Belmont Park
- Description
Unlimited ride wristband at San Diego's only beachfront amusement center,
the home of the historic Giant Dipper rollercoaster. Belmont Park was once
abandoned but has been reborn as a shopping, dining, and entertainment center
in the tradition of old-time family fun. Originally built in 1925, the Giant
Dipper is on the National Register of Historic Places but still delights riders
with more than 2,500 feet of track and thirteen heart-pounding hills. Other
favorite rides include Chaos, a random three-dimensional rocking, rolling,
and rotating motion; Vertical Plunge, which drops riders three stories to
the ground; the new twist on bumper cars, Krazy Kars; the classic Tilt-A-Whirl;
and the Liberty Carousel, an antique reproduction from the golden age of amusement
parks.
- Hours
Offer valid from 11:00 am (opening)-5:30 pm. Operating hours vary by season.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Description
Discover a stunning variety of Pacific marine life in more than 60 habitats.
Enter the world of sharks, seahorses, living coral reefs, and more and dive
into oceanographic exhibitions that showcase the mysteries of ocean, air,
and life through interactive displays and multimedia. Touch tidepool creatures
in living tidepools on a plaza overlooking La Jolla and the Pacific Ocean.
Birch Aquarium is the public exploration center for world-renowned Scripps
Institution of Oceanography. For more than a century the aquarium-museum has
delighted San Diego's residents and visitors with the wonders of the ocean.
Enjoy delicious sandwich and salad creations, beverages and snacks at Splash
Cafe. Choose from a unique selection of marine-themed clothing, souvenirs
and books in the book and gift shop.
- Hours
Daily, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Boomers! San Diego
- Description
Enjoy full day access with the unlimited ride wristband and indulge in the
remaining popular park amenities. Board one of the Bumper Boats for a little
adventure cruise. Each boat is equipped with it's own water cannon perfect
for launching water attacks. Soak someone you love, but watch out-you could
be next. How about a hi-tech game of Lazer-Tag? Or enjoy the Kid's County
Fair, a miniature theme park, perfect for the little ones to enjoy rides and
attractions built just for them!
- Hours
Monday-Thursday, 11:00 am-9:00 pm (Rides open at 12:00 pm);
Friday, 11:00 am-10:00 pm (Rides open at 12:00 pm);
Saturday, 10:00 am-10:00 pm;
Sunday, 10:00 am-9:00 pm
Chinese Historical Museum
- Description
Uncover a hidden piece of local history at the San Diego Chinese Historical
Museum in downtown San Diego. Situated in a district that was once home to
a small but lively Chinatown, the museum is a testament to the experience
of Chinese American settlers in San Diego and a tribute to Chinese culture
and history at large. Within a historic mission building that served as the
first church and school for Chinese immigrants to San Diego, visitors find
a collection of historical photographs, artifacts, furniture, and art. The
museum also includes a tranquil Chinese garden and a brand new extension building
that displays ongoing exhibits of Chinese art and cultural objects. Outside
the museum, wander the neighborhood that was once inhabited by Chinese immigrants
and bustling with Chinese markets while observing lingering remnants of their
influence.
- Hours
Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 am-4:00 pm;
Sunday, noon-4:00 pm
Chula Vista Nature Center
- Description
The Chula Vista Nature Center is a zooquarium that focuses on the importance
of coastal resource conservation. On exhibit are native species of fishes,
birds and reptiles. Come enjoy the new Wergeland Family Discovery Center,
which features green sea turtles and rainbow trout, as well as many other
animals. Guided nature walks are held on weekends and some weekdays. Call
for times and reservations.
- Hours
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Coronado Ferry
- Description
Includes round trip Ferry ticket! Take a leisurely ride to the 'island' of
Coronado on a scenic, nostalgic ferry ride that's miles away from everyday
life. The ferry leaves downtown San Diego at the Broadway Pier and drops you
off at Coronado's first class shopping village, Ferry Landing Marketplace.
Rent a bike or inline skates here and take advantage of Coronado's broad avenues
and beachfront trails. The Marketplace's thirty boutiques recall the gingerbread
architecture of the iconic Hotel del Coronado just a mile southeast. Departs
Broadway Pier daily hour on the hour from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Departs Coronado
daily on the half hour from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm.
- Hours
Departing every hour on the hour from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Discovery Science Center
- Description
Imaginations turn, twist, and fly through 120 exciting hands-on science exhibits
at Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. Recognized by its landmark 10-story
solar cube, the Center features two floors of exciting areas to explore, including
Dynamic Earth, Techno Arts, Discovery Stadium, and Quake Zone. Guests can
play a game of Virtual Volleyball, make music on a Laser Beam Harp, climb
a Rock Wall, watch an indoor Geyser erupt, ride out an earthquake in the Shake
Shack, participate in fun science experiments, and more. Visitors will also
enjoy annual events including BubbleFest in April and Spooky Science in October.
