{"id":7632,"date":"2019-01-21T02:17:56","date_gmt":"2019-01-21T02:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/offmetro.com\/sf\/?p=7632"},"modified":"2019-04-23T12:18:26","modified_gmt":"2019-04-23T12:18:26","slug":"cool-things-to-do-in-san-diego","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ca\/7632\/cool-things-to-do-in-san-diego\/","title":{"rendered":"Weekend Getaway: Cool Things to Do in San Diego"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even in a state enviable for a laid-back culture and countless natural and culinary assets, San Diego is a place apart. The sprawling, sun-drenched city has a\u00a0paradisiacal\u00a0feel, with a number of attractions (including zoos and beaches) that often rank among the very top in the nation. Indeed, California’s southernmost city offers so much it would be impossible to see it all in one weekend, but we’ve outlined the nuts and bolts of cool things to do in San Diego.<\/p>\n

What to do in San Diego<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1.\u00a0Take a walk on the wild side.\u00a0<\/strong>From cute koalas (the largest colony outside Australia) and lovable pandas to majestic gorillas, fascinating meerkats, and and incredible Elephant Odyssey, it’s no surprise that the\u00a0San Diego Zoo<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(2920 Zoo Drive)\u00a0is often ranked the top zoo in the nation. Giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and more roam together on an open plain at the Safari Park<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido), while lions, tigers, and other predators can be viewed from platforms.<\/p>\n

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Both parks are operated by San Diego Zoo Global, the\u00a0renowned\u00a0conservation organization that has been instrumental in saving the California condor (the rare birds have their own ridge at the Safari Park), as well as increasing the number of pandas at China’s Wolong Breeding Center. Tickets to each park cost $56 ($46 for children), but there are a number of combination passes available.
\nDirections: <\/strong>To reach the zoo, take Bus 7 to Park Boulevard and Village Place. The Safari Park, located in Escondido, can be difficult to reach via public transit so we recommended booking a tour<\/a> that includes transportation.<\/p>\n

2. Isle away the hours. <\/strong>Spend a day wandering in\u00a0Coronado<\/a><\/strong>, a breezy beach community just a scenic\u00a0ferry ride ($5.00 each way) away from downtown San Diego. Stroll\u00a0down Orange Avenue, exploring its myriad boutiques, cafes, and restaurants until you reach the historic Hotel Del Coronado, known for its famous visitors and cameos in many a Hollywood film. And don’t forget to bring your suit (or even a volleyball if you’re feeling sporty) to enjoy the fine soft sands of Coronado Beach. Set against a backdrop of Victorian homes and the\u00a0fairy-tale-esque hotel, with tide pools, gentle waves, and a pristine dog beach<\/a>, this is yet another San Diego spot that is regularly ranked as one of “the best.”
\nDirections: <\/strong>Take the San Diego-Coronado Ferry.<\/a>\u00a0Feel free to bring your bike along for free.<\/p>\n

3. Put the pedals to the metal. <\/strong>What better way to explore San Diego’s wonders than on two wheels.\u00a0There are a number of rental spots downtown and on Coronado Island. The Discover Bike Share brings bike stations to spots around downtown San Diego. For nicer wheels (road, mountain, hybrid and cruisers) and a helmet rental, try\u00a0The Bike Revolution<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(522 6th Avenue), where you can rent wheels for $25 a day. Then\u00a0cycle along the waterfront, or, for a more intense ride, head over to East San Diego, where mountain bike trails abound. Mission Trails Regional Park<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is a favorite among cyclists, boasting plenty of wilderness to be enjoyed by bikers and hikers alike.<\/p>\n

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