Why San Diego is a Must-Visit for Families Who Love Animals
- Kerrin McMurdie
- Aug 3
- 4 min read
If you’ve got a kid who lights up at the sight of animals, San Diego is a dream destination. From world-renowned wildlife parks to hands-on marine life encounters, this city packs in more than just beach days. San Diego offers incredible opportunities for animal-loving kids (and their grown-ups!) to connect with nature, learn something new, and make memories. Here’s how to build an unforgettable wildlife-centered trip your whole crew will love.
Between the world-famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park and its sister property, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, you can easily fill several days with unforgettable wildlife experiences. But it doesn’t stop there — SeaWorld is home to countless marine species (my kids were obsessed with the cleaner fish pools right at the entrance), and you can visit the playful sea lions at La Jolla Cove too. 🔗 San Diego Zoo
Did you know that the San Diego Zoo hosts Summer Day Camps for kids in Kindergarten through 8th grade? These full-day camps run from 9 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday. If you need to get some work done on vacation — or just want a little downtime — why not sign your kiddos up for the most amazing camp of their lives? Depending on their age, they can choose between a classic zoo camp or one with an art-inspired focus.
You can also enhance your visit by signing up for a guided tour — options include group, semi-private, or fully private tours — or even book an up-close animal encounter for something extra special.
The Safari Park may be even more exciting. About 35 minutes north of the city, it often features nurseries with baby animals, expansive enclosures, and interactive encounters with park staff and animals throughout the day. One of the highlights is the Africa Tram, which takes you on a guided ride through open savannahs filled with giraffes, rhinos, and other incredible wildlife.
The park also offers add-on adventures like behind-the-scenes safaris and guided tours of the savannah. But the most unforgettable experience (in my opinion) is the Snore and Roar Overnight Safari. The park has created a glamping tent camp on the edge of the savannah, where you can fall asleep to the sounds of (safely enclosed) lions roaring nearby.
Your overnight stay includes:
A glamping tent (options range from sleeping bags to full beds)
Dinner, breakfast, and a snack
A night hike and s’mores around the campfire
A private tram ride through the park after dark
This is the closest you’ll get to Africa without leaving the continent.
Beyond the Zoo, Balboa Park, where the zoo is located, is a destination all its own. It’s a beautiful place to wander, but also home to museums like the San Diego Natural History Museum and the Fleet Science Center — so there’s plenty to entertain everyone in the family.
Once you've explored the park, don’t miss the beaches of Coronado Island, catch a San Diego Padres game, or check out the incredible local food scene. You can kayak in Mission Bay, where SeaWorld is also located.
SeaWorld San Diego offers a whole different kind of animal adventure. With interactive exhibits like touch tanks and cleaner fish pools, plus the chance to pet a dolphin , it's hands-on fun for all ages. You'll also find impressive enclosures for larger animals like penguins and beluga whales, and of course, the ever-popular Orca, Dolphin, and Sea Lion shows — truly can’t-miss experiences.
For thrill-seekers, SeaWorld features roller coaster-style rides, making it a great balance of wildlife and excitement. If you visit during Halloween or Christmas, you’ll love the seasonal theming — we once even met real reindeer during a holiday visit!
While SeaWorld doesn’t offer day camps or overnight stays like the Zoo and Safari Park, they do have behind-the-scenes tours and enhanced experience packages for those looking to go deeper.
Just north of San Diego proper — and closer to the Safari Park — is LEGOLAND California, complete with a smaller water park and aquarium, Lego-themed rides and attractions, and of course, incredible Lego sculptures. My son still has his first “driver’s license” from the mini race track! I know this is not animal related, but they do have a small aquarium, and who doesn't love LEGO!
When we lived in San Diego, we were based just north of the city, and our favorite spot for a special meal was the Pacific Coast Grill in Solana Beach. It’s right by Cardiff State Beach, and just a little further north is the charming coastal town of Encinitas. This area is especially convenient if you’re heading up to the Safari Park or LEGOLAND — but even if you’re not, it’s absolutely worth the trip. Trust me, don’t skip Pacific Coast Grill. Book a sunset reservation on the patio well in advance — you won’t regret it. And if you’ve got a little nature lover in tow, stick around after dark to watch the bats swoop through the lights above the ocean. It’s pure magic.
Have fun planning your San Diego adventure! The hardest part is simply narrowing down all the amazing options. And if you want a little help curating the perfect trip — you know who to call. I used to live there, and these incredible zoos and parks were my backyard when my kids were little. I’m always happy to help.
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