Dino Quest, an exhibit including life-size dinosaurs, an online Dinosaur game
and an Argentinosaurus guests can walk through is the newest permanent exhibit!
The Science of Hockey, a new permanent $2.5 Million dollar exhibit opens Spring
2009.
- Hours
Daily, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Firehouse Museum
- Description
The Pioneer Hook & Ladder Firehouse Museum, in downtown San Diego's 'Little
Italy,' proudly displays over 150 years of firefighting history from around
the world. In San Diego City's old Fire Station 6 (built in 1906), visitors
are surrounded by firefighting equipment, memorabilia, and photographs spanning
generations of the fire service. Learn what it took to save lives and property
and how the fire service has evolved while maintaining many of the same traditions.
Feel the anticipation of the next alarm and learn about the equipment and
events that have transformed ordinary men and women into heroes.
- Hours
Thursday and Friday 10:00 am-2:00 pm;
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Flagship Cruises - North or South Bay Tour
- Description
Enjoy the best sightseeing on the bay with San Diegos longest running
harbor cruise company. Choose either a 1 or 2 hour professionally narrated
tour of San Diego Bay. Tours run daily, year round. Comfortable indoor
and outdoor seating is available. Snacks, beer, wine and sodas are available
for purchase. No reservations required.
- Hours
No reservations required. Choose North Bay: 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:30*
pm (*summer only); or South Bay: 11:15 am, 1:45 pm, 4:15 pm
Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour
- Description
The Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour highlights many of the best Victorian style
commercial buildings constucted in San Diego between the Civil War and WWI,
and focuses on the colorful aspects of the history, including the marketing
secrets of the naughty ladies of the 'Stingaree' and the haunts of legendary
Wyatt Earp.
- Hours
Saturdays, 11:00 am
GoCar Tours San Diego
- Description
Included half hour (30 minute) navigational tour with the Go San Diego Card.
(2 Go Card customers required per GoCar). GoCar is the first-ever GPS-guided
tour car that launched in San Francisco in April 2004. Today, it's the most
exhilarating, entertaining and enlightening way to tour San Diego. GoCar is
the world's first computer-guided storytelling car. The clever talking car
navigates for you, but that's not all. As you drive, it points out the sights
and tells you the stories that bring San Diego to life. You go at your own
pace, not the pace set by a tour bus operator. As you go, you're choosing
the attractions you want to stop and see. You can make it a leisurely day
trip if you'd rather, stopping to explore attractions or museums along the
way. It's totally your choice. If you're having the time of your life, keep
exploring! It's a fantastic city and there is plenty to see.
- Hours
Daily, 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Gray Line City Tour
- Description
Let the local experts take you to San Diego’s most exciting and historic
sites. On this popular Downtown San Diego tour, you’ll ride through downtown's
vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, once home to Wyatt Earp … travel along the harbor
with wonderful views of the stalwart USS Midway ... adventure over the Coronado
Bridge to Coronado Island and see its beautiful beaches, charming streets,
and National Historic Landmark Hotel del Coronado … drive through Balboa
Park, home to the first World’s Fair … and spend some time in La
Jolla, known as the Jewel of the Pacific. The tour would not be complete without
a relaxing experience in colorful Old Town, sometimes called the “Jamestown
of the Pacific.”
- Hours
Daily morning departures. Tour lasts 4 hours.
Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour
- Description
Step behind the scenes of 'The Movie Capital of the World.' Discover the dazzling
landmarks that reveal the secrets of Hollywood's galaxy of stars and the historic
glamour that lives on today. Only Red Line Tours has exclusive access to take
you inside Hollywood's historic treasures. Go inside Disney's El Capitan and
Grauman's Egyptian theaters, restored historic movie palaces that still host
world premieres. Discover where the stars received their first and the latest
Oscars at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Kodak Theatre. Stand in the
footprints of Hollywood at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Learn the stories behind
the city's symbols-the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood sign and Babylon Court.
Go inside the Stella Adler Acting Academy, where actors such as Warren Beatty,
Melanie Griffith and Benicio Del Toro trained, and see the original speakeasy
where Hollywood drank during Prohibition.
- Hours
Daily 10:00 am, 12:00 pm 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm
Hollywood Museum
- Description
See 10,000 Real Showbiz Treasures! See Rocky's boxing gloves, Marilyn Monroe's
dresses, Hannibal Lecter's jail cell from Silence of the Lambs, Elvis' favorite
bathrobe, Indiana Jones' whip, Boris Karloff's mummy, Cary Grant's Rolls-Royce,
Paris Hilton's party dresses, Tom Cruise's eyeball-switcher from Minority
Report (and the eyeballs), Nicole Kidman's' sexy outfits and swing from Moulin
Rouge! See Lucy, Judy, Kate and all of the greats. Plus treasures from Gone
with the Wind, I Love Lucy, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek, Jaws & more.
