Fantastic Temecula Winery Stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn

A winecation is always a good idea, don’t you think? I just got back from fantastic 4 day stay in Temecula and wanted to share my experience at Ponte Vineyard Inn with you. I don’t want to give away too much, but if you are looking for a winery hotel overlooking the vineyards in the middle of Temecula wine country, this is the place you want to be.What to expectFirst impressions matter! When you drive up to Ponte Vineyard Inn, it feels like you have arrived at a historic California Mission, including tiled bell towers. It is absolutely stunning.After you make your way through the lobby, you sit down in plush armchairs to check in, and you are handed a cool glass of exquisite sparkling wine. What a way to start your getaway in wine country! Check-in is swift and fast. Instead of rattling down the list of amenities and details about checkout, breakfast time, and pool hours, they just sent you a text message with all the information later. No delay for you to hit the pool or the first winery.Ponte Vineyard Inn doesn’t just wow you with a perfect first impression. The design and maintenance, as well as service at this hotel surprise you with thoughtful details everywhere you look. I have stayed at so many “fancy” hotels and it was all stunning and beautiful until you looked in the corners. This hotel definitely deserves its AAA 4 Diamond status. Amenities & RoomsPonte Vineyard Inn has everything a luxury hotel should have and the AAA 4 Diamond designation is well deserved. I loved dipping in the pool and jacuzzi overlooking the vineyards. Another favorite spot of mine was the rose garden and lawn overlooking the pond. Perfect to sit in the shade, smell the fragrance of the roses, read a book and relax. There is also a small gym with treadmills and free weights, but I just went to go for a walk in the vineyards for a little exercise. My King Suite overlooked the pool and the vineyards. What a view to wake up to! Each room comes with a coffee station as well as a mini fridge – perfect to keep that bottle of wine cool for later! The beds and pillows were pure bliss. I stayed here with a group of wine and travel writers. All members of our group stay in hotels very frequently, and so many of us commented about how comfy the beds are. The only downside is that you might never want to get up, ha! And that is ok, too. There is no spa available at Ponte, but they work with South Coast Winery next door (~5-minute walk, or you can drive), and you can enjoy massages, facials, steam baths, and saunas to your heart’s content. Restaurants and Bars at Ponte Vineyard Inn and WineryBouquet Restaurant and BarOpen for Breakfast, Brunch, and Dinner, Bouquet Restaurant made sure I had a delicious start to my day. The extensive Breakfast and Brunch menu had something for everyone. I tried the Huevos Rancheros, Avocado Toast, and Eggs Benedict, and I have to say, they know how to poach an egg! Perfectly set, yet still oozy, creamy, and delicious. I am not a sweet breakfast lover, but the Riccotta Cheese Blintz was calling to me. Maybe next time…The Restaurant at Ponte This restaurant is located right by the Ponte Winery Tasting Room and is open for Lunch and Dinner. I didn’t get to eat here, but I had a look at their menu and it made my mouth water. I love that they have something for everyone, including indulgent options like coffee- and lavender-encrusted filet mignon but also simpler options like Mousakka or Pizza. The Cellar Just off the main entrance, you can find the stairs leading down to The Cellar Bar. A mix of modern decor, vaulted ceilings, and jazzy vibes makes for a fun ambiance. Little nibbles, craft cocktails, and, of course, wine offer a great selection for a pre-or post-dinner drink. Poolside Bar and CaféI also didn’t try this option, but I love the resort vibes you get with a poolside bar. Is there anything that puts you into vacation mode quicker than sitting by the pool with an umbrella drink in your hand? 4 Wineries in Walking DistanceSpeaking of drinks. Most people come to Temecula for wine tasting. If you stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn, you have 4 wineries within a 16-minute walking radius. That makes it so much more convenient if you don’t have to drive (and no need for a designated driver or expensive wine tour!!!). Ponte WineryPonte Winery is the on-property winery and the closest one to the Inn. They have a wide selection of offerings, including classic and crowd-pleasing single-varietal wines, such as Chardonnay, Vermentino, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and, of course, Cabernet Sauvignon. I really love their Vermentino. I tried their “regular” one, which is light and floral, with a summery taste of tropical fruits and refreshing acidity. And then I had the Late Harvest Vermentino, which was round, smooth, and luxurious. Definitely something special for a special occasion. South Coast Winery If you didn’t go to South Coast for a spa treatment (which you should), you definitely have to go there for a wine tasting. South Coast Winery is the only winery that has won the Title of California Winery of the Year 5 times. A well-deserved achievement! I