Things to do in Lakeside

Prepare to be amazed and enchanted by the diversity of animal life on display at San Diego Zoo, which welcomes 5 million visitors a year. The 100-acre (40-hectare) site is home to around 4,000 animals from more than 650 species and subspecies. Most exhibits are open air, and designed to be as close to the natural habitats of the animals they house as possible.

For an educational or fun getaway in this Southern California city, find an event at the San Diego Convention Center. Many organizations hold private conferences here; take advantage of the excellent facilities and pleasant surroundings if you’re invited to participate. Public events are frequent too. Look for bridal shows, home shows and Brick Fest Live, with intricate LEGO® creations and demonstrations. November’s Art San Diego is a huge show of art, art installations and demonstrations.

Spend summer days enjoying the calm waters and gorgeous scenes of Mission Bay, a saltwater lagoon just north of downtown San Diego. This 4,200-acre (1,700-hectare) bay features pristine beaches, water sports for all ages and park attractions that bring summer to life.

Experience America’s favorite pastime in San Diego’s Petco Park. Enjoy stunning views of southern California as you watch a baseball game, concert or other sporting event. The park is named after San Diego-based pet supplies retailer Petco.

People have beencoming to Mission Beach to top up their tans since the 1920s, when the firstholiday homes were built along its shores. Development increased in the 1960sand today this is a thriving, affluent oceanfront suburb. Thankfully, though,it hasn’t lost its old-fashioned charm. Stroll along the boardwalk that runsthe length of the beach and enjoy the relaxed, carnival atmosphere courtesy ofstreet performers, roller bladers and skateboarders, and the occasional artistselling jewelry or other crafts.

This is one of thelargest urban parks in the United States, and one of the most diverse in theworld. You could spend a week exploring its 1,200 acres (486 hectares) ofwalking trails and gardens, museums and galleries, theaters, restaurants, and world-famous zoo. Thiswealth of year-round entertainment makes it a popular location for both localsand tourists.