Screen stars celebrated at the Hollywood Museum include Elvis, Marilyn Monroe,
Rudolf Valentino, Mary Pickford, W. C. Fields, Joan Crawford, Lucille Ball,
Tom Cruise, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Judy Garland, Leonardo
DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, George Clooney See where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde
and Lucille Ball a redhead in Max Factor's famous make up rooms! Visit the
largest collection of costumes, props, posters and photographs Hollywood has
to offer.
- Hours
Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Hotel del Coronado Walking Tour
- Description
"The Del's" visionary founders-Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story-dreamed
of building a seaside resort that would be 'the talk of the Western world.'
Since then, the resort has become a living legend, visited by celebrities,
dignitaries and U.S. presidents. In fact, publisher Rand McNally recognized
the Hotel del Coronado for enjoying 'more fame and historical significance
than perhaps any hotel in North America.' The Coronado Historical Association
leads this walking tour of one of America’s most beautiful beach resorts.
- Hours
Tours run every Tuesday at 10:30 am
Ice Town La Jolla
- Description
Skip the line! Ice Town offers Ice Skating for the entire family. Rental skates
are available for children ages 2 and over and adults up to size 15. Ice Town
is conveniently located inside the UTC mall food court. Bring the family or
your friends, and enjoy a day of shopping in the outdoor mall, as well as
ice skating in beautiful La Jolla! This is a truly unique attraction in the
San Diego area
Japanese Friendship Garden, San-Kei-En
- Description
As with many of Balboa Park's most distinctive features, the Japanese Friendship
Garden traces its origins to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. A Japanese
Tea Pavilion was built for the expo, and strong community interest kept it
open for thirty years after the fair ended. In 1950 San Diego and Yokohama,
Japan, became sister cities and this formal Japanese garden was constructed
to symbolize the cities' shared ideals. The Zen design incorporates elements
such as a traditional sand and stone garden, a koi pond with a central island
shaped like a turtle to symbolize longevity, and a shishiodoshi-a bamboo pipe
that fills with water until, like a see-saw, it tips and strikes the rock
below, creating a noise that is meant to scare away evil spirits.
- Hours
Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 am-4:00 pm, extended hours Memorial Day-Labor Day
Knotts Berry Farm
- Description
With over 165 world-class rides, live shows and wild attractions, there's
more for everyone at Knott's. Take on Silver Bullet, the biggest, baddest
suspended coaster in the West. Hang out with Peanuts gang at Camp Snoopy.
Or take a ride on the wild side on Sierra Sidewinder, Knott's new spinning
coaster.
Knotts Soak City Waterpark
- Description
Knott's Soak City is San Diego County's largest water adventure park. It is
33 acres of the most intense water rides and attractions imaginable! Pacific
Spin, the park's newest attraction, includes a 132-foot long tunnel that drops
riders 75 feet into a six-story funnel! Soak City guests can catch a wave
in the 500,000-gallon Balboa Bay wave pool; brave one of Imperial Run's three
80-foot-high vertical chutes or relax in the Sunset River. Everyone can join
in the excitement of the Coronado Express group raft ride and little surfers
can have their day in Gremmie Lagoon. Open daily Memorial Day through Labor
Day and weekends in September.
- Hours
Daily, May-September, weekends through September;
September 8-23, Weekends Only, 10:00 am-6:00 pm;
Some days open until 7:00 pm
La Jolla kayaking, biking or snorkeling
- Description
With valid Go San Diego Cards, you have your choice of either a one-hour bike
rental, a full day snorkeling gear rental package (mask, snorkel, fins) OR
a two-hour tandem kayak rental (two person minimum for kayak rental offer).
One complimentary offer can be used per day, per valid Go San Diego Card holder.
- Hours
Daily, 8:00 amsunset. Off-season and Winter hours vary. Subject to inclement
weather and ocean conditions.
LEGOLAND California
- Description
LEGOLAND California's new Land of Adventure is bringing out the adventurer
in everyone! Explore the Park's four thrilling new ancient Egyptian-themed
attractions, including its first-ever dark ride - Lost Kingdom Adventure.
LEGOLAND California is an interactive theme park dedicated to families with
children 2 to 12 and featuring more than 50 exciting rides, shows and attractions.
And be sure to visit the new SEA LIFE Aquarium right next door to LEGOLAND.
