According to Sarah Weinberg-Scalo of the San Diego Tourism Authority, there is a lot going on at the city’s nature-based attractions. Visitors can find new exhibits at the San Diego Natural History Museum and Birch Aquarium at Scripps, and the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy just rebranded to become the Nature Collective.
The Birch Aquarium recently debuted Seadragons & Seahorses, which will become one of the attraction’s permanent displays. This immersive exhibit is set in an 18-by-9-foot tank that was specifically created to ensure the survival of these species. Visitors can see Leafy and Weedy Seadragons as well as several species of seahorses and pipefish.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is gearing up for Living Lab, which will open Nov. 23. This exhibition will feature creatures that won’t fit many people’s definition of cuddly—bees, rattlesnakes, a Gila monster, tarantulas, and more. All of them are an important part of the local ecosystem, though, and guests can learn about eating habits, survival tactics, and adaptability.
Located on the coastal San Elijo Lagoon near Solana Beach, the Nature Collective is a place Weinberg-Scalo highly recommends for visitors.
“It’s a favorite of mine,” she says. “I went on a birding tour there and spotted several interesting shore birds. There also is an easy, accessible mile-long loop to see lagoon life.”
To learn more, email Phil Hannes of the San Diego Tourism Authority or go to sandiego.org.
Top Attractions
SeaWorld
Legoland
the San Diego Zoo
Top Culinary Options
The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Fest
Tuna Harbor Market
Brew Hop tours
Top photo: Weedy Seadragon at the Birch Aquarium
Photo by Birch Aquarium
