Tourist Attractions

February is Museum Month in San Diego

Whether your interest is fine art, science, photography, history, natural history, planes, trains, or automobiles, there is a museum for you in San Diego. And during the month of February, you can visit all your favorites for half price.

The San Diego Museum Council offers a free pass to visit more than 40 participating museums at a 50% discount. The free passes are available at any San Diego County Library, any San Diego Hilton Hotel, and Macy’s stores. Each pass admits up to four people at the discounted price.

There’s no limit to the number of museums you can visit with your pass, but some museums may limit the number of times you can use the pass at their museum. If you plan to visit the same museum multiple times during the month, just ask the museum what their policy is.

Another thing to note is that the half-price passes don’t include traveling exhibits, special events, or IMAX films. Some participating museums may also have black-out dates, so be sure to call the museum to ask about any limitations before visiting.

Free passes for half-price admission are available to both San Diego residents and visitors to America’s Finest City.

Our Museum Picks for Grown Folks

USS Midway Museum

USS Midway Museum is hands down San Diego’s most visited museum. This unique museum is a retired aircraft carrier – the longest serving in the 20^th century. You’ll find it permanently docked in San Diego Bay along the embarcadero.

Self-guided audio tours narrated by former sailors of the USS Midway guide you through the ship and provide information at various stopping points including the engine room, pilot ready room, and sleeping quarters. Audio tours are included in the museum admission price. You can also opt for docent led tours of the ship. Most docents served on the ship at one time and can add colorful accounts that bring the experience alive. Check out the aircraft on the ship’s deck, flight simulator, Fantail Café, and Jet Shop gift shop.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

You’ll find the Maritime Museum of San Diego a short walk down the embarcadero from the USS Midway Museum. This on-the-water museum gives visitors a look into the maritime history of San Diego that shaped the city.

Board and explore the vessels of the museum like the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship, and the Californian, California’s only official tall ship, plus two more sailing ships. There’s the HMS Surprise, a replication of a 24-gun British Frigate, two steamboats, two submarines, the San Diego Harbor Pilot boat, a racing yacht, and so much more. There are also five permanent exhibits and opportunities for excursions on some of the boats.

Favorite Museums with the Kids

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Although it may not seem like a ‘museum’ per se, it’s included in the list of half-price museums sponsored by the San Diego Museum Council. So, take advantage of the deal and give the kids an exciting and educational experience at Birch Aquarium. You’ll find it in La Jolla on Expedition Way.

Kids will marvel at everything from a giant Pacific octopus in the Hall of Fishes to a baby seahorse in the seahorse nursery. There are 60 habitats and lots of interactive displays. Another fun experience at Birch Aquarium is the tide pool area where kids can touch marine life like sea stars, hermit crabs, lobsters, and sea cucumbers.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

The Smithsonian affiliated San Diego Air & Space Museum is located in Balboa Park. This museum is wildly popular with families, since it has something fascinating for everyone.

This action-packed museum has tons of interactive experiences for all ages. You’ll find a reproduction of the first aircraft to break the sound barrier, a flyable replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 9 Command Module. There are flight simulators, 4D theater presentations, six permanent galleries, and visiting exhibits. There’s even a play area for the littlest visitors where they can simulate flight. Don’t forget to lunch at the Flight Path Grill and Observation Deck and watch planes landing at San Diego International Airport.

Get Museum Discounts at Any Time

If you can’t fit San Diego Museum Month into your schedule this February, no worries. You can still get deep discounts on museum admissions with a Go San Diego Card any time of year. Enjoy the same museums, like the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum where your Go San Diego Card also lets you skip the line! Plus, your card gets you into San Diego’s biggest attractions, including SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It’s quick, convenient, and saves you lots of money.

If you aren’t sure you’d save money based on what you want to see and do, you can read about the Go San Diego Card here. We put together a post evaluating who gets the greatest value from a Go San Diego Card. And if you’d like more information on how easy it is to use the card, read our Go San Diego Card – More Than a Discount Card post.

The Holidays at San Diego’s Five Biggest Attractions

Experience the holidays in sunny San Diego. All of the city’s top attractions host special events to ring in the season. See Santa go scuba diving or explore the wildlife at the San Diego Zoo. Watch it all light up at night with dazzling lights! Wherever you go, you’ll get into the holiday spirit at San Diego’s Biggest Attractions.

San Diego Zoo

Explore the wonderful world of wildlife at the San Diego Zoo this holiday season. The Jungle Bells special event runs all throughout December to January 5. Bring the whole family to enjoy musical performances and entertainers. The new Aurora experience offers a breathtaking visual and sound display that recreates the colorful Northern Lights. Along the Aurora pathways, you’ll discover dazzling lights and magical wind, water, and ice sprites. Of course, no visit to the zoo would be complete without visiting all the animals throughout the zoo.

SeaWorld

You haven’t seen Christmas light up quite like this at SeaWorld, with over 1 million lights on display. The holiday celebration lasts from late November into early January. Explore Rudolph’s Christmas town and take photos with the reindeer characters and all their friends. Children will adore the Sesame Street Christmas Village full of twinkling lights, carolers, and furry friends from Sesame Street Enjoy all of this alongside Sea World’s marine animal exhibitions.