Experience a magical underwater journey filled with seahorses, stingrays and
sharks. Displaying more than 70 LEGO models, SEA LIFE Aquarium blends the
excitement of LEGOLAND California with the thrill of being face-to-face with
captivating sea creatures. Located in Carlsbad, 30 minutes north of San Diego,
and one hour south of Anaheim. Note: Limit one visit per life of the card
- Hours
Daily, Memorial Day-Labor Day and on specific holidays;
Remainder of the year: Thursdays-Mondays
Mingei International Museum
- Description
Mingei International Museum is recognized as a place of enlightenment where
art speaks eloquently of the similarities and distinctions of individuals
and cultures. Dynamic, changing exhibitions feature timeless art of the people
from all cultures of the world-historical and contemporary folk art, craft
and design. Significantly represented in Mingei International's 18,000-object
collection from 140 countries are objects of use from from India, Japan, Indonesia,
Mexico and China. There is a large collection representing the continent of
Africa, more than 230 pre-Columbian objects with marine animal design motifs,
a variety of dolls and toys and a significant collection of contemporary American
craft. Also visit Mingei International's Museum - in Escondido, located at
155 West Grand Avenue.
- Hours
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Miramar Speed Circuit
- Description
Enjoy the included daytime race ride plus a free headsock! Miramar Speed Circuit
offers guests an impressive 1/4 mile technical road course. No expense has
been spared in creating one of the finest indoor kart tracks in the United
States. Asphalt is the optimum medium for racing as it allows the tires to
grip the track and prevents sliding, so racers need to brake less often. The
karts, which can travel up to 40 miles per hour, are made by SODI and are
equipped with Honda 6.5BHP engines. Karts have ROC Timing, which electronically
clocks each kart as it rounds the track to give detailed information for each
lap completed.
- Hours
Monday-Friday, 11:00 am-5:30 pm. Offer not valid on weekends. Please note:
Miramar Speed Circuit may be open later in the evening, but the Go San Diego
Card is only valid until 5:30 pm
Museum of Contemporary Art - Downtown
- Description
The recently expanded Museum, in the heart of downtown San Diego, features
the new Joan and Irwin Jacobs Building and David C. Copley Building. It is
located on Kettner Boulevard between Broadway and B Street. The downtown museum
features a number of permanent commissions by artists such as Richard Serra
and Jenny Holzer, large, light-filled gallery spaces in the renovated historic
Santa Fe Depot baggage building, a lecture hall, and much more. MCASD presents
a rapidly changing program of temporary exhibitions as well as evening programs
including the popular TNT (Thursday Night Thing), the first Thursday of the
month.
- Hours
Thursday-Tuesday, 11:00 am-5:00 pm;
Third Thursday of the Month, 11:00 am-7:00 pm
Museum of Contemporary Art - La Jolla
- Description
Located on a site overlooking the Pacific Ocean, MCASD has been a landmark
in La Jolla since it was established in 1941. Designed in 1916 by Irving Gill
and originally the home of celebrated philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps,
the 60,000 square-foot Museum boasts breathtaking coastal views. A renovation
and expansion by Venturi, Scott Brown, and Associates was completed in 1996.
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is the region's foremost forum devoted
to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time. Through exhibitions,
film and video screenings, lectures, multimedia performances, and educational
programs for visitors of all ages, MCASD reflects the complexity and diversity
of contemporary creative expression. The Museum's collection of over 4,000
works of art includes paintings, sculpture, drawings, photographs, videos,
and multimedia works, spanning everything from pop art and minimalist to post-modern
architecture and Latin American art. Visit the outdoor garden gallery where
kids can interact with the artwork in a park-like setting, grab lunch in the
Museum Cafe, and don't forget to stop by the Museum Store for artful housewares,
books, jewelry and more.
- Hours
Thursday-Tuesday, 11:00 am-5:00 pm;
Third Thursday of the Month, 11:00 am-7:00 pm
Museum of History and Art, Cornado Historical Association
- Description
The Museum of History and Art is located in Coronado's historic Bank of Commerce
and Trust Building, designed in 1910. Two permanent galleries highlight Coronado's
settlers, the role of the U.S. Navy in the development of the town, the landmark
Hotel del Coronado, and the Tent City summer resort. The third gallery hosts
a quarterly rotation of traveling and special exhibits connected to Coronado's
history, art and architecture. The Coronado Historical Association encourages
and promotes the appreciation, knowledge and understanding of Coronado's unique
art, architecture and history.
- Hours
Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm;
Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Museum of Making Music
- Description
The Museum of Making Music presents an interactive journey through a century
of musical instrument innovations that helped shape American popular music-from
the invention of the player piano and development of ragtime music in the
1890s to the expressive versatility of modern digital instruments and exploration
of new wave music of the 1980s. The museum displays over 500 vintage instruments,
offers hundreds of audio and video examples at the touch of a button, and
features a unique interactive area where visitors can play on over a dozen
instruments including electric drums, a digital piano, a Theremin, electric
guitars, and more. By combining the sounds and images of popular music with
the progression of instrument design and development, visitors can see, hear,
and interact with a century of musical history.
- Hours
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Museum of Photographic Arts
- Description
One of the few institutions in the country devoted to photography, the Museum
of Photographic Arts (MoPA) houses more than 9,000 images representing the
entire history of the medium, its aesthetic movements, and technological advancements.
Since its founding in 1983, MoPA has been devoted to collecting, conserving,
and exhibiting the entire spectrum of the photographic medium. The museum's
endeavors consistently address cultural, historical and social issues through
exhibitions and public programs. Visitors can see works from the entire history
of the medium-daguerreotypes and albumen prints from the 19th century, pictorialism
to modernism and contemporary works, and photojournalism by renowned photographers
working today. MoPA also presents film from the history of the medium in its
state-of-the-art theater.
