San Diego Itinerary
Jul 10th, 2010, 10:27 PM
#21
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You may want to consider alternating a theme park day one day and a beach day the next day, instead of trying to do Legoland, the Zoo, and then the animal park in three straight days. Use the beach days to slow down and relax in between.
Jul 11th, 2010, 11:45 AM
#22
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tchoiniere, thanks I'll keep the Cabrillo monument in mind. I'm psyched about the Padres game, can't wait!
globetrotterxyz,
Thanks, I was thinking that I usually feel like I need to take a vacation after I take a vacation and hopefully if I have a full day of relaxation, maybe I won't feel that way when I get home. So I planned to do all activities first then relax at the tail end.
globetrotterxyz,
Thanks, I was thinking that I usually feel like I need to take a vacation after I take a vacation and hopefully if I have a full day of relaxation, maybe I won't feel that way when I get home. So I planned to do all activities first then relax at the tail end.
Jul 14th, 2010, 07:52 AM
#24
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Plus, coming from Austin, a little more Ocean time is always enjoyable. I would do the tidepools in a heart beat. My kids Loooooved that when they were little. Or do the waterpark part of Legoland in place of the Wild Animal Park.
I agree with some the above posters, alternating Beach Day, activity, Beach Day , activity..etc. is the way to make everyone happy.
Tina
I agree with some the above posters, alternating Beach Day, activity, Beach Day , activity..etc. is the way to make everyone happy.
Tina
Jul 14th, 2010, 08:18 AM
#25
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Just 2 more cents--my wife and I went to both the WAP and the Zoo and thought they were both amazing. The zoo for its variety of animals and the WAP for its unique set up. We are animal lovers. If your 6 year old really likes elephants and tigers, then IMHO, you shouldn't skip the WAP. The interaction there is incomparable to any other zoo we've been to (and we've been to zoos all around the world). For animals, San Diego has everyone beat. 
Don't know if someone else suggested this, but you may want to purchase the membership (which may be discounted on the site) instead of even discounted tickets. the benefit is that the membership purchase is I believe almost entirely tax deductible, which means if you keep the receipt, you'll get about a 30% rebate come tax time.
Don't know if someone else suggested this, but you may want to purchase the membership (which may be discounted on the site) instead of even discounted tickets. the benefit is that the membership purchase is I believe almost entirely tax deductible, which means if you keep the receipt, you'll get about a 30% rebate come tax time.
Jul 14th, 2010, 07:46 PM
#27
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tinabina, not worried about the "heat" in San Diego, I come from Texas where it's been upper 90's the last few days.
What's up with the weather in San Diego though? I checked two days ago and it was low 70's. Now it's upper 80's? Maybe we'll be spending more time at the beach than originally planned.
chadnycity,
Ok, now you really got me confused I understand what the San Diego Zoo is, I've been to many different zoos. So what is the difference between the Zoo and WAP?
where it's been upper 90's the last few days.What's up with the weather in San Diego though? I checked two days ago and it was low 70's. Now it's upper 80's? Maybe we'll be spending more time at the beach than originally planned.
chadnycity,
Ok, now you really got me confused
I understand what the San Diego Zoo is, I've been to many different zoos. So what is the difference between the Zoo and WAP?
Jul 14th, 2010, 07:58 PM
#28
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I meant the Wild Animal Park. They're about 30 minutes apart by car.
The zoo is incredible and very large. It has its own bus system (which I recommend taking advantage of because the hills are steep). As with all zoos though, you can't escape the fact that the animals are confined in small spaces, even though this zoo really goes an extra mile and small isn't by far tiny here. The zoo also has the pandas, the koalas and the white rhinoceros which looks like a fake metal statue.
By contrast, the Wild Animal Park is a massive area of land with less variety but moe of a wild in India (ex. tigers) or Africa (ex. lions). There is a tiger overlook where you stand high above acres of parkland observing tigers.
The membership includes both so my wife and I went to both on the same day. You could do that too, but with a six year old, you'd have to pace yourself at the zoo particularly if it's hot. You could also go another day, though you definitely don't need a whole day for it, or just pop in to the animal park for 30 minutes to see a couple things.
Either way, sounds like you've got a great flexible plan. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time and you can always go back. We hope to soon.
