Going to Oceanside CA in 2 weeks. Suggestions?

[rasczak]

You mean the Dolly Parton Monument?

we call them the Nuclear Boobs.

 

[Homerboy]

Well, for one, the Wild Animal Park is closer. However, it's a really different from most zoos because there aren't really many cages in the entire park as all of the enclosures use more natural looking boundaries. There's a huge piece of land that functions as an African savanna and a tram goes through it. Disney's Animal Kingdom did a lesser knock off of it when they opened that park.

I would also like to add that your kids are at a great age for Legoland and it's pretty cool for the adults if they like to look at the cities made out of Legos.

Isn't Wild Animal Park part of the SD Zoo? Aren't they right by eachother?

 

[Homerboy]

Let me ask this for those that live around/in the area. Since we are planning a trip to Disney and likely Anaheim too, what kind of travel times should I expect? I Googled the routes, but obviously that doesn't take into account traffic in it's estimated travel time.

 

[rasczak]

Isn't Wild Animal Park part of the SD Zoo? Aren't they right by eachother?

No.

The SD Zoo is near Downtown San Diego. The Wild Animal Park is in North County, roughly 35 - 45 minutes away from SD Zoo.

 

[Homerboy]

No.

The SD Zoo is near Downtown San Diego. The Wild Animal Park is in North County, roughly 35 - 45 minutes away from SD Zoo.

Ah but its "part" of the SD Zoo "system" then?

 

[rasczak]

Let me ask this for those that live around/in the area. Since we are planning a trip to Disney and likely Anaheim too, what kind of travel times should I expect? I Googled the routes, but obviously that doesn't take into account traffic in it's estimated travel time.

From Disneyland to San Diego County line is roughly 1.5hr trip. I would probably estimate more along the lines of 2 -2.5 hrs for the drive.

 

[rasczak]

Ah but its "part" of the SD Zoo "system" then?

I am not too sure, but I believe they are in the same organization.

 

[Homerboy]

From Disneyland to San Diego County line is roughly 1.5hr trip. I would probably estimate more along the lines of 2 -2.5 hrs for the drive.

so is Oceanside on the north SD county line then I assume?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Ah but its "part" of the SD Zoo "system" then?

Yes, it is. Our season pass will get us into both the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park.

BTW-They have this zip line you can ride at the Wild Animal Park. You can get a video of it too if you do this. It looks like fun but I haven't done it yet. This video shows some of the park and the zip line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSGCfBFx0Bg

Lion enclosure, this is a pretty cool video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBTml6lPRm8&NR=1

There are some great motorcycling roads out near the Wild Animal Park too. I ride past there all the time on my way up to Julian and into the mountains up there. BTW-Julian is a nice place to get a slice of pie and then head up to Sunrise Highway and Mt Laguna. It is beautiful up there with panoramic views of the desert.

 

[JulesMaximus]

From Disneyland to San Diego County line is roughly 1.5hr trip. I would probably estimate more along the lines of 2 -2.5 hrs for the drive.

From Oceanside Disneyland is a little over an hour drive (at 75-80mph). Go during the week and you shouldn't have any trouble if you leave Oceanside around 9AM. I wouldn't leave any earlier or you'll be in rush hour traffic for sure unless you want to get there at the crack of dawn in which case you could leave at 6AM. You might hit traffic either way but short of a major accident it shouldn't take you any longer than an hour and a half. Take the 5 freeway the entire way, you'll see the signs for Disneyland.

I wouldn't go during the weekend because it will be much more crowded at the park.

 

[Homerboy]

From Oceanside Disneyland is a little over an hour drive (at 75-80mph). Go during the week and you shouldn't have any trouble if you leave Oceanside around 9AM. I wouldn't leave any earlier or you'll be in rush hour traffic for sure unless you want to get there at the crack of dawn in which case you could leave at 6AM. You might hit traffic either way but short of a major accident it shouldn't take you any longer than an hour and a half. Take the 5 freeway the entire way, you'll see the signs for Disneyland.

I wouldn't go during the weekend because it will be much more crowded at the park.

Very good to hear. When he said 2+hrs I was a bit worried. I wouldn't mind the drive but the kids may explode. Our game plan is to go there on Thursday (all 20+ of us) so this is good to know.