also love that they are a certified sustainable winery. If you love dry Rosés, try their Grenache Noir Rose. It won several awards and is the perfect wine to sip all summer!Also, read our full review of the South Coast Winery Resort here>>Wiens CellarsIt feels like every winemaker in Temecula has a cool story. So does Brian Marquez, the winemaker at Wiens Cellars. Aside from killing it at Wiens, he is also a Hot hot-air balloon pilot, and yes, he took me for a flight and also poured me a flight on the same day. How cool is that?We did a fun blind tasting at their tasting room and tried 3 versions of 6 different varietals, having to guess the grape. It was a fun experience to see three different interpretations of the same wine by three different wineries. Bottaia WineryBottaia Winery is the sister property of Ponte Vineyards and is run by the same winemaker. Arnaud Debons took us on a winery tour at 6:45 AM. I guess there is never a bad time for wine, but that was definitely a first for me. I love Bottaia’s concept. They focus on Italian varietals only and blend modern techniques with Old World traditions. I love that they do not compromise to please the crowds. There is no Cab or Chard on the menu, but you can try varietals most people have never even heard of, such as Fiano (my favorite!), a crisp and floral summer wine, or Sagrantino—a perfect red if you love deep flavors and strong tannins. One of my favorite things about Bottaia is their blending lab workshop, which visitors can sign up for. You get to play winemaker for a day and make your own wine blend. It’s so cool. I definitely want to do that next time I am in Temecula. Speaking of returning to Temecula. It has been 7 years since my last visit to Temecula, and the valley has changed so much. It really has come into its own and found its own style. The wines used to be mainly so-so, but now they are impressive and delicious. I can’t wait to come back to Temecula soon and it definitely won’t take me 7 years until my next visit!If you are planning a trip to Temecula, check out Ponte Vineyard Inn. Staying at this fantastic Temecula winery hotel will take your stay to the next level, and prices are very reasonable! Book your stay here>>This Ponte Vineyard Inn Review was written by Maria Haase for San Diego Explorer. As customary in travel writing, the trip to Temecula was hosted by Temecula Wines and Visit Temecula and the stay and experiences were free of charge. This has not influenced their opinion and the content of this article.Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Fantastic Temecula Winery Stay at Ponte Vineyard Inn appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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How To Celebrate San Diego Pride: Events, Parties & Things To Do [2024]

The world may celebrate Pride Month during June, but San Diego always extends the party when it hosts its Pride Week July 13-21, 2024.San Diego Pride Board Member Andrew Picard, who serves as the Executive Director of addiction service Stepping Stone of San Diego, says this year focuses on community and growth. “In the post-COVID world, it was really hard for Prides everywhere to recover and rebound,” he says. “San Diego Pride has only continued to get bigger and stronger every single year.”This time, the festivities see big industry names like Sheila E., Todrick Hall, and recent RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Nymphia Wind as part of the entertainment lineup, but Picard stresses there’s so much more to it than that.“Yes, we want to have the Nymphia Wind’s and the Sheila E.’s and the names that bring in a crowd who wants to celebrate,” he says. “But what I really love about San Diego’s Pride is with the festival and parade, they really prioritize diversity and representation and make sure there’s something for everyone, which you don’t see in every Pride.”The San Diego Pride organization operates as a nonprofit and puts on a lot of the events that happen during the weekend celebration. However, there are a number of other parties and options you can choose from. That said, if you have a chance to support or attend an event from San Diego Pride themselves, you should. 100% of the proceeds that come from the festival and parade go toward year-round programming to uplift the community, which helps events like these take place.Things to do for San Diego Pride 2024The Epicenter of San Diego Pride is in Hillcrest and if you go there between July 13 – 21, you will find a sea of rainbows, parties, and events going on. Here are the events hosted by San Diego Pride, as well as a couple of other options and some after-dark festivities, too.Also read: Best Bars in HillcrestSpirit of Stonewall RallyYou may not know that the first Pride occurred in New York City to mark the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. If that doesn’t strike a bell, the Uprising occurred at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 when the police raided the gay establishment and sparked an outrage that changed the course of the future for the queer community forever.On Friday, July 19, join for the annual Spirit of Stonewall Rally at 6 PM under the Pride Flag at the corner of University