San Diego Culture & history

*****KIDS FREE ALL OCTOBER LONG****** Take a self-guided audio tour onboard the world’s longest-serving aircraft carrier, the historic USS Midway. See the carrier’s 25 restored aircraft from the days of WWII to Operation Desert Storm. Visit areas throughout the Midway, from the crew's sleeping quarters to the pilots' ready rooms. Docents are available throughout the carrier and are eager to share their stories, anecdotes, and statistics, creating a picture of just how important the USS Midway was to the U.S. Navy. Most guests spend 3 to 4 hours exploring this historic aircraft carrier and learning its history. The included audio guide, available in 6 languages, will help you explore the dozens of highlighted areas across the massive ship.  There are family-oriented activities throughout the Museum. Included are 3 types of flight simulators, music videos, short films, climb-aboard aircraft and cockpits, and more. The Museum is located at the Navy Pier in downtown San Diego.

Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, home to over 4,500 rare and endangered animals, and experience their worlds at the Polar Bear Plunge, Elephant Odyssey, and other areas. The 100-acre San Diego Zoo is known for its naturalistic habitats and unique animal encounters. An urban paradise for all ages, the San Diego Zoo is a must-see in Southern California. Winding paths through the tropical oasis of a botanical garden bring you to the zoo‘s rare and fascinating animals, including koalas, Galápagos tortoises, tigers, eagles, flamingos, great apes, and more. Other exotic animals you may encounter include Sichuan takins, Buerger’s tree-kangaroos, arctic foxes, pangolin, and Visayan warty pigs. Explore Africa Rocks to discover penguins, baboons, the mysterious fossa, weaver birds, and other unique creatures. The festive, lively atmosphere makes the San Diego Zoo a great place for family fun and gathering friends. Discover the wonders of wildlife with animal encounters, interactive experiences, and exciting animal presentations and shows. The Zoo’s 17 Galápagos tortoises are now at home at the Fetter Family Galápagos Tortoise Exhibit. When keepers are present, you can pet and occasionally feed the tortoises over a short rock barrier. At the Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge, you can get closer to polar bears than ever before. Climb aboard an Arctic research helicopter, crawl into a bear den, or measure yourself against the size of a polar bear. The Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey is a 7.5-acre habitat and a first-of-its-kind experience. This area combines the fun of a zoo with the experience of a museum by creating an untamed landscape of animals from the past and present. A leader in animal care and conservation, the San Diego Zoo is at the heart of the San Diego experience.

See San Diego's best sights. Learn about the city and enjoy a cruise on the bay. Depending on the option booked, this tour takes you under the Coronado Bridge, past military ships, waterfront landmarks, and marine life for a look at San Diego's scenic beauty and fascinating history. This tour’s luxury ships offer three levels with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, 360-degree views, and an on-board snack bar serving snacks, soda, beer, wine and cocktails (available for purchase). This is a great way to experience San Diego from the water.

Take a lesson before the tour begins and grab all the necessary kayak equipment. The tour takes place in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. There are 3 different habitats in the reserve, and on your tour you will have the chance paddle to all three - the rocky reefs, sandy flats, and kelp beds. Paddle to the seven caves of La Jolla and go into the Clam’s cave, which is the largest cave on the tour. See the local marine life on the tour including sea lions, harbor seals, Garibaldi, leopard sharks, and the occasional dolphin.

Embark on a thrilling adventure on the San Diego bay as you zip and zoom past military ships, along the downtown skyline, and under the iconic Coronado Bridge. With rock music pumping, feel the wind and the refreshing spray of the San Diego bay as the Patriot carves 360-degree turns and reaches speeds upwards of 50 miles per hour. There's no experience like it. Enjoy gorgeous views on a 30-minute tour on an open-air jet boat. No two Patriot trips are the same, but this is not just a random joy ride through the bay. You will be taken past San Diego's most beautiful waterfront sights including: USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, North Island Naval Air Station, Coronado Bridge, Star of India and the iconic ships of the Maritime Museum, as well as the San Diego skyline. You may get wet, but ponchos are provided.

Splash into San Diego Bay with an insightful tour across land and water on this unique sightseeing adventure. Take a seat aboard a hybrid bus and boat and take in many of the most interesting sights in the city on this 100 minute tour. Wind through picturesque San Diego streets before splashing into the water for a cruise of San Diego Bay. Learn about San Diego's main landmarks from your guide. Pass the Embarcadero and San Diego International Airport. Hear about the importance of the military in San Diego and other local icons as you travel along the scenic coast. See the Aircraft Carrier USS Midway, the old schooner "Star of India" and the old Police Headquarters Once you splash into the Big Bay, glide by Navy ships, tugboats, and fishing vessels throughout the harbor. Pass by Shelter Island and listen to stories of early sailors. Take in the wildlife - most notably the seals which hang out in the harbor.

