San Diego Attractions
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club - Del Mar Del Mar Fairgrounds
Located just off I-5 at Via de la Valle in Del Mar, it is 20 miles north of downtown San Diego. Horse racing is featured July 20 through September 7, daily except Tuesdays. Gates open at noon on weekdays, and 11:30 a.m. on weekends. General admission ($5). Prices subject to change. Post time is 2 p.m.; first four Fridays 4 p.m.; last three Fridays 3:30 p.m. [ ]
Knott's Soak City Waterpark - Chula Vista
For wet and wild family fun, Knott's Soak City has it all. From high speed tube and body slides to Coronado Express, the family raft adventure, there's something for everyone, including Gremmie Lagoon, a complete children's pool and activity area. So grab your bathing suit and hit the waves at Knott's Soak City.
LEGOLAND - Carlsbad
Off Interstate 5 and Cannon Road, which leads to Legoland Dr., Carlsbad (760-918-LEGO). This is the first Legoland built in the United States, with other locations in England, Denmark and Germany. Highlights of the park include a scaled replica of five regions of the U.S. and a new roller coaster. Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and Thurs.-Mon. the remainder of the year. Call (760-918-LEGO) for exact schedules.
Mission San Luis Rey - Oceanside
4050 Mission Ave. (760-757-3651). It is the largest of the 21 missions that flourished here in the 1700s and 1800s. In fact, this mission was once the focal point of 3,000 Native Americans. Open Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Prices are ($4) adults; students ($3); family ($12); children 7 years and under are free.
San Diego Wild Animal Park - Escondido
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd. (760-747-8702). The San Diego Wild Animal Park is one of Escondido's most visited attractions. This 1,800-acre wildlife preserve features 3,500 animals representing 400 species, including 13 rare and endangered species such as the never before exhibited California condor. Don't miss the Wgasa Bush Line Railway safari ride or "Park at Dark." The admission price includes the Wgasa Bush Line Railway and is ($26.50) for adults and ($19.50) for children 3-11. Children under 3 are free. Parking is ($6). Credit cards: DISC, MC, VISA.
San Diego Zoo - Balboa Park
Located in Balboa Park (619-234-3153). Open daily, hours depend on the season. The San Diego Zoo is an international animal experience where guests will see some of the earth's rarest wildlife including giant pandas from China, koalas from Australia and tree kangaroos from New Guinea. The San Diego Zoo's more than 4,000 animals live in a tropical setting of hills, shrubs and trees. There are also animal shows and a children's zoo. General admission is ($19.50) for adults and children 12 and older, ($11.75) for children 3-11. Children 2 and under, and active-duty military in uniform are free.
Skydive Elsinore - Lake Elsinore
20701 Cereal St., Lake Elsinore (951-245-8838) or toll free (877-843-5867). This world renowned skydiving venue is famous not only for its scenic views of mountains and lakes and great jump conditions, but for the expertise and care of its USPA certified staff. Beginners jump in tandem with a licensed master instructor. You can even have videos taken of your jump. Their facility has everything you'll need from gear, clothing, rigging service, bunkhouse, snack bar and paraphernalia. Jump-start your life with the thrill of a lifetime! Credit cards: AE, CB, DC, DISC, MC, VISA.
Casino Pauma - Pauma Valley
777 Pauma Reservation Road, Pauma Valley (877-68-PAUMA). The road leading to this casino is lined with palm trees which adds to the tropical theme. Palm thatched "roofs" cover each gaming center filled with exciting table games, including blackjack, Pai Gow Plus, stud, roulette, Carde Craps, and over 50 varieties of state-of-the-art slot machines. Restaurant: The Pauma Bay Cafe and Buffet offers a prime rib buffet on Friday and Saturday nights. Offered daily is a (95���) breakfast special from 6 a.m.-11 a.m. They also have a senior lunch special from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Plus, it's 50 percent off with a free club card. Also popular here is the Triple Bar. Live Entertainment: Sports enthusiasts can watch sporting events on large screen TVs, enjoy live entertainment Tuesdays through Sundays and karaoke Tuesday nights at the Red Parrot Lounge. Free valet parking. Credit cards: DISC, MC, VISA, ATM.
Pala Casino Resort and Spa - Pala
11154 Highway 76, Pala (760-510-5100). Take I-15 to Hwy. 76 and go east five miles. This 650,000-sq. ft. casino is open 24 hours. It has 77 table games including a high limit lounge and an enclosed nonsmoking area. There are also 2,000 slots and video poker machines. Plus they have restaurants, entertainment, a hotel and spa. Credit cards: For dining only. [ ]
16300 Nyemii Pass Rd. Valley Center, 12 miles north of Escondido. Call toll free (866-726-7277). Open 24hrs. a day, 7 days a week. This Indian reservation casino belongs to the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians. Their pledge is to offer a superior product, with the best slot machines, quality service, an excellent Market Square Buffet and a VIP players club.