In Two Days

Your second full-day tour starts with a famous San Diego theme park, but you'll need to choose which one: SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo. You could spend the entire day at one of those places, but if you need a change of scenery halfway through the afternoon, spend a few active hours at the public aquatic park, Mission Bay, or on the Mission Beach boardwalk. If you have no desire to exercise, chill out on the beach and embrace a lazy afternoon under the sun.

1. A Theme Park: SeaWorld or San Diego Zoo

You'll get a dose of animals at both places, but do yourself a favor and choose either SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo; don't try to do both in 1 day. Get there when the gates open to maximize your touring time, and spend a little more than half of the day exploring. Plan to leave by early afternoon for a late lunch.

At SeaWorld, Shamu may be the star, but there's a whole lot more to see and do here. You'll find Journey to Atlantis (a rollercoaster), Shipwreck Rapids (a splashy river ride), lovable penguins at the Penguin Encounter, R. L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse (a "4-D" interactive movie experience), and animal shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, otters, house pets, and, of course, a certain killer whale.

More than 4,000 creatures reside at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, known not only for its giant pandas, gorillas, and tigers housed in naturalistic environments, but also for its successful animal preservation efforts. The Children's Zoo petting area is perfect for little ones (and any adult who loves animals).

2. A Post-Theme-Park Break

If you're coming from SeaWorld and you don't mind a little irony, try the fresh-off-the-boat seafood at The Fishery, 5040 Cass St. (tel. 858/272-9985) -- a casual Pacific Beach fish market. If you spent the morning at the San Diego Zoo, pick up a gourmet taco at colorful Mamá Testa, 1417 A University Ave. (tel. 619/298-8226), a local favorite.

3. Mission Bay Park & Mission Beach

Outfitters like Mission Bay Sportcenter and Mission Beach Surf & Skate rent recreational gear (bikes, in-line skates, kayaks, catamarans) to better make your way around Mission Bay Park, an aquatic playground brimming with locals exercising alfresco. You can also have fun on two wheels on the Mission Beach boardwalk, which hugs the wide swath of sandy beach. If exercise is the last thing on your mind, grab a blanket, plop down on the sand, catch some rays, and ponder the volleyball players' sun-tanned muscles.