- Hours
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm (Thursdays until 9:00 pm; seasonal)
Children's Museum
- Description
The New Children's Museum provides a dynamic, playful public space and community
center for children and families. The Museum experience features innovative,
provocative artworks that kids can touch, climb, or move; hands-on art making
opportunities; and a variety of arts-based classes and workshops. Rounded
out with an organic cafe, unique retail shop, abundant seating, and an outdoor
park, the Museum provides a comfortable and engaging environment for the entire
family to enjoy together. The New Children's Museum celebrated the opening
of its new home, an environmentally sustainable building designed by architect
Rob Wellington Quigley, in May of 2008.
PETCO Park Tours
- Description
The new 'crown jewel' of downtown San Diego, PETCO Park serves up baseball
Southern California style-complete with swaying palm trees and a sandy beach
beyond centerfield. Discover 'writer's row' in the press box, learn about
the historic Western Metal Supply Co. Building and explore the Padres' dugout.
An interactive guided tour describes the ballpark's unique features and takes
you behind the scenes to enjoy restricted-access areas that few guests see.
Highlights include an exclusive premium lounge and private luxury suite, the
press box, dugouts and the bullpen, and the warning track.
- Hours
April and September, Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 am and 12:30 pm;
Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm. May-August, Tuesday-Sunday,
10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. October-March, Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 am, 12:45
pm;
Saturday-Sunday, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm. Subject to change based on ballpark
events
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
- Description
Bonus: one free IMAX film per day! The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is an
educational, entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. With more than
100 interactive exhibits, visitors can design images with a sand pendulum,
examine the vibration of guitar strings, and get their hands on a variety
of intriguing scientific phenomena. Exhibits are designed for the entire family,
ages 3 to 103, with the 'Kid City' area dedicated to children five and under.
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is also home to the world's first IMAX
Dome Theater, presenting the biggest films on Earth. Its unique configuration
wraps the audience in images and provides the illusion of being suspended
in space. Film topics are generally suitable for all ages.
- Hours
Daily, 10:00 am-5:00 pm or later
San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Description
Free Aero Andy gift with your admission! Airplane and history buffs won't
want to miss the San Diego Air & Space Museum, housed in the historic
Ford Building from the 1935 California-Pacific International Exposition. See
a reproduction of the Wright Brothers 1903 Flyer and other models of early
flight, and try your hand at the Piper Cub Simulator. Marvel at the antics
of the barnstormers and relive the history of aviation through airmen's experiences
of WWI and WWII. Imagine what it's like to travel into space as you get a
close up and personal view of NASA's Apollo 9 Command Module. Daily Restoration
Tours show you just how much work has gone into building or reconditioning
the museum's planes and engines.
- Hours
Daily, 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Hours subject to change
San Diego Art Institute
- Description
The San Diego Art Institute, in its ongoing commitment to regional visual
arts and artists, presents the Museum of the Living Artist. Housed in SDAI's
10,000 square foot gallery at the House of Charm in Balboa Park, the Museum
is a showcase for newly created art by regional artists. A new exhibition
opens every four to six weeks, offering a comprehensive perspective on the
art being created in the San Diego region. The museum offers ArtBox 2, a program
designed as a self-guided exploration of the exhibits to discover the many
elements found in art and to stimulate communication between adults and children.
Ask for an ArtBox 2 brochure at the door. A visit to the Museum of the Living
Artist is your opportunity to see local artwork and support San Diego's artists
and art community. Be a part of what's happening in regional arts today.
- Hours
Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm;
Sunday, noon-4:00 pm
San Diego Automotive Museum
- Description
Skip the line! A bobby-soxer swoons as she passes a 1957 Chevy, folks sing
the lyrics to 'In My Merry Oldsmobile' as they savor the splendor of an Olds
Rocket '88, and there's no containing the excitement of a six-year-old as
dad gives him an up-close glance at a shiny, bright red 2003 Lamborghini.
In addition to the more than 90 incredible vehicles at the San Diego Automotive
Museum, visitors can enjoy special exhibits that are featured on a regular
rotation. Shows like Lowriders of Southern California, Law Enforcement Vehicles,
and Cadillac offer a wide range of vehicles and memorabelia, adding a unique
twist to the permanent collection that features Louie Mattar's Fabulous $75,000
Car and so much more!
- Hours
Daily, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
San Diego History Center
- Description
Located in beautiful Balboa Park, the San Diego History Center presents the
colorful and diverse history of the region, interpreting San Diego's growth
from pre-contact through present day. Its core exhibition, Place of Promise:
Stories of San Diego, contains many interactive components and fascinating
artifacts, including an 1866 Stagecoach, a 1921 Model T Ford and a 30' by
30' floor map of San Diego County. The museum also offers changing exhibitions
and public programs to further enhance the visitor's experience.