Avenue and Normal Street. San Diego held their first Rally in 1975, and it’s our time to recognize and honor the leaders who work hard to preserve our gains and reflect on our origins as we celebrate those who have helped pave the way to where we are now. The Rally also serves as the kickoff to the Pride weekend, and Picard says it’s a “moment that really resonates. It’s a centering moment. Yes, we’re all part of Pride because we want to dance and celebrate and go crazy and have fun. But that is a moment where you’re seeing local heroes, people volunteering their time who have dedicated themselves to making a positive change in the queer community.”San Diego Pride 5KThe Pride 5k is described as “the most fun and wacky event of the summer.” Presented by Front Runners & Walkers San Diego, it’s a great way to start your Pride celebrations with some physical activity — especially if you’re planning on living it up over the rest of the weekend.This one comes at you bright and early, so explore at your own risk. It’s on July 20 at the corner of University Avenue and Centre Street. The race day activities start at 6:45 a.m. Registration is open, and you can do so here.San Diego Pride ParadeWhether you hit the 5K or not, the annual San Diego Pride Parade on Saturday the 20th is an event you won’t want to miss. It’s among the largest Pride events in the country and attracts over 250,000 people to make it the largest single-day civic event in the entire region.Anywhere along University Avenue will be a good place for you to catch the show, but know you’ll run into a crowd regardless. It begins at the Pride Flag on the corner of Normal Street and University Avenue at 10 AM and lasts until around 3 PM. The parade marches down University Avenue, turns down 6th Avenue, continues onto Balboa Drive, and ends on Laurel Street as a perfect entrance to the festival.“Pride is embracing the most authentic and fiercest version of yourself,” says Picard. “It’s about recognizing that you’re part of a community. It’s this celebration that we’re a diverse tapestry of a community, and we want to empower people to show up as their fabulous selves.”San Diego Pride Festival The San Diego Pride Festival in Balboa Park is an all-weekend affair, starting at 11 AM and ending at 9 PM on both Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21. This is where you’ll find the entertainment for the weekend. It’s also a paid event, though it won’t do much to break the bank. $38 gets you a whole weekend pass, but it’ll only cost you $42 if you wait until the last minute. VIP access costs $219, but it’ll be $239 if you buy it at the door. It’s also free for those who complete a five-hour shift.Grab your tickets here, and keep an eye out for the lineup to keep track of which show you want to see, and when. Remember, the money you spend here and at any of the other San Diego Pride-related events goes back into the community and right into making sure next year’s festivities are even better.Pride Block PartyThe annual Pride Block Party, hosted by Fabulous Hillcrest, is a great way to start off your Pride weekend right in the thick of it all. The Block Party goes from 5 PM – 11 PM on Friday, July 19 and is a perfect all-ages event. The Block Party also features the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, and the entertainment consists of drag queens and a DJ dance party. The block behind the Pride Flag gets shut down for the event, in the same area that holds the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market (which is still happening the Sunday of Pride, just in case you want to go.)Yoga and Dance Party at the Rady ShellIf the 5K isn’t your thing, perhaps yoga and dancing align more with your interests. Every year, Fit Athletic hosts a Yoga and Dance Party led by Viktoria Talbot at the Rady Shell. This year marks the third annual event, which is free and starts at 7 PM on Thursday, July 18. All levels of yogis attend, and the dance party afterward sees returning guests DJ Sassy and DJ Dova. Even though it’s free, be sure you register for your spot!Pool PartiesWhen in San Diego, you can’t celebrate Pride without going to at least one pool party. Although some of the more fun pool parties take place in private residences with invite-only appeal, LE Parties throws multiple pool parties around town for Pride every year, and any of them would be a good option to attend. Each day from Friday through Sunday has a different themed pool party. You can purchase tickets to just one or buy a weekend pass that gets you into all three. Friday’s pool party is at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Mission Valley from 1 PM – 7 PM (as are the others) as the Fun Dip Kick-off Pride Pool Party. This sees Insomniac DJ Missy B transform the pool “into a vibrant water wonderland.” It also has DJs Codak & Laser Fox open and close the show.On Saturday, after you spend some time at the parade, you can also head over to the Sunshine Disco Pool Party, also billed as the “Saturday Massive Pride Pool Party.” Entertainment includes headliner DJ Hektor Mass from Las Vegas on the Main Pool stage, and DJs Matt Suave and Guatamex hold up the rest of the party. Oh, and there will also be plenty of