September/October 2024
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less design gives animals lots of freedom and space. We were particularly entranced by the airy aviary where multiple species of birds swooped and soared above our heads. A magical sight.
Trolley Tour. Turns out four days is nowhere near long enough for what many dub America’s Finest City and others cite as the Birthplace of California. The latter moniker seems fitting as this neat little vehicle spirits us through the historic Gaslamp Quarter,
Balboa Park with its many cultural museums and into the Old Town with its authentic Mexican vibe. Trundling across the Coronado Bridge, the trolley’s effervescent driver points out sweeping views of the city on one side and naval yards on the other. Tantalising glimpses of the famous Coronado Hotel where Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemon filmed comedy classic Some Like It Hot is another tour highlight. As is the Star of India, a 19th century sailing ship built in the Isle of Man and now a maritime museum and one of America’s oldest ships still afloat. This majestic, masted sight guided us to nearby Little Italy and scrummy pizzas before a short walk back to our hotel. Our final day was devoted to yet another epic tourist attraction. San Diego Zoo is a sprawling 100-acre oasis that’s home to over 12,000 winged, furry and scaly creatures from all across the globe. A trip here is a full day experience to appreciate its sheer scale and explore its many themed zones. In fact, it is so big that the Kangaroo Bus is a prerequisite to get an overview of all the animal habitats. From the Lost Forest to the Northern Frontier, Urban Jungle to Elephant Odyssey, all the big – and small - hitters are there. Like SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo is all about conservation and education. Opened way back in 1916, its cage-
Millions of visitors come here each year, but the zoo is big enough to absorb the crowds and provide a fantastic day trip eyeballing all manner of beasties. The Skyfari cable car gives a bird’s eye view of the zoo that had us in awe of this special space.
In a separate part of the city, San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a second attraction that showcases yet more animals in an African setting. Roar and Snore overnight options are an added bonus that, sadly, we didn’t have time to experience during our swift stay.
There are many sides to San Diego, and each has offered a glimpse into the historic and cultural heart of this great city. As the final leg of a trip that also took in LA and Las Vegas, San Diego has been more than a match for its big-name neighbours. What a wonderful way to end two weeks travelling around this sunny slice of the US.
CALIFORNIA’S SAN DIEGO | 71
4 THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN SAN DIEGO THIS AUTUMN!
Cue the panda-monium! The San Diego Zoo welcomed two new giant pandas named Xin Bao and Yun Chaun, which are available to view as of August 8. This is the first time that pandas will be on display at the zoo since 2019, and it will also make the San Diego Zoo the only place in the U.S. where guests can view the loveable creatures until new bears arrive later this year. The 13th Annual “Kids Free San Diego” is returning this October with special savings and fun for the entire family. During the entire month, families with kids 12 and under can enjoy a variety of deals from complimentary attraction and museum admission to free meals to welcome amenities at area hotels. SeaWorld San Diego continues its “So Much More to Sea” 60th anniversary celebration by welcoming Humboldt Penguins back to the park after 40 years. The penguins will be on exhibit for guests to view and learn from their new habitat, Penguin Point.
Sesame Place San Diego has recently debuted the Dine with Elmo experience at the brand-new Sunny Day Café. The immersive experience allows guests to dine alongside their favorite furry friends and experience entertainment
including
dancing, and photo opportunities. More at
sandiego.org
exclusive singing,
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