1. SeaWord San Diego

Home of the original Shamu, SeaWorld is one of the most unique places to visit in San Diego. The theme park is perfect for the entire family because it offers amazing exhibits, shows, rides, and even some hands on experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. Most theme parks are visited only by tourists, but SeaWorld San Diego is loved by the locals as well. Many San Diegans purchase season passes and visit the park several times a year because it has so much to see and do. Here are a few of the favorite things to do or see at SeaWorld:

• Shamu Rocks – San Diego’s best summer show turns Shamu into a rock star at night.
• Sea Lions Tonite – A hysterical night time comedy put on by both Clyde and Seamore, the sea lions.
• Journey to Atlantis – A water ride and thrill ride mixed with amazing special effects will get you in the mood to go swimming in the sea.
• Shark Encounter – An amazing underwater tunnel takes you into the world of one of the most feared animals on the planet.
• Wild Arctic – Come face to face with beluga whales, polar bears, and walruses in the ice cold arctic.
• Dolphin Encounter – The local favorite, by far, is the Dolphin Encounter where you can feed and pet the dolphins.

2. LEGOLAND California

Head up to North County San Diego on the Coaster and get off in Carlsbad, where you will find one of the world’s top rated theme parks for kids. Everything in the park is either built out of LEGO bricks or is LEGO themed. The kids will have an entire day of adventure and the parents will be in awe of how much creativity went into creating the theme park. LEGOLAND is filled with hands-on adventure, kid-friendly roller coasters, LEGO art, and more. Recently, LEGOLAND has also added on two new parks: SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park. If you plan on visiting North San Diego, here are a few stops you must make in LEGOLAND:

• LEGOLAND Water Park – Brand new and unlike anything else, the water park is perfect for kids.  Centered around a 45-foot tower aimed at soaking you, there are plenty of fun attractions for everyone. A kids’ favorite is the build-a-raft river, where you can build a custom LEGO raft using soft LEGO blocks before floating down the river.
• SEA LIFE Aquarium – A small aquarium jam-packed with educational activities, hand on exhibits, and amazing creatures.
• Miniland USA – The most impressive gallery of LEGO art is a miniature version of famous USA landmarks.
• Land of Adventure – Take a peek at what 1920’s Egypt looked like. If you enjoy the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, this will be a fun stop for you and the kids at LEGOLAND.
• Pirate Shores – Looking to shiver yer timbers? The kids will love the famous pirate themed LEGO adventure. Watch out though, you will get wet.

3. San Diego Zoo

In the heart of San Diego lays a theme park that can transport you into the Jungle. The San Diego Zoo is a must stop for anyone visiting. You can get up close with numerous exotic animals such as a cheetah, alligator, rhino, orangutan, white tiger, and more. This is your one stop shop to see some of the world’s finest and most endangered species. When you are ready to enter the Jungle, don’t miss these exhibits:

• Panda Canyon – Through amazing research and conservation, the Zoo has several giant pandas living happily in the park.
• Elephant Odyssey – Take a peek at the history of elephants and then come face-to-face with several species still alive today.
• Polar Rim – Get a good look at what animals survive in freezing temperatures, including the breathtaking polar bears.

4. San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park

The San Diego Zoo has a second park focused on wildlife conservation. They are in the process of changing the name to San Diego Zoo’s Safari, to give a better idea of what is offered. The animals at the wild animal park are let out into natural habitats and mingle with each other in wide open spaces. There are several ways you can get up close and personal at the wild animal park.

• Journey into Africa Tour – A 2.5-mile, 25-minute tour that gets you eye to eye with the animals.
• Lion Camp – A favorite attraction amongst locals gets you nose-to-nose with the king of the jungle.
• Photo Caravan – Hop on a truck and ride directly into the exhibits, feeding Giraffes and Rhinos and getting close and personal with hundreds of African and Asian animals. (Reservations required)
• Flightline – Getting a unique view by taking a zip line tour over the top of the safari.

5. Belmont Park

If you are hanging out near Mission Beach and want a little extra excitement in your afternoon, head over to the historic Belmont Park. The park has been a highlight of San Diego since 1925, and is still operating two of their original attractions. The Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the Mission Beach Plunge are both celebrating their 85th anniversary. There is something for everyone at Belmont Park, and you are sure to have a great day hanging out by the beach.

• Wavehouse – Test your surfing abilities on two man-made waves. The Wavehouse offers both the FlowRider and FlowBarrel machines.
• Giant Dipper Roller Coaster – If you are looking for a thrill, jump on board the wooden coaster that dates back to 1925.
• Glow in the dark Miniature Golf – A pirate themed, glow in the dark miniature golf course is a lot of fun for the entire family.
• Lazer Maze Challenge – Test your “mission impossible” skills by weaving through a room of lasers. Get through as quickly as possible without hitting a laser, and hope to reach the top scores.