10 Insider Tips for San Diego Attractions
It's easy to have fun in this SoCal city without spending a fortune if you've got the inside scoop
More than 34 million people travel to San Diego every year. Whether they're flying into San Diego International Airport or packing up the car to go on a road trip, visitors come here for a chance to experience the area's world-famous beaches, theme parks and zoo. But how do you avoid travel hiccups and do it all without breaking the bank? These 10 insider tips help you maximize travel fun, minimize the hassle and enjoy travel that’s rewarding.
Fall Frugality
Head to San Diego in October and your whole family can save big at more than 100 regional attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND California and dozens of museums. Many of these attractions offer free admission to kids with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Best Zoo View
Get your bearings and a good overview of the 100-acre San Diego Zoo by starting your visit with the 35-minute guided tour on the double-decker bus. You’ll get spectacular views of the animals up there from the tram’s top deck; just be sure to pack your sunscreen!
Prepare for Splashdown
Bring a change of kids' clothes and towels to SeaWorld San Diego. They’ll come in handy when the little ones enjoy the park’s water rides, sit at the front rows of the marine animal shows and play in the Sesame Street splash area.
Play Ball
Arrive at Petco Park at 5:30 p.m. to watch batting practice before enjoying some Cracker Jacks at a 7:05 p.m. Padres’ game. Crowds are typically thin then, so get your pen ready for some autographs and let your kids enjoy Park at the Park, the Little League diamond and playground behind the outfield.
Let it Ride
Save on gas and parking when you head to Del Mar Race Track by taking Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner or the North County’s local commuter train, the Coaster. Exit at the Solana Beach station and hop aboard the free shuttle ride to the track.
Fly High
Watch animals roam across the 1,200-acre San Diego Wild Animal Park from a tethered balloon that rises 400 feet in the air. The balloon won’t launch if it’s too windy, so board it first thing in the morning before conditions change.
Shop and Play
Do your kids love LEGOS? You can shop and enjoy the park without carrying around new building blocks that you purchase. Request package pick-up service at the park’s shops. You can retrieve your purchases all together at the resort’s Market shop before you leave.
February's for Museums
Who doesn’t love more ways to save on their California adventure? Buy a Museum Month Pass and enjoy 45 museums throughout San Diego County for half-price throughout February. Participating museums include San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum and San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Beach Bum Strategy
Frolic at Mission Beach where, in addition to surfing and sunbathing, you can scuba dive through the scattered remains of shipwrecks. Stay on the sandy shores into the evening from May through September and catch the fireworks show at neighboring SeaWorld San Diego.
Comfort on the Midway
History buffs and kids will love the USS Midway, a former aircraft carrier-turned-museum where you go below decks to explore bridges, sleeping quarters before getting your sea legs on the flight deck. Buy tickets online and save $2 on each.
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