Check out these alternatives
(1) SEAWORLD ADVENTURE PARK
There's no place in the world like SeaWorld San Diego where you can touch and feed dolphins, count the teeth on a shark and come face-to-face with a polar bear. You can brave the waves on Shipwreck Rapids and experience spine-tingling R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse 4-D. If you like you can ride adventure to new heights on Journey To Atlantis! Twist around serpentine turns, plunge down an eight-story rush of adrenaline-pumping exhilaration, and get drenched in mystery. Where else but SeaWorld can you feed a dolphin, count the teeth on a shark and come face-to-face with a polar bear? And, just try to stay dry when world-famous Shamu comes a-splashing! Be sure to check out "Believe," a visually stunning Shamu show that will take you on a sensational, breathtaking journey of curiosity and wonder. SeaWorld San Diego - touch a world that touches you. Single-Day Admission: $53 for ages 10+; $43 for ages 3-9; specials and discounts are available; prices are subject to change. There are also a variety of multi-day ticket products along with several passport opportunities. Call or check website for further details and to book tickets.
(2) Balboa Park
The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is only one part of this magnificent 1,200-acre city park that was built for the 1915-1916 Panama-California Expo. California's Hispanic roots were celebrated as the city erected breathtakingly ornate Spanish-style buildings. The California Building was modeled after a Spanish colonial church and is topped off with a polychrome tile dome. The park is home to the zoo, 14 museums, a pipe organ pavilion, botanical gardens, a Tony award winning theater, an antique carousel and a miniature-scale train. Of particular interest is Balboa Park's Christmas on the Prado that is held the first weekend of December each year. It is a popular event the first Friday and Saturday evenings of December and it is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy pageants, plays, food and music all in the tradition of the Christmas holidays.
(3) Mission Beach
Near the man made islands of Mission Bay, this beach runs along Mission Boulevard and boasts a fabulous boardwalk. One of the best places in San Diego to soak up the city's beach lifestyle, this is an unsurpassed area for people watching or building sandcastles. For a faster pace, rent a bike or in-line roller skates. Or better yet, take a ride on Belmont Park's world-famous wooden roller coaster. Whatever attraction you choose, be prepared for large crowds and limited parking. Dogs allowed on leashes before 9am and after 6pm.