San Diego 5-day family adventure: theme parks, zoos & more

Awesome awaits at LEGOLAND® California Resort. 1 Day LEGOLAND® Admission + SEA LIFE® included for Free.Surrounded by a full-dome virtual screen, you’ll feel like you’re flying through a world created completely from LEGO® bricks! Then spin, bounce and drop on a rainbow-filled journey on Unikitty’s Disco Drop ride. Stop by Emmet’s Super Suite apartment to meet all of your favorite THE LEGO MOVIE characters.There's the thrilling dino-themed Coastersaurus, the speedy Knight's Tournament, and a Driving School where little ones can get their first license. You'll also find a brand LEGO® NINJAGO®: Master of the 4th Dimension 4D film featuring your favorite ninja heroes, and the cutting-edge LEGO® NINJAGO®: The Ride where you'll become a part of the action.Build memories that will last a lifetime at LEGOLAND® California Resort, home to more than 60 family-friendly rides, imaginative shows, and attractions.

You’ll get to see animals run, roam, prowl, and fly around in the park’s large and open naturalistic settings. Enjoy the various wildlife with your San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets!Explore over 1,800 acres of sprawling scenery that closely mimics the animals' natural habitats. You'll discover plenty of wild and endangered creatures, and learn more about the park's breeding programs and important conservation efforts. With 13 distinct habitats and regions within the park, there’s a ton to see and do during your day with your San Diego Safari Park discount tickets.The all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley is the largest and most transformative project in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s 109-year history. The habitat is meticulously designed to foster empathy, understanding and a lasting appreciation for elephants while igniting a desire to protect them and their native habitat. Elephant Valley includes Mkutano House, a two-story restaurant featuring three distinct dining destinations — Mkutano, Ona Lounge and Tu Grill — inspired by the rich and varied culinary traditions across Africa's many regions. Elephant Valley is included with Safari Park admission.

Fifteen minutes north of downtown San Diego, Birch Aquarium nestles among the cliffs of La Jolla. Serving as the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium offers hands-on exhibits that spotlight cutting-edge ocean research and introduce guests to an incredible cast of ocean creatures.Discover the wonders of the ocean in Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery, get hands-on with tide animals at the Tide Pool Plaza, and learn so much more about the magic of the aquatic world at this immersive aquarium in San Diego.You'll see everything from sharks and lobsters to turtles while learning all about ocean science and the marine environment. There are daily feedings and sea life interactions to watch, and if you want to get hands-on, you can head to the touch pool and pet sea stars and crabs.Birch Aquarium interprets the research and discoveries of Scripps Institution of Oceanography – a world leader in marine science – so you'll be learning straight from the source.

The vessels all come with safety equipment that has been approved by the Coast Guard and use super-quiet, eco-friendly, 30-horsepower outboard motors. Boats can carry up to three passengers and come with comfortable cushioned seats.You don't need to be an experienced driver to pilot the boats either. They're controlled with a steering wheel that handles just like a car, and the throttle only has three positions.You can choose to cruise slowly like a houseboat and take in all the sights or whizz across the water.Along the way, you'll get views of the Navy Ships, the USS Midway aircraft museum, Coronado Bridge, famous Star of India, and the Seaport Village.

Get up close to koalas as well as gorillas, elephants, crocodiles and many more.As well as exploring acres of rolling greenery and habitats, you'll get the chance to take a guided bus tour of the entire zoo, hop on the Skyfari® aerial tram and walk among free-flying birds inside the aviaries.Your San Diego Zoo entry also includes wildlife presentations so check the schedule before you visit.

Sit back, relax and enjoy spectacular views of San Diego Bay. This professionally-narrated harbor boat tour takes in dozens of the city's best sights including Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, Point Loma, and Cabrillo National Monument. You'll cover 20 miles-worth of incredible landmarks and locations. As well as enjoying the sights, you'll also learn about San Diego's local history from the onboard narration and admire the area's stunning natural scenery. City Cruises' onboard staff will point out any marine animals you happen to pass by and you'll have plenty of chances to take photos along the way.

Find something for every adventure-seeker at this fun-filled park.

You'll journey through the history of flight and explore beautifully-restored aircraft and hands-on exhibits. There's a model of the Montgolfier brothers’ hot air balloon of 1783, a Spitfire Mk XVI and a 4D theatre where you can take to the skies.Learn all about the history of aviation, space flight, and get a sense of the danger and excitement involved in air combat.

Stroll around this peaceful garden in San Diego’s Balboa Park – the nation’s largest urban cultural park.The zen design of the Japanese Friendship Garden boasts traditional water and stone elements, two koi ponds, a bonsai collection, and unique attractions such as a cast bronze kannon bosatsu statue from 1735 AD. You'll enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the garden which fuses Japanese aesthetics with southern Californian characteristics.The garden was created as a gesture of friendship between the US and Japan and combines water, pastoral and mountain scenes, also known as 'San-Kei-En' - a three-tiered experience. As you explore, you'll learn about all the little landscaped details and what they represent in Japanese culture.Each calming element will bring a sense of peace and tranquility to your San Diego trip, so don't miss the chance to take some time out and enjoy this cultural sanctuary.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world at San Diego’s oldest museum! A staple in stunning Balboa Park, The Nat features regional, natural history and biodiversity of Southern and Baja California over a whopping five floors of exhibition space and more.Enjoy permanent exhibitions, exciting films in the giant-screen theater, a robust calendar of events and activities and the opportunity to see scientists at work. Discover fascinating stories about our natural world when you pay a visit to The Nat!