Things To Do

Balboa Park

The Botanical Building is a unique conservatory in Balboa Park, known as the only greenhouse in the world built with no glass. Created for the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition and made entirely from wood lath, the Botanical Building is one of the largest lath structures known to man. Housing more than 2,100 permanent plants, including fascinating collections of ferns, orchids, cycads, palms, and other tropical plants, the Botanical Building also presents some sensational seasonal flower displays. The Building provides a special kids' area that features a “Carnivorous Plant Bog” with snapping Venus Fly Traps and gooey Pitcher Plants, and “Touch and Smell Gardens” with a variety of aromatic plants such as lemon mint. The scene of the Botanical Building with the Lily Pond and Lagoon (constructed alongside the building for the Exposition) is one of the most photographed in Balboa Park.

Cabrillo National Monument

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing at San Diego Bay in 1542. Designated as a Historical Landmark that marked the first footsteps of a European (Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo) on American soil, the park is also home to a wealth of pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, and beautiful tidal pools. Resting at the highest point in the park with magnificent panoramic views is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been an icon in San Diego for 160 years. The old lighthouse, rebuilt to a lower elevation in 1891, now celebrates the history of the area as an inspiring museum. Just to the west of Point Loma lies a beautiful rocky intertidal zone, which offers visitors a window into the diverse and fascinating ocean ecosystem nestled along this coast. Vast numbers of pools form along the shore during low tide and teem with a myriad of sea creatures from flowery sea anemones to spongy corals and slinking octopi.

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo, one of the city’s most popular attractions, pioneered the concept of open-air, cageless exhibits that re-create natural habitats akin to those in the wild. Located in Balboa Park, the zoo houses over 3,700 animals of more than 650 species. It features a new and unique exhibit, the ‘Koalafornia Adventure’, providing visitors with an unforgettable Australian experience. There are a variety of ways to experience the zoo aside from walking. Visitors can explore the zoo on a guided bus tour covering around 75% of the park, or they can see the zoo from the air on the exclusive overhead gondola lift called the Skyfari. Exhibits and displays are designed according to a particular habitat and contain both fauna and flora that live in a given habitat or terrain

USS Midway Museum

Step back in time and honor those that fought and fell for their country as you explore the legendary USS Midway aircraft carrier at the USS Midway Museum. Docked at the Navy Pier on North Harbor Drive, this immense floating city was one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers, carrying more than 225,000 Midway sailors. Spend the day discovering life at sea on a huge ship with more than 60 exhibits documenting the history of the vessel and the important role it played in various wars. Browse the awe-inspiring collection of 29 beautifully restored aircraft resting on the flight deck of the ship, take a fascinating audiotour narrated by Midway sailors and relive life on the craft as it was when in use.