San Diego is home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo (sandiegozoo.org). The zoo features giant pandas and the largest collection of koalas outside of Australia in addition to exotic plant life and many other animals. As of the publication date, a one-day child's admission to the non-profit zoo is $30 and an adult ticket is $40. Open 365 days a year at 9 a.m., the zoo closes at 9 p.m. during the summer and at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. in off-peak seasons. SeaWorld San Diego (seaworld.com) provides a look at marine life through exhibits, shows and rides. At the time of publication, an adult pass is $69.99 and a child's pass is $61.99. Both give you restricted access for the rest of the year if you live in Southern California or for one week if you live out of the area. Park hours vary by day of the week and month of the year, but generally SeaWorld San Diego opens at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.
Just outside of downtown San Diego, Balboa Park (balboapark.org) features numerous museums including the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the city's natural history and art museums. Several theaters, including The Old Globe, offer professional and amateur productions. A carousel and miniature railroad are popular kids' attractions at the park. Over a dozen gardens and botanical centers are open to the public. Balboa Park offers golf, tennis, hiking, lawn bowling and other sports venues.
The city's Major League Baseball team, the Padres (padres.com), play at Petco Park in downtown San Diego. The team offers tours of Petco Park throughout the year for individuals and groups. The Chargers participate in the National Football League and play home games at Qualcomm Stadium in the Mission Valley section of the city (chargers.com). The team holds several contests throughout the preseason for free tickets and other opportunities at the stadium. The Sockers (sdsockers.com) are the local professional indoor soccer team with games from November to March. The Gulls (sandiegogullshockeyclub.com) are a minor league hockey team in the Western States Hockey League. Their season runs from September to March.
With miles of beaches, San Diego is a surfing and swimming destination for both residents and visitors. Boating and fishing excursions embark from Pacific Ocean sites and reservoirs. Torrey Pines and Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center are city-run golf courses. The city's parks and recreation department runs an aquatics program, including a variety of activities at the 4,000-acre Mission Bay Park. Hiking and camping sites are available throughout San Diego.
San Diego is close to several additional recreational opportunities. Arrive at Coronado Island after a scenic drive across the sprawling Coronado Island Bay Bridge. Beaches, golf, art galleries and a mile-long main drag are highlights of the island. The San Diego Safari Park, formerly the Wild Animal Park, is located a short drive north in Escondido (sdzsafaripark.org). Take a guided tram tour or walk the park and see animals native to Africa and Asia. LEGOLAND California is a child-oriented amusement park in nearby Carlsbad with LEGO-themed rides and attractions (legoland.com).