LEGOLAND California

You’ve never seen Santa quite like this before, stacked with LEGOS! LEGOLAND California will impress all ages with its enormous sculptures made entirely of the beloved brick toys. This theme park has more than just LEGOS. Creatures of the deep swim in tanks at the SEA LIFE AQUARIUM. The LEGOLAND Waterpark will cool anyone off on a sunny California day. Get really into the theme by staying at a LEGOLAND Hotel and Castle with interactive LEGO features.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the holidays got a whole lot wilder. Head over to the Safari Base Camp and Nairobi Village for an afternoon of entertainment. When the sun goes down, the party keeps going. The park lights up the night with Christmas colors. Lights and music create a holiday spectacular in Nairobi Village. Over at the Mombasa Pavillion, the Alley Cats sing a cappella harmonies of classic holiday songs. Santa and Mrs. Claus wait to greet you with storytelling and activities for the entire family. You can’t miss the Ice Castle with its dynamic light show, too!

Birch Aquarium

The Birch Aquarium welcomes adults and children of all ages to its Holiday Seas ‘n’ Greetings. Experience the most wonderful SEAson with colorful coral and ocean life. Scuba Santa goes under the water in the tanks, combining comic relief, magical moments, and educational experiences, perfect for children. Don’t forget to bring the camera for photo ops with Santa while he swims. Kids will have fun while exploring Birch Aquarium during the scavenger hunt.

Belmont Park

San Diego weather might not feel quite like winter, but you can experience the holiday spirit at Belmont Park. Winter Wonder at Belmont Park welcomes you to its holiday spectacular from December 1 to January 5, 2020. This beachside park dates back 94 years, offering all the charm you could want during a day or evening out. When the sun goes down, the night lights up. You’ll love the sparkling lights display all throughout the park to inspire holiday cheer. Bring toys to contribute to the holiday toy drive then go explore the Christmas themed sculptures. Don’t forget to take a photo with Santa!

San Diego Botanic Garden

The San Diego Botanic Garden looks even more beautiful lit up with lights. Experience the holiday tradition at this family-friendly festival at the Botanic Wonderland! This year, the Garden decorated the Hamilton Children’s Garden and Toni’s Treehouse with even more lights. Explore unusual tropical plants while sharing Christmas cheer with the entire family.

Liberty Station Hanukkah

Liberty Station welcomes people from all walks of life to celebrate the Festival of Lights. The Liberty Station Hanukkah lights up the night with holiday festivities and music. Don’t miss the Menorah Lighting and celebrate a miracle in San Diego during the Jewish holiday.

Nothing beats spending the holidays in a place like San Diego. Enjoy the spirit of Christmas under the sunny California sun. Best of all, you can enjoy discounts on admission to the San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, Sea World, and more. Don’t miss your savings with the Go San Diego Pass with up to 55% off gate prices and other great deals.

Science for Everyone at Fleet Science Center

Located in San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park, the Fleet Science Center has over one hundred interactive exhibits that teach and entertain using the mysteries of science. Along with the IMAX Theater, the center provides immersive experiences and events throughout the year that aim to bring science into the lives of everyone in the community. They’re on a mission to create a better future with science.

No matter your age or your interests, one of the Fleet Science Center’s year-round events will surely capture your attention, from their Saturday Science Club for girls to their Senior Mondays lecture series.

Here’s a look at a few regular events you won’t want to miss.

Weekend Science Clubs for Kids at Fleet Science Center

Saturday Science Club for Girls

The Fleet Science Center has a monthly event program specifically for girls in grades five to eight every second Saturday of the month from noon until 2 p.m. The Saturday Science Club for Girls has events throughout the year designed to engage young minds and keep them eager to learn about the wonders of science.

Young learners will explore a variety of topics from many different fields of science that include biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, environmental science, robotics, and more. Children take part in interactive, hands-on activities, and the science center partners with local scientists who impart scientific knowledge through fun and informative lessons.

In addition to the Saturday Science Club for Girls, the Fleet Science Center also offers a monthly Sunday Science club open to both boys and girls grades five to eight. The Sunday Science Club provides children the opportunity to experience and explore all of the topics and activities of the Saturday Science Club for Girls.

Young Scientists Program

Young Scientists is the Fleet Science Center’s program that brings the wonders of science to preschool-aged children three to five years old. Program events take place on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and all children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for every child participating).

You and your young one will take part in hands-on informal lessons meant to create excitement about science early on in your child’s life with the hope that they’ll remain curious about science as they get older. If you wish to participate in this program with your child, pre-registration is required, and space in the program is limited.

Senior Mondays at Fleet Science Center

On the first Monday of every month from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Senior Mondays provides seniors the opportunity to explore the science center and all that it has to offer at discounted rates. Seniors 65 and older are granted access to all of the Science Center exhibits, an IMAX show in the Helkoff Giant Dome Theater, and a lecture for only $10. Senior Mondays feature the Sharp Minds lecture series, which brings local scientists into the center where they share their research on various topics with older learners in an environment that is friendly and fun.

The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show at Fleet Science Center

On the first Wednesday evening of every month, Fleet Science Center visitors enjoy a planetarium show that’s narrated by Fleet’s astronomer. Explore the solar system and the cosmos while being educated on a variety of topics that change every month. Learn about phenomena like tidal forces and gravitational waves.

