San Diego Wildlife by the Water: Seals, Dolphins & Whales, Oh My!
San Diego’s perfect coastal location offers locals and visitors to the area a variety of unique activities and adventures along the shore. Whether you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the playful dolphins, explore a local tide pool, or visit a seaside aquarium, the chance for exciting encounters with the local San Diego sea lions, whales, and seals is one you don’t want to miss.
The Best Western Island Palms is the best hotel in San Diego to stay during your family wildlife adventure vacation. We have amazing resort-style amenities and are close to the whale watching San Diego opportunities, the San Diego seals, and more.
Best Places to See San Diego Wildlife
Shelter Island
Dolphin Watching San Diego – To catch a glimpse of frolicking sea life, just spend some time on San Diego Bay, where dolphins and San Diego seals can often be seen playing in the local waters close to shore.
Shelter Island Shoreline Park – This popular dog-friendly park is great for bird watching and offers amazing, sweeping coastal views of the San Diego skyline and Bay! It also features a public fishing pier and boat launching ramp for a fun day exploring near the Best Western Island Palms in San Diego.
Point Loma
Explore Tide Pools San Diego – Located on the Cabrillo National Monument property in San Diego, Point Loma is home to fascinating local tide pools where you can get an up-close look at marine life during low tide. Follow the short trail with many steps to the tide pool or hike the one-mile Coastal Trail. Expect to see crabs, sea stars, and more along the rocky shoreline and observe them in their natural habitat. You might also be lucky enough to see the migrating whales as they pass by Point Loma!
La Jolla
La Jolla Cove Tide Pools San Diego – Spend the perfect day discovering local marine life at the La Jolla tide pools. This popular rocky beach and its tide pools are also a great place to swim and snorkel, which offers another chance to discover local sea creatures.
San Diego Sea Lions at the Children’s Pool – Often referred to as Seal Beach, the Children’s Pool is a popular place to see the San Diego sea lions and playful seals sun bathing. It’s so much fun watching these creatures play in the local waters and enjoy their (almost) private beach! It’s also a great place to swim, due to its breakwater, which was constructed to create a safe swimming area.
Snorkeling and Kayaking at the La Jolla Sea Caves - Take a guided kayak tour with La Jolla Kayak and navigate on an adventure through the unique La Jolla sea caves! Spend the afternoon in the Crown Jewel of San Diego and encounter leopard sharks, sea lions, and dolphins along the California coastline as you kayak, snorkel, swim, and explore the La Jolla sea caves in San Diego.
On the Water in San Diego
Whale Watching San Diego - Next Level Sailing offers harbor cruises that give you an opportunity for an amazing adventure during your summer vacation in SoCal. Climb aboard the 141-foot sailing yacht ‘America’ for an unforgettable whale watching San Diego marine life experience. The professional team at Next Level Sailing will teach you about these amazing creatures during your 4-hour whale watching San Diego tour. Since blue whale season is June through September each year, you will see these spectacular sea creatures during your summer adventure, as well as a variety of other whales, including humpback, fin, and minke. In addition, you will see San Diego sea lions and enjoy dolphin watching San Diego tours while on the water.
Beyond the Beach
San Diego Zoo – If you’re looking for more exciting wildlife adventures and encounters in San Diego, the San Diego Zoo should be at the top of your list! With over 3,700 animals to see and a variety of newly updated exhibits, the San Diego Zoo is the perfect place to enjoy some family time. You’ll also enjoy watching a 4-D theater show, a guided bus tour around the park, and a ride on the miniature train!
San Diego Zoo Safari Park – This amazing park in San Diego offers open-range wildlife encounters, and it is a fun and unique way to spend the day. Your adventure at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park starts with a true safari experience on over 1,800 acres that is one of the largest free-range animal habitats in the world. You will see over 2,500 different types of animals, have a chance to feed the giraffes, take a guided tour, and enjoy a variety of exciting activities at this popular San Diego summer destination.
SeaWorld San Diego - Located just minutes from the Best Western Island Palms, SeaWorld San Diego is always a favorite of locals and visitors of Southern California. Enjoy a variety of exciting animal shows with whales and other marine life. You’ll also enjoy seeing the dolphins at San Diego Sea World as well as educational exhibits at this popular marine life theme park. Join the summer fun at SeaWorld with a variety of exciting park activities, including thrilling amusement park rides like the Journey to Atlantis and Oscar’s Rocking Eel! There will also be delicious treats and even fireworks! Also, be sure to check out the new ‘Jewels of the Sea’ jellyfish aquarium that offers an up-close look at these fascinating creatures. Other shows include Sea Lions LIVE, One Ocean, and Pets Rule!
Living Coast Discovery Center – If you want to discover our wildlife by the water in San Diego, there is truly no better place than the Living Coast Discovery Center. Located on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the center opened in 1987 and has served the San Diego community for over 30 years. Open daily Wednesday through Sunday from 10 to 5, their goal is to inspire the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment. A visit to the Living Coast Discovery Center offers private animal encounters, hiking, sea turtle presentations, shark and sea ray exhibits, bald eagle shows, and more!
Explore the Waterfront from our Island San Diego Hotel
The Best Western Island Palms is the perfect choice for a vacation to San Diego to explore our wildlife by the water. Guests enjoy resort-style amenities, including two pools and hot tubs, tennis courts, an onsite restaurant, and a fitness center. You’ll be just a few steps from the walking and biking paths along the Bay, as well as a variety of opportunities to get up close and personal with our local marine life.
