Sightseeing Ahead! Top Places to Take Visiting Relatives in San Diego

No trip to San Diego would be complete without a visit to the San Diego Zoo, and with 100 acres to explore you can make a whole day of it. Start your day at Discovery Outpost where you can visit the petting zoo and take in a bird show at the Amphitheater, from there explore the lost forest with monkeys, lions and hippo enclosures. If lunch is calling, check out Treetops Cafe. Placed among the trees, the restaurant truly has spectacular views. In the afternoon, you can choose between visiting Elephant Odyssey or Australian Outback. Then finish your day by hopping on the sky train while you get a bird's eye view of Balboa Park and San Diego while the Zoo entrance inches closer to you. Ticket prices can be pricey, but buying a yearly membership may work to be very cost effective when you visit. You enjoy the park all year round, plus you'll receive two-for-one entry coupons which your guests will love.

Fun Facts to Tell Your Guests:

• San Diego Zoo Global is the largest zoological membership association in the world representing more than a half-million people
• There's more than 3,700 animals and a mind-boggling 700,000 plants living at the San Diego Zoo
• You can watch the pandas daily on the online panda cam

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 9a.m. - 6.p.m.
Cost: $38 - $48 (kids 3 and under free)

2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-231-1515
online: zoo.sandiegozoo.org

photo: Leah Singer