If the weather permits, your planetarium show includes a free telescope viewing with the San Diego Astronomy Association after the show. Because of the sophisticated nature of the information presented during these shows, the science center does not recommend bringing children under five years of age.

Fleet Night of Science at Fleet Science Center

Fleet Night of Science is an after-hours event for adults (21 and over) who want the chance to explore the science center without kids around. Fleet Night of Science allows you to learn about science in a fun and laid-back environment. Enjoy a cocktail and snacks while listening to music. Adults can get answers from scientists on topics that they’re curious about.

The science center organizes fun, adult-themed events where you can learn about things like the physics of beer pong while you’re actually playing the game. Proceeds from food and cocktails purchased at these events go towards Fleet’s goal of connecting everyone in San Diego with the power of science.

Visit Fleet Science Center with Go San Diego

The Go San Diego Card provides both savings and convenience when you use it to visit the Fleet Science Center. You receive a ticket to see a daytime IMAX showing in the Helkoff Giant Dome Theater in addition to your general admission. The science center is located in Balboa Park, an attraction in itself.

Since it’s only two blocks from the San Diego Zoo, you can use your Go San Diego Card at both attractions for even more savings. Add the Fleet Science Center to your Go San Diego Card today to start saving.

Get the Most from Your Go San Diego Card at Balboa Park with These Sample Itineraries

Beautiful Balboa Park in San Diego, California, is so many things. It’s the nation’s largest urban cultural park. It’s an oasis of botanical gardens and natural vegetation. It’s the #1 San Diego historic landmark. It’s home to the famous San Diego Zoo. And it boasts an impressive collection of 15 museums.

Whether you’re in San Diego on a family vacation with the kids, or you’ve come to San Diego with friends for some adult time, you’ll want to pre-plan your visit to Balboa Park to get the most out of your visit. With so many San Diego attractions jammed into one place, you’ll also want to use your Go San Diego Card to save money.

We’ve put together two-day itineraries for both families and singles. They cover a lot of ground in the park, and offer ideas for how to see as much of the park as possible while spending as little as possible. Enjoy!

Sample Two-Day Itinerary for Families with Kids

Experiencing Balboa Park with children requires careful pre-planning to get the most out of the park and zoo, but also to keep the under 12 crowd enthused and enthralled without getting too tired.

On Day One, you’ll want to enter the park from the 6^th Street entrance on the Park’s west side, crossing the historic Cabrillo Bridge and parking in the large lot behind the Organ Pavilion. Your itinerary will start here and circle back to your car.

Day One – Morning:

SD Museum of Man – At the San Diego Museum of Man, your kids will fall in love with the Monsters! Exhibit on the first floor where they can do everything from exploring monster habitats to making monsters of their own. Adventure Kids in Egypt on the second floor is another must for kids.

Mingei International Museum – Before you can even get the kids in the door, there’s a friendly alligator out front of Mingei International Museum waiting for the perfect family photo opp. Inside, kids will find over 3,000 toys, hundreds of musical instruments, and other cool folk art across the museum’s diverse collections.

Lily Pond – After a busy morning, take the kids on a stroll through the Botanical Building and to see the lilies and koi fish in the Lily Pond out front. This is a free stop on the way to lunch at the Fleet Science Center. It’s also one of the most photographed spots in the park.

Day One – Afternoon:

Fleet Science Center – Before embarking on afternoon activities at the Fleet Science Center, head to Craveology, the science center’s casual food restaurant where they’re serving smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and snacks. This hands-on museum was made for kids with activities like trying to touch a tornado, building an invention, and creating a city.

San Diego Natural History Museum – The San Diego Natural History Museum is a place where kids’ imaginations can run wild. Camp-O-Saurus lets kids be paleontologists. They can examine the museum’s Focault Pendulum, learn about San Diego’s biodiversity in Coast to Cactus, and go on a scavenger hunt in Fossil Mysteries.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum – This museum is the perfect place to wind down the day. It’s the largest indoor model railroad museum in North America at 27,000 square feet. You can dive into the worlds of five separate model railroad exhibits that will fascinate everyone in the family from youngest to oldest. Such attention to detail! Kids will also want to check out Mac’s Kids’ Corner.

On Day Two you’ll want to head straight to the zoo parking lot off Park Boulevard and park there for the morning. After your zoo visit, hop in the car and continue a couple blocks south on Park Boulevard to Presidents Way. Turn right and park in the lot on the right, across from the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Day Two – Morning:

The only thing on deck for the morning is the San Diego Zoo. It’s at the north end of Balboa Park, just past the carousel and miniature train ride. This world famous zoo could take you all day to explore, but with some pre-planning and your Go San Diego Card, you’ll see the most in the shortest time. You won’t want to miss the San Diego Air & Space Museum in the afternoon.

San Diego Zoo – The kids may never forgive you if they find out you skipped the San Diego Zoo at Balboa Park. Do yourself a favor and be ready at the gate with your Go San Diego Card when the zoo opens first thing in the morning, then head straight for the panda exhibit. Save some walking by taking the zoo’s free Guided Bus Tour. Grab a mid-morning snack or breakfast in a treehouse at Albert’s Restaurant.