The zoo is incredible and very large. It has its own bus system (which I recommend taking advantage of because the hills are steep). As with all zoos though, you can't escape the fact that the animals are confined in small spaces, even though this zoo really goes an extra mile and small isn't by far tiny here. The zoo also has the pandas, the koalas and the white rhinoceros which looks like a fake metal statue.
By contrast, the Wild Animal Park is a massive area of land with less variety but moe of a wild in India (ex. tigers) or Africa (ex. lions). There is a tiger overlook where you stand high above acres of parkland observing tigers.
The membership includes both so my wife and I went to both on the same day. You could do that too, but with a six year old, you'd have to pace yourself at the zoo particularly if it's hot. You could also go another day, though you definitely don't need a whole day for it, or just pop in to the animal park for 30 minutes to see a couple things.
Either way, sounds like you've got a great flexible plan. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time and you can always go back. We hope to soon.
Jul 14th, 2010, 08:19 PM
#29
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summer has finally arrived!
beach was around 83-85 degrees today and inland was in the 90's where the WAP is now called Safari Park.
Have fun at the Padre game..are they giving away a promo item? You can check on their website padres.com
beach will be perfect to boogie board and catch waves.
remember we have the best taco shops and Roberto's in Solana Beach (101) by Cardiff is excellent.
beach was around 83-85 degrees today and inland was in the 90's where the WAP is now called Safari Park.
Have fun at the Padre game..are they giving away a promo item? You can check on their website padres.com
beach will be perfect to boogie board and catch waves.
remember we have the best taco shops and Roberto's in Solana Beach (101) by Cardiff is excellent.
Jul 15th, 2010, 06:40 AM
#30
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ksucat,
Yes, I got a deal where the second ticket was free. Apparently they are offering this deal for all day games remaining on their schedule.
So I paid $20 including taxes for 2 tickets. Really can't beat that for an MLB game.
Got a ticket for children's free admission to Legoland with Adult admission. That's like a $57 value I believe, so I'm saving there.
Seems like everything is falling into place.
Yes, I got a deal where the second ticket was free. Apparently they are offering this deal for all day games remaining on their schedule.
So I paid $20 including taxes for 2 tickets. Really can't beat that for an MLB game.
Got a ticket for children's free admission to Legoland with Adult admission. That's like a $57 value I believe, so I'm saving there.
Seems like everything is falling into place.
Jul 15th, 2010, 07:02 AM
#31
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Awesome!
Make sure you go through the store in the Western Metals Building..you can be right on the field, talking to the outfielders and your son will love it.
Tin Fish for happy hour fish tacos and other goodies is excellent next door to Petco.
Remember when you ride the Coaster on down that you want to sit on the right going down and the left coming up the coast..oceanfront views!
If you have some surf socks to wear at Moonlight beach has some small rocks at times and it might help your son's feet.
Lots of stingrays in LJ Shores yesterday.
Sammy's Pizza across the freeway from Legoland has the messy sundae for kids that they go nuts for and the pizza is pretty good.
Did you find out if they are giving away a promo item?
Usually, Pad's are very generous on free t-shirts, hats, bobble dolls, etc.
Keep us posted!
Make sure you go through the store in the Western Metals Building..you can be right on the field, talking to the outfielders and your son will love it.
Tin Fish for happy hour fish tacos and other goodies is excellent next door to Petco.
Remember when you ride the Coaster on down that you want to sit on the right going down and the left coming up the coast..oceanfront views!
If you have some surf socks to wear at Moonlight beach has some small rocks at times and it might help your son's feet.
Lots of stingrays in LJ Shores yesterday.
Sammy's Pizza across the freeway from Legoland has the messy sundae for kids that they go nuts for and the pizza is pretty good.
Did you find out if they are giving away a promo item?
Usually, Pad's are very generous on free t-shirts, hats, bobble dolls, etc.
Keep us posted!
Jul 15th, 2010, 07:54 AM
#32
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bklovesNova,
I really wan't to discourage the Wild Animal Park...Yesterday it was 95 degrees + and it's even hotter in the park due to the black top and lack of breezes.