go-go dancers for your entertainment at this one, as well.To close out the weekend on Sunday “Fungay,” join in for the Epic Pink Pool Party. The theme is EPIC PINK! and has RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 winner Aquaria as the headlining entertainment. DJ Mascfish opens the show, and Grammy-winning DJ Dave Audé will close out the weekend. Nightlife Weekend PassesOnce the sun goes down, you’ll have even more options for how to spend your time. Although bars like Flicks, Number One Fifth Avenue, The Rail, and The Loft have yet to release any Pride-specific events, they’re still great places to go to socialize and have a good time (though it’s the only time of year you can expect to pay some more covers). Number One Fifth and The Loft are perfect choices for those who want something a little more local. If you’re still wanting to keep the Pride-themed party, here are some options for your weekend:Rich’sRich’s nightclub has seven Pride events starting on Wednesday, July 17 with Mischief Pride from 9 PM – 2 AM. Thursday night sees Papi Pride at the same time, while Friday night continues with Dirty-POP Pride from 8 PM – 3 AM. On Saturday, they have the Pride Parade Party from 10 AM – 6 PM, followed by the Pride Massive Party from 8 PM – 4 AM. Sunday sees the Souleil Pride party in the day from 12 PM – 9 PM, then closes out the weekend with the Sunset Tea Pride Closing Party right after until 3 AM. Please note that you can only buy individual tickets for Papi Pride and Souleil. TurnTurn is also offering a weekend of fun after hours, though you can purchase tickets for individual days as well as the whole thing. On Friday, Drawn This Way encourages you to grab your sexiest outfit or jockstrap to dance the night away. Saturday sees The Dip, where you’ll want to bring along your best sexy villain look. Sunday closes off the weekend with Tune Town, where you’ll dance the night away dressed as your favorite cartoon character. Other Pride EventsBesides the actual weekend of Pride celebrations, July sees a couple of other parties that also contribute to the overall theme. The weekend before Pride, She Fest is another event through SD Pride held at the Pride Flag on July 13 at 11:00 AM. This annual event has workshops, community organizations, and performers to help uplift and build community with people who identify as queer or non-binary women. San Diego Black Pride also has a weekend of celebrations from Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 7. The kickoff party is on Friday night at Gossip Grill, with the “Express Your Essence” mini-ball to follow. Saturday sees the Fam Bam Beach BBQ from 11 AM – 1 PM and/or the Freaknik Beach Party after from 5 PM – 11 PM. The weekend closes out on Sunday with the Decadent Day Party at Rich’s from 3 PM – 9 PM.Just go out and celebrate!At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how you celebrate Pride — it only matters that you’re authentic to who you are. Pride is the annual reminder of the community queer people have, and how diverse that rainbow actually is. It’s a time to recognize your similarities and differences, then put everything aside to simply honor your best self.Most importantly, just take care of yourself. Get a can or two of Narcan just in case you or somebody else needs it. Sometimes people have a little too much fun during Pride, and it’s a good backup to have in case somebody overdoses on something. Also know that most bars have a heavy stock of this at the ready, too. Whether it’s your first Pride or your 50th, go out there, have fun, and make memories that will last a lifetime — all while living it up in America’s Finest City.Last Updated on June 13, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post How To Celebrate San Diego Pride: Events, Parties & Things To Do [2024] appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Insider Tips from a Local

My husband and I absolutely love the San Diego Zoo and its sister property, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (previously known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park). So much so, that we’ve been members for years.We appreciate the impressive number and species of animals housed here, the lush gardens, and the picturesque settings of these two parks. But more importantly, the Zoo and Safari Park are a renowned conservation organization. They have several programs committed to preserving endangered wildlife species worldwide.The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park while the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is situated 35 miles northwest of San Diego in the rolling hills of the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido. With a massive 1,800 acres of land, 300 species and more than 3,600 animals on site, the Safari Park can feel overwhelming for a first-time visitor. However, with some advanced planning and tips we’re providing, you’ve got the tools to ensure your remarkable experience.Timing Your VisitOf no surprise, weekends and holidays are always the busiest times to be at the Safari Park, as are the summer months when many families vacation in San Diego. Getting to the park as early as possible to park opening is wise for many