- Hours
Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- Description
Free Magnet souvenir with your admission! At 27,000 square feet, the San Diego
Model Railroad Museum is the largest model railroad display in the world as
well as one of the liveliest museums in Balboa Park. This unique Museum features
four enormous operating scale model layouts, which depict railroads of the
Southwest in O, HO, and N scales. The Museum also hosts a Thomas the Tank
Engine activity room, an interactive toy train gallery, and a relief map of
San Diego County featuring a hands-on computer display. The various educational
displays contain a centralized traffic control machine, a working semaphore,
and a crossing signal, encouraging both children and adults to feel a part
of the world of model trains. The San Diego Model Railroad Museum preserves
the heritage of railroading through a series of miniature representations,
researches and maintains the history of model railroading, and educates the
public on many different aspects of railroading.
- Hours
Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 am-4:00 pm;
Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 am-5:00 pm
San Diego Museum of Art
- Description
The San Diego Museum of Art provides a rich and diverse cultural experience
for more than 400,000 annual visitors. Located in the heart of beautiful Balboa
Park, it is the region's largest fine arts museum. Its nationally renowned
collections include a fine selection of European old masters, important American
paintings and sculptures of the 19th and 20th centuries, a vast Asian collection,
works by masters of 20th-century European modernism, and a growing collection
of contemporary art in all media. The Museum is also home to the Edwin Binney
3rd Collection of South Asian paintings, one of the most significant holdings
of such works outside of India.
- Hours
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm (10:00 am-9:00 pm on Thursdays)
San Diego Museum of Man
- Description
Nestled in the heart of San Diego's historic Balboa Park, the Museum of Man
brings together beauty, history, anthropology, art, and artifacts from ancient
and contemporary cultures under the magnificent California Tower to educate,
inspire, and enchant visitors of all ages. The only anthropological institution
in the region devoted to the celebration of diversity, the museum offers exquisite
collections that explore the question, 'What makes us human?' Permanent exhibitions
include Footsteps in Time: Four Million Years of Human Evolution-an introduction
to humankind's long history; Ancient Egypt, showcasing rare Egyptian artifacts
over 3,000 years old; the Children's Discovery Center, where kids can dress
up in ancient Egyptian costumes and see an Egyptian mummy adorned with royal
jewelry; and Kumeyaay: Native Californians, where traditional Kumeyaay lifestyles
are preserved and presented.
- Hours
Daily, 10:00 am-4:30 pm
San Diego Natural History Museum
- Description
Skip the Line! One-hundred-thirty-four-years young, the San Diego Natural
History Museum offers exciting, colorful, and interactive exhibitions. Focused
on the southern California and Baja California region, these exhibitions combine
contemporary science with multimedia art to deliver relevant take-home messages
about the Earth's past, present and future. Your family will enjoy a 'spend
the whole day' museum experience viewing major exhibitions, fine-art photography
galleries, the Dinosaur Cafe, and giant-screen films shown every hour. Giant-screen
Theater is included in admission. Visit the website, www.sdnhm.org, to see
the film schedule and learn more about the permanent exhibition, Fossil Mysteries,
which uncovers secrets of 75 million years of this region-from dinosaurs to
mastodons. Located in beautiful Balboa Park, this Museum is a flagship cultural
institution of San Diego and is surely not to be missed.
- Hours
Daily, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
San Diego Sports Museum
- Description
San Diego Hall of Champions, located in beautiful Balboa Park, is one of America's
historical and educational treasures. The Hall is the nation's largest multi-sport
museum boasting three floors of memorabilia in 68,000 square feet of space.
The museum offers a state-of-the-art theatre, an interactive media center,
the Breitbard Hall of Fame and fascinating displays of San Diego's rich and
diverse sports. The museum continues to rotate seasonal, topical and traveling
exhibits, which add to the interactive offerings.
- Hours
Daily, 10:00 am-4:30 pm
San Diego Zoo
- Description
Best Value Ticket! Includes unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour, Express Bus,
and Skyfari Aerial Tram. Span the globe in one afternoon, viewing rare and
intriguing wildlife from nearly every region of the world, in just one location
- the San Diego Zoo. With more than 4,000 animals representing 800 species,
it's home to a diverse collection of animals, many of which are rarely seen
at other zoos. Winding pathways take visitors through a 3-acre experience
at the San Diego Zoo's largest and most elaborate animal habitat in its 90-year
history. Monkey Trails and Forest Tales, located in the Heart of the Zoo,
takes guests on a two-level excursion into Asian and African forests flourishing
with some of nature's most imperiled wildlife. Note: Not responsible for lost
or stolen ticket card. Hand stamp and ticket required for re-entry. No refunds
or exchanges.