Edit: Obviously I'll be asking the hotel concierge too of course.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Very good to hear. When he said 2+hrs I was a bit worried. I wouldn't mind the drive but the kids may explode. Our game plan is to go there on Thursday (all 20+ of us) so this is good to know.

Edit: Obviously I'll be asking the hotel concierge too of course.

From where you're staying Legoland is only about 15 minutes. When you're driving up Canon Rd from the freeway you'll see the Gemological Institute of America up on the hill overlooking the ocean on the right hand side. I used to work there...in fact, that job is what brought me to San Diego.

You could take Coast Highway (the 101) down through Oceanside and Carlsbad to get to Legoland or on the way back from there. It's a nice ride, I used to do it on my bicycle all the time. I used to commute to work by bicycle a couple times a month when I worked there actually.

 

[rasczak]

From Oceanside Disneyland is a little over an hour drive (at 75-80mph). Go during the week and you shouldn't have any trouble if you leave Oceanside around 9AM. I wouldn't leave any earlier or you'll be in rush hour traffic for sure unless you want to get there at the crack of dawn in which case you could leave at 6AM. You might hit traffic either way but short of a major accident it shouldn't take you any longer than an hour and a half. Take the 5 freeway the entire way, you'll see the signs for Disneyland.

I wouldn't go during the weekend because it will be much more crowded at the park.

ahh right, I forgot he was only going to Oside. I counted the trip from my old starting point in National City. That would usually make it a nice 2 hr trip. Sorry to scare ya OP

 

[Homerboy]

It seems a lot of my siblings and/or their families are interested in doing some whale watching while in CA.

Anyone that's out there have any input/suggestions?

 

[anxi80]

There are some great motorcycling roads out near the Wild Animal Park too. I ride past there all the time on my way up to Julian and into the mountains up there. BTW-Julian is a nice place to get a slice of pie and then head up to Sunrise Highway and Mt Laguna. It is beautiful up there with panoramic views of the desert.

the pie in julian is fantastic but also dont forget to pick up some bread at dudley's bakery in santa ysabel. especially the date nut raisin; lightly toast it spread some butter on it and it's probably one of the best slices of toast you'll enjoy.

 

[Train]

That house from Top Gun is there, right near the beach.

My uncle used to live 4 houses down from that house.

I hear there is a plaque out front, something to the tune of "ZOMG This is the house from Top Gun!"

woopty do.

 

[JulesMaximus]

It seems a lot of my siblings and/or their families are interested in doing some whale watching while in CA.

Anyone that's out there have any input/suggestions?

Check out Hornblower cruises in downtown San Diego. We went out on the Adventure Hornblower for about 4 hours one afternoon about a month ago. It is definitely something I'd recommend and would do again. In fact, we took the Coaster downtown from Carlsbad village station. The train station in downtown is only a couple blocks from where the Hornblower boats dock and where they sell the tickets.

I took the following pics on that trip.

 

[Homerboy]

Hmmm SUPER intersting.
http://www.hornblower.com/hce/port/overview/sd+whalewatching
That the joint you speak of?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Hmmm SUPER intersting.
http://www.hornblower.com/hce/port/overview/sd+whalewatching
That the joint you speak of?

Yes, I'd definitely recommend them. They do not disappoint.

I would recommend a DSLR with a 200mm lens for capturing the whale photos. Definitely bring along a 35 or 50mm lens for shots of the San Diego skyline on the way back in to port.

You could spend a couple days just exploring downtown San Diego. There is Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, Horton Plaza, Petco Park, the San Diego Martitime Museum, the USS Midway and all of it is within walking distance of the train station.

BTW-The Maritime Museum is pretty cool. They have the HMS Surprise, the ship that was used in the film Master and Commander (one of my favorite movies) and a Cold War era Soviet B-39 diesel powered submarine and you can go on both of these vessels along with the Star of India (the world's oldest active sailing ship). I geek out on stuff like this in case you couldn't tell.

