If you're looking for wild times, San Diego supplies them. The world-famous San Diego Zoo is home to more than 800 animal species, many of them rare and exotic. A sister attraction, the Wild Animal Park, offers 430 species in an au naturel setting. And Shamu and his friends form a veritable chorus line at SeaWorld San Diego -- waving their flippers, waddling across an ersatz Antarctica, and blowing killer-whale kisses -- in more than a dozen shows a day.
San Diego's "Big Three" family attractions are joined by LEGOLAND California.
Now That's a Deal!
San Diego's three main animal attractions offer combo tickets that can save you some cash. Here's how it works: If you plan to visit both the zoo and the Wild Animal Park, a two-park ticket (the "Best Value" zoo package, plus Wild Animal Park admission) is $60 for adults, $43 for children 3 to 11. You get unlimited visits to each attraction, to be used within 5 days of purchase. Or throw in SeaWorld within the same 5 days, and the combo works out to $109 for adults, $89 children ages 3 to 9.
Other value options include the Southern California CityPass (tel. 707/256-0490; www.citypass.com), which covers the zoo or Wild Animal Park, plus SeaWorld, Disneyland Resorts, and Universal Studios in Los Angeles. Passes are $247 for adults, and $199 for kids age 3 to 9 (a savings of about 25%), valid for 14 days. The Go San Diego Card (tel. 800/887-9103; www.gosandiegocard.com) offers unlimited general admission to more than 35 attractions. One-day packages start at $55 for adults and $45 for children (ages 3-12). The San Diego Passport ($89 for adults, $45 for children 3-11) includes zoo admission, an Old Town Trolley city tour, Hornblower bay cruises, and more; passports are sold at the attractions themselves.
