Southern California San Diego Zoo, Beach and San Diego Wildlife Safari

[BoiseToDisneyland]

For the 3rd year in a row, we'll be heading down to San Diego for Spring Break. We have 3 boys - ages 5,7 and 9. Looking for some recommendations for buying tickets, what is the best value for the Zoo and Wildlife Safari? Also, we are looking for some recommendations for a beach to spend the day.

We'll only be in San Diego for 3 or 4 days, so we probably have the beach day fall in between the two zoo visits. We will arrive on the 22nd of March, spend some time in San Diego, then drive over to Yuma, Az for the remainder of the trip.

Is Balboa Park a good place for kids this age?

 

[Jedana]

In 2007, we went up to SD for the zoo/wildlife park. Bought season passes to the zoo, which came with tickets to the park! I spent less on the season passes than if I would have done just tickets to both. Plus there was a discount on food/merchandise/etc.
Not sure if they still have this kind of deal, but it can't hurt to check. (And we were from out of state...they don't reciprocate with any of the local zoos where we lived. )

Loved Coronado Beach! Clean Sand, but busy.
Saw the military guys out running in the morning...

 

[PrincessInOz]

Balboa Park could be fantastic for your boys. Aside from the zoo, there are quite a few musuems at the park.

http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/museums

Over the years, my DS(12) has loved the Railroad, the Museum of Man, the Air and Space, the Natural History and the Science Centre.

Depending on their interest, you could take them to the SS Midway as well.


I've always found MouseSavers to offer good information on tickets and options. Have you looked there?

 

[sonnyjane]

In 2007, we went up to SD for the zoo/wildlife park. Bought season passes to the zoo, which came with tickets to the park! I spent less on the season passes than if I would have done just tickets to both. Plus there was a discount on food/merchandise/etc.
Not sure if they still have this kind of deal, but it can't hurt to check. (And we were from out of state...they don't reciprocate with any of the local zoos where we lived. )

The prices and inclusions of the memberships have since changed, so those deals - getting free tickets with membership - no longer are offered.

OP, those are great ages for Balboa Park. There are tons of other museums in Balboa Park that you might want to look into as well.

If you plan to go to both the Safari Park and the zoo, you can buy the 2-day tickets on the zoo's website. That will save you a few bucks.

 

[KCmike]

Coronado Island/Beach is wide and expansive and perfect for kids your age. It has been rated as the best family beach in all of SoCal many times. Plus you've got the Hotel Del Coronado to look at!

 

[Purrkins]

Balboa Park would be WONDERFUL for kids those age. Science Center, The Nat, the Automotive Museum, the Aerospace Museum are all excellent.

The Model Train Museum is also awesome.

The zoo is amazing - price out an annual pass - might end up being cheaper for you.

I visit the park at least four times a week (granted, I live across the street).

 

[GrumpyGoat]

For the 3rd year in a row, we'll be heading down to San Diego for Spring Break. We have 3 boys - ages 5,7 and 9. Looking for some recommendations for buying tickets, what is the best value for the Zoo and Wildlife Safari? Also, we are looking for some recommendations for a beach to spend the day.

We'll only be in San Diego for 3 or 4 days, so we probably have the beach day fall in between the two zoo visits. We will arrive on the 22nd of March, spend some time in San Diego, then drive over to Yuma, Az for the remainder of the trip.

Is Balboa Park a good place for kids this age?

While the Model Railroad Museum is great, real trains are better! If you drive to Yuma on a weekend day, the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum is only 12 miles south of I-8 at Buckman Springs Road. They run two trains a day on the weekends. It's a 12 mile ride to the border and back.

In San Diego itself, there is the Maritime Museum and the USS Midway Museum, both within walking distance of each other.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

La Jolla Cove is not too far from San Diego. It has just a little beach access to dip your toes in, but it is home to a lot of seals. I don't have kids, but I thought it was very forth a drive up to see. Spent maybe an hour watching the seals and there are some fun little restaurants and shops surrounding the cliffs.

Also, you might lucky and be able to see dolphins or sharks in the water. We did not, however a very loud group beside us thought a group of seals in the water were dolphins and were discussing how seeing dolphins brought good luck.