Day Two – Afternoon:

San Diego Air & Space Museum – If you worked up an appetite from your morning at the zoo, lunch at Flight Path Grill is the perfect solution where the kids will get nourished and rejuvenated as they watch planes coming into San Diego pass overhead. Kids get inspired to reach for the stars at San Diego Air & Space Museum with rockets and planes, space simulators, and the Kids’ Aviation Action Hangar.

Sample Two-Day Itinerary for Adults

Your Go San Diego Card allows you discounted admission to 12 museums in Balboa Park. With this two-day Balboa Park itinerary, you can theoretically spend four hours visiting three museums and the Japanese Garden in the morning, have lunch at the Tea Pavilion Café, and visit three more museums and the Botanical Building and Koi Pond in the afternoon on Day One.

If you’re the type who lingers in museums, this schedule may seem unrealistic. You could cut one museum from the morning and one from the afternoon for a more leisurely experience. All the museums for Day One are conveniently lined up along El Prado.

Day One – Morning:

San Diego Museum of Man and California Tower – If you love beer, you’ll love the Beerology Exhibit on the first floor of the San Diego Museum of Man. Other exhibits include ancient cultures, race, living with animals, and more. If you’re lucky, you can plan your museum visit to coincide with a climb to the top of California Tower where you’ll enjoy epic panoramic views. (California Tower offers guided tours only; it’s an extra cost. If you can’t coordinate the two, it’s worth a second visit)

Mingei International Museum/San Diego Art Institute – The Mingei International Museum shares space with the San Diego Art Institute’s Museum of the Living Artist in the House of Charm. At MoLA, you’ll see the brilliant work of emerging SoCal artists. The Mingei presents stunning collections of international daily use art objects from diverse eras of human history. (These are separate tickets.)

San Diego Museum of Art – If it’s fine art you crave, the San Diego Museum of Art has one of the best collections in San Diego. You’ll experience collections by old masters of Spain and Italy, prominent South Asian paintings, and contemporary American paintings, among others. The museum regularly hosts significant exhibitions from around the world.

Japanese Friendship Garden – Need a Zen place to rest and rejuvenate? You’ll be captivated by the Japanese Friendship Garden. The koi ponds, stone arrangements, water features, unique landscaping, blossoming cherry trees (springtime), and sukiya-style buildings provide a magical experience. Guided audio tours are available.

Tea Pavilion Café – Either before, or after your time in the Japanese Friendship Garden, it’s time for lunch. The Tea Pavilion Café near the garden’s entrance serves an Asian-fusion menu and a wide range of imported teas. The lovely outdoor patio overlooking the garden is the perfect place to nourish your body and catch your breath before the afternoon museums.

Day One – Afternoon:

Museum of Photographic Arts – Just east of the Tea Pavilion, you’ll find the gorgeous Museum of Photographic Arts showcasing photography, as well as film and video. The museum is dedicated to presenting exhibits that address historical, cultural, and social issues. They have nearly 9,000 images in their contemporary collection alone, and 24,000 in all.

San Diego History Center – The San Diego History Center shares space with the Museum of Photographic Arts. This stunning museum is the caretaker of San Diego’s past. The Smithsonian Affiliate museum highlights the outstanding aspects of San Diego history from its tuna fishing past to its current craft brew scene, and so much more.

Natural History Museum – This beautiful museum is a must-see. Among the many exhibits and collections at the San Diego Natural History Museum is Coast to Cactus where you can examine the plants and animals of San Diego’s biodiversity – mountains, chaparral, deserts, and beaches. San Diego is one of 35 biodiversity hotspots worldwide. After your visit, check out the giant, ancient Moreton Bay Fig Tree next to the museum.

Botanical Garden – You don’t need your Go San Diego card to visit the Botanical Building & Lily Pond, because it’s free. On your walk back toward the car, take a few minutes to admire the orchids and other plants indoors, as well as the outdoor Lily Pond and koi fish.

The Prado at Balboa Park – Before you go, use your Go San Diego Card one last time for discounts at The Prado at Balboa Park. This National Historic Landmark restaurant can be found in the House of Hospitality, across the street from the Timken Museum of Art. Their outdoor terrace set in lush gardens is the perfect spot for a sunset cocktail or dinner.

*Note: the Timken Museum of Art, across the street from the Prado restaurant, is a must. If you have it in you for one more museum before dinner, this one is free. The fine art museum showcases American and European masterpieces, and closes at 4:30 p.m.

Day two has the San Diego Zoo on deck for the morning, and two more Balboa Park museums for the afternoon. Don’t worry, after all that walking at the zoo, these last two museums are away from the main cluster of museums from yesterday, and are right next to each other.

Day Two – Morning:

San Diego Zoo – The best way to visit the San Diego Zoo is to be at the gate when it opens in the morning and beeline it to the Panda exhibit. This exhibit always has a line – a long one, so you’ll be in the shortest line of the day. Next, hop on the Guided Bus Tour to get a narrated overview of the zoo. Preserve your energy by taking advantage of the Kangaroo Express Bus and Skyfari aerial tram to get around. All three are included in your ticket price. Plan your zoo visit before you get there, and skip the ticket office lines with your Go San Diego Card.