- Hours
Daily, 9:00 am. Closing times may vary
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Description
Set foot inside the Safari Park's 1,800 acres, home to more than 3,500 animals,
representing 429 species. The Park is a wildlife preserve that mimics the
natural habitats of African and Asian animals. The Safari Park's new Lion
Camp, features a naturalistic exhibit with panoramic views of lions lounging
in the grasslands, while antelopes and giraffes mingle and rhinos retreat
to a watering hole. The 33,000-square-foot enclosure provides guests an opportunity
to experience a face-to-face encounter with lions.
- Hours
Journey into Africa tour operates daily from 9:30 am.
SeaWorld San Diego (exclusively on 3, 5 and 7 day cards)
- Description
Come celebrate the wonders of the sea at SeaWorld San Diego. Experience Shamu's
show 'Believe' and thrilling rides, like 'Journey To Atlantis', 'Shipwreck
Rapids' and 'Wild Arctic'. Join Elmo and his friends at the Sesame Street
Bay of Play, featuring family-friendly rides. Don't miss the Pets Rule! show
and the hilarious antics of Clyde and Seamore’s sea lion and otter show. Feed
and touch dolphins and bat rays and get up-close to beluga whales, polar bears,
sharks and penguins. Enjoy fascinating aquariums, sea turtles, manatees, and
exotic birds from around the world. Our newest addition, Blue Horizons, an
all-new dolphin spectacular, opened in May 2010. Create memories to last a
lifetime at SeaWorld San Diego.
- Hours
Open 365 days of the year. Hours vary seasonally
The Whaley House Museum
- Description
The world-famous Whaley House is said to be the most haunted house in America.
This two-story Greek Revival-style mansion was designed by San Diego pioneer
Thomas Whaley and completed in 1857. Between 1868 and 1872, various rooms
in the Whaley House were used as a general store, San Diego's first commercial
theater, and the San Diego County Courthouse and Whaley family members lived
in the house for nearly a century. Now a San Diego County Park, the Whaley
House and grounds are operated by Save Our Heritage Organization, San Diego's
historic preservation organization who are in the process of restoring the
museum's complex. After touring what the San Diego Herald once called the
'finest new brick block in Southern California,' relax in Victorian gardens
beneath the pepper trees planted by Anna Whaley nearly 150 years ago.
- Hours
September 5-May 27: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, 10:00 am-4:30 pm;
May 28-September 2: Daily 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Tijuana, Mexico Day Tour
- Description
9am departures only: reservations required! Leave San Diego behind you to
cross one of the most amazing international borders in the world for an extensive
cultural and historical sightseeing tour of Tijuana which blends the new with
the old. It's only a short drive from San Diego, but you'll feel that you've
entered another world when you leave the United States behind and enter Mexico.
See points of interest such as Avenue of the Heroes, Tijuana Cultural Center
and the oldest Jai Alai Palace in Mexico. There will be time for shopping
to discover the hidden treasures of unique handcrafts and fine jewelry from
various regions throughout Mexico. A must for bargain shoppers, lovers of
Mexican cuisine or those curious to see sights like the Old Bullring.
- Hours
Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 am Departures Only
USS Midway Museum
- Description
Skip the Line! Live the adventure, honor the legend aboard the longest-serving
aircraft carrier in U.S. Navy history. Located downtown in San Diego at Navy
Pier, Midway provides a dynamic and enriching experience 'from boiler to bridge.'
A visit to Midway instills a greater appreciation for courage, freedom, and
service to country. Features a self-guided audio tour (available in English,
Spanish and Japanese) of more than 30 exhibits and 21 restored aircraft. There
is a handicapped access elevator from Navy Pier. The hangar, flight, and mess
decks, cafe, gift shop, and optional flight simulators are also onboard.
- Hours
Daily, 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Last entry at 4:00 pm
Wave House Athletic Club
- Description
Enjoy a 1 hour FlowRider session plus VIP free wetsuit rental, use of locker
rooms and free swim at pool. The FlowRider is ideal for family participants
of all ages. Parents, daughters, and sons can experience the thrill of riding
a wave in a safe and controlled environment (no depth greater than 3 inches).
The FlowRider allows anyone to enjoy the excitement and thrill of 'catching
and riding a wave' regardless of one's skill level.
- Hours
June-September: Daily, 11:00 am-8:00 pm;
October-May: Daily, 12:00 pm-8:00 pm. Sessions start at the top of each hour
Whale Watch Flagship Cruises
- Description
Have a whale of a time out on the water! Join San Diego Harbor Excursions
and the world-famous Birch Aquarium at Scripps on a California Gray Whale
watching adventure and enjoy natural beauty of one of Americas finest
bays. A whale sighting is guaranteed or else ride again FREE!
- Hours
Reservations required. (Seasonal; Dec.-Mar.; weather permitting): Daily, 9:45
am and 1:30 pm.
