Southern California Day trips from DL

[crickee]

We are staying at VGC for 8 nights in August and I'm trying to come up with some day trips and would like some advice. We are looking at doing the San Diego Zoo Safari Park one day. We did the actual Zoo years ago and liked it but wanted to know what others experienced at the Safari Park. We were thinking of doing one of the Deluxe Safaris.

We were also thinking that one day we would spend some time at Huntington or Newport Beach and then maybe go down to the mission at San Juan Capitstrano. Is this doable in one day - we are not surfers so would not plan on spending all day at the beach. I have wanted to do San Juan for years; I love history although I'm not sure my teens will care too much for it.

Also, has anyone done the allday bus tours to LA with either grayline or the other bus co. (can't remember the name but it has star in it). Is the tour mostly a driveby or do you get out at places?

 

[KCmike]

Newport Beach would be a great day trip. It's close for sure but you've got Newport Beach/Pier (you can take a sunset cruise from here and they tour you around the harbor and show you million dollar homes and then take you out on the Pacific Ocean for a sunset cruise for only about $15 a person), you've also got Corona Del Mar (perfect crescent shape beach and just south of Newport as its separated by a jetty), and if you wanted you could head down to Laguna Beach but I really don't feel like you would need to.

There's so much to see and do in California its hard to not give you so many ideas.

 

[GrumpyGoat]

I'm probably not the best person to be talking about the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park. My view point is somewhat biased. My wife has worked at the zoo for over 24 years...

The Safari Park is a totally different experience from the zoo. Most of the animals are in large, no, huge multi-species field exhibit that are best seen from the tram. There are some exhibit in the village area, the best of which I think is Lion Camp. And right adjacent to Lion Camp is Cheetah Run. The trainers run a Cheetah off lead. It's really quite impressive and is included with admission. (It used to be an additional price.)

Another nice feature of the park is the Animal Encounters that take place at various times and places throughout the day. It's a great opportunity to get good close-up photos of different animals.

If you enjoyed the zoo, I think you'll like the Safari Park.