POINTS OF INTEREST in SAN DIEGO

ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
San Diego Zoo
One of San Diego’s many places for viewing animals is the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Located in Balboa Park, the zoo has a wide variety of animal exhibits including the Panda Research Station, Kopje East African exhibit, Monkey Trails, Absolutely Apes, and a special Children’s Zoo with animal nurseries.

San Diego Wild Animal Park
To see animals in a more natural habitat, go to the San Diego Wild Animal Park, which provides a safari-like trip through the animal exhibits. Adventures include the Journey into Africa Tour, Elephant Overlook, Lion Camp, and a Hidden Jungle. For a view of the park and surroundings, take the (tethered) Balloon Safari.

Sea World
See your favorite sea animals at Sea World in their water-filled homes. The park includes well-known Shamu shows as well as newer attractions such as Bay of Play for young children and the Journey to Atlantis roller coaster for the older kids and adults.

Birch Aquarium
The University of California at San Diego hosts the Birch Aquarium. Enjoy an indoor experience with the aquatic animals or participate in snorkeling adventures.

COASTAL ATTRACTIONS
Seaport Village
For shopping, entertainment, and restaurant options, Seaport Village is a great choice. Hidden at the edge of downtown, the shopping center provides quaint waterfront restaurants and walkways to experience some of San Diego’s true beauty. **Trolley Accessible**

San Diego Maritime Museum
If your interests extend beyond the animals in the sea to sea travel, the San Diego Maritime Museum is a great choice. The museum provides access to multiple historic ships dating as far back as the late 1800s. **Trolley Accessible**

Harbor Tours
To experience the beauty of the San Diego Harbor, enjoy harbor cruises that range from nature excursions to Sunday-brunch and sunset-dinner cruises. For more information, check out San Diego Harbor Excursions or Hornblower Cruises. **Trolley Accessible**

La Jolla
To enjoy fine examples of San Diego’s beaches, visit La Jolla with its vast ocean views. La Jolla Cove is a great place for snorkeling because of calm waters and great views. Downtown La Jolla has many opportunities for boutique and designer shopping, art galleries, and even more of San Diego’s great restaurants.

Torrey Pines State Reserve
Even more of San Diego’s beauty in on view at Torrey Pines State Reserve, which has 8 miles of hiking trails and, on weekends, guided nature-walks. The state park also provides information about the animals and geology of the surroundings to include a learning experience for people of any age.

MUSEUMS & HISTORICAL SITES
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is home to some of San Diego's finest museums. The picturesque atmosphere includes beautiful gardens, and many restaurants are in the area.

Old Town
Take a step back in time and visit Old Town, the birthplace of California. Old Town includes many shopping opportunities as well as traditional Mexican restaurants. The town still has several historical buildings, including an old school house. You can even visit a haunted house. **Trolley Accessible**

Gaslamp Quarter
The historic Gaslamp Quarter provides entertainment for a variety of tastes. Gaslamp is the heart of downtown San Diego and includes restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping, and impressive architecture and style. **Trolley Accessible**

AMUSEMENT PARKS
Belmont Park at Mission Beach
Mission Beach exemplifies San Diego’s beaches, but for kids and adults alike, Belmont Park adds the joy of a roller coaster and a small theme-park atmosphere.

Legoland
A theme-park experience at Legoland is sure to please kids of all ages. Located in Carlsbad, Legoland has a roller coaster and many Lego-themed rides, games, and miniature cities constructed entirely of Legos. This theme park will bring back childhood memories for adults. **Train Accessible**

SPORTING EVENTS
Padres Baseball
Sports fans watch the San Diego Padres in the state-of-the-art stadium located downtown. Petco Park's style, decor, and location will delight even those not interested in the game. **Trolley Accessible**

Del Mar Horse Racing
The Del Mar Fairgrounds is the home of the famous Del Mar Race Track. Horse racing comes to Del Mar July 22–September 9 this year. Come place a bet on your favorite horse, and cheer until the horses cross the finish line. **Train Accessible**

SHOPPING
Fashion Valley Mall
For upscale shopping, Fashion Valley is the place to visit. With retail giants such as Nordstrom's, Macy's, Bloomingdale's and many more, Fashion Valley provides a shopping enthusiast with lots of options. If you work up an appetite while shopping, Fashion Valley is also home to many restaurants. **Trolley Accessible**

Horton Plaza Mall
In the heart of downtown, you will find the multistory Horton Plaza shopping mall. Take the trolley, or drive your own car and get three hours of free parking with validation. The mall is home to many small chain stores as well as large department stores and includes several food options. Horton's style and architecture alone makes it a great mall to visit and a fun place to spend part of the day downtown.

TRANSPORTATION
San Diego Trolley
The San Diego Trolley travels through many areas of San Diego. It can be used as transportation to several shopping malls, including Fashion Valley Mall, and other locations, such as the historic Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town.

Taxi Service
San Diego has many taxi services. Check out Yellow Cab, Orange Cab, and San Diego Taxi Cab.

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Questions?
Contact Candace Cabral at cgi2009sd@projects.sdsu.edu or (619) 594-8206.