Day Two – Afternoon:

San Diego Air & Space Museum – If you didn’t grab lunch at the zoo, you’ll probably want to eat first before diving into the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Grab an affordable meal with a lemonade or a San Diego craft beer at the museum’s Flight Path Grill. Eating outside puts you in the flight path of incoming planes, which is pretty awesome. Expect replicas of historic planes, including the 1901 Wright Glider. The Apollo IX Command Module is also on display, and it’s the real deal. This is a fascinating museum you won’t want to miss.

San Diego Automotive Museum – This museum explores the evolution of motorized vehicles from a 1927 Bentley to Steve McQueen’s 1953 Allard. Automotive exhibits are always changing, so if you’ve been here before it will feel like a new experience. New exhibits are created three to four times per year. San Diego Automotive Museum is driven by their love for cars.

Tips for Visiting Balboa Park

Go San Diego Card – You’ll see the most attractions and save the most time and money at Balboa Park when you pre-purchase your tickets online with your Go San Diego Card and plan your day. As you approach each museum entrance, simply show your ticket via your smartphone and pass on in.

Getting there – To visit a majority of the museums with the least walking, enter from 6^th Avenue on the east side and park behind the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Choose Park Boulevard lots for visiting San Diego Zoo and the Air & Space Museum, among others.

Parking – There are numerous parking lots throughout the park and zoo at Balboa Park – all free. Street parking surrounding the park and zoo is also free.

Visitors Center – If you find you need a little friendly advice (or a souvenir) during your day, stop by the Visitors Center in the House of Hospitality on El Prado. It’s next to the Prado Restaurant.

Closing Time – Some museums close at 4:30 p.m., so we’ve accounted for that with these itineraries. Some have later hours or extend hours during summer and holidays; check the operating times while planning.

Get your Go San Diego Card here to start your exploration of Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo.

Making the Most of Your San Diego Zoo Visit

Originally founded in 1916, San Diego Zoo has become one of the city’s top tourist attractions even after 100 years. Home to the famous Giant Pandas for over two decades, the pandas returned to China in April, 2019. But, this animal sanctuary still has plenty of attractions waiting to be discovered.

Covering 100-acres and home to over 3,500 endangered animals, the San Diego Zoo represents one of the largest of its kind in the United States. Holding over 650 species and 700,000 exotic plants, a visit here is not to be missed during a trip to San Diego.

The facility contains an impressive group of habitats including:

Australian Outback
Africa Rocks
Northern Frontier
Discovery Outpost
Outback
Elephant Odyssey
Lost Forest
Urban Jungle
Asian Passage

Each area simulates the animal’s natural habitats and ensures they feel right at home; some sharing space just like they would in the wild.

Must-see Attractions

You will have no shortage of things to do and see at the San Diego Zoo. People usually spend 3 to 4 hours exploring the grounds. Designed as an arboretum, the zoo contains rare plant food for the animals and gives that truly exotic experience for visitors. Even though the list goes on for all the great attractions at this animal hot spot, here are some that you shouldn’t miss:

Where Are the Giant Pandas?

If you have previously visited or had any insight into San Diego Zoo, you will know it used to be home to the Giant Pandas. Sadly, these precious species lived here on a 23-year loan agreement with China which has now expired. Therefore, the Panda exhibition has now closed, and the two pandas returned to China as of April 2019.

Gorilla Tropics

During your visit to the San Diego Zoo, you should venture through the Lost Forest, home to the lowland western gorillas. Upon entering this natural landscape, you will believe you are in an African rainforest with the native plants all around you. They even have a surround sound system to make the gorillas feel right at home!

Polar Bear Plunge

Come and see these Arctic animals from an underwater view through the “Polar Cam”. You can get up-close and personal with the polar bears through the glass tank where they swim around playfully The Polar Bear Plunge also includes various life-size statues, perfect for a family photo. Get your cameras ready!

Skyfari Aerial Tram

As San Diego Zoo covers a wide space and is naturally uphill, Skyfari Aerial Tram offers an appealing attraction which transports you from one side of the zoo to the other. Not only can you take a rest from walking, but you will also enjoy a stunning birds-eye view of the entire grounds while gliding over the arboretum. It’s a good idea to hop on Skyfari early in your visit for an overview of all there is to experience.

GSD Insider Tips

San Diego Zoo can become very busy, especially during peak seasons such as summer or spring break. It is important to preplan your trip, so you don’t miss out on anything you hope to see. If you want to avoid endless lines, the best time to visit is any weekday during school hours.

By arriving a few minutes early before the zoo opens, you can beat the crowds and even have the chance to witness feeding time. Before reaching the zoo, you can create a personalized itinerary online which allows you to select the areas you’re interested in and map out your route, ensuring you spend your time wisely. You can access all of this from your mobile device while inside the zoo.

The San Diego Zoo itself spans a large area so give yourself plenty of time to roam around the grounds and visit each habitat.

Standard admission is quite pricey but worth it. This includes a Guided Bus Tour, perfect for those who prefer to relax and learn more about the animals on this double-decker.

Family passes are available if you plan to visit with kids. Children will also enjoy the Children’s Zoo, a walkway with a closer view of the animals. If the zoo has recently welcomed any newborn animals, you’ll find them here.