Part of what "chadnycity" is referring to, the natural setting and doesn't feel like a zoo...are the exact reason a 6 year old won't enjoy it.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Wild Animal Park, just not in August with a tired, hot cranky 6 year old. My kids grew up going to both the Zoo and the WAP, so I really know what I am talking about. In fact the Zoo is huge!! You could actually go 2 days to just the Zoo.
Advice for the Zoo: Go straight to the Childrens Zoo upon entering the park (head left and follow the signs). This is a fun hands on interactive petting area.
Next, go on the open air bus tour of the park. It's not too long and gives little legs a rest.
Pick out 4 or 5 animals of interest, and map their location. This will insure you get the "cool" animals, instead of just "hoof and horn mesa", which is a series of african deer type species.
Great animals for a 6 year old are the elephants, the giraffes( you can pay extra and hand feed them which is amazing and fun), the polar bears, the monkeys and the big cats.
Last foot note: don't miss the Sea lion show...perfect for kids and a interesting fun presentation.
Have Fun...
Tina
PS: There is a carousel right out front of the Zoo, that is a sweet fun experience. It cost a dollar.
I really wan't to discourage the Wild Animal Park...Yesterday it was 95 degrees + and it's even hotter in the park due to the black top and lack of breezes.
Part of what "chadnycity" is referring to, the natural setting and doesn't feel like a zoo...are the exact reason a 6 year old won't enjoy it.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Wild Animal Park, just not in August with a tired, hot cranky 6 year old. My kids grew up going to both the Zoo and the WAP, so I really know what I am talking about. In fact the Zoo is huge!! You could actually go 2 days to just the Zoo.
Advice for the Zoo: Go straight to the Childrens Zoo upon entering the park (head left and follow the signs). This is a fun hands on interactive petting area.
Next, go on the open air bus tour of the park. It's not too long and gives little legs a rest.
Pick out 4 or 5 animals of interest, and map their location. This will insure you get the "cool" animals, instead of just "hoof and horn mesa", which is a series of african deer type species.
Great animals for a 6 year old are the elephants, the giraffes( you can pay extra and hand feed them which is amazing and fun), the polar bears, the monkeys and the big cats.
Last foot note: don't miss the Sea lion show...perfect for kids and a interesting fun presentation.
Have Fun...
Tina
PS: There is a carousel right out front of the Zoo, that is a sweet fun experience. It cost a dollar.
Jul 15th, 2010, 08:03 AM
#33
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Roberto's in Solana Beach (101) by Cardiff is excellent.
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Agree- it's pretty good. Just know it's not a restaurant, more like a funky taco stand with outdoor dining. Beach attire is appropriate. Then again, if you're coming from Texas, you might be disappointed.
__________________________________________________ ____________
Agree- it's pretty good. Just know it's not a restaurant, more like a funky taco stand with outdoor dining. Beach attire is appropriate. Then again, if you're coming from Texas, you might be disappointed.
Jul 15th, 2010, 08:11 AM
#34
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One more thing to keep in mind about the Zoo. I don't how late or how long your son can go on- but they have the night time Zoo experience from 3-9 pm in the summer. You can always do relaxing beach time in the am and head there in the afternoon.
Jul 15th, 2010, 08:18 AM
#36
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As far as restaurants, thanks for the many good recommendations. However, I can't really go out of the way for a particular restaurant, not with my son. If he's hungry, we're going to whatever is convenient.
However, if I ever take a trip there sans children, I will definitely seek out the recommendations. It's just not worth it to try to drive around finding a restaurant with a cranky hungry child.
However, if I ever take a trip there sans children, I will definitely seek out the recommendations. It's just not worth it to try to drive around finding a restaurant with a cranky hungry child.
Jul 16th, 2010, 12:31 PM
#39
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Just checked and it's 95 degrees in San Diego right now, about the same as Austin. I guess we'll be spending beaucoup time at the beach. I'm sure the Pacific Ocean feels great right now.
Jul 18th, 2010, 07:54 AM
#40
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bkluvsNola--"it's 95 degrees in San Diego right now" is not a useful way to look at it. It can easily be in the 90's 10 miles inland but in the 70's within a mile or two of the coast. I think the official high temp (at the airport = near the Bay and not far from the ocean) on the 16th was 80.
