Consistently ranked as a top family destination in North America, San Diego offers fun for everyone. Explore San Diego or take a day trip to experience all Southern California has to offer. During your getaway with Bluewater Vacation Homes, you can enjoy a multitude of world-class theme parks and attractions from the mild to the wild. See giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo®, march along to the Sesame Street® Party Parade at SeaWorld® San Diego, have a Splash Battle at LEGOLAND® California Resort, or sip wines in Temecula. Check out these theme parks, zoos and attractions.
Voted the top zoo in North America in TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travelers’ Choice Awards, the world-famous San Diego Zoo® houses over 3,500 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species – plus a botanical garden with 700,000 exotic plants. Visit amazing habitats for animals such as gorillas, Komodo dragons, tigers, flamingos, mandrills, polar bears, birds of paradise, giant tortoises, elephants and more. In the Outback habitat, see a colony of more than 25 koalas. Take a trek through Panda Canyon to visit the giant pandas and other animals that share their bamboo forest habitat.
Located 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo® Safari Park is a wildlife sanctuary featuring more than 300 species of animals and a botanical collection of 3,500 species of plants. Immerse yourself in a hands-on safari experience where herds of animals roam natural habitats. Go on an unforgettable safari tour by caravan truck, cart, zipline, or ropes course. See lions, antelope, giraffes, rhinos, storks, cranes and more.
Situated in Mission Bay Park, SeaWorld® San Diego presents unforgettable experiences inspired by the wonders of the sea. Enjoy spectacular attractions, aquariums, fun rides, educational programs and up-close animal interactions. Don’t miss exciting shows like Dolphin Days and the new Orca Encounter. Animal highlights include the Wild Arctic, Penguin Encounter, Dolphin Point and Shark Encounter exhibits. In other areas of the park, touch reef sharks, handle spiny sea urchins, dance with Elmo and friends during the Sesame Street® Party Parade, hop on the Shipwreck Rapids and Journey to Atlantis thrill rides, or take in panoramic views of San Diego from Bayside Skyride.
Aquatica San Diego in Chula Vista combines high-speed waterpark thrills with the amenities of a beachside resort. Choose your experience from the serene to extreme – lounge on sandy beaches, splash in the heated Big Surf Shores wave pool, or journey down speedy HooRoo Run®. In addition, enjoy up-close encounters with Caribbean flamingos and freshwater turtles.
Local tip: Aquatica is open seasonally, so be sure to check their operating schedule before you visit.
Located in Carlsbad just 30 minutes north of San Diego, LEGOLAND® features more than 60 rides, shows and attractions. It’s a hand-on theme park built for families with children ages 2–12. Conquer the legendary Dragon coaster, get a driver’s license from Junior Driving School, and marvel at cities built entirely out of LEGO® bricks in Miniland USA (including some familiar Southern California landmarks). In addition, don’t miss SEA LIFE® Aquarium and the LEGOLAND® Water Park (open seasonally).
Belmont Park is an oceanfront amusement park situated along the shores of beautiful Mission Beach. This iconic park, founded in 1925, is home to the historic 2,600-foot-long Giant Dipper roller coaster and Plunge swimming pool. Ride more than a dozen thrill rides, experience action-packed attractions, share a snack at a casual beachside restaurant, soak up the sun along the boardwalk and browse souvenir shops. Entrance admission and parking are free.
Temecula Valley has more than 40 wineries spread among 33,000 acres of rolling hills and vineyards within an hour of San Diego. Winery tours, tastings and private tours welcome you to savor the hundreds of award-winning wines from Cabernet Sauvignon to Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot to Mourvèdre, Viognier to Chardonnay. Balloon rides over the wine country are popular as well.
Located about 2 hours from San Diego in Anaheim, Disneyland® Resort is the place where dreams come true. Experience “The Happiest Place on Earth” with beloved classic attractions and new favorites. Visit Disneyland® Park, Disney California Adventure® Park or purchase a Park Hopper® ticket for the magic of both. Walt Disney’s original Disneyland® theme park, which opened in 1955, is now divided into eight extravagantly themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland. At Disney California Adventure® Park, the stories of Disney, Pixar and beyond come to life in eight exciting lands with timeless entertainment showcases like World of Color, seasonal celebrations and transformations throughout the year.
Local tip: Enjoy Disneyland® Resort on weekdays for lighter crowds.
Knott’s Berry Farm®, less than 2 hours from San Diego in Buena Park, is a world-renowned theme park built from the humblest of beginnings nearly 100 years ago. What started as a small berry farm soon began to grow into a family theme park destination thanks to famous fried chicken dinners, boysenberries and an Old West Ghost Town. Anchored in its rich California history and charm, Knott’s Berry Farm® now bursts with attractions and entertainment for all ages, including first-class roller coasters, stage shows, interactive experiences and family-friendly fun featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang. Plus, true to its roots, Knott’s continues to serve up delicious food creations that can only be found at California’s first theme park. Don’t miss Knott’s Soak City® Water Park open seasonally.
Universal Studios Hollywood™, located less than 3 hours from San Diego, is “The Entertainment Capital of L.A.” and the only movie and television-based theme park to offer guests the authenticity of a working movie studio. World-class rides and attractions bring the magic of Hollywood to life, including the popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem family adventure ride, King Kong 360 3D on the famed behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, the critically-acclaimed mega-attraction, Transformers™: The Ride-3D, The Simpsons Ride™, and Jurassic Park® – The Ride.
Plan your trip around your favorite event or find out what’s happening during your vacation with Bluewater. View a calendar of events and dates for the Farmers Insurance Open PGA Tour, San Diego Comic-Con International®, San Diego Padres baseball games, Del Mar horse races, surf contests, concerts, productions, festivals and other special events around Southern California.
Experience multiple theme parks and attractions with these special offers from Bluewater Vacation Homes!
The Go San Diego® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility. Save up to 55% off retail prices on admission to over 40 top attractions and activities for one low price, including the San Diego Zoo®, Safari Park, LEGOLAND® California Resort and more. Daily admission to SeaWorld®, Two-Day Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley and Speedboat Adventures is included on all 3, 5 or 7-day passes. Enjoy the freedom to choose attractions as you go, and do as much as you want each day.
Southern California CityPASS® is the ultimate sunny California vacation experience that includes four theme parks. Enjoy thrill rides, attractions, shows, wild animals, favorite characters, restaurants and shopping for all ages. The pass includes a Disneyland® Resort 3-Day Park Hopper® ticket valid for unlimited admission to Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park for three days, admission to LEGOLAND® California Resort, and admission to SeaWorld® San Diego.
