Best Spots to View Wildlife in San Diego

October 17, 2021

Whether you want your children to experience nature or you’re interested in taking in the scenery and live action yourself, there are countless attractions and areas to visit when you want to see wildlife in San Diego. You don’t have to be an animal lover to enjoy the different creatures and the indescribable imagery. The friendly team at Sunrise Inn San Diego, one of the most ideally located and budget-friendly choices among San Diego hotels, suggest some of the best places to see wildlife in San Diego.

Children’s Nature Retreat

If you’re traveling with your family, specifically young children, bring them to the Children’s Nature Retreat in Alpine. This retreat is home to more than 130 animals, so your family will have a variety of creatures to interact with on the trip. One of the biggest advantages of the Children’s Nature Retreat is that it was developed to help kids bond with wildlife as they learn more about nature and how to appreciate it. Some of the animals you’ll see here include tortoises, bison, zebras, camels, and horses. Like most wildlife centers in California, this retreat houses rescued animals, which is a process your children will learn more about during your visit.

California Wolf Center

At this center, you’ll receive information about wolves and the people sharing the area with them. The center has many informational exhibits and actual animal encounters. Keep in mind that the center was created to rehabilitate and release the wolves. Therefore, there aren’t always large packs of animals to look at during the visit. On your way out, make sure to stop by the gift shop to purchase a souvenir or two for memories or to give to family and friends when you return home. 

Lions Tigers & Bears Exotic Animal Sanctuary

When you visit this San Diego sanctuary, you can see more than 60 exotic animals. Almost all of the animals at Lions Tigers & Bears have been rescued. One of the advantages of this wildlife adventure is the opportunity to feed the different animals. You can purchase packages of food for an up-close-and-personal experience under the supervision of experienced staff. You get to choose the animals you want to feed, from big cats to bears. The sanctuary is an excellent choice for a family visit or an outing you can enjoy alone.

Butterfly Farms

This hidden gem in Encinitas is an excellent choice when you want to take in nature and view some wildlife. The attraction was created to nurture and protect various butterfly species. While at the sanctuary, you have the ability to learn more about butterflies, such as how the insects are essential for the world’s food supply. The farm’s appearance is another reason to put it on your wildlife tour list while visiting San Diego. The various shades of flowers, along with the aesthetic appeal, make it well worth the trip. 

With so much incredible wildlife in the San Diego area, you’ll need several days to visit every place on your must-see list, so reserve your room today at Sunrise Inn San Diego. When they’re looking for comfortable hotels near downtown San Diego, visitors are amazed by our unbeatable rates as well as our spacious rooms, stunning harbor views, and ideal location near the city’s most popular attractions. Book your room today by calling one of our friendly team members at (619) 223-5544.

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