Located on the Pacific Ocean, San Diego is known for its lively beaches, and there are several to choose from. Mission Beach is a favorite with the locals and is always crowded on hot days. In addition to swimmers and sunbathers you'll see people enjoying all sorts of outdoor sports, including jogging, roller-blading, volleyball and bicycling. Pacific Beach is located right by Mission Beach and is another popular destination. Ocean Beach is smaller than Mission Beach and includes a dog beach at one end.

San Diego Zoo
With a reputation as one of the finest zoos in the country, the San Diego Zoo is not to be missed! The complex spans 100 acres and includes over 4000 animals in enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitats, including a lush rain forest. The panda exhibit is one of the most popular and kids can get their hands on the animals at the Children's Zoo area. The park is so large that there are buses available on the grounds to help get visitors from place to place quicker.

Birch Aquarium
Another great attraction is the Birch Aquarium located at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 2300 Expedition Way. The Birch Aquarium is the largest in the United States and includes exhibits of fish, a kelp forest, interactive displays and even a simulated submarine ride.

Love Art?
Spend an afternoon perusing great works of art from the mid 20th century and beyond the Museum of Contemporary Art, 700 Prospect St. The collection includes a variety of works by some of the top names in modern art as well as a fine collection of Californian artists.

Seaworld
The SeaWorld amusement park, 1720 South Shores Rd., is a fun and educational experience for everyone. Visitors can walk through a shark tank in a clear tunnel in the Shark Encounter and watch penguins cavorting in the chilly Penguin Encounter. At regular intervals during the day the SeaWorld staff puts on crowd-pleasing shows starring the sharks, sea lions and other animals.

Aircraft Carrier
Climb aboard the USS Midway, docked at Navy Pier, to see the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum. See an F-14 fighter plane and see how the crew lived and worked on the ship while at sea.

Shopping
If you're in a shopping mood, head to the Seaport Village shopping complex. Located in downtown San Diego on the waterfront, Seaport Village has something to offer for the entire family. In addition to the usual collection of shops and restaurants you'll find a carousel, horse-drawn carriages and performers to keep everyone entertained.

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