,