 

[rockyct]

Oh they (and me) are super-hyped for LEGOland. Trust me on that

Interesting on the Wild Animal Park. When we went to Disneyworld 2 years ago, the kids and my wife and I all LOVED the Safari ride at Animal Kingdom. So you're saying Wild Animal Park is a LARGER version of that? Hmmmm Maybe a trip down to San Diego is something we should consider then....

Animal Kingdom is a Disneyfied version of the Wild Animal Park with some rides and a fake tree thrown in. The Wild Animal Park completely focused on the animals and it really is a massive park. Animal Kingdom is probably more fun for the kids, but the Wild Animal Park is more educational. Oceanside is about 30-40 minutes away so it's actually pretty close.

 

[Homerboy]

Yes, I'd definitely recommend them. They do not disappoint.

I would recommend a DSLR with a 200mm lens for capturing the whale photos. Definitely bring along a 35 or 50mm lens for shots of the San Diego skyline on the way back in to port.

You could spend a couple days just exploring downtown San Diego. There is Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, Horton Plaza, Petco Park, the San Diego Martitime Museum, the USS Midway and all of it is within walking distance of the train station.

BTW-The Maritime Museum is pretty cool. They have the HMS Surprise, the ship that was used in the film Master and Commander (one of my favorite movies) and a Cold War era Soviet B-39 diesel powered submarine and you can go on both of these vessels along with the Star of India (the world's oldest active sailing ship). I geek out on stuff like this in case you couldn't tell.

VERY good info Jules!
Sadly I'll be packing a sweet point and shoot digital
Maybe I can borrow my in-laws nicer DSLR

 

[DawsonsDada]

Add another vote for the Wild Animal park!!!! It is AWESOME and definately worth the trip south!

You may also want to try Balboa Park which is right near downtown SD. They have (had?) a couple of different museum's to go to there. The science museum is interactive (great for kids) and there is a model railroad museum there also where they can see all kinds of train layouts (my boys LOVE trains and had a great time there).

Sea World is definately worth the trip.

Point Loma which is across the bay from SD is a neat trip to see the Lighthouse and tidal pools. You can look down on the city and the bay from there also.

 

[Homerboy]

Add another vote for the Wild Animal park!!!! It is AWESOME and definately worth the trip south!

You may also want to try Balboa Park which is right near downtown SD. They have (had?) a couple of different museum's to go to there. The science museum is interactive (great for kids) and there is a model railroad museum there also where they can see all kinds of train layouts (my boys LOVE trains and had a great time there).

Sea World is definately worth the trip.

Point Loma which is across the bay from SD is a neat trip to see the Lighthouse and tidal pools. You can look down on the city and the bay from there also.

Hmm tidal pools... that's a good tid-bit to mention. Are there any super-cool spots on the beach around Oceanside? I'd love my kids to get to see some tidal pools, big waves... just to "experience" the ocean ya know? They've seen the Atlantic, but have yet to enjoy the Pacific.

 

[oogabooga]

As others have said : you have Legoland and Wild Animal park pretty closeby. Temecula does have vineyards for the adults.

Carlsbad has some outlets (not really that great, but they're outlets) and they have the flower fields right next to it as a place to visit. It's also right next to legoland.

Things in San Diego are closer to get to probably than things in the LA Area - So the Zoo, SeaWorld, Balboa Park, Gaslamp, Coronado, etc is all open to you within a reasonable drive.

Padre's - Petco Park is a good place to catch a game if they're in town. There's a kids park for the smaller kids right behind the right field plate. It might also be a cheaper ticket since padres are bad

Springtime is when it starts to get expensive : but if you look at vacation rentals you could pickup a place near the beach and that in and of itself is something to do. Last January some friends and I pitched in all together and got a beachhouse right on the beach. A 5br gorgeous place that is normally $7k/week for $1k/week. Made it cheaper than a hotel - and a nicer view/place to stay with BBQ and small outdoor tub.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Hmm tidal pools... that's a good tid-bit to mention. Are there any super-cool spots on the beach around Oceanside? I'd love my kids to get to see some tidal pools, big waves... just to "experience" the ocean ya know? They've seen the Atlantic, but have yet to enjoy the Pacific.

There aren't any tidal pools near Oceanside and the waves might be anywhere from tiny to overhead depending on what swells are coming in and from where.