reasons. The animals are more active in the morning, you’ll navigate fewer crowds, it’s the ideal time to watch shows and keeper talks, and if you’re visiting in the summer, this park can get quite warm as it’s more inland. Temperatures can easily reach the high 80s and, on some days, well into the 90s.Other months of the year tend to be much more comfortable and here’s an insider tip you’ll appreciate: more animals give birth in the spring, so if you’re visiting at this time, you’re likely to see more of these adorable babies.Pre-Planning Your Visit- Pre-Purchase Tickets and Download the AppPlan to spend no less than a full day here if you want to get the most out of your Safari Park experience. I highly recommend downloading the San Diego Zoo Safari Park app. This GPS-enabled map will allow visitors to view the daily schedule, discover dining and activities, import their tickets or memberships to the digital wallet and add their must-see wildlife to the day planner. Though paper maps are available after passing through the Safari Park entrance, guests can download a PDF map to familiarize themselves with the layout of the Park. Download it here for Android or Apple devices. In addition, if you want to avoid the lines at the ticket booths at the Park entrance, you can purchase your tickets and tours in advance (more about tours a bit later).Tickets can be purchased online here or used in combination with a San Diego Go Explorer Pass, or San Diego CityPASS. If, however, you are using the veterans’ or AAA membership discounts on admission, these tickets must be purchased at the park entrance.Money Saving Tip: If you plan to visit the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Safari Park, you can also by a combo-ticket that saves you a little bit of money. What to Wear for the Safari ParkDepending upon the time of year, it’s always good to check the weather forecast. Just be sure to check the weather conditions in Escondido versus San Diego as these areas can vary quite a bit. My best advice is to layer your clothing. You may want that jacket or sweater for your early morning arrival and then not need it once the sun comes out. Or need it again, once the sun goes down. Also, I’m a big fan of wearing cotton clothing that’s cool and comfortable. And if you want to dress in safari-type attire, go for it. It’s all part of the experience, and you won’t be alone.Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking in the Park, be sure to wear good tennis shoes or hiking shoes. DO NOT wear flip-flops. You are not at the beach and you’ll regret this decision by the end of the day.What to Pack for Your VisitMake sure to come prepared for your Safari Park visit, especially if you’re bringing little ones with you. Even if you don’t, you’ll be glad to have these items during your exploration time. To ensure we don’t forget the necessities, we make a list and then check those items off as they’re packed to go.Use a Light BackpackDon’t forget your backpack! This is the best way to carry your most-needed items, but do keep your backpack a lightweight type so it doesn’t become too heavy as the day unfolds. Take a Re-useable Water BottleWe make sure to include a re-usable water bottle for each family member and we keep it in the freezer overnight, then fill it with ice water in the morning before leaving for the Park. There are places to get refills throughout the Park including complimentary ice water from vendors you can use to refill your bottle.Bring Your Own Snacks and MealsI do not pack meals when visiting the Safari Park, but you certainly can. Because the non-profit organization consisting of the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park are unable to customize food items to meet all dietary restrictions, they allow outside food to be brought into the park. This can be a big cost-saver for families and I’ve seen many of them take advantage of this option.When our family visits, however, we do bring snacks. You’d be surprised at how hungry you will be with all the walking you’ll be doing. Our favorites? Granola bars, fruit snacks, and trail mix.Be aware that you can’t bring glass bottles, straws, and large coolers. Don’t Forget Your Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Wipes and Hand SanitizerThis might seem like an unnecessary reminder, but when you’re getting ready to head to the Park in the morning, these are items that can be easily missed. Again, the park can get quite warm, especially during the summer and early fall months, so you’ll want to make sure to protect your skin with a good hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. And speaking of protection, I always keep a small pack of hand wipes and hand sanitizer with me, especially when I’m sharing public spaces (and germs) with others (and animals!). Take BinocularsIf you have binoculars, make sure to bring them along. You’ll be glad you did when they provide some unbelievable close-ups of the animals. The lighter the better so they’re not too heavy to lug or carry. If you don’t, here are some lightweight ones that even connect to your phone for some cool photos!Now that we’ve established your planning and packing strategies, let’s talk about the tips you’ll need once