See the sights of San Diego Bay on a fully-narrated cruise. Pass by the U.S.S Midway, the Rady Shell, Coronado Bay Bridge, Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, Point Loma, and Cabrillo National Monument, among other notable points of interest, while taking in beautiful skyline views. Cruise past historic ships in the Maritime Museum, Harbor Island, North Island Naval Air Station, and Shelter Island. Additional sightings include the Coronado Bridge, the U.S.S. Midway Aircraft Carrier, the U.S. Navy Surface Fleet, and the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. As you sail, keep a lookout for wildlife such as blue herons, sea lions, and pelicans Listen as your professional crew provides commentary about the rich local and military history, points of interest, and facts about San Diego Bay.

Enjoy a dolphin and whale-watching sunset cruise in San Diego. Marvel at the stunning sunset while across cruising the waves, creating the perfect setting for a romantic escape or a fun-filled family adventure. March - November trips are 2.5-3 hours long and December - February trips are 2 - 2.5 hours long. Experience the beauty of San Diego’s marine life, stunning views, and the diverse animals that inhabit our waters all year round. Enjoy live commentary from your onboard naturalist guide and learn more about the species that you can spot. Witness the whales breach the water, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Keep a look out for the playful pods of dolphins leaping from the water as they frolic freely in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for other marine life and species of sea birds. As the tour comes to an end, enjoy the spectacle of a serene San Diego sunset on the horizon, before heading back to the shore.

Paddle to the sea caves of La Jolla and snorkel amidst the surrounding Ecological Reserve. Get up close and personal with the Garibaldi, Leopard sharks, rays, and other unique local creatures. Explore La Jolla's pristine underwater Ecological Reserve during the calm water months of summer. Snorkel in two unique habitats, the rocky reef between Goldfish Point and Emerald Cove, and the sandy flats outside of the Marine Room. Along the reef and caves, you'll likely see Garibaldi, sheepshead, blue moon, and other indigenous fish. Sea lions, Brandt's cormorants, and brown pelicans also frequent this habitat. Harmless leopard sharks, bat rays, and shovel-nosed guitar fish inhabit the sandy flats on the south end of La Jolla Shores. Snorkel in these shallow waters teeming with life throughout the warm water months. All snorkeling equipment and wetsuit (which can be kept for the remainder of the day after the tour) is included.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an adventurer’s paradise in Southern California, spanning 1,800 acres and home to over 3,000 animals from 375 species in open field enclosures. Embark on thrilling tours and create family memories while supporting global species conservation in over 35 countries. Welcome to Sumatra, a land of volcanoes, rainforests, and biodiversity, home to the critically endangered Sumatran tiger, orangutans, rhinos, and elephants. The Tiger Trail offers insights into these majestic creatures' lives and challenges. Lion Camp - Get nose to nose with our African lion pride. Kids can see lions up close as they approach the glass. Heart of Africa - Explore winding trails through African forests and savannas to a serene lake, with a stop at Jamison Research Island. Elephant Overlook - An elevated walkway offers a closer look at our Elephant Cam stars, including young ones born here. Hidden Jungle - Enter a tropical greenhouse with exotic birds, insects, and plants, home to the annual Butterfly Jungle event. Wings of the World Aviary - This free-flight aviary mimics natural habitats for over 140 birds from 40 species. Condor Ridge - Follow trails of North American habitats to see bighorn sheep and learn about California condors' conservation. Other activities included in your admission: Elephant Enrichment - Watch our elephant herd enjoy morning treats. Discovery Station - A kid-friendly area with musical instruments, puppets, books, crafts, and wildlife toys for animal-themed fun. Savanna Cool Zone - Walk through palm trees with a gentle mist and water-spouting critters. Jameson Research Island Interpretive Center. Africa Tram Safari - Guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. daily, offering a relaxing adventure with diverse animal collections. Lorikeet Landing - Watch colorful lorikeets swoop for nectar. Entrance is free; food is available for purchase to feed them by hand. Petting Kraal - Touch gentle deer and antelope. Have you “herd”? with Robert the Zebra - A digital zebra on a large screen interacts with visitors, sharing zebra insights and humor. Frequent Flyers® Bird Show - Witness the East African crowned crane in flight and other birds from around the world. Animal Encounters - Face-to-face contact with animal ambassadors like cheetahs, alligators, and servals, with interaction opportunities with trainers. Cheetah Tales - Meet cheetah ambassadors in Heart of Africa. Note: Schedules may vary or be canceled due to weather or animal health needs.