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Since 1964, SeaWorld has introduced over 100 million guests to marine life, with more than 30 attractions, exhibits, and shows. The park has recently introduced a few thrill rides to compete with the numerous Southern California adventure parks. You can don a wetsuit and enter the dolphin pool in the Dolphin Interaction Program, or participate in Trainer For A Day, where you learn what it takes to be a killer whale and dolphin trainer. SeaWorld also hosts sleepovers, resident, and day camps (see SeaWorld).

Not really an island but a peninsula that juts out into San Diego Bay from Point Loma, the “island” is home to thousands of pleasure boats and a park that stretches along its length. In the 1950s, the city dredged millions of tons of sand and mud from the bay onto a sandbar to create land for marinas and hotels. A number of hotels still have hints of Polynesian themes, a popular style at the time. At the entrance to Shelter Island is the San Diego Yacht Club, the three-time host of the prestigious America’s Cup sailing race.

At one of North County’s most popular beach towns, Fletcher Cove Beach Park is perfect for swimming and walking.

During the mission days, Franciscan friars recognized that San Diego’s soil and climate were ideal for planting grape vines. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that wine was first produced commercially. Now over a dozen wineries stretch across rolling hills studded with oak trees, most of them along Rancho California Road. Wineries offer tastings for a small fee, and many of them operate restaurants and delis. Two of the most popular wineries in the area are Thornton Winery and Callaway Vineyard & Winery.

In spring, large areas of hillside explode with brilliant-colored blossoms of the giant tecolote ranunculus. The ranch harvests 6-8 million bulbs for export.

During the days of Prohibition, Tijuana used to be the destination of choice for the Hollywood elite and their followers, and for alcohol and gambling. The palatial, Moorish-designed Agua Caliente Casino & Spa (see Agua Caliente Racetrack) was so popular that it boasted its own landing airstrip for the private planes of the wealthy. Fortunes fell when Mexico declared casino gambling illegal in 1935. US Navy servicemen soon added to Tijuana’s reputation at the bars on Avenida Revolución, but nowadays, the city has cleaned up its image considerably. Take the time and you’ll find culture and great food in Mexico’s fourth largest city (see Tijuana).

This whimsical Queen Anne home features a variety of architectural elements, including gables, relief work, and a Baroque tower. Outstanding stained-glass windows depict Shakespeare, Mozart, Beethoven, and St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. Redwood and walnut paneling lines ornate Victorian-era interiors. Operated by the San Diego Historical Society, docents give tours.

California’s first two-story brick structure also served as San Diego’s first courthouse, county seat, and home to Thomas Whaley, who built this house in 1856 over a graveyard and site of a former gallows. Considered one of the most haunted in America, the US Commerce Department declared the house officially haunted in the 1960s.

At this park, herds of animals roam freely in enclosures that replicate their natural African habitats. Compatible animals are mixed, allowing you to observe their interac-tions. Children enjoy the Petting Kraal and seeing the newborns at the Animal Care Center. Those over 8 can accompany their parents on a photo caravan for an encounter with giraffes and rhinos (see Roar & Snore at San Diego Wild Animal Park).