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Have fun and learn about the animal kingdom
at San Diego 's zoos and aquariums. The San Diego Zoo, near Quality Resort , is
known around the world for its impressive collection of animals. With over four
thousand creatures representing eight hundred different species, it's impossible
to see all the Zoo has to offer in one visit. The Zoo features some of the rarest
species in the world, such as Koalas and Giant Panda Bears. Animals roam in habitats
created to resemble their home environments as closely as possible. The Gorilla
Tropics combines natural landscaping with modern technology – CDs playing the
sounds of the gorillas' native African rain forest flow out from the 144 speakers
that surround the habitat. The Polar Bear Plunge is another one of the Zoo's simulated
environments. Here, you can watch white foxes, Siberian reindeer, and other arctic
animals dive into chilly waters. While open air trams service almost all of the
Zoo's exhibits, it's better to explore the grounds via walkways and bridges –
you can get so close to the animals that you're tempted to touch them. The
Birch Aquarium at Scripps, located close to the Hyatt Regency La Jolla , is San
Diego 's premier aquarium. The largest oceanographic exhibit in the country, the
Aquarium contains over thirty tanks filled with colorful saltwater fish and a
70,000 gallon tank that simulates the La Jolla kelp forest. Seahorses, octopuses,
hermit crabs and barnacles are just a few of the sea creatures swimming around
the Aquarium. Scripps hosts a variety of programs and exhibits geared towards
children. On Family Days, youngsters can take advantage of special activities,
like meeting Scripps scientists and hunting for fish eggs. A simulated submarine
ride is a treat that visitors young and old will enjoy. For
a taste of San Diego history, visit Old Town San Diego, near the Hilton San Diego
Resort . Old Town was where the Spanish first settled when they began populating
San Diego in 1769. Soon after California won its independence from Spain in 1821,
San Diego 's “New Town” started being built in today's downtown San Diego . Old
Town declined until the 1960s, when the city decided to restore it on the eve
of San Diego 's bicentennial. Today, Old Town celebrates San Diego 's Hispanic
heritage and has been one of the city's most popular destinations for fun and
folklore for the past thirty years. The area has been designated a State Historical
Park and features a collection of original adobe houses. Old Town 's Bazaar del
Mundo is the site of a variety of cultural events, such as the boisterous Fiesta
Cinco de Mayo. Check out the folkloric entertainment on the weekends and grab
a bite to eat at one of the Bazaar's authentic Mexican restaurants. An evening
stroll around Old Town's floral gardens and sparkling fountains is the perfect
way to end a day of San Diego sightseeing. San
Diego is one of the few cities in the world whose attractions appeal to so many
types of people. Take advantage of what the city has to offer and enjoy your time
in the sun: whether you decide to relax on the beach or explore parks and zoos,
your days in San Diego will be well spent. <<--Back |