If you want to see specific shows at the zoo, they have a scheduled list at the main entrance of times and locations of where you can view these. The main entrance also displays any sections closed for that day.

Go San Diego Card

A Go San Diego Card is one of the best ways to get the most from your zoo visit. You’ll save up to 55% off regular admission prices, and skip lines. Admission includes the Skyfari aerial tram, Kangaroo Express Bus, Guided Bus Tour, and scheduled shows.

Add-ons that are worth purchasing are the Backstage Pass tour with animal encounters, the 60-minute Discovery Tour detailing conservation efforts, and Inside Look, an exclusive two-hour behind-the-scenes tour of off-exhibit areas.

Don’t forget to check out Zoo at Night (summertime), petting zoo, children’s camps, zookeeper talks, sleepovers, 4-D theater, and so many other fun experiences.

6 Best San Diego Museums for Kids

Sunny San Diego is a family-friendly vacation destination where kids and their parents can enjoy year-round activities and attractions. The city’s world-class museums educate and entertain with hands-on exhibits, special events, and opportunities for family fun. Here are a few of the most kid-friendly museums in San Diego. Most can be visited at a discount.

Living Coast Discovery Center

This not-for-profit aquarium and zoo connects kids with the animals and plants of the California coast. Located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center offers family-friendly activities and events such as shark, ray, turtle, and eagle feedings; guided trail hikes; Overnight Adventures; and VIP Animal Encounters. Seasonal exhibits promote wildlife conservation and educate young visitors about their impact on the environment.

Guests can board the complimentary shuttle in the parking lot at the corner of Bay Boulevard and E Street. The center is open daily (except on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Model Railroad Museum

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park will delight children of all ages with its toy train layouts and scale model replicas of California’s historic railways. Mac’s Kids Corner in the Discovery Depot has a collection of railroad-related storybooks for the museum’s youngest visitors to read with their parents. Special events and programs are held in the Discovery Depot and are included with admission. The museum is located in the Casa de Balboa Building at 1649 El Prado.

Reuben H Fleet Science Center

The Fleet Science Center has over one hundred hands-on exhibits for curious kids and their parents. Kid City was designed for children up to five years of age and features a block corner for budding architects, the Little Learner’s Lab and its Young Explorer computer stations, a Fire Truck exhibit that teaches street safety, and the colorful and exciting Ball Wall that demonstrates the properties of physics.

Older kids will gravitate to the Studio X maker space where they can participate in regularly scheduled workshops or create something on their own using the studio’s tools and materials. The whole family will enjoy viewing IMAX films on the 76-foot wraparound movie screen in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. The Fleet Science Center is in Balboa Park at 1875 El Prado.

Air & Space Museum

Imagination takes flight at the San Diego Air & Space Museum at Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park. Aspiring aviators and astronauts can see the museum’s collections of historical aircraft and spacecraft up close. The story of flight unfolds before your eyes as you enter the Early Flight exhibition with reproductions of the Wright Brothers’ gliders, and continue through the museum, ending in the Modern Age gallery where a Boeing GPS-12 satellite is suspended from the ceiling.

The museum’s newest exhibit, SPACE: Our Greatest Adventure, offers a unique look into space exploration. With full-motion simulators and spots for selfies in “space,” the museum is sure to be a family favorite.

USS Midway Museum

This maritime museum on the USS Midway celebrates the history of America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier. Docked at Navy Pier on San Diego Bay, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Kids will enjoy taking part in the Junior Pilot Program where they can earn their pilot’s wings by completing activities as they take an audio tour through the aircraft carrier.

Full-motion and virtual reality flight simulators will thrill older children who meet the height requirements. In addition to over sixty onboard exhibits, the museum’s staff and volunteers host a full calendar of exciting programs and activities including family movie nights and sleepovers.

New Children’s Museum

This award-winning children’s museum encourages children to think, play, and create with over 50,000 square feet of child-centered art installations, studios, and interactive spaces. From free play to guided workshops, this modern museum has a wide range of activities and events for creative kids. Young visitors are free to interact with working artists, design something in the Innovators LAB under the guidance local professionals, or explore the museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces with their families.

The museum is fully accessible with sensory-friendly areas, accommodations for guests with limited mobility, and full access for guests with service dogs.

Families with the Go San Diego Card can save up to 55% off the ticket price for more than 35 of San Diego’s most popular attractions and unlimited admission to select attractions including the following kid-friendly museums:

Living Coast Discovery Center
Model Railroad Museum
Reuben H Fleet Center
Air & Space Museum
USS Midway Museum (includes skip-the-line privileges)
New Children’s Museum

The Go San Diego Card is more than a discount pass. Its true value is in the flexibility it offers your family. You can customize your itinerary based on the number of days you’ll be staying in San Diego and the places you plan to visit, plus save time with skip-the-line privileges at select attractions. The Go San Diego Card also includes additional shopping, dining, and entertainment discounts and can be accessed on your smartphone with the app.

Get the Most Out of Your Visit to San Diego’s Zoo Safari Park

Originally built as a conservation facility, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park first opened its doors in 1972. Today, it is one of San Diego’s best attractions, welcoming a whopping 2 million people through its doors annually. It’s home to more than 2,600 animals representing over 300 animal species and over 3,500 plant species. It’s also home to the largest veterinary hospital in the world, which is situated adjacent to the park.

