Have your sights set on a wild time in San Diego? You’re headed to the right place — and you don’t even have to set foot in one of our celebrated Gaslamp Quarter nightclubs to do it. That’s because San Diego happens to be the most biodiverse county in the entire United States, and boasts a collection of amazing opportunities to see and appreciate a startling range of wildlife — in the ocean, in the air and just about everywhere. So while you’re planning your wet-and-wild summer adventures on our sparkling beaches and in our vibrant neighborhoods, make sure to set aside some time to check out these natural wonders of San Diego:
1. Swim with Leopard Sharks
Encountering San Diego’s graceful leopard sharks is both less scary than it might sound and more exciting than you might imagine. While they can look fierce (and their name might make you jump), leopard sharks are docile and harmless to humans. And if you’re lucky, you can get close enough for amazing views of these striking animals as they feed in shallow waters here during spring and summer. The best place to find leopard sharks is at the south end of La Jolla Shores beach, near the Marine Room restaurant. Snorkeling is a great way to view them, but you can also take out a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and watch them glide underneath. (As always, treat the sharks and other wildlife with respect and approach them gently.)
2. Marvel at Blue Whales
It’s not often that you can get an up-close look at the largest animal ever known to have existed. But that’s what you can look forward to by setting out from San Diego on a blue whale-watching excursion. Several outfitters here offer trips to San Diego’s sparkling offshore waters on fully equipped whale-watch vessels, and their crews are experts in spotting the migrating blue whales and filling passengers in on whale facts. Seeing one of these massive mammals gliding through the ocean is bound to be the memory of a lifetime.
3. Fly with a Bird
San Diego is believed to have the biggest number of bird species of any place in the nation, with more than 500 calling this region home. Among them are several species of raptors — the magnificent birds of prey whose numbers include falcons and owls. At Sky Falconry, which operates out of a 40-acre ranch in the mountain community of Alpine, you can not only learn about but interact with raptors, through such offerings as falconry lessons and “Hawk Walks.” And if you’d actually like to fly with one of these birds, check out the adventure sport known as “parahawking” at the Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla. Not only will you get a chance to soar above the ocean bluffs in a tandem paraglider, but the folks from Fly With a Bird can arrange to have a falcon fly freely by your side, giving you some stunning company as you glide through the wild summer blue.
4. Explore La Jolla’s Tide Pools
With 70 miles of Pacific coastline, San Diego offers all kinds of options for tide-pool exploration. And a great way to start your summer tidepooling adventures is by getting connected with Birch Aquarium at Scripps, which not only has its own man-made, on-premise tidepools (complete with hands-on animal encounters), but hosts tours of the nearby La Jolla tide pools. From silky-soft anemones to spiny urchins and scuttling crabs, the tide pools teem with fascinating life, and exploring them is a fun way to spend a summer’s day.
5. Scope out Seals and Sea Lions
From the storied Seven Caves to the historic Children’s Pool, the beautiful shoreline of central La Jolla is a popular place for visitors — and not just of the human variety. Healthy populations of seals and sea lions are common sights on the area’s pocket beaches and rocky promontories, as they snooze in the sun and congregate for pupping season. It’s fun to view them from a safe distance, but it’s also important to remember not to disturb these animals, and to let them be wild. The city has permanently closed the Point La Jolla section of coast near La Jolla Cove, so be on alert for signage indicating which spots are safe to visit. And be sure to consult the Sierra Club’s viewing guidelines for more info.
Bonus Wildlife Encounter: San Diego Bay’s Sea Lions
La Jolla’s not the only favorite spot for San Diego’s pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) to kick up their flippers and take a little swim break. If you’re on a boat in San Diego Bay, you can also spot them lounging on the floating bait barges south of Shelter Island, not far from the harbor entrance. You might even find a few barking their welcomes to boat traffic as they hang out on the channel-marker buoys. Book a harbor cruise or other boat excursion to get some of the best views.
6. Trek to an Animal Sanctuary
Sometimes animals need a little help to thrive, and that’s the mission of the San Diego Animal Sanctuary and Farm, which hosts more than 200 rescued animals at its 20-acre property in Alpine. The farm is open to the public for a modest admission fee; visitors can feed, touch and visit with many of the animals, as well as learn about sustainable farming and other practices. There’s even a stand with farm-fresh produce to purchase, so you can enjoy a summer picnic on the farm and then maybe loaf under the oaks as you enjoy the cool mountain breeze.
7. Meet the Marine Life at SeaWorld
SeaWorld San Diego is known around the globe as a world-class attraction that features thrill rides, marine-life exhibits and much more. For a more up-close experience with the park’s amazing sea creatures, SeaWorld also offers a collection of special animal encounters. Whether you dream of getting in the water with dolphins or belugas or meeting sea otters and seals in their element, there’s a program custom-made for you. And best of all, these offerings support SeaWorld’s extensive wild-animal rescue programs.