Things to do in San Diego and Southern California

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1) San Diego Zoo www.sandiegozoo.org
OK, this is about as obvious as it gets, but rightfully so: the San Diego Zoo is arguably the greatest zoo in the world, and residents are proud of their world-famous zoo. And of course, the Zoo is the home to our famous giant pandas, Hua Mei, Bai Yun and Gao Gao. This year features a new attraction, Absolutely Apes, with those crazy orangutans and siamangs living in the same tropical habitat.

While at the Zoo Take a short walk to Balboa Park.

Balboa Park is a wonderful place for families to spend time together. Explore art treasures from around the globe, fossils from near and far and exotic animals. Experience interactive fun with science. See sports memorabilia, world folk art, rare aircraft, ancient mummies, unique photographic art and model trains. Enjoy plays, dance, puppet shows and music. Hike Florida Canyon's trails, visit the Carnivorous Plant Bog in the Botanical Building and watch the sparkling water dance in the many fountains in the Park. www.balboapark.org

2) Sea World www.seaworld.com
Sea World is the other top gun of San Diego amusement parks. Famous for Shamu, the killer whale, and other entertaining animal shows, Sea World blends animal encounters with amusement park thrills. Take a ride on Shipwreck Rapids, encounter penguins, sharks and dolphins. And get drenched by Shamu and his friends. This summer debuts R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse, a 3-D movie thriller.

3) Legoland www.lego.com/legoland
One of only four parks in the world, Legoland California is great family fun, especially for the younger set. A number of interactive activities at Fun Town will keep kids occupied, and thrill rides abound, including the Dragon Roller Coaster and the newest attraction, Bionicle Blaster. And don't forget Miniland,detailed famous cityscapes made with Legos. Very cool, and not just for kids!

4) San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park/www.sandiegozoo.org
The San Diego Zoo's sister facility, the Wild Animal Park is everything you never thought of in a zoo. For one, the animal enclosures are measured in *acres* - huge habitats emulating Asia and Africa where animals live together. The Wgasa Bush Line Railway takes you to the far reaches of the Park, where you'll see rhinos, antelopes and giraffes. Just like a quick jaunt to Africa!

5) Birch Aquarium http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/
The Birch Aquarium is like a living museum. Run by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, your family will learn everything about sea life and our precious ocean resources. It's a great place to get a sense of what San Diego's coastline is about.

6) Bell Gardens Farm
Started by the founder of Taco Bell, Glen Bell, Bell Gardens Farm is a working farm of 115 acres include cultivated fields, creek beds, walking trails, and lawns for picnics and play. The farm offers fresh produce picked daily, farm-related classes, plus rides aboard a tractor-pulled hay wagon and quarter-scale train. It may not be a glitzy amusement park, but it harkens back to a simpler time.

7) Belmont Park www.belmontpark.com
Forget those slick theme parks, Belmont Park, located on the Mission Beach boardwalk, is an old-time amusement park. The centerpiece, of course, is the restored and grand Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster. Younger tikes can take in more kid friendly rides, too. Shops, restaurants, the Mission Beach Plunge swimming pool are here, as well as the quintessential beach scenery. A San Diego landmark.

9) Knott's Soak City http://www.knotts.com/soakcity/sd/index.shtml
Knott's Soak City U.S.A. is San Diego County's wildest water adventure park! Thirty-two water-logged acres packed with 22 of the most intense water rides imaginable -- all themed to the surf woodies and longboards of the 1950s San Diego coast. Perfect for those hot summer days.