If this all weren’t enough there is an historical Carousel with its hand
painted horses, the Spreckles Organ and pavilion, dating back to 1915 and highlighted
with over 4500 pipes, and a 3 mile miniature railroad, dating back to 1948. It
is a scaled down version of a classic streamliner and it pulls cars you can
actually ride on.
Most of these attractions (any more too numerous to mention), are either
free or available for a nominal charge. The Old Globe and the nearby Starlight
Theater with its 4300 outdoor seats are the only exceptions and tickets are
priced accordingly
The San Diego Zoo
Now we come to the World Famous San Diego Zoo (and that is its actual,
formal name). And it truly is world-class and famous. Only the Bronx Zoo in New
York City is considered in the same league. It covers
123 acres of Balboa Park
and offers what experts say is the most diverse collection of animal and
botanical exhibits. And, despite its stunning animal collection, the rare
plants, foliage and trees really add to the ambiance and make the zoo what it
is. And, depending on which part of the zoo you’re in, you can smell the ginger
and jasmine fragrances.
A Truly Unique Experience
The zoo features some 3800 animals, representing 800 species. It is
especially known for its Gorilla, Rainforest, Reptile House and Panda exhibits.
And just as with the National Zoo in Washington,
D.C., the Pandas are on loan from China
for breeding purposes. As a result the names Lan Lan and Ling Ling are almost
as famous as rock stars.
The best way to get an overview of the zoo is to take a double-decker bus
tour which covers 75% of the zoo in about a 40-minute ride. Taking a gondola
ride in an overhead skyway is an added opportunity to see the zoo from above.
You can also experience the walk through aviaries in order to see the birds
close up.
Another notable exhibit is Tiger River
which of course has tigers (the Sumatran species), as well as a variety of rare
birds and an impressive display of plants creating a simulated rain forest
environment. In fact a fogging system is part of the exhibit which controls the
climate.
The Children’s Zoo, one of the nation’s largest, should not be overlooked.
It features a kid’s favorite petting paddock where youngsters get to literally
experience a “hands on” experience with baby animals.