Best Zoo in El Cajon

"It is home to more than 3,500 animals representing more than 400 species and a botanical collection of 3,500 species and 1.5 million specimens. The animals are wild and endangered species from the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia. See exhibits such as Asian Savanna and African Plains where you will see animals like the Indian rhinoceros, Cape buffalo and giraffes, Tiger trail with Sumatran tigers, Nairobi Village, and Gorilla Forest and lion camp."

"San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 35 miles north of San Diego in Carlsbad, east of Escondido, and is a haven for some of the planet's most amazing animals. Get up close and personal to them in habitats that mimic their own. Situated on 1,800 acres, it's home to more than 3,500 animals from Africa and Asia, including giraffes, rhinos, and lions."

"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 is an extra fee to enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. There’s an upper and lower strolling path where you can see koi pond, landscaped gardens and a Zen garden viewing deck. It’s a very tranquil space."

"The elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."

"The Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion."

"Ok, so Old Town San Diego is definitely kitsch, but if you can look past all the sombreros, tacos stands and Tequila Tasting Taverns, there’s a whole heap of history to be had. For that reason alone I recommend you add Old Town to your San Diego itinerary."

"Located in Old Town, El Agave is not your typical tourist trap. Here you'll feast on authentic Mexican cuisine in a dimly lit, romantic setting. El Agave is known as a "tequileria" — which means diners have access to over 2,000 different tequilas!"

"We know we said we love the salads in California, but sometimes you crave a succulent meaty burger – if you get that feeling while exploring Little Italy, then this New Zealand restaurant in a historic craftsman house. They’ve updated this old house in a pretty quirky way, with grazing sheep on the ceiling and sleek furnishings, not to mention the bar!. Sure it’s not quite as good as a trip to Queenstown or a day out in the NZ wineries – but it also doesn’t require a 12-hour flight…"

"This charming house-turned-restaurant looks like it was designed by Little Red Riding Hood after puffing on some Cali bud (example: there are sheep grazing on the ceiling of the dining room, for some reason). The semi-covered side patio and umbrella covered yard tables are perfect for a mid-afternoon sangria or a beer. If you choose to sit out a round, try the sun tea that’s brewed right on the porch."

"So we've made it to numero uno, the best breakfast in San Diego. The number one best place to get breakfast in San Diego, hands down. I've had everything on the menu here."

"This mom and pop bakery has everything from pastry, cakes and breads to Vietnamese and Cantonese steamed buns and even fruit smoothies. Regulars rave about the authentic meat buns. Standouts are the pork with egg and sausage with taro and onion."