Things to do in San Diego

If you enjoy being outdoors, you won't run out of things to do and see in San Diego as this is one town that doesnt like to hang around indoors. World-class animal parks such as SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are the citys top three attractions. The museums, shopping in Old Town and the plethora of beaches are also big hits. The downtown Gaslamp quarter definitely warrants some exploration, as does the 1,200 acre Balboa Park, which is considered one of Americas finest public parks and the cultural heart of San Diego.

Balboa Park

San Diegos crown jewel is Balboa Park, the largest urban park in America, located right in the heart of the city. The 1,174 acre park is full of mature landscaping dating back to 1868, a host of beautiful Spanish-Moorish buildings lining El Prado and a number of diverse and impressive museums. There are eight different gardens, miles of walkways and hiking trails in Florida Canyon. Yet, Balboa is not just a park. Its also a cultural centre, with the acclaimed Globe theatres, the worlds largest outdoor organ, an IMAX domed theatre and the San Diego Zoo all situated here. The visitors centre will help you navigate this vast and amazing public space, which rivals Golden Gate Park in San Francisco and New Yorks Central Park. Free walking tours catering to a variety of interests are offered by park rangers starting at the visitors centre. Phone: +1 619 239 0512.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Both an aquarium and a museum, this beautiful facility is the public face of the world-famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The aquarium presents the marine life of the Pacific Northwest, California Coast, Mexicos Sea of Cortez and the tropical seas in more than 60 enormous and well-designed tanks. A giant kelp forest and the seahorse exhibit are highlights. There is also an outdoor demonstration tide pool which gives visitors a more realistic view into the areas marine life. Phone: +1 858 534 FISH.

Cabrillo National Monument

This elevated tip of land is the site where the first Spaniard arrived in 1542, and it offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding land. From December to March, this is the place to come and look for migrating Pacific grey whales. The restored lighthouse, built in 1855, adds a nautical feel to the park and also serves as a historical lesson on the area. Take the Bayside Trail to the lookout for even better views over the bay. Phone: +1 619 557 5450.

Maritime Museum

San Diego has a long maritime history, and if you have an interest in nautical things, you may want to check out the impressive collection of classic boats which sit moored on-site. Leading the pack is the full-rigged Star of India (1863), the worlds oldest merchant ship that still sails at sea. Other docked vessels include an 1898 steam-powered ferry from San Francisco, an 18th century Royal Navy frigate from Britain and a Cold War-era B-39 Soviet attack submarine. Visitors can board and tour each of the ships, and the museum itself is full of models and other interesting artifacts. Phone: +1 619 234 9153.

Museum of Photographic Arts

If you enjoy looking at the kind of quality photos you never seem to be able to create, then this gallery will surely impress. Over 7,000 photographic images are displayed in this museum by artists such as Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. In addition to the stunning permanent collection, the museum has a wing dedicated to travelling exhibitions. Phone: +1 619 238 7559.

Old Town

Old Town is the birthplace of San Diego and is reminiscent of the Mexican California which exited here until the mid-1800s. At the heart of it all is the Bazaar del Mundo, a vivid, intimate and fascinating collection of Mexican-flavoured shops, restaurants and cafs. Make time to spend an afternoon exploring the historic hub of San Diego and see what life was like before the Americans took over.

San Diego Wild Animal Park

North of the city lies this absolutely stunning and cutting-edge animal park which will leave you with a new concept of zoos. The 1,800 acre park is home to 3,500 animals representing 429 different species. The difference with this zoo is that most of the animals roam freely in vast enclosures, creating the most natural environment possible. At the centre of things is the five-mile Wgasa Bush Line Railway, a 60-minute monorail trip that is included in the ticket price. Another unique feature is the Photo Caravans, which take groups of eight in special trucks into open areas that are off-limits to the general public. You can even camp out at the park right next to one of the animal compounds as part of the Roar and Snore Program from April to October. Phone: +1 760 747 8702.

San Diego Zoo

More than 4,000 creatures live in this internationally celebrated zoo, which was first opened in 1916. Its also an extensive botanical garden, boasting more than 700,000 plants. As one of the four zoos in America which house giant pandas, this facility prides itself on its rare species such as tree kangaroos from New Guinea, Mongolian horses, kiwis from New Zealand and other wonders. The newly created Monkey Trails and Forest Tales is the most impressive habitat the zoo has ever attempted. Recreating a wooded forest full of endangered animals, an elevated trail through the treetops gives visitors an unequalled view of the world that lives high up in the jungle. A guided bus tour will give you a narrated overview of 75 per cent of the zoo if you dont feel like walking, or try the Skyfari, which will give you an aerial perspective of the park. Phone: +1 619 234 3153.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

This nature park north of San Diego is the only place in the world where the rare Torrey pine tree grows. These awkwardly beautiful trees are picturesque examples of natures persistence, but the 1,750 acre park has many other treasures to offer. The 300-foot high limestone cliffs provide footings for the pines, but its the overall lack of human development which makes this park so special. Migrating whales and resident dolphins add to the atmosphere. If you want to see what Southern Californias coast looked like a few hundred years ago, this is the place. Phone: +1 858 755 2063.