Dozens of endangered species have been bred here and reintroduced into the wild. The entrance fees and fees from the extra cost activities help maintain this animal sanctuary and continue its great work. Below I’ve created an in-depth look at both the free and extra cost activities you can enjoy at the Safari Park.

It’s Included: What You Get with the Price of Admission

Before I get into the paid extras at the San Diego Safari Park, I’m going to give you a quick breakdown of what’s included in the price of admission as well as some freebie activities you can enjoy at the park if you know about them ahead of time.

The Africa Tram

Due to its expansive acreage, it can be hard to walk the entire park, especially during the summer when the sun is bearing down on you. So, take the complimentary Africa Tram. It’s the best way to see the entire park, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the animal habitats. Afterward, you can explore your favorite areas again without feeling rushed. These guided rides begin departing at 10:30 a.m. and last 25 minutes. Boarding takes place at the far side of the Park.

Animal Encounters: Watch Feedings, Ask Questions, and Get Interactive

Tiger Keeper Talk

Learn about Sumatran tigers at the Sumatran Longhouse located on Tiger Trail. One of the tigers’ keepers will tell you everything you want to know about these fabulous animals. Talks take place at 11:45 a.m. every day that the park is open.

Animal Ambassador Stage

Get face-to-face with one of the park’s animal ambassadors in the Safari Base Camp. This interactive program lets you get up-close-and-personal with an alligator, cheetah, or other exotic and rare animal. The animal trainers encourage you to ask your burning questions about the species and their habitats. This experience takes place twice daily, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 2:30 p.m. Other animal encounters take place in the Gorilla Forest at 12:30 p.m. and in the African Outpost at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily.

Cheetah Run

Witness the fastest mammal alive light up the racetrack at the Cheetah Run. Situated near the Lion Camp this jaw-dropping experience is included with the price of admission. You’ll sit back and relax as one of the park’s cheetahs takes off down a 330-foot straight track allowing it to really stretch its legs as it reaches top speeds of 70 mph.

Hanging Out in Nairobi Village

This area of the park offers several animal encounters and unique experiences at various times throughout the day including the Petting Kraal, Lorikeet Landing, and Lemur Walk.

Petting Kraal

Let your children meet the park’s littlest residents at the Petting Kraal where they can brush and stroke gentle goats. This takes place twice daily – at 10 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Lorikeet Landing

Feed colorful rainbow lorikeets at Lorikeet Landing at 10 a.m. or 3:45 p.m. For a small fee you can purchase nectar, and these vibrant birds will land on your hand to get their fill. This experience isn’t recommended for skittish children as it can be a little overwhelming for them.

Lemur Walk

Have you ever wanted to get up-close-and-personal with a lemur? The Lemur Walk is an immersive experience where you’ll walk along a pathway through this animal’s natural habitat to catch these endearing primates living their best lives. Watch them as they socialize with one another, groom each other, jump around, climb trees, and even sunbathe. This activity has a minimum age requirement of 5 years old.

Learn more about what is included in the price of admission and purchase discounted tickets.

The Butterfly Effect

One of the most anticipated annual events at the park is the Butterfly Walk. From the end of March to the beginning of May thousands of gorgeous butterflies displaying all colors and sizes fill a greenhouse in Nairobi Village. It’s a joy to walk through as these winged creatures flit across the space. You can easily identify each with the handy identification guide provided to you. Priority butterfly viewing is available at an additional cost. You can get tickets at the Priority Ticket booth. You can also purchase a special treat to have these little guys eating out of the palm of your hand.

Tip: Wear bold and bright colors on the Butterfly walk to invite one of the butterflies to perch on your shoulder.

It’s Not Included – But It’s Worth the Additional Cost

While there are a plethora of free activities and encounters that you can experience at the park, there are also a host of extra-cost activities, experiences, and tours to choose from. They range in price from moderate to expensive, but don’t let the price run you off. The proceeds are used to maintain the park and continue to provide the animals with the best care possible.

Conservation Carousel

A perfect attraction for kids and playful adults, the Conservation Carousel is a classic carousel with 60 replicas of wild animals, many you’ll find in the park like giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, and zebras. Hop on your favorite animal and enjoy the ride as you listen to the cheerful music. You get unlimited rides for just $6; this attraction is open from 10 am to closing time.

Balloon Safari

Fly high in the sky with the Balloon Safari experience, this tethered helium balloon launches 400 feet into the air giving you a view typically reserved for out winged friends. Designed to imitate the hot air balloon tours of the Serengeti, you’ll spend 10-12 minutes enjoying aerial views of the various animal habitats. As the price of this activity varies, you’ll have to inquire at the park to find out the cost. The best times to fly are at 9 am and 12 pm.

Caravan Safari Adventures

Classic Caravan Safari Adventure

Feel like you’re on an actual safari in the open fields of Africa with the park’s classic Caravan Safari Adventure. It lasts two-hours. You’ll travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck as you explore at least two of their field enclosures. This experience allows you to get up-close with the mammals and birds native to Asia and Africa, plus offers an opportunity to feed the giraffes.

