Enjoy a 35-Minute tour with a knowledgeable guide on a double-decker bus covering more than 75 percent of the San Diego Zoo.

At The Zoo

San Diego Is Home To One Of The World's Top Zoos And So Much More

There are lots of good reasons to visit California's second largest city San Diego‹the weather, the natural beauty, the history, and much more. But the best reason is the San Diego Zoo. It's one of the top zoos in the world, and in this writer's mind number one. It's no surprise, however, since the weather is near perfect year-round and the zoo has lots of space for its animals. Both climate and space are issues for many zoos, but not here. Also, there's a lot of local pride in the San Diego Zoo and this translates into good attendance figures and strong financial support.

As wildlife throughout the world has become increasingly threatened, the role of the modern zoo has changed dramatically from an entertainment facility to an educational institution and research center. While the entertainment factor may bring people through the gates, its an environmental education message that's the underlying purpose.

Known for its large, naturalistic enclosures, the 100-acre San Diego Zoo is home to a diverse collection of 3,800 animals, representing 800 species - many of which are rarely seen at other zoos. It is one of only three facilities in the United States to house giant pandas. Rare and obscure animals can be found throughout the facility immersed in lush, tropical settings such as Tiger River and Gorilla Tropics. Visitors also come face to face with polar bears, camels, lions, tigers, pygmy chimpanzees, elephants and more.

With thousands of wild animals, many on the endangered species list, it is no wonder that the World Famous San Diego Zoo is just that‹ World Famous! The Zoo offers a guided tour bus that traverses three quarters of the park. There is an overhead gondola lift that provides a great aerial view and a quick way to move from opposite ends of the Zoo.

Among my favorite exhibits are the two large areas that accommodate the zoo's elephant herds: one for its Asian elephant group and another one for its African elephants. An elevated walking path called the Elephant Overlook takes you out between the two exhibit areas to see what our pachyderms are up to. Each elephant exhibit offers a large pond and shade trees. There are also shade structures made of simulated rock and plenty of room to roam. From the elephant overlook you can even view each exhibit's elephant barn and holding yards, where the elephants go in the mornings when the keepers are cleaning the spacious main yards and hiding treats for the elephants to discover. To learn more view www.sandiegozoo.org.

Another great reason to visit San Diego is the Hotel del Coronado, on Coronado island in San Diego Bay, considered one of America's most beautiful beach resorts.

A classic Victorian hotel, The Del was built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Today, it offers travelers contemporary luxury in an enchanting atmosphere. USA Today calls The Del łone of the top ten resorts in the world.˛ For those seeking a romantic retreat, the resort's magical architecture and island setting are perfect. It's also wonderful family vacation destination, featuring abundant recreational, as well as teen and children's programs.

The Hotel Del has a rich and colorful heritage. From Marilyn Monroe to Charles Lindbergh, from state dinners to the ghost of a beautiful young woman (Kate Morgan) who on Nov. 25, 1892 checked in, but never checked out. Ten U.S. Presidents have visited the hotel, starting with Benjamin Harrison in 1891. One of the resort's most famous visitors was England's Prince of Wales in 1920. He would later become King Edward VIII, only to give up his throne in 1936 to marry Coronado divorcee, Wallis Spencer Simpson. Many have speculated that they may have first met at The Del.

The hotel has played host to some of America's greats, including Thomas Edison and Babe Ruth. Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh was honored at The Del in 1927 after his successful trans-Atlantic flight. At this lavish banquet, a replica of Lindbergh's plane circled the enormous Crown Room ceiling. Hollywood has been making movies at the hotel for more than a century. (The first movie shot here was in 1901.) In 1958, The Del was the backdrop for the comedy classic Some Like it Hot starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. The resort has also seen a steady stream of celebrity visitors - from Charlie Chaplin and Humphrey Bogart to Brad Pitt and Madonna.

For additional information view www.hoteldel.com. Plan your trip to San Diego by visiting www.sandiego.org