Best Zoo in Dehesa

"You'll start your day at the San Diego Zoo, rightfully known as the finest zoological collection in the world. Next, it's on to Coronado Island for an afternoon of sun and sightseeing. In the evening, San Diego's vibrant downtown scene beckons."

"You’ve been to zoos before, but you’ve never been to the San Diego Zoo. Home to more than 3,500 animals, the San Diego Zoo is considered one of the best in the world. Tigers stalk around canyons."

"(And, no, I’ve not missed San Diego Zoo – see my thoughts on the zoo and Sea World below). You can read more about the Bilboa Park Museums here."

"This not-for-profit aquarium and zoo connects kids with the animals and plants of the California coast. Located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center offers family-friendly activities and events such as shark, ray, turtle, and eagle feedings; guided trail hikes; Overnight Adventures; and VIP Animal Encounters. Seasonal exhibits promote wildlife conservation and educate young visitors about their impact on the environment."

"This nonprofit discovery center is there to provide environmental education related to coastal resource conservation. You park in a parking lot and bus takes you over to the center. Once there you can see the sharks, visit the sting ray touch tank, and see the bald eagles they have there."

"This is located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista and is a popular choice for school trips. The experience here is pretty unique. You get to feed bat rays and have meet-and-greets with reptiles."

"The Lost Forest is a fun little area packed with extensive trails that wind through exhibits and aviaries. These trails are home to animals from the rainforests of Asia and Africa, and wind their way up into the canopy as well as along the forest floor, with arboreal animals displayed above and ground dwellers below. You’ll find monkeys, barbirusas, tigers, great apes, okapis, and several various species of exotic birds."

"Guests will feel like there are in the rain forest when they enter the Lost Forest. The Lost Forest is in the northeast corner of the Zoo. Some animals in this area include hippos, tigers, okapi, otters, birds and primates."

"The Asian Passage is south of Panda Canyon and is a simulation of a tropical Asian rain forest. This scenic passage includes grizzly bears, snow leopards, and sun bears. This spectacular area also features the Sun Bear Forest, which resembles a southeast Asian rain forest, and the Hawaiian Native Plant Garden."

"The Asian Passage area includes the Sun Bear Forest, Grizzly Bear exhibit, and more. It’s a fun area to explore, and isn’t quite as big as Africa Rocks."

"Elephant Odyssey is one of the most well known parts of the park. It’s a huge area that’s dedicated solely to several beautiful African and Asian elephants. The Elephants are free to roam among large areas, and it also includes the Elephant Care Center where you may see a zookeeper caring for one of them."

"The Elephant Odyssey is home to the African and Asian elephant habitat. This area includes the majestic elephants along with the Elephant Care Center and Fossil Portal. Guests can also see lions, jaguars, California condor, camels, and the Malayan tapir."

"There's a cool kid play area (for ages 10 and younger) that keeps the littles busy while you eat Texas-style BBQ from rotisserie chicken to baby back ribs. You can sit and have your pick of over 36 beers on tap while your sidekick plays nearby. Also, you'll find a kids menu, communal seating, and arcade games."

"Although they claim to be “just a neighborhood burger joint,” Burger Lounge serves up more than your average fast food stop. Focusing on simplicity, their ingredients are locally-sourced, fair trade, organic, and small batch. Even though the food is simple, the menu is highly customizable and you can eat there or takeout."

"– Home of the original Grass Fed Burger, this is my favorite spot to grab a burger in La Jolla. Limited seating, but a great casual atmosphere in the heart of the Village."

"It comes complete with cupcakes, frosting, sprinkles, spatulas and decorations for you to decorate your own unique cupcake treats at home."

"Baking from her heart into yours is the newest cookie shop to sweep you off your feet. These decadent cookies will fill your taste buds with delight and make you reach for another bite!. Choose from their signature flavors like choc chip, peanut butter and sugar cookie; or mix it up with some mud pie, raspberry and cinnamon flavors."

"With a killer selection of fresh pastries, croissants, and scones – plus bistro classics like charcuterie and pâté plates – Tartine has been a staple for islanders since 2001. And while it’s a cozy café by day, come evening it’s the perfect place to BYOB (although the boutique wine list here is stellar), and relax on the patio with one of the daily specials, which can range from beef stroganoff to a pan-roasted sea bass."

"Located on the 7th floor at the hotel Andaz San Diego, and up here you get an absolutely magical 360-degree view of the San Diego skyline. Both rooftop restaurant and bar, offering American fare with a creative SoCal twists from lunch and onwards, along with a wide range of signature cocktails, local beers on draft, wines and bottle service. Relaxing lunch and lounge on weekdays, while on weekends the space transforms into a high-energy, chic nightclub."

"By day,The Rooftop by STKwill sweep you away with stunning city views and creative regional cuisine. Using organic, locally sourced ingredients, our rooftop restaurant serves breakfast and lunch featuring American dishes with a cool SoCal spin. By night, The Rooftop by STK is San Diego’s ultimate rooftop destination and nightlife experience high above the city."

"By day, The Rooftop by STK is a sophisticated high-end bar with showstopping views and gourmet entrees. By night, particularly a weekend night, the bar transforms into an eclectic lounge and nightclub. Located on 600 F Street in the heart of downtown, this outdoor bar will offer a delightful beginning to an evening in downtown San Diego."

"It may surprise you that one of the most popular restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter serves Persian food. Expect filet mignon, lamb chicken, fish garlic, onion, vegetables, nuts, pomegranate, herbs, saffron, lime and other flavors that compliment a healthy eating lifestyle. The portions are quite large with a variety of options suitable for vegetarians."