Age Minimum: Must be at least 8 years old
Price: $125 and up

GSD Note: This tour is also available as the Caravan Safari Deluxe which simply means you get more time out on the Safari and visit more enclosures. It lasts 3.5 hours, and the cost increases to $175 and up. The age minimum is 8 years old.

Caravan Safari Twilight

This experience is identical to the classic Caravan Safari Adventure except that it takes place at twilight. You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and beautiful evening light vistas. Tours that take place at this time of day usually see increased animal activity. They are only available during certain months, so be sure to call ahead.

Age Minimum: Must be at least 8 years old
Price: $125 and up

Caravan Safari Kids

Designed especially with kids in mind, the Caravan Safari Kids kicks off with an animal presentation and an opportunity to meet on the park’s animal ambassadors up-close. Several hands-on activities are provided throughout the tour, and a knowledgeable guide will help your children discover just how similar humans and animals really are.

Age Minimum: Must be at least 6 years old
Price: $125 and up

Note: All animal interactions and feeding opportunities are subject to the animals’ accessibility and disposition at the time of the tour.

Cheetah Safari

Perhaps one of the coolest experiences at the park, the Cheetah Safari, includes reserved trackside seats at the Cheetah Run where you’ll watch a lightning-fast cheetah whoosh by you as it chases a mechanical lure just a few feet away. Before the big chase you’ll relax in your VIP seating area as you get to enjoy an up-close-and-personal interaction with a different African animal.

After the race, both cheetah and trainer will come over to your section for an exclusive meet-and-greet experience where you can ask any questions and snap some photos. This is a one-hour activity that you must call ahead to experience, as it’s only available on select days and times.

Minimum Age: Must be at least 10 years old
Price: $59 and up

Cart Safari Africa

A one-hour tour, you’ll travel in the back of a cart through the Africa enclosure as a knowledgeable guide educates you on the park’s history and answers any questions you have about the animals who inhabit that area. You’ll get great photo opportunities and have the chance to watch one of the African animals enjoy a delicious treat.

Minimum Age: Available for all ages
Price: $54 and up

Cart Safari Asia

This one-hour tour takes you through the Asia enclosure via cart as a professional guide provides you a deeper understanding of the animals that inhabit the space. It’s a great opportunity to get some incredible photos of the animals, and also includes a chance to watch one of the animals receive a tasty treat.

Minimum Age: Available for all ages
Price: $54 and up

Flightline Safari

If you’re looking for a thrill, Flightline Safari is just the activity for you. Soar across the park in a comfortable and secure safety harness 130 feet above the ground. You’ll enjoy a birds-eye-view of the park’s animals including giraffes and rhinos. This activity includes use of safety equipment, a flight orientation, interpretative tour, and a ride on two ziplines.

The Fledging zipline prepares you for the ultimate ride on the exhilarating Flightline zipline.

You’ll get exceptional views of the Safari Park as you zip roughly 2/3 of a mile before landing close to the campground at Kilima Point. You can also record you flight for an additional cost with their high-definition helmet cams. This activity lasts one hour including the training, test flight, and final flight, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Minimum Age: Must be at least 8-years-old
Price: $79 and up

Jungle Ropes Safari

Are you the daring type? If so, the Jungle Ropes Safari gives you a unique opportunity to walk, balance, climb, and swing your way through a ropes course testing your jungle skills at every turn. You’ll strap into a safety harness and receive instruction from a trained staff member before you set out on your own, or with your group, using the Smart Belay system to travel the trails at your own pace. You’ll attempt to navigate aerial tightropes, cross rope bridges, negotiate swinging log steps, and cross moving platforms among several other thrills.

There are three different courses to choose from. Try one, or try them all. The choice is yours. Trained staff will be available along the way, but this is a self-guided/paced activity. For even more excitement, add the Flightline Safari to your adventure. This activity lasts 90 minutes including training. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Minimum Age: Must be at least 7 years old
Price: $54 and up

VIP Ultimate Safari

Create your own personalized adventure at the Safari Park. You can choose between 5- and 8-hour tours that you co-create with of the park’s professional planners. All tours are tailored to your needs, requirements, and preferred activities, and include a meal of your choosing.

Minimum Age: Must be at least 3 years old
Price: $690 and up

Behind-the-Scenes Safari Experiences

The Safari Park offers several Behind-the-Scenes Safari experiences where you get the chance to get an in-depth look at some of your favorite animals. Below is a quick breakdown of each one.

Butterflies & Friends

This is an exclusive interactive and guided BTS experience and the park’s most popular attraction during spring. Starting in the morning, you’ll visit with Rodrigues fruit bats where you’ll talk with one of their keepers to learn all about these furry high-flying creatures.

This is followed by an introduction to the Butterfly Jungle where you’ll meet its thousands of beautifully colorful inhabitants without the crowds. Afterward, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to Lorikeet Landing where you’ll interact with a few ambassador animals and their trainers. This two-hour walking tour is only available during the Spring season.

Minimum Age: Available for all ages
Price: $119 and up

Elephants and Friends

Take a two-hour guided tour through Elephant Valley where you’ll learn all about these massive, yet gentle animals. You’ll get an up-close animal encounter with one of their animal friends in addition to viewing the elephants from a private viewing area as you learn what it takes to care for these magnificent animals.