you’re in the Safari Park to make your visit even better.Start Your Visit with the Africa TramThe difference between the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the number of animals that run practically free-range in the Safari Park. This is mainly due to the park’s initial designation as a breeding facility for rare and endangered species. Hence, animals here have a lot more space to roam.We always begin our Safari Park experience with an expedition on the Africa Tram. Not only is this a relaxing adventure on a path that takes visitors around some of the savanna habitats, but the 25-minute guided tram tour offers a myriad of information about the Park and the opportunity to see more wildlife in what’s designed to be close to their original habitat.Tour tip: The Africa Tram is located in the African Outpost. You don’t need reservations, so it’s a first-come, first-serve experience. Try to get seats on the left side of the tram as this will give you the best opportunity for sightings and photos.Must-See Animals and ExhibitsWhile there’s so much to see and explore animal-wise at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, we have our favorite areas and exhibits that shouldn’t be overlooked as these stand out as absolute winners in our book.Walkabout AustraliaWhen the Safari Park opened Walkabout Australia, we were so excited! Imagine walking a picturesque path without barriers between you and the Australian wildlife, where wallabies and kangaroos cross your paths and meander the grounds at leisure. Walkabout also includes a platypus exhibit, the only facility with these beautiful creatures seen outside of Australia.Tiger TrailSumatran tigers call Tull Tiger Trail their home, representing one of the best-designed tiger enclosures in the world. Guests will find great photo spots and amazing viewing windows as these beautiful cats pace back and forth in front of the viewing windows, lounge by the water, cool off in the stream and stretch out on rock outcroppings overlooking the waterfalls.Sadly, fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers exist in the wild and thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, over 25 tiger cubs have been born at the Safari Park. This is also one of the exhibits that you can visit on one of your last stops in the Park since tigers are mostly nocturnal and are more active at twilight.World Gardens and Condor RidgeJust a short distance stroll from Walkabout Australia and Tiger Trail leads to the highest vistas in the Safari Park featuring desert cacti and Native American fauna frequently seen in the Southwest. Here you’ll find the black-footed ferret, desert big-horned sheep, bald eagles, and the endangered California condor among others. And the area provides an expansive and impressive view of the Park and the surrounding San Pasqual Valley.African OutpostThis meandering loop takes guests past a variety of African birds and mammals including waterfowl and includes the Lion Camp and Cheetah Run. You’ll find okapi, rhinos, nyalas, red river hogs, vultures and more.Dining at the Safari ParkVisitors have 17 different dining experiences to select from in the Park with a variety of menus ranging from burgers and hot dogs to Mexican-inspired entrees, soups, salads, pizza and paninis. Our favorite place to dine, however, is the open-air Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook offering incredible views of the African Plains as you enjoy tasty sandwiches, fresh salads and an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage of choice. You’ll get a much-needed break, will love the surroundings and savor the moment. Reservations are highly suggested.Take a Safari Tour- Add-On ExperiencesThis will take some advance planning and reservations, but these up-close-and-personal add-on experiences are so worth it, even if you just choose one.The San Diego Safari Park offers nine different safari experiences with 27 variations. They range from open-air caravan safaris, behind-the-scenes safaris, the fascinating cheetah run, and more to roar and snore safaris, which are overnight sleepover adventures in nature. Our favorites and ones we recommend to locals and visitors are the Caravan Safari (the most popular tour at the Park) and the Roar and Snore, where you don’t have to get an expensive ticket to South Africa to hear the sounds of the elephants, lions and more nearby.Photo courtesy of Christy MillerThis is an ideal park to venture into these unique experiences and one of the main reasons visitors come to the Safari Park or return for a future visit.There are a host of other activities in the Safari Park that can more than help fill in your entire day’s visit which include animal encounters, a Lorikeet Feeding Experience, a petting zoo, and so many charming shops in each of the areas of the Park. Whenever you choose to visit and whatever activities or tours you decide to schedule in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, we hope your experience becomes a magnificent experience you’ll long remember.Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Insider Tips from a Local appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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