Wild Rivers Water Park
- Description
Southern California's premier waterpark with over 40 water rides and attractions,
two huge wavepools, and special features for kids and adults. It's the perfect
place to 'chill out' after a long day in the California sun. If you dare,
go to the top of Wild Rivers Mountain. Over seven stories high, its rushing
rivers and sheer-drop slides offer daredevil excitement. Surf and splash in
Thunder Cove, the only place in the country where you can catch the wildest
waves in two side-by-side wavepools with fantastic surf from mild to wild.
Relax on Explorers' Island with a lazy inner tube float down a warm river,
refreshing spas, and scaled down rides and wading pools for young adventurers.
Note: Traditional swimwear is required. No rash guards or t-shirts are permitted
on slides where guest is sliding on their back. All Aquatics staff are American
Red Cross certified in CPR, First Aid & Lifeguarding.
- Hours
Open late May through September
William Heath Davis House
- Description
The William Heath Davis House is the oldest wooden structure in downtown San
Diego. Constructed by William Heath Davis in 1850, the house is a pre-framed
lumber 'salt box' family home from the east coast, shipped to San Diego by
boat around Cape Horn. In 1873, the home became a county hospital for the
care of the sick and dying. The spirit of an unknown Victorian is rumored
to reside there to this day. The museum has been home to fascinating people,
including pre-Civil War West Point graduates and Alonzo Horton, who many consider
the founder of San Diego. Each room is decorated to represent different eras
in the life of the house and its former inhabitants. Gaslamp Gifts, a unique
curiosity shop inspired by William Heath Davis' 1850s merchandising business,
is located in the basement of the museum.
- Hours
Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm;
Sunday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Just show your card to take advantage all of these great Included Extras
- Another Side of San Diego Tours - 20% savings
- Beach and Resort Wear - 20% savings
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps Gift Shop - 10% savings
- Cafe Coyote - Complimentary specialty tortilla appetizer when dining in
with the Go San Diego Card.
- Carlsbad Premium Outlets - Complimentary VIP Coupon Book ($5 value) with
the Go San Diego Card.
- Cheese Shop Restaurant and Delicatessen - 20% savings and a free Frisbee
with the Go San Diego Card
- Dakota Grill and Spirits - $10 savings on a purchase of $40 or more with
the Go San Diego Card
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car - 10% savings on lowest online rate available with
the Go San Diego Card
- Gaslamp Gifts Museum Store - 15% savings
- Hard Rock Cafe San Diego - Free Souvenir with $25 purchase in gift shop
- Indigo Grill - $10 savings on a purchase of $40 or more with the Go San
Diego Card
- Korkys Ice Cream and Coffee House - Buy a single scoop of ice cream get
the second scoop free, plus get a single cup of coffee free with the Go San
Diego Card
- LEGOLAND California Water Park - Upgrade to receive Water Park admission
for $9
- Mister Tiki Mai Tai Lounge - $10 savings on a purchase of $40 or more with
the Go San Diego Card
- Old Town Trolley - Complimentary second consecutive day free* on the Old
Town Trolley City Tour with the Go San Diego Card
- Old Town Walking Ghost Tour - 50% savings on tour with the Go San Diego
Card.
- Pacific Rental Rent-A-Car - 2nd day free on car rental, OR purchase a one
day rental for 20% off regular rate, OR rent a compact car for 3 hours for
$30 with the Go San Diego Card
- San Diego Air & Space Museum - 10% savings in the gift shop and a free Aero
Andy with the Go San Diego Card.
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum - Complimentary souvenir magnet with the
Go San Diego Card.
- San Diego Museum of History and Art - Free Postcard Packet
- San Diego Museum of Man Gift Shop - 10$% savings
- San Diego Natural History Museum - Skip the Line! Plus 5% savings on purchases
of $20 or more in the museum store with the Go San Diego Card.
- San Diego Wine & Culinary Center - Skip the Line! Proceed directly to the
bar for wine tastings. 20% savings on all purchases with the Go San Diego
Card.
- Sea Life Aquarium at LEGOLAND California - Special $9 adult/child rate to
upgrade your LEGOLAND visit to include Sea Life Aquarium or LEGOLAND Water
Park
- Shops at Las America - Complimentary VIP Coupon Book
- Showtime Golf - $25 savings per booking at one of the top 20 championship
golf courses, and $25 off luxury roundtrip transportation package with the
Go San Diego Card
- Sweet Shoppe - 20 % savings
- Tent City Restaurant - 20% savings on your entire bill with the Go San Diego
Card
- The Coronado Brewing Company - 20% savings with the Go San Diego Card
- The Grape - Complimentary appetizer with the purchase of two glasses of
wine ($12 value) with the Go San Diego Card
- The Lime - Complimentary margarita with purchase of another beverage at
equal or lesser value with the Go San Diego Card
- The Prado at Balboa Park - $10 savings on a purchase of $40 or more with
the Go San Diego Card.
- Westfield Horton Plaza - Complimentary VIP Passport to Savings book with
the Go San Diego Card
- Studio M/ michael spengler photography - 30% savings on Professional Photography
Session on La Jolla's Beautiful Beach with the Go San Diego Card
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