More than 4,500 animals call The San Diego Zoo their sanctuary.  Known for the exciting adventures it offers visitors, this world-class botanical garden is a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Come within feet of the polar bears for an unforgettable experience, climb aboard a research helicopter, crawl into a seal’s breathing hole and measure up to a bear.  The newly revamped Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge provides an insider’s view into the life of the great white bear.
A ‘must-visit’ is the Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey.  This 7.5-acre exhibit features elephants, lions, jaguars, rattlesnakes, the California condor and more!  If what you’re looking for is “cute”, be sure not to miss the Giant Panda Research Station to see giant panda cub Yun Zi, and visit the Galapagos tortoises to see their new home.  Above all, be sure to take the Zoo’s guided bus tour and the Skyfari aerial tram which give bird’s-eye views of the Zoo and neighboring Balboa Park. 619-231-